Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Apr 30/04) - It is said that love strikes when it is least expected. Last weekend's wedding between Inuvik's Josh Kikoak and Brisbane, Australia's, Kelly McKenna proves that one can never tell from where love may come, either.

When Kelly left her sunny Gold Coast home nearly two years ago to work her way through England, Ireland and Canada she never imagined she would end up in the Arctic, much less find her soul mate.

"It was certainly an unexpected surprise," says the new Mrs. Kikoak, who met Josh on Aug. 1 of last year -- her first day in town.

Looking for a job, Kelly was put to work straight away as a waitress at the Mad Trapper where Josh worked security.

As her first shift ended, Kelly took a seat at the bar where she noticed Josh playing pool.

"I thought he was cute. (But the attraction) definitely wasn't about his pool skills," said Kelly, laughing.

Josh's version of events that evening may explain his poor pool playing.

"I couldn't keep my eyes off her," he recalled.

Both agree that it was Josh's sense of humour and Kelly's free-spirited nature that brought them together.

Blossoming friendship

And while the attraction started as a friendship, the relationship quickly blossomed and those close to the pair know how inseparable they were and still are.

However, in December Kelly had to return to Australia.

"He asked me not to go," she said of her departure.

Back in November, Josh had asked for Kelly's hand in marriage and while her feelings for him were strong she needed some time.

"I said that we should wait," said Kelly, who had always planned to return to Inuvik.

"I had some things to take care of at home and that when I came back we'd decide."

As one would expect, the couple began spending a lot on telephone calls -- a product of their nightly "two-hour-or-so" conversations.

When Kelly finally returned in late February, much to the delight of Josh, the pair decided to tie the knot.

While Kelly's family and friends couldn't make it for the ceremony, the couple plan to repeat their nuptials Down Under next year.

"I'm looking forward to getting married in the water," said Josh.

And is Kelly looking forward to getting back to Australia? Perhaps not any time soon.

"I love the snow and, besides, it was too hot for me when I went to the beach last time," she said of her recent trip home.