Love Ever After

KYLIE KOTUA AND DAYNA LANG

By Kelly Lucas-Carmody

May 29, 2026

STORY: KELLY LUCAS-CARMODY // PHOTOGRAPHY: RAINBOW IMAGES

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

AUGUST 23, 2025 // SHEPPARTON

All things Gothic, heavy metal, and the colours black and red were tastefully woven into Kylie Kotua and Dayna Lang’s wedding day last year in Shepparton, symbolising what the couple loves best.

However, the night before their wedding was just as eventful as the big day itself, with both admitting they woke up tired after an epic night — a concert in Melbourne will do that.

“Once we set a wedding date, we made a promise that we would not purchase any concert tickets before the wedding, unless it was one of our three select favourites — and then one band announced a tour and of course it was the night before the wedding,” Kylie said.

“And it was the band who sings the song that I was walking down the aisle to, so we thought what a special way to spend the night before the wedding, going to see one of our favourite bands (Smash Into Pieces). We also had VIP tickets.

“We got to meet the band members, and they gave us a personalised signed poster with a personal message, which we will always hold very dear to our hearts.”

Kylie refers fondly to Dayna as “Damo” and cheekily as her “stalker” after the pair met online, became friends, and then he quite literally tracked her down in the street.

“Damo was more keen to meet, and I was holding back, however he spotted my car in town and waited by it until I walked back,” Kylie said.

“He said, ‘Hello!’”

“He proposed to me on Valentine’s Day, near where we first met — where he ‘stalked’ my car — which I thought was super sweet. It will always be ‘our spot’.”

On the day of the wedding, alongside being a little tired, the couple opted to save their first glance for the aisle.

However, Damo couldn’t quite help himself, sending Kylie a Snapchat selfie — to which she cheekily replied with a photo of her shoes, knee-high Converse.

In full red and black style, Kylie’s wedding dress screamed Gothic vibes, and the theme carried through every detail of the day.

From rings presented in coffin boxes to a red and black guest dress code, decorative skulls and even photos taken at the cemetery after the ceremony at the Orrvale Wedding Shed, it was an incredibly unique celebration filled with fun.

The reception rolled into the evening with a sit-down meal and plenty of laughter at the Aussie Hotel, shared with around 20 of their favourite people.

Although, amid all the fun, the couple said there were some very emotional and special moments throughout the day — ones they will carry with them for life.

“The fact neither of us pre-wrote our vows, and we both just winged it, made it even more meaningful for each other,” Kylie said.

“Damo’s moment was seeing me walk down the aisle. But seeing James (Damo’s brother) cry tears of happiness after the ‘I do’s’ was very special.

“The whole day was just very ‘US’ and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Today, the married couple is enjoying attending as many concerts and gigs as possible, and have shared the importance of planning a wedding that truly reflects your own values — even if it’s a little unconventional.

“Don’t over complicate it. You don’t need elaborate spendages. Go with a theme you both love. Don’t follow ‘traditional trends’,” Kylie said.

“After it all, it’s just you and your best friend every day — and it’s bliss.”