Bondi shooting massacre: Parents of alleged murder victim Matilda find joy after tragic loss

The parents of 10-year-old Matilda, who was killed in the Bondi Beach massacre, were officially married in a “private” ceremony attended by family and friends.

Posing side by side on the grand staircase of Admiralty House in Sydney, Michael Britvan and Valentyna Poltavchenko were beaming with joy as they announced the happy news on Instagram.

“The secret seems to have escaped into the wilds of Valentyna and I got married.” Mr Britvan wrote in a post:

They thanked Governor-General Sam Mostyn for hosting us at his official residence in Sydney for the ceremony.

Semi-secret wedding planned “with a very limited group of family and close friends.” It was intended to remain “simple, quiet, plain” until Mr Britvan’s sister filmed the ceremony via Facebook livestream to share the moment with the world.

“If you unexpectedly found yourself watching our wedding live, congratulations, you have become part of the expanded guest list,” Mr. Britvan wrote.

The Ukrainian couple, who met after settling in Australia, had two daughters, Matilda, who will forever be 10 years old, and her 6-year-old sister Summer.

12 weeks after that terrifying day when two men allegedly targeted Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah by the sea at Bondi Beach, the family celebrated a major milestone.

“It was a truly special day for us and we feel incredibly lucky to be able to share it with the people who were there,” the happy husband said.

Many commenters congratulated the couple with mazel tov.

“Matilda smiling from above,” one commenter wrote.

Another said: “Wishing you many blessings! Matilda must be smiling from above. Much love from all of us. May you have Simcha and strength.”

The couple was photographed wearing matching colors of bright blue and vibrant yellows (Ukrainian colors), while the bride was photographed smiling for the camera.

“I went to my own wedding in yellow sneakers and jeans. Apparently that’s what happens when you combine a secret wedding with questionable fashion decisions,” Mr. Britvan wrote.

Another “proper” wedding celebration was promised to come.

“We are planning a proper wedding celebration in the future when the time comes. For now, we just wanted to share a few moments from the day,” he said.

The caption at the bottom of the post reads #BeePositive, honoring Matilda, or “Bee” as her father calls her.