Set in an industrial Sydney wedding venue, Lap and Caitlin kept their celebration simple. “I just wanted it to be very relaxed…” says Caitlin. “I also wanted a few little touches to acknowledge Lap’s Vietnamese heritage.”

Captured by Folk + Follow it’s a nice reminder that sometimes, less really is more.

Tell us about how you met and the proposal?

We met at the Hollywood hotel at a mutual friends birthday celebration. We seemed to click from the moment we met. We both seemed to want to stick by each other’s side that night. After a couple of months we then bumped into one another again and we had a great night out with all our friends. Our relationship started from there and we have been a team ever since.

Lap had planned to propose after a special birthday lunch at a Michelin star restaurant in Paris but unfortunately we were so full of beautiful French food, we needed a big siesta. So instead he surprised me on the banks of the Seine. We were having an evening picnic with delicious cheese and wine. It was stunning but it started to rain.

As it started to pour down Lap sat down next to me and pulled something out of his pocket. I was so shocked I choked on my cheese biscuit and exclaimed, “But its raining!” (Not the reaction he had wanted). But of course I was over the moon. It was really raining by the time he had asked me so we had to quickly pack up our picnic and we celebrated by running through the streets of Paris with wines in hand. It was perfect.

What was your theme/inspiration/vibe for your wedding?

I just wanted it to be very relaxed but also romantic. I also wanted a few little touches to acknowledge Lap’s Vietnamese heritage.

What traditions did you involve during your big day?

Not many, we actually eliminated a lot of the traditional stuff. We had Lion dancers come to the reception and had a tea ceremony the weekend before.

What advice would you give to other couples leading up to their big day?

I just had a checklist that I have methodically gone through. I also eliminated a lot of items that I thought were a bit over the top or didn’t suit us.

I guess my advice is just enjoy the process and allow planning the wedding to be a time where you explore your relationship and what it means to you both – that way, hopefully, you will have a wedding that is personal and meaningful.

What does marriage mean to you?

Marriage means a life shared with someone you respect, enjoy and nurture.

CREDITS: Photos Folk + Follow // Flowers Sophia Kaplan // Ceremony location Beare Park // Reception and catering Three Williams // Bridal gown The Barefaced Bride // Brides shoes Chloe // Bridesmaid dresses Bec and Bridge and House of Harlow // Grooms suit Armani // Groomsmen suits Jack London // Hair and makeup Nicola Beese // Celebrant Jessie Cacchillo // Transport Murrays // Desserts Adriano Zumbo