We’re embracing every bit of the sea this month, and that means, that even our weekends are going to be spent with our toes (even if only in our imagination) in the sand, and our faces against the salt sea breeze.

For Grace and Pete, who spent a golden sunset bathed afternoon on the Mornington Peninsula with photographer White Shutter Photography, it wasn’t only about the stunning beauty of the beachside location that led them to choose this spot. It was also its sentimental significance. “Pete took me here once and I fell in love with the place” explains Grace. “It’s a place we often go back to for exploring and since first visiting, we always wanted to do a shoot here.”

A high school transition day was the moment these two first met, although it seems the universe was always going to push them together. Says Grace  “Our paths first crossed at secondary school on a transition day to get to know the two campuses. Pete then ended up transferring schools so it wasn’t until 13 years later, that we saw each other on tinder. I actually swiped left three times, but as Pete’s profile kept popping up, I took it as a sign, and thought I’ll give him a chance, we caught up on our first date and the rest is history.”

Another seaside adventure led Pete to pop the ultimate question. “Pete surprised me with a trip to Fitzroy Island off Cairns. We hiked up the summit to watch the sunset, overlooking the entire island. I won’t go into the logistics of being on the verge of passing out from heat exhaustion and looking like a beetroot when we finally made it to the top haha, however it was perfectly Pete and I loved it!”

These two share many funny stories of their life, here’s one of Grace’s favourites. “Pete was trying to cook a romantic dinner for me using some homegrown basil from the garden. As I started to eat, I asked him what are the crunchy bits, however, when I looked down I saw a whole heap of small garden snails in the meal. Pete then admitted he hadn’t washed the basil properly/much at all.”

On what he loves about Grace, Pete shares “I love her sense of humour, fun-loving nature and being kind-hearted.” Grace adding, about Pete “I love his sense of adventure, positive attitude and the ability to pull off wearing Speedos.”