Tegan and Ivan Fricek’s wedding at the Sydney Botanic Gardens was a stunning celebration of love and individuality. With just six weeks to plan, the couple embraced a minimalist aesthetic, combining sleek black-and-white elements with soft touches of beige for a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. From a heartfelt Catholic ceremony to a vibrant garden reception, their day was filled with unique moments, including an unforgettable first dance inspired by White Chicks and a vibrant celebration that perfectly reflected their story.
Location: Sydney, Australia
Style: Minimalist, elegant, modern
Time of planning: 6 weeks
Number of guests: 125
Setting: Ceremony – church, reception – garden
Season: Spring
Tegan and Ivan Fricek’s journey began while working at a local pub during their university days. Although their shifts initially kept them apart, fate eventually brought them together during a busy Saturday night. “We were all chatting after the rush, and Ivan mentioned he was 19. I couldn’t believe it—we all thought he was much older,” Tegan shared with a laugh. Despite her resolve never to date a coworker or someone younger, Ivan changed everything. “He once told me I was the best thing to come out of that job,” she added.
Their engagement was just as memorable. During a trip to Hawaii, Ivan proposed in a sacred location known as “The End of the World.” After a tense car ride and an unexpected trek across volcanic rock—complete with wild goats jumping around—Tegan looked up to see a glowing “Marry Me” sign. A hidden photographer captured the moment, as passing locals offered their blessings. “He is a true romantic, and I am so very lucky,” Tegan said.
Bridal Morning
Tegan’s morning was serene and filled with thoughtful preparation. In a softly lit room, she spritzed on Celine Parade, a fragrance that added a subtle yet memorable touch to her bridal look. Surrounded by her carefully selected details—Valentino platform heels, Dior pearl earrings, and minimal yet elegant accessories—she embraced a calm energy before the day unfolded. The focus was on timeless simplicity, setting the tone for the celebration ahead.
Her custom silk satin dress from House of Harper was designed to embody understated elegance. Featuring a delicate lace bodice and an overskirt that added volume for the church ceremony, the dress transformed seamlessly for the reception. Holding a minimalist bouquet of white calla lilies wrapped in black ribbon, she embodied modern bridal sophistication. With her hair styled in a soft updo and natural, long-lasting makeup, Tegan’s look was polished and radiant for her big day.
Groom's Fashion
Ivan chose a custom Belance suit, paired with a white shirt, a black bowtie, and polished leather shoes. Adding a personal touch, he carried a traditional Croatian Čutura flask, a nod to his heritage. His groomsmen complemented his sleek look, dressed in matching black tuxedos with white rose boutonnières.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in a Catholic church, a heartfelt nod to Ivan’s upbringing. The couple chose to keep the styling simple, allowing the sacred setting to speak for itself. The intimate service was filled with personal touches, including readings—unexpectedly altered by the priest on the day—that brought moments of laughter and surprise. “It was so funny,” Tegan said, recalling Ivan’s cousin’s comically wide-eyed reaction during the changes.
Surrounded by family and friends, Tegan and Ivan exchanged vows in a setting that highlighted their shared values and love for tradition. As the newlyweds exited the church hand in hand, they were met with joyous cheers from their guests. The happy atmosphere was infectious, with loved ones celebrating the start of their new chapter.
Photoshoot
Following the ceremony, Tegan and Ivan joined their wedding party for a fun and vibrant photoshoot. Whether sharing laughter or striking dynamic poses, the group’s happiness shone through in each moment.
After, Tegan and Ivan took a moment to enjoy their classic getaway car, a vintage silver vehicle with striking red interiors. The car added a glamorous touch to their day and made for unforgettable photos. Their candid interactions, set against the lush greenery of the garden and historic architecture, showcased their effortless connection and added a timeless charm to the day’s story.
As they strolled hand in hand through the grounds, the couple shared intimate smiles and quiet moments, captured beautifully by KYNDEL. Every frame told a story—from a gentle kiss by the car to a joyful walk across the city streets. The photographer’s talent for blending natural light and authentic emotions resulted in a collection of photos that were not only visually stunning but deeply personal.
Decor & Setting
The reception embraced minimalist sophistication with a modern aesthetic. Long tables were adorned with neutral linens, sleek black chairs, and clear vases holding white calla lilies, which served as understated yet striking centerpieces. The glow of candlelight enhanced the serene ambiance, complementing the venue’s glass walls and the lush greenery surrounding it. The simplicity of the decor allowed the natural beauty of the setting to take center stage. The thoughtful arrangement of elements created a refined and intimate atmosphere that seamlessly blended with the venue’s botanical charm, providing an unforgettable experience for their guests.
"Goodness it was amazing, and we had received compliments on how it looked, the food, the staff, just everything for at least two weeks after the wedding."
Tegan, the bride
Reception
The reception was a vibrant celebration filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments. The couple made their grand entrance with Croatian and Australian flags waving, a nod to Ivan’s heritage and their shared connection to home. Guests were greeted with a lively atmosphere that set the tone for the night, blending tradition with modern flair.
"Kyndel's work is amazing, and I cannot be more thankful for how easy and relaxed she made us all feel. She just knew what she wanted the pictures to look like. She knew how to cue us which made us pose without making us feel like we're posing."
Tegan, the bride
One of the evening’s highlights was the couple’s unconventional first dance—a reenactment of the iconic dance scene from White Chicks to “Tricky” by Run DMC. The performance, complete with flips and energetic choreography, left their guests in awe and kept the mood light and fun. Tegan and Ivan had practiced tirelessly to perfect the routine, making it a truly unique and memorable moment.
The celebration also featured a showstopping cake—a pistachio creation that stood out not only for its bold green color but also for its rich flavor. “This was something our guests raved about for weeks,” Tegan shared. Cutting the cake against the backdrop of their illuminated “Mr. & Mrs. Fricek” sign added another personal and festive touch to the evening.
A Croatian DJ kept the dance floor alive, seamlessly mixing the couple’s favorite hits with traditional tunes, including the energetic Croatian Kolo. Guests of all ages joined in the fun, creating an electric atmosphere that carried late into the night.
Advice from the couple:
• Get a planner. With the number of changes we had over the year, Tia did so much for us and, in the end, managed to pull off a wedding in a maximum of 6 weeks. Not once did I notice any kind of problem or mistake. My entire day was relaxing, and I put a lot of that down on her. She is so kind, and nothing has ever been a problem for her. She always discussed options with us, and I just knew she knew what we liked and wanted, so it was easy to trust her.
PHOTOGRAPHER KYNDEL | VIDEOGRAPHER Sera Luna | PLANNER & STYLIST Love and Forever Weddings | VENUE The Calyx | FLORIST Krysta Smith Floral Design | DRESS House of Harper | HAIR The Future Mrs. | MAKEUP Linda MUA | CATERING Laissez-Faire Catering | CAKE Vegemamma | DJ Ozark DJ | ENTERTAINMENT Saint Sound Entertainment | HIRE Rendr the Label & Lameche Candles | STATIONERY Signed by Yiana | LETTERS Spotlight Letters | CAR The Vintage Chauffeur