The couple, who attended the same church, were friends for about three years before Kingsley began pursuing his future bride.
They began dating in April 2023 after Kingsley returned from a six-month deployment with the Australian Defence Force and were engaged about 18 months later, in November, 2024.
“Mel’s love language is quality time, so we spent the whole day together before I popped the question,” Kinsley says.
The day began with breakfast at their favourite coffee spot, Sazon’s, before attending church together, lunching at the Pt Elliot Bakery (where they had their first date) and a round of mini-golf.
“We then went for a hike up the Bluff in Encounter Bay where we waited for my best mate to come and take photos in the cold and rain, for over an hour,” Kinsley says.
“This is because I was ridiculed for not doing photos when telling a mate the night before and organised it the morning of, but didn’t communicate with him properly when to come.”
The couple was married on May 12, 2025, at the Mt Barker Uniting Church, followed by a reception at Futures Church South.
Ringing the church bells on the wedding day was a highlight for Kingsley, while Melinda fondly remembers a few reflective moments at a park at Old Reynella between the ceremony and reception.
“It was also nice spending time with our guests at the end, dancing, catching up with one another and having a good time,” the couple agrees.
Photographer: SL Photography
Dress: Jenny and Gerry’s Bridal
Suit: Gibson from Peter Shearer
Flowers: Alegra Skye Floristry
