Sydney wedding: candid moments, effortless style.
Kaylah and Harry’s wedding was a true Sydney stunner, perfectly blending timeless tradition with modern elegance. Their church ceremony reflected the significance of the moment, set within a beautiful and meaningful space.
Kaylah looked incredible in a chic, long corseted gown that was striking yet timeless. One of the most special touches of the day was their rings – Kaylah’s parents gifted them their own wedding and engagement rings to be melted down and remade, making them deeply personal to wear for the first time.
The celebration continued at Pasadena, a world-class waterfront venue that brought their vision of old-world glamour and modern sophistication to life. Every moment of this unforgettable day was beautifully captured by Hayley Rafton.
The meeting.
Hinge! Kaylah sent Harry her number and the rest is history.
The one.
I’d like to think the first date. We both deleted our apps together that same day!
The proposal.
Harry surprised me with a walk down to Lavender Bay where he dropped down on one-knee with a venetian-style wooden boat in the background, with the words ‘Marry Me’ on the back of the boat. It then took us for a ride around the harbour before being dropped off at China Doll in Woolloomooloo for dinner.
Planning process.
I (Kaylah) had a pretty good idea of what I wanted before even getting engaged so it was quite a smooth process picking our style of vendors as I already had them saved! Pasadena wasn’t actually on our list initially, but we went to look at it to compare with our first choice and I cried. I knew it was one the one straight away and from there, everything really clicked together. Being by the water was very important for us, as Harry grew up in Manly by the beach and so some kind of beach or body of water needed to be incorporated on the day.
Style inspiration.
“Old world glamour meets modern sophistication.” Timeless, chic, elegant.
I also had inspiration from real weddings and information of specific suppliers. When I saw something I loved, I looked at the tagged vendors and enquired.
The ceremony.
We chose Our Lady of Sacred Heart in Randwick simply for the grand elegance and beauty. Even though it’s less popular, being married in a Church was a non-negotiable for me. I am the only girl out of four and the youngest, and Harry is an only child, so just getting married in general was significant for both of us and our families. My (Kaylah) parents also kindly gifted us their original wedding and engagement rings from 46 years ago to melt down and make our own so that was probably the most special part of the ceremony – getting to wear them for the first time. I have five little diamonds on my wedding band which were on my dad’s engagement ring.
The outfits.
Finding my gown was surprisingly easy. As soon as I saw the Lyn Gown by FLOURE online, I knew it was the one. It encapsulated the vibe of the wedding so well, but also my personality.
As for Harry, a three-piece suit was always what he wanted, and Brent Wilson provided the perfect design and material for it. He and his dad had their suits made together, which was very special.
Favourite moment.
Finally saying ‘I do.’ We felt a great sense of achievement and really craved that moment for a long time.
Meaning of marriage.
My parents have been married for 46 years, so it really means a lot. It’s the life-long commitment built on unconditional love, trust and support. It’s being able to experience all stages of life with your best friend. Life is going to provide ups, downs, twists and turns, but getting to experience and go through it all with someone who inevitably is an extension of you is priceless. Choosing each other at the end of every day, no matter what.
Wedding soundtrack.
Bridesmaid’s aisle song: What A Wonderful World (Instrumental) by Brooklyn Duo
Bride aisle song: At Last by Etta James
Signing of the certificate: L.O.V.E by Nat King Cole & Baby, I’m Yours by Barbara Lewis
Church exit song: This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole
Reception entry: Ain’t No Stopping Us Now by McFadden & Whitehead
First dance: A Song To Sing by Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton
Funny stories (or near disasters).
A funny story from the lead-up to our first date – I (Kaylah) was so nervous the night before that I needed to get an ECG as my heart rate rose to 180 bpm while I was just sitting there.
A near disaster for our wedding – our initial priest pulled out three months prior to the day as he was now going on holiday. We thought we’d have to really pivot the whole ceremony for a split second there.
Planning surprises.
How much our vendors showed care and consideration for us and our wedding. You would think since they worked hundreds of weddings and events that there might be more of a transactional relationship, but I was so wrong. I genuinely felt like they were family/friends from the very first meetings, and that continues post-wedding!
Words of wisdom.
Even though it’s your first time planning such a big event, trust your vendors. They know exactly how things work, and everything will come together better than you can ever imagine. Enjoy the process and have fun with dress shopping, research and venue scouting.
Really nail down the brief and your inspo – there is so much out there these days which might make you second-guess your decisions, but if you are confident in what you want, it will make things a lot easier! Lastly, do you. It is undoubtedly one of the biggest days of your life, and we all have dreams of how that looks. Do what you dream of and try to block out the opinions of other people. On the wedding day, remember you are the guests of honour, not the hosts. It’s important you enjoy the day, more than anyone, as it goes by in seconds.
KAYLAH & HARRY’S VENDORS
Ceremony location: Our Lady of Sacred Heart, Randwick
Reception venue: Pasadena, Church Point
Officiant: Fr Jorge Mairena
Photography: Hayley Rafton Photography is the most incredible photographer. Exudes such kindness and genuine care. Made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera.
Videography: Soulmade Studio. They provide such raw and real footage for your day. Absolutely no faults.
Florist: Solasta Blooms. Laura is beautiful in every single way. She also went above and beyond adding some styling elements, even though it’s not officially in her remit.
Hair: Hayley Holmes Hair. THE BEST OF THE BEST. My hair was actually perfect. She is also the most fun and warm person to have on your day.
Make-up: Bianca Brown
The dress and veil: FLOURE
Shoes: Charles & Keith
Rings: The Ritz Jewellers
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Azazie
Suits: Groom’s attire – Brent Wilson Groomsmen attire – Ferrari Formalwear
Favours: Grampians Olive Co.
Cake: By Gigi. Orange Almond cake (GF) layered with a salted caramel sauce, fig compote & salted caramel Swiss buttercream.
Stationery / Signage: She Scribes
Entertainment: The Vintage Stylus
Transport: Bridal Car – Caddy Chic Events / Limo – Unique Wedding Cars
Décor: Draping – Fairytale Events
Getting ready outfit: Bubish
Photobooth: Vintage Photobooth Hire
Content Creator: Maddison Nikora
Honeymoon: Okinawa, Japan
