Vive L'amour: Rita and Matthew Carter
When Rita and Matthew Carter married at Jonah's on Sydney's Northern Beaches on 25 January 2025, they brought with them a vision so considered it could have hung on a gallery wall. Eighty guests in formal attire and coastal pastels gathered on the clifftop, the Pacific stretching out behind them, every detail from the stationery to the cake tied back to a single, tender thread: a painting of seagulls on a beach, made by Matthew's mother.
The couple were based in Hong Kong throughout the entire planning period, coordinating their dream day across time zones with the help of planner Emily and coordinator Lisa from the Days Like These team. The result was a day so seamlessly run that nothing went wrong — at least, nothing the couple ever knew about.
Now settled into the next chapter of their lives, Rita and Matthew welcomed their daughter Evelyn on 1 April 2026. We asked them about the day, the details, and what they would tell every couple currently in the thick of it.
Couple: Rita and Matthew Carter
Date: 25 January 2025
Venue: Jonah's, Whale Beach
Guests: 80
Planner: Emily, Days Like These
Coordinator: Lisa, Days Like These
Photographer: Kyle Ingram
Cake: By Gigi
Celebrant: Claire Belford
Videographer: Ripples Weddings
Stationary: Paper Paper Co
Hair and Make Up: Sophie Lau Makeup
Pyrotechnics: Dazzle FX Fireworks
Rita and Matthew · In Their Own Words
What was the overall vibe or theme you wanted for your day?
Vive L'amour was our overall theme. We also asked guests to wear formal attire with a coastal pastel inspiration for the ladies, like an oil painting with Jonah's beautiful sea view in the background.
Was there a detail, big or small, that you're so glad you included?
Our stationery was inspired by the groom's mother's painting of seagulls standing together on a beach, perfectly capturing the soft coastal palette of the day. We carried the artwork through to custom tote bags for our guests, featuring our theme Vive L'amour. Even our cake, beautifully designed by By Gigi, was inspired by the same artwork, tying every detail together in a very personal way. Including Mum's art in our wedding was extremely meaningful for all of us.
Were you nervous about anything before the day?
The weather was definitely our biggest concern. Jonah's is such a breathtaking outdoor venue that we wanted guests to experience its beauty in full. Thankfully, the day could not have been more perfect — blue skies, sunshine, and just enough ocean breeze to make our guests comfortable in formal dress.
What surprised you most about the planning process?
How important it is to have both a planner and an on-the-day coordinator. We quickly realised they play completely different roles, and together they make the entire experience feel seamless.
What made you choose Days Like These?
As soon as we had a Zoom call with Emily, we knew DLT was the best team for us. Emily talked us through the process with calm confidence and inspiration while at the same time being open-minded and thoughtful. We felt trust in her and her team instantly.
How did it feel knowing the team was looking after everything behind the scenes?
It meant we were able to fully relax and enjoy every moment with our friends and family knowing everything was being managed professionally behind the scenes. The team created such a fun, effortless atmosphere throughout the entire day and made sure everyone was having the best time by the end of the night.
Is there anything your coordinator did that really stood out?
Our coordinator Lisa was beside the bride the whole day, helping her with anything from fixing her dress for photos to making sure she had a glass of champagne exactly when needed!
"Life is about celebrating the special moments with the people you love most. Every part of the wedding felt like we were building our life together step by step."
What was your favourite moment of the entire day?
Our first dance felt incredibly special. After all the formalities were over, we were surrounded by all our favourite people, dancing beneath the firework fountains and completely immersed in love.
What would you say to a couple on the fence about hiring a coordinator?
Do it! You want to be able to enjoy your wedding day with friends and family without worrying about logistics.
Any pearls of wisdom for brides currently in their planning phase?
Ask your husband to do everything!
From the DLT team
Rita and Matthew's day is a masterclass in visual consistency. When every element responds to a single creative idea, the result feels intentional rather than decorated. Ask yourself early in your planning: what is the one image, feeling, or phrase that everything else should answer to?
