Catherine + Daniel by CALIKA - Together Journal

The mix of old-world charm and contemporary touches was the foundation of the style we desired.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We were both born and raised in Sydney, Australia, and come from families of immigrants. Daniel is Italian, and I’m a blend of Croatian and Lebanese heritage. Family, culture and celebration are truly at the heart of who we are. We both love spending time with our loved ones and finding connection through food, music, nature, and travel. Daniel works across both trade and care, while I’m a naturopath focused on holistic wellbeing.

Outside of work, we’re often out in nature, catching up with friends, or hosting family game nights. And we’ll always have a soft spot for a classic movie date night. It was definitely a staple when we first started dating, and still one of our favourite ways to unwind together.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We first knew of each other through mutual friends in high school, but it wasn’t until we worked together after school that we really got to know each other. That’s when we became genuine friends. My first impression of Daniel was that he was incredibly handsome, but more than that, he had a sincere and kind energy that instantly stood out. He was funny, charming, and a true gentleman to everyone he met. We had such a natural ease and respect for each other, always laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

After working together and forming a true friendship, we stayed close even as life took us in different directions. When I returned from a trip overseas, it became clear just how much we’d missed each other. That time apart really cemented the bond we’d built, and when we finally started dating. I think we both knew then, without having to say it, that this was it. Our foundation was already built on love, respect, and true companionship.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

The mix of old-world charm and contemporary touches was the foundation of the style we desired. We wanted our wedding to feel elegant and romantic, with a nod to tradition but still very true to us. Our mood board was guided by a palette of soft neutrals and off-whites, aiming for something timeless, minimal, and organic. Think candlelight, delicate florals, natural textures, and thoughtful details that felt warm rather than overly styled. We were drawn to simplicity with intention, where every element had a purpose or a personal connection.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

We wanted our wedding to feel both fun and sentimental. Growing up in Sydney, we loved the idea of having our celebration in the city; it felt like a full-circle moment. After the ceremony, we snuck away to a cocktail bar for a quiet drink with our maid of honour and best man before heading off for photos. It was such a relaxed, joyful pause that grounded us before the evening began.

The Watermans Room at 12 Micron is already beautifully designed to complement the stunning view of Sydney Harbour. Daniel and I wanted to add our personal touch while still honouring the elegance of the space, the linen-draped ceilings and cobblestone floors reminded us of memories shared during our travels through Europe.

We found joy in the subtle details that felt classic, romantic, and timeless. Candlelit tables glowed softly with bouquets of baby’s breath, and each place setting held a scented thank-you gift as a token of our appreciation. We appreciated the beauty in the simplicity, and the space ended up feeling like a natural extension of our story.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

I just really enjoyed bringing our dream wedding to life. Finding ways to make each moment meaningful to us personally and including many of our relatives in the day made it that much more intimate. One of the most rewarding parts was having a family member as our master of ceremonies; it brought such a warm, familiar energy to the day and made everything feel easy and comfortable in the lead-up. Thankfully, my sister is an event coordinator, and her support was truly invaluable. From helping us stay organised to making sure the small details were just right, she made the whole process so much smoother. If you can, I’d highly recommend working with someone experienced who can help guide you through the planning and make sure the little details come together beautifully.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

We naturally leaned toward classic and simple silhouettes that still made an impression, appreciating the charm of old-fashioned style paired with modern minimalism. We tried to carry out that balance through other details along the way, like our wedding cake. I wanted my look to be uniquely mine and feminine. I had my dress custom-made, drawing inspiration from the movie Funny Face and the timeless style of Audrey Hepburn, where she wears that iconic Givenchy wedding dress. To finish the look, my sister gifted me a beautiful pair of vintage gloves and earrings just as she wore. I didn’t initially plan on a second dress because I loved my wedding gown. But I’ve always adored the farewell scene in Father of the Bride, where Annie leaves in an elegant cream suit set. That moment stuck with me, and it inspired my own farewell dress. Daniel looked incredibly handsome and sharp in a tailored suit with a high-waisted cummerbund and bow tie. His look captured the essence of our day perfectly, a modern take on classic vintage style.

What was one, or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Entertainment and photography/videography were absolutely at the top of our list.

Music played such a big role in creating the atmosphere we envisioned. My beautifully talented cousin sang along to the church’s 100 year old organ during the ceremony, which was incredibly meaningful for Daniel and I. We also organised the release of butterflies as we exited the church. It was our way of honouring the generations before us, symbolising love that continues on through our marriage. During sunset canapés, we had a live violinist trio that added elegance and romance to the moment. Later, our incredible DJ collaborated with the violinists and Arabic drummers to create a high-energy entrance that blended beautifully with our chosen cultural music. It was the perfect celebration of our heritage and completely set the tone for the evening. Everyone was up dancing, smiling, and soaking in the joy from the very start.

Equally, documenting the day was incredibly important to us. We wanted to make sure every moment, from spontaneous laughter to heartfelt exchanges, was captured in a way that reflected the genuine emotion of the day.

We worked closely with Calika to ensure our family and friends were a big part of the visual story. The day passes so quickly, and you don’t always get to take in every face or moment, but watching it all back now, especially through the reactions and heartfelt moments of our guests, feels like we’re reliving the magic all over again. These memories are what we take away from the day, and we couldn’t have been happier with what Calika delivered for us.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

Honestly… no! Everything came together so beautifully, and I look back on it with nothing but fondness. We were even blessed with perfect weather, which felt like the cherry on top.

One moment that still makes me smile is when we arrived at the Capella Hotel that evening. I turned to Daniel and asked if he thought all the months of planning and details had been worth it, without hesitation, he said, “It was the best day of my life, If I could relive the day all over again tomorrow I would.” Of course, this made me feel so happy.. and made the unforgettable memory of the entire day that much more special!