Gabi Sullivan and Chad Cross’ Ethereal Wedding in Perth

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of a private Western Australian home, Gabi Sullivan, model and co-founder of Vang Athletica, married her partner and fellow co-founder, Chad Cross. Beneath a spilling arch adorned with vibrant jewel-toned flora, the couple sealed their commitment.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, cocktail hour unfolded around the home’s pool – framed by checkered tiles and washed pink walls. Decadent grazing tables and vibrant energy seamlessly transitioned into an elegant sit-down dinner. The long table design, illuminated by candlelight, was framed by the home’s ethereal architecture, fusing grandeur with intimacy.

Gabi wore a Vivienne Westwood gown with satin pointed heels for the ceremony. Later, she changed into a corseted Danielle Frankel top and bespoke Natalie Rolt skirt.

Our Story

Names / Gabrielle Cross & Chad Cross

Location / Perth, Western Australia

Wedding Date / November 22, 2024

Guest Numbers / 40

Budget / Not Disclosed

How We Met

Our story began on an island in Western Australia, where we first crossed paths at a music festival.

Our Engagement Story

It’s funny because Chad’s proposal didn’t go at all the way I imagined it would. We were staying at the breathtaking Acro Suites in Crete, having just celebrated our six-year anniversary. I thought he might pop the question then, but when he didn’t, I completely forgot about the idea.

The next day, on my birthday, Chad surprised me with a massage booking. We spent the day soaking up the sun, and by the evening, we were so tired that we decided on a casual dinner at a Japanese restaurant. I didn’t bother dressing up and wasn’t even feeling the food, but Chad kept urging me to stay a little longer.

Then, completely out of the blue, a birthday cake appeared with candles and singing. I turned to Chad, and there he was – on one knee, proposing in the middle of a busy restaurant. What made it so special was that Chad wanted to catch me off guard, and he absolutely did! Being such a private person, it was a big moment for him, and I think that made it even more meaningful for both of us.

What we love most about each other…

Chad has the kindest heart; he makes me feel so safe and loved. He has this incredible ability to make me laugh until I cry and fills my days with so much joy. Every day, my love for him grows a little more.

Gabi is the most loyal, loving, and kind person I’ve ever known. She brings out the best in me, and I’m truly a better person with her by my side.

The Setting

Wedding Location

We chose a stunning private home in Western Australia. After two years of searching without finding anything we loved in our state, we were starting to think we might have to elope in Europe. The moment we saw this incredible home, we knew it was the one.

Aesthetic

We’ve always been drawn to the charm of a European summer, where our love truly blossomed during countless adventures. For our wedding, we wanted to recreate that feeling and share our fondest memories with the people we love most.

Our vision was an intimate garden soirée and a romantic sit-down dinner — an evening that felt like being transported to an Italian villa in the countryside. Food was at the heart of it all, as it’s our love language, and we wanted to celebrate our story through the joy of sharing an unforgettable meal with our families.

Preparation

I wanted a very relaxed morning to start the day. I began with a workout at the gym and enjoyed a quiet breakfast at the hotel. Instead of having a bridal party, I chose to spend the morning with just my mother and my best friend in my hotel room. It was incredibly special to get ready with only the two of them by my side.

Chad spent the morning with his two best friends, who are also my cousins. They grabbed coffee, hit the gym, and later got ready at the venue with his family. It was the perfect way to begin our day.

Photography

Our photographer, Sarah Tonkin, went above and beyond, exceeding all our expectations. She captured every moment of our day so beautifully, and we couldn’t be happier with her work. Her attention to detail was truly exceptional – she brought the emotion and atmosphere of the day to life with such authenticity. Sarah also ensured we incorporated a film element, which was incredibly important to us, and we’ll treasure all the images she created forever.

Videography

Natalie from Auburn Hours was our videographer, and she’s the sweetest soul. She captured our day with such perfection, creating something that feels like a blend of a dream and a cinematic masterpiece.

When we spoke with Nat, we shared our love for the nostalgic charm of Super 8 film. To our surprise and delight, the very next day, she went out of her way to purchase a stunning 16mm camera to bring that vision to life. We even did a test shoot in a park the week leading up to the wedding. Now, we’re eagerly anticipating the footage and can’t wait to relive the magic she’s so wonderfully captured.

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

We knew the ceremony had to take place at the front of the house, under the stunning arches. It was important to us that our friends and family walked into the space and felt truly blown away. To create that impact, we adorned the two-story house with striking floral arrangements and lined the aisle with equally striking blooms.

Parasols were an essential touch – not only for their elegant aesthetic but also to provide shade from the intense Perth summer sun. As guests arrived, a string quartet played, setting a magical tone, while waiters greeted everyone with glasses of champagne. It was the perfect way to begin the evening and immerse our guests in the enchanting atmosphere.

With all these elements combined against the incredible backdrop of the property, the ceremony felt like a dreamy, unforgettable moment.

Reception Décor

After the ceremony, we transitioned effortlessly into cocktail hour in one of my favorite areas of the house — the pool area. This space, nestled in the heart of the home, features checkered tiles and washed pink walls that created a warm, inviting ambiance. As the sun set, the atmosphere became electric, with a decadent grazing table, a lively bar, and vibrant energy filling the air.

Given the exquisite details of the house and altar, we chose to host our sit-down dinner in the same area. The team flawlessly transformed the space into a breathtaking long-table setting, perfectly framed by the house and altar as a backdrop. The seamless transition from the ceremony to the dinner tied the entire evening together, making it a truly magical experience.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

I couldn’t have done this without Lara and her team at White Events. While we had a strong vision for certain elements, we completely trusted them to use their creativity and expertise to bring everything to life. Their attention to detail and ability to seamlessly execute our ideas made the entire planning process stress-free and enjoyable.

Flowers

I’ve always loved calla lilies, but they were starting to feel a bit too trendy for my taste. Instead, I chose a mixed arrangement of unique florals that created a small yet impactful statement bouquet. The result was something timeless and distinctive, perfectly complementing the overall aesthetic of the day.

Stationery

Signed by Shaun was the incredible designer behind all our stationery, including invitations, signage, and menus. We envisioned something timeless and elegant, with a touch of vibrant color. The result was a merlot-colored invitation featuring a stunning illustration of the house, which set the tone and built excitement for the event. This color theme extended seamlessly to the menus and signage, giving everything a cohesive, vintage yet timeless aesthetic.

Cake

Though I have the biggest sweet tooth, a traditional wedding cake didn’t feel like us. Instead, we chose a decadent raspberry pavlova topped with whipped vanilla crème. Rather than a classic cake-cutting moment, we opted to dust the pavlova instead, which turned out to be one of the most memorable highlights of the night. It was such a hit that I went back for seconds and thirds – along with many of our guests!

Food & Beverages

Some of our favorite travel memories are tied to experiencing new places through their food, so creating a sit-down dinner that reflected those adventures was an absolute must.

As soon as we got engaged, Mi Scusi was the only catering company I considered. They brought our vision to life with a three-course feast, including dishes like delicate kingfish crudo and ricotta ravioli in lemon butter.

For the main course, we served classic beef and fish dishes. Growing up by the ocean, seafood has always been a family favorite for me, while Chad can’t resist a great steak. Our sides featured beef-fat potatoes and a fresh caprese salad – my personal favorite.

The entire menu was an absolute hit with our family and friends, creating unforgettable moments around the table.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

For the ceremony, I wore a structured Vivienne Westwood gown paired with satin pointed heels by The Attico. For my second look, I chose a two-piece design. The corset was created by Danielle Frankel, and I customized the skirt to sit flush with the unique corset through a dear friend, Natalie Rolt. The skirt was crafted by Australian designer Morimoto, and it was absolutely perfect for dancing the night away.

Flowergirls

Finding the perfect flower girl dresses was a challenge. I didn’t want anything too princess-like or girly; I wanted to capture their innocence and keep things simple. I found the perfect dresses on an independent Etsy store and, with a few alterations, they were absolutely perfect.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

I now wear a beautiful 3-ring stack designed by Louise Jean. I wanted something versatile and timeless – rings that I could wear together, as a stack of two, or just a single ring on its own.

Chad’s custom ring was designed by Peppermint Grove, a local jeweler. It’s a striking signet-style piece made from 18-carat yellow gold, featuring our two birthstones – ruby and amethyst. It’s such a beautiful, meaningful piece that truly represents Chad.

For my jewelry, I also worked with Peppermint Grove Jewellers. I knew I wanted a three-earring stack, as I don’t wear necklaces or bracelets. We created two matching petite diamond Huggies for my second and third piercings, and an incredible pearly and diamond stud for the main piercing.

For my second look, I swapped the main earring for a statement piece from Heaven Mayhem, which added a vintage feel and worked perfectly with my second outfit.

Hair & Makeup

I wanted my hair and makeup to feel like me — nothing too over the top or glam. For makeup, I opted for a simple bronze palette, and for my hair, I wore it down with soft curls. For my second look, I chose a more effortless updo, which I usually wear, with a simple French twist.

Groom’s Attire

Chad wore a custom suit from Oscar & Hunt. He chose a more relaxed, baggy style for the suit pants, paired with a pleated shirt and a tuxedo jacket. The jacket even had our initials and wedding date embroidered on the inside, making it even more special.

The Details

Honeymoon

We decided to delay our honeymoon due to the busy period with our business, as it’s peak season in the online retail space. Once things settle down, we’re considering a ski holiday in Finland or Japan early next year. Alternatively, we might visit Greece and Croatia next summer, which we’ll then consider our official honeymoon.

Gift Registry

We chose a wishing well, allowing our guests to contribute toward our honeymoon plans.

Wedding Songs

For our ceremony, a string quartet set the perfect tone. My aisle song was Spring 1 by Max Richter, and I surprised Chad by having the song from Interstellar played moments before I walked down the aisle.

We entered our reception to the joyful Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli. For our first dance, we chose the timeless At Last by Etta James – a song we’ve always loved and felt deeply connected to.

Entertainment

The ceremony featured the elegance of a string quartet, while the reception came alive with a DJ who created an incredible atmosphere. We opted for classic Motown hits during the reception, as their soulful vibe brought amazing energy to the celebration. These songs hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of cherished memories and adding a deeply personal touch to the evening.

Celebrant

Married by Kristy was our celebrant. She’s truly special; she brought an incredible, calming, but wholesome vibe to the ceremony.

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

Standing at the altar with Chad, holding hands, and locking eyes felt like time stood still. In that moment, it felt like no one else was there – just the two of us, stepping into a new chapter of life together. Another cherished memory was the car ride to the wedding with my mom. It was so peaceful and happy, a quiet moment for just the two of us before she walked me down the aisle. That time together was incredibly special.

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

I wouldn’t change a thing about the day; it was perfect. However, it truly flew by in the blink of an eye. If I could go back, I’d consider starting the ceremony 1–2 hours earlier to have more time to spend with friends and family. Alternatively, stretching the celebration over three days could allow you to fully savor all the incredible emotions and moments.

If I could give other couples one piece of advice…

Soak it all in, be present, and don’t overthink or stress. Everything will fall into place if you focus on enjoying the moment.

Sources of inspiration…

Pinterest was a huge source of inspiration for me, offering countless ideas and styles. Watching the beautiful weddings unfold in Europe on social media over the year also helped shape the vision for our special day.