Julia Chalmers and Chris O'Hara wed yesterday, under a driftwood archway hand-crafted by the groom, at the Boneyard in Kiama.

Surrounded by family and friends, the Kiama Downs couple said their vows on the beach where Mr O'Hara proposed to his bride.

"We chose New Year's Eve because we thought it would be a fun way to bring in the new year with all the people we love," the soon-to-be Mrs O'Hara said before the wedding.

The 27-year-old primary school teacher was the third and final child in the Chalmers family to get married, following her brother's nuptials in November and her sister in October.

The wedding and reception, which followed at the Kiama Surf Club, had a "romantic-festive theme" with rustic homemade decorations mixed with an Indian flavour, including bright parasols and colourful bouquets.

It was while the teacher travelled through India and Nepal that her then-boyfriend began designing the engagement ring.

Named "Graceland" after the Paul Simon song, the ring was made out of recycled and ethically sourced materials in consultation with Ethical Jewellery Australia.

When the 34-year-old project manager for Mincove Homes proposed, he gave Ms Chalmers a diary with the making and design of the ring.

"Jules tears up pretty easily, so you can imagine the reaction to the ring," he said.

"The book is as special to me, as it has all of the original sketches and concepts in it.

"Everything happens for a reason, and the ring eventuated because I love Jules.

"[She] is beautiful, kind, thoughtful, generous and sincere."

Her sister and bridesmaid Nicci Chalmers agreed.

"She's the kindest, most beautiful person in the whole world," she said.

Flying in from Hong Kong for the wedding, the bridesmaid was looking forward to celebrating the wedding and new year.

Fellow bridesmaid Penny Hartgerink said the couple suited each other because they were both adventurous, loved the ocean and were laid back in nature.

"They bring out the best in each other," she said.