COVER STORY
Inside Kaesha and Haims’ effortlessly elegant Orthodox Jewish wedding overlooking Sydney Harbour
WITH THE BRIDAL JOURNEY
A couture veil, two custom gowns, and a celebration steeped in heritage, style and joy.
Words by Andie Towner / Photography Zac Mrak Photography
KAESHA & HAIM (4)
Zac Mrak Photography
On a sun-soaked day in Sydney, Kaesha married her partner Haim in a heartfelt Orthodox Jewish ceremony at Sergeants’ Mess in Chowder Bay. The celebration beautifully blended tradition, family, and fashion.
The couple’s love story began over drinks at a Paddington pub after work, where hours of effortless conversation revealed both connection and coincidence. Kaesha was unknowingly living next door to Haim’s brother and sister-in-law. A year later, Haim proposed in a quiet garden in Elizabeth Bay, and the pair began planning a wedding that felt intimate, meaningful and full of joy.
Their ceremony began with a traditional badecken, where Haim placed Kaesha’s veil as she received blessings from both their fathers. She walked to the chuppah accompanied by both parents, wearing a custom gown by Olivia Deur Couture. The design featured ten metres of magnolia duchess silk and heirloom lace from her mother’s wedding dress. Her dramatic five-metre veil floated in the breeze as she circled Haim seven times beneath the chuppah, a powerful Ashkenazi tradition symbolising the start of a shared life.
A Ceremony Steeped in Symbolism
Their ceremony began with a traditional badecken, where Haim placed Kaesha’s veil as she received blessings from both their fathers. She walked to the chuppah accompanied by both parents, wearing a custom gown by Olivia Deur Couture. The design featured ten metres of magnolia duchess silk and heirloom lace from her mother’s wedding dress. Her dramatic five-metre veil floated in the breeze as she circled Haim seven times beneath the chuppah, a powerful Ashkenazi tradition symbolising the start of a shared life.
After the glass was smashed and guests erupted in cheers and spontaneous dance, the mood shifted into an Italian-style aperitivo hour with champagne, live music, and golden light spilling across the harbour.
KAESHA & HAIM (2)
Zac Mrak Photography
The Couture Moment: A Tale of Two Dresses
Kaesha then changed into her second custom look by Olivia Deur. A sweeping pale blue gown inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface was paired with draped Vivienne Westwood pearls, Magda Butrym statement earrings, and soft lilac Saint Laurent heels. “I always knew I wanted my second look to be my something blue,” she shares. The gown’s plunging neckline, open back, and soft godet detailing brought the reception a modern, sultry energy.
Reception Under the Stars
The room was styled with floor-to-ceiling ivory draping by Fairytale Events, banquet-style tables, and flickering cathedral candles from Hall of Flame. The couple worked with Poppy Friedmann of Honey Lane to coordinate the day-of styling, while Georgia Tsamardos of Digital Soirée created a 4.5-metre cascading seating chart that greeted guests at the entrance.
The menu, a multi-course feast by L’Amour Catering, paid homage to the couple’s shared Jewish and European roots. Inspired by their favourite Sydney restaurants and Shabbat dinners with family, it was a true celebration of food and tradition. Later in the night, their Italian-style wedding cake was assembled live in front of guests while the DJ played Volare by the Gipsy Kings. “It was pure magic,” Kaesha says.
The room came alive as the dance floor opened with a traditional Jewish hora.
“That moment right after the chuppah, when everyone danced around us, it was electric. We felt surrounded by love.”
KAESHA & HAIM (4)
Memorable Moments
White Book
Wedding Date: March 2024
Venue: Sergeants’ Mess, Chowder Bay
Photos: Zac Mrak Photography
Video: Alex Arcuri
Social Media Content: Behind The Scenes Socials
Wedding Planner & Styling: Kaesha and Haim, with day-of setup by Poppy Friedmann (Honey Lane)
Flowers: Sophie Wolanski of Muck Floral
Chuppah Draping: Rebecca Smith of Fairytale Events
Stationery: Georgia Tsamardos, Digital Soiree
Catering & Cake: L’Amour Catering
Rabbi: Yosef Eichenblatt
Bride’s Gowns, Veil and Scarf: Olivia Deur Couture
Bride’s Jewellery: Vintage Oroton (Earrings worn by my Mother on her Wedding Day), Magda Butrym (Earrings), Me Jewellery (Ring) and Vivienne Westwood (Necklace)
Bride’s Shoes: Gucci (Ceremony) and Saint Laurent (Reception)
Bride’s Hair: MOB Hair Bondi
Bride’s Makeup: Monica Gonzales
Bride’s Tan: Spray Tan Pro
Groom’s Attire: Suit MJ Bale Bespoke Silk Kippah Olivia Deur Couture Shoes Calibre and Vintage Blue Cufflinks from his Grandfather
Music: Ezry & Mizzi Israel, Saxophonist
First Dance: Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
Bridal Party: Bridesmaids in self-styled black eveningwear; Groomsmen in classic dinner suits with calla lily buttonholes
