Cat knew she was going to marry Dan from the moment they met. And she was right! On the 10th of February 2024 in the stunning Grounds of Alexandria, Cat and Dan said “I do”. We sat down with EB Real Bride, Cat to hear all about how she swapped her original wedding dress for Glory by Galia Lahav, styling her purple floral themed wedding, and so much more. 

Let’s go back to where it all began. When and how did you meet your significant other? 

Dan and I met at the Ministry of Sound Club in London on July 11, 2014. Dan is British and was working in London and I was taking a gap year travelling Europe between graduating university and starting postgraduate school and was staying with my best friend, Kirstie.  Dan and I had a great night together *wink wink* and I texted my friends the next morning that I could marry this man because he made me laugh so much. Dan and I kept in touch whilst I was travelling and finally had our first "official" date a couple weeks later. Two months later a bunch of my stuff was stolen in Sweden, I asked to stay with him for a night or two, and I never left.

How did your now-husband propose?

I hate surprises and so planned what would happen myself. He can be shy and not so great with words and I assured him that I didn't want a speech, all he had to ask was "will you marry me?" and I don't readily accept compliments anyways. We had been together for years, I wanted to marry him for 90% of that time, and so when we decided to get married we went and designed the ring first at Fairfax & Roberts in Sydney since I had a specific style in mind that was not available commercially. A few months later, the ring arrived, and so we planned a day to travel to the Three Sisters for "just a hike." I knew what was going to happen and I was soooo excited, we had waited so long! We found a private area since the idea of a public proposal is a nightmare for me, he popped the question and I happily accepted.

Was there a theme for your wedding? What inspired you while styling your dream day? 

Both me and Dan's favourite colour is purple and I absolutely love flowers (I literally have a continuous tattoo of flowers on half my body) so that ended up being our theme. We floated a whole bunch of venues and themes before we found The Grounds of Alexandria, which turned out to be absolutely perfect for our small wedding party and our love of purple and mine of flowers. Our florist was magic, she completely made our garden theme come to life. She has an incredible imagination for flowers, we trusted her vision and she delivered better than we ever could have dreamed.

What was the inspiration behind your bridal look?

I actually had gotten a different dress from another bridal studio but when I went back to pick it up, I realised that I only liked it because I felt like a bride, not because I really connected with the dress. I had been constantly searching the internet for wedding related things and had looked at a million dresses. I had A dress but I didn't have the dress and I knew I had to keep searching. Nothing really clicked for me until I saw Galia Lahav's collection - I knew I wanted a strapless ballgown and fell in love with hers - there were so many beautiful creations that incorporated flowers!

Describe your ‘yes to the dress’ moment. How did you feel and what made you say ‘yes’?

I did try a few other dresses at Eternal Bridal that were beautiful and flowerful, but fell in love with the Glory as soon as I tried it on - I felt like a princess, and had a feeling of giddiness that I hadn't felt in ages. I knew I had to have That Dress. It was so opposite to the feeling I had when I put on my Before dress, or even feelings I had seeing gorgeous dresses online, that I knew it had to be the right one.

How was your experience at Eternal Bridal?

Everyone was absolutely fantastic. I did not have anyone with me because of time differences and schedules but Kaila helped me feel so welcome, I am so appreciative of her help. Bridal gown shopping was always something I dreamed of doing with my family and friends and whilst it didn't work out that way for me, I am so incredibly grateful for the Eternal Bridal team being my cheerleaders and I didn't feel alone, which was my greatest fear.

What was the highlight of your special day?

Marrying my husband, who is my best friend. I knew I wanted to marry him the night I met him and we have built an amazing life together since the day I moved into his flat in London. I literally jumped up and down when I reached him at the end of the very short aisle, I was that excited. I will always remember how I felt, like my dream came true and I truly was a princess with her happily ever after.

If you could go back in time and give your newly-engaged self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t sacrifice your happiness on one of the most special days of your life for social graces. Only invite people who will truly celebrate with you and be happy for you. Invite those who are special to you and who also find YOU truly special. 

Cat and Dan’s Vendors

Wedding dress: ‘Glory’ by Galia Lahav via Eternal Bridal
Venue: The Grounds of Alexandria
Photography: Daniel Brunt, Precise Pix
Planning: Kadija, The Happiness Ring
Celebrant: Andrea Calodolce, Marriage Celebrant Sydney
Flowers: Art Botanikal
Veil: Hermione de Paula
Makeup: Paulina Luxury Bridal
Hair: Onyx Artistry
Shoes: Freya Rose London
Jewellery: Jonida Ripani (tiara and earrings) and Annie JS Studio (necklace)
Rings: My engagement ring and both of our wedding rings were done by Fairfax and Roberts