Our love story began in the most romantic way possible… with a request for toothpaste after a friend’s wedding.
Not quite a fairy-tale beginning—but, fresh breath is an underrated love language.
Eight months later, just when we least expected it, we bumped into each other again on a night out at Franks in Umhlanga with mutual friends. One look and, well… Matthew was head over heels (he’ll deny it, but the stare said it all).
By my third message, I cheekily warned him: “Watch out - you’re going to fall in love.” And here we are. Manifestation? Nailed it.
From there, the conversations didn’t stop—life, family, values, dreams for the future… and, of course, the more pressing debates: whether rugby (international, domestic, university, schoolboy), golf, cricket (IPL, test matches, backyard), pool, and even darts really needed to be on the TV. All. Day. Long.
Somewhere between the serious chats, sharing our love for natural beauty, music and ridiculous memes, we realised we might just be onto something special.
Roughly 11 hours after Matt landed back in London (and went to a rugby match—always needs to get his sports fix in), we went on our first date. We didn’t waste time—life’s short and Maretti (our favourite beer) doesn’t drink itself.
One week later, we were completely in love (or so I was told). A month later, we moved in together—into what was essentially a glorified shoebox. One set of drawers, a bed barely bigger than a single, windows wide open in -4°C, and us clinging to the duvet for dear life. If that didn’t scare us off, nothing would.
Three months in, we decided it was time to start planning our move back to South Africa and after 6 months we found a one-bedroom flat where we could start saving for our future. It wasn’t much—barely enough room to swing a small cat - but we would make it work and it was ours. And how we loved it!
Two years later, we decided it was time to make things official. In true us fashion, we booked the our legal marriage ceremony before we were even engaged - we're truly the Individualist type.
In March, Matt and the family somehow pulled off a surprise proposal & engagement party, which I genuinely didn’t see it coming…(or did I?)
04.04.2025, our legal ceremony took place at Wandsworth Council which was small and beautiful—but we always knew we wanted to celebrate the start of our lives properly with the people we love most.
So, as you do…………, we booked our wedding celebration for Valentine’s Day. Because if you’re going to do it, do it on a day literally made for love (although it really was booked so Matthew remembers our anniversary).
After countless grey London days, lifetime friendships made, more personal growth than either of us thought possible, a love that’s truly changed us, and the kind of best friendship people write movies about—we’re finally heading back to South Africa to settle. Sunshine, family, friends, and a braai that doesn’t involve a soggy disposable foil tray… we’re ready.
We’d love nothing more than for you to join us as we dive into the next wild, wonderful chapter. Expect love, laughter, and—someone dancing on tables (we won’t name names, but you can probably guess….!)
If you’ve made it this far - Well Done - I’ve nearly switched off and I am writing this.
Jessica & Rick Kimber – Jess, thank you for knowing Matt and me so well that you showed up, camera in hand, ready to capture the most special memories of our Legal Ceremony. & Rick for being the bag bearer
<3<3<3
We are celebrating our marriage and we cannot wait to share this day with you.
With Love: Kylie & Matt