Caitlin & Tom’s City Elopement and Sunset Cocktails at Bert’s
Some weddings are planned over years. Others come together in a beautiful rush of instinct, ease and absolute certainty.
For Caitlin and Tom, the original plan was an engagement party at Bert’s City Beach, followed by a simple backyard wedding at their Mount Hawthorn home later in the year. But while on holiday in South Korea, they decided to throw caution to the wind and turn the engagement celebration into the wedding itself. An intimate city ceremony, champagne with family, and a relaxed sunset celebration by the ocean.
A wedding planned in less than eight weeks, and somehow, exactly as it was meant to be.
THE DAY
“We’ve always loved the vibe of the Registry Office, and keeping the ceremony intimate was really important to us. We were married in the afternoon at the Northbridge Registry Office with just our immediate family present — 15 people in total.
Afterwards, we headed back to Como The Treasury, where we were staying, and celebrated with champagne in our room. Tom and I then snuck away for photos around the State Buildings and Supreme Court Gardens before joining all of our guests at Bert’s for the wedding party.
The reception vibe was sunset cocktails, oysters, relaxed conversations, and plenty of fun. We had exclusive use of the outdoor deck, fairy lights everywhere, and the weather was absolutely perfect.”
THE DRESS
For her wedding look, she wanted something comfortable, effortless and true to her own style — loose waves, natural makeup, and a dress that felt fitted and structured to her body.
“As soon as I put it on, it hugged me in all the right places and just felt perfect. It wasn’t over the top, which I loved. I didn’t want a huge wedding dress, but I still wanted to feel special, and it struck that balance beautifully.”
Given it was such a last-minute wedding, she initially thought she might choose something very simple, like a classic ’90s-style boat-neck slip dress.
“But there was something really special about the fitted gown I ended up selecting. I knew I’d feel secure all day and wouldn’t have to worry about adjusting it or figuring out the right underwear to make it work.”
Her favourite detail was the corset detailing through the bodice, which made her feel secure and comfortable all day and night. She kept the styling simple with a short veil, understated gold jewellery and a modern sculptural bouquet featuring soft pastel greens and deep burgundy orchids.
“Everyone commented on how much the dress felt like me — elegant, relaxed, and not overly formal. That was exactly what I was hoping for.”
A MOMENT THAT STILL MAKES HER SMILE
“Our four-year-old nephew was part of the ceremony and brought us the rings. At the end of the ceremony, he walked up the aisle, looked at me in front of everyone, and asked, ‘What’s that in your hair?’
He was talking about my veil! It was hilarious and very sweet.”
Her favourite emotional moment was hearing Tom’s vows — a moment she says she’ll never forget.
HER ADVICE
“Trust your instinct and choose the dress that feels best. You don’t want to spend your wedding day pulling, adjusting, or feeling uncomfortable. When it’s the right dress, you’ll know.”
And her Voliamo experience?
“Amazing. I honestly can’t thank Maggie enough. I walked into Voliamo on a Thursday evening needing a dress in just six weeks. By the very next day, Maggie had already spoken with the designer, who agreed to squeeze my order into production. Within 12 hours, I had said yes to the dress.
The whole experience was warm, supportive, and completely stress-free — exactly what every bride hopes for.”
VENDOR CREDITS
Photography: Ricky Gestro
Content Creator: With Grace
Dress: From Voliamo by Alba & Stardust
Flowers: Bloom Store Subi
Suit: Oscar Hunt
Makeup: Taneale Makeup
Hair: Koko Blaq Hair
Spray Tan: Molly Spray Tanning
Beauty Prep: Breathe Beauty
Stay: Como The Treasury
Venue: Bert’s City Beach
Cake: Cakesby_Saraa