Caitlyn and Rob’s wedding was more than a beautifully organised event – it was a heartfelt celebration of love, family, and cultural identity. Their chapel ceremony was rich in grace and sentiment, a deeply symbolic moment filled with quiet reflection and emotion. But once vows were exchanged, the atmosphere transformed. Rob’s Lebanese heritage took centre stage, filling the reception with a tangible electricity of joy, rhythm, and non-stop dancing, along with a lavish feast designed to be shared. Every element struck a refined balance between elegance and energy – from the romantic florals and cascading drapery to the vintage-style photo booth that added a touch of chic nostalgia to the night.
Our Love Story
The Day We Met
It wasn’t love at first sight — in fact, not even close. Rob and I met more than nine years ago at work, where we still work side by side today. For nearly five of those years, we spent a lot of time together, and for a year, we secretly harbored feelings for each other. Eventually, the unspoken turned into something real, and we’ve been together ever since.
The Proposal
Rob didn’t plan to propose the day he did. It was a regular Sunday — no grand gestures, no nice outfits, or nails done in anticipation. Somewhere between a morning coffee and a late-afternoon walk along the water in our local suburb, he decided he couldn’t wait another day. After quietly checking in with our families to make sure they were free to celebrate that evening, Rob got down on one knee in the most “us” way possible — no fanfare, no fuss, just the two of us, on a walk.
The Engagement Ring
I had envisioned a timeless yet distinctive ring — elegant and refined. Rob, with the help of our sisters and the jewellers at Natasha Schweitzer, brought that vision to life. The final design: a brilliant-cut, bezel-set diamond perched on a sleek gold band. Classic, sculptural, and deeply personal — it was perfect.
Our Wedding
The Vision
We wanted our wedding to feel like a celebration — equal parts elegant and electric. We leaned into a mood that was sophisticated but not showy, with a blend of tradition and modernity woven throughout. Even with a larger guest list, we were determined to create a sense of intimacy and warmth, where every moment felt intentional and every detail felt like “us.”
The Location
Set on a private family property in the Central Coast region of New South Wales, the location was more than just visually breathtaking — it was meaningful. With its panoramic views and sentimental warmth, having our wedding at ‘The Farm’ gave us the freedom to design a day that was entirely our own. No venue restrictions. No generic packages. It was an already stunning canvas to work with.
Our Team of Vendors
Working alongside the extraordinary Viv at Fola Styling, we brought our vision to life over more than 12 months of planning. The reception space was transformed by vendors like The Look, Element ICT, Ffoliar, and Paper Paper into something truly magical. Calico and silk-draped ceilings added softness and dimension, while sculptural installations of oversized disco balls — including a group suspended above the dance floor — dialled up the fun and gave the space a glamorous, playful edge. Having a private-property wedding meant our vendors could stretch their creativity. The result? A celebration that felt one-of-a-kind — intimate yet grand, dramatic yet deeply personal.
The Ceremony
We exchanged vows at Loreto Normanhurst Chapel — a place steeped in family history, as it’s also where my parents and aunties were married. It was a ceremony full of symbolism and contrast: a classic white gown and cathedral veil paired with a modern twist on the bridal party. My sisters stood by me as bridesmaids, while Rob’s sisters proudly took their place as his groomswomen — an unconventional choice that felt intuitive and true to who we are.
The Cocktail Hour
Golden hour began to unfold across the deck and lawn of the property during cocktail hour, offering guests sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. We wanted this part of the day to feel like a luxe garden party — relaxed yet refined. Guests sipped signature cocktails from a dramatic 360-degree bar while Charlie Chech, a crooner singer, set the mood with Frank Sinatra-style vocals. Lavish grazing tables — overflowing with charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, fruits, and breads — welcomed guests after the drive up, thanks to the George Khouzame Group.
The Reception
The reception was where elegance met electricity (and some tears, too). Our goal was to honour Rob’s Lebanese heritage while creating a dance floor that didn’t quit. When we made our entrance to the pulse of live Lebanese drummers, the energy in the room was intoxicating — joyful, wild, and unforgettable. It set the tone for a night of nonstop dancing, uninhibited celebration, and one of the most vibrant memories of our lives.
For the tablescape, we wanted the styling to feel elevated yet unfussy. Bistro-style lamps and bespoke menus gave the tables a sense of intimacy and personality. We intentionally kept the styling pared back to make room (both literally and symbolically) for an indulgent Lebanese banquet. Sharing food with loved ones is such an integral part of our family dynamic, and we wanted the meal to reflect that: generous, joyful, and centered around connection — before we partied.
The Special Touches
Every detail was designed to add fun, beauty, and meaning — without feeling overdone. A vintage-style photo booth with real film strips blended seamlessly into the space, offering a touch of nostalgia without the usual photo booth cringe. Our cake — a 1.5-metre-long, berry-adorned creation by Butter Au — was as stunning as it was delicious. Later in the night, guests were treated to knafeh, a traditional Lebanese dessert, served live on the deck where cocktail hour had taken place. And as the dance floor hit full swing, trays of Macca’s cheeseburgers were handed out — the perfect late-night snack to keep the party going.
Our Favorite Moment
It’s hard to choose just one, so I won’t. Two moments stand out — completely different, but both unforgettable. The first is quiet and intimate: the moment we met at the end of the aisle. After all the anticipation, seeing each other up close again — it was grounding, emotional, and full of love. The second one is pure electricity: entering the reception to the sound of Lebanese drums, being hoisted onto shoulders, surrounded by our guests, and stepping onto the dance floor as the energy exploded around us. It was surreal in the best way.
Our Style
The Bridal Looks
I’ve always had a thing for the number three, so it felt only right to have not one, but three bridal looks. I never quite connected with the idea of a traditional white dress being the dress, so instead, I embraced different facets of my style throughout the day. To keep myself grounded (yeah, right), I wore the same silver Amina Muaddi shoes for all looks. For the ceremony, I leaned into tradition with a structured white gown and a dramatic veil. It was timeless and neat — a perfect contrast to the modern touches woven through the rest of the day.
For the reception, I changed into a glittering sequined gown — sleek, bold, and made for dancing. With all the disco balls suspended from the ceiling, it felt serendipitous. I hadn’t planned to wear it originally, but after stumbling across it just weeks before the wedding and not being able to stop thinking about it, I knew it was meant to be.
My final look was playful and unexpected: a cropped blazer and flared white pants from Acler. I had seen it over a year earlier, bought it in a size too big (the only one left), and held onto it. Some may have thought I was mad, but Tamara and her team at My Private Tailor worked their magic, and it ended up fitting like a glove. It was fun, bold, and completely me — the perfect way to finish the night.
The Groom’s Look
Rob kept things classic, sharp, yet fun. He worked with Harry and the team at P Johnson Tailors to craft the perfect tuxedo, with a cream jacket to add novelty and sophistication. He wanted something that felt elevated — something he wouldn’t wear on any day other than our wedding — but relaxed enough to move, dance, and celebrate in.
Our Bridesmaids’ and Groomswomen’s Looks
We chose not to follow convention when it came to our wedding party. My sisters were my bridesmaids, and Rob’s sisters were his groomswomen — a decision that felt perfectly aligned with our values. The girls wore timeless black and white dresses from Rachel Gilbert. It was very important to me that everyone had pieces that made them feel confident, comfortable, and elegant. By some miracle, we managed to find different styles of dresses that were perfect for each set of sisters — all in one morning.
Our Advice
For the Planning Process
It’s hard to fully appreciate that everything really will be fine until it’s all over, so any advice I give, I understand, is hard to absorb when you’re in the thick of planning. We tried to remind ourselves that we were only doing this once, and to find enjoyment in it — even when it felt tiresome. We also reminded ourselves: although it’s an important day, it’s still just one day in the bigger picture of our lives together.
For On the Day
Take a few mental snapshots whenever you can. All the clichés are true — the day flies by, and before you know it, it’s over. The best advice we can give is to truly be a guest at your own wedding. Trust your vendors and your people. They’re there to handle the details so you can soak up every moment. Rob and I were both a little nervous about being the centre of attention — all the eyes, all the photos, all the emotion. And if you are too, the best thing you can do is lean in and embrace it. You might surprise yourself and actually enjoy being celebrated that much. We did.
For Post-Wedding
Ride the wave. Spend time with your friends and family, and stretch the energy of the day as much as you can. But know that an emotional hangover is likely. Make sure you carve out space to just be with your partner — to rest, reflect, let it all sink in, and enjoy the happy tears.
Vendors
Photography: Zoë Morley
Videography: Soulmade
Wedding Planner, Stylist & Coordinator: Föla Styling
Florist: Ffoliar
Stationery: Paper / Paper
Cake: Butter Bakery
Catering: George Khouzame Group
Music: Celeste Strings, Charlie Chech, Dream Entertainment, Billy B
Hair & Makeup: Georgia Hull
Style
Bridal Dresses: Kyha Studios, Shona Joy, Acler
Bridal Shoes: Amina Muaddi
Wedding Ring: Mejuri
Engagement Ring: Natasha Schweitzer
Groom's Attire: P Johnson
Bridesmaids’ and Groomswomen’s Looks: Rachel Gilbert
