Bondi shooting massacre: Parents of alleged murder victim Matilda find joy after tragic loss
The parents of the youngest victim of the Bondi Beach massacre have shared heartwarming news surrounded by family and friends.
The parents of Matilda, the 10-year-old girl killed in the Bondi Beach massacre, have officially married in a “special” ceremony surrounded 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 through Instagram the happy news.
“Since the secret appears to have escaped into the wild Valentyna and I got married.” Mr Britvan wrote in a post.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.
They thanked Governor-General Sam Mostyn “for kindly having us” at her official Sydney residence for the ceremony.
The semi-secret wedding, planned with a “very limited group of family and close friends.” was intended to remain “simple, quiet, low-key” until Mr Britvan’s sister filmed the ceremony through Facebook livestream to share the moment with the world.
“So if you unexpectedly found yourself watching our wedding live, congratulations you were part of the extended guest list,” Mr Britvan wrote.
The Ukrainian couple, who met after settling in Australia, had two girls, Matilda who will forever remain 10, and her six-year-old sister Summer.
Now 12 weeks after that horrifying day where two men allegedly target Jewish families celebrating Chanukah by the Sea on Bondi Beach, the family has celebrated a massive milestone.
“It was a really special day for us and we feel incredibly lucky to have shared it with the people who were there,” the happy husband said.
Commenters filtered through with many congratulating the couple with mazel tov’s.
“Matilda is smiling from above,” one commenter wrote.
Another said, “Wishing you many many blessings!!! Matilda must be beaming from above. much love from us all. May you have simcha and strength.”
The couple were pictured wearing matching colours of bright blue’s and vibrant yellows – the Ukrainian colours – with the bride smiling at the camera.
“I did show up to my own wedding wearing 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 is promised to come.
“We’re planning a proper wedding celebration in the future when the time is right. For now we just wanted to share a few moments from the day,” he said.
Captioned under the post is #BeePositive honouring Matilda or “Bee” as her father called her.
Originally published as The parents of Bondi shooting victim Matilda find joy after tragic loss
