Healthy Body, Clear Mind: Gabi Cross’s Bridal Prep Rituals

When it comes to beauty and wellness, less is more for Gabi Sullivan – even when her wedding, now a few months ago, was on the horizon. The creative director, celebrated for her effortless style as seen on her Instagram and through her athleisurewear brand, Vang Athletica, embraced a natural approach to her preparations. With her skin gleaming in the sunlight and her hair casually tied back, Gabi reflects on her journey with calm confidence from her home in Perth: “Wellbeing in general and working out (leaning quite heavily on weight training) – it’s already such a big part of my day-to-day, so I didn’t feel like I had to come in and completely overhaul my routine. Staying relaxed and true to myself was the goal.” Rather than reinventing the wheel, she simply refined the details. Here, she shares the habits that helped her glow from within and feel her very best.

The Couple That Trains Together

It was actually Chad who introduced Gabi to the gym when they started dating nine years ago. “And I’m so grateful,” she laughs. “It’s part of our daily routine now. We go to the gym almost every single day, and if one of us stays home, it feels foreign – like something’s missing.” The couple’s shared gym habit is a cornerstone of their relationship, but they’ve found a balance that works for them. “We don’t always train together; we each do our own thing most of the time,” Gabi explains. “Mostly, it’s about being there, side by side, supporting each other in that space.”

Gabi credits Chad for introducing her to this lifestyle and the confidence it has given her. “I think it’s strengthened our relationship in so many ways,” she reflects. “Walking into a gym can feel daunting, especially as a woman. There’s that initial intimidation — figuring out the machines, finding your rhythm — but having Chad there made it all feel less overwhelming.” Their kind of rehearsal: putting in some extra gym time.

Where Purpose Meets Performance

Their fitness journey has even inspired their entrepreneurial venture, Vang Athletica. The brand was born out of the couple’s shared vision to create activewear that fills gaps Gabi noticed in the market. “Every time I went to the gym before I had my brand, there was always something that didn’t quite fit right,” Gabi says. “I’m quite tall, so I made my leggings a bit longer to ensure they’d always fit. I also wanted unique colors and versatile designs.” The brand is about more than just style – it’s also about purpose. Chad elaborates: “In Australia, not all sports are funded equally. Some athletes are paid, while others have to cover everything themselves – travel, training, equipment. It’s expensive and limiting. A long-term goal and ultimate dream for us would be to sponsor young athletes, giving them gear to train in and inspiring them to stay active while pursuing their passion.”

Sobriety, Stillness, and Wellness before the Wedding

Planning a wedding can be a whirlwind, and Gabi admits that the lead-up wasn’t without its stressful moments. However, she and Chad found a meaningful way to relax and reconnect just before their big day. “We kind of went on our last holiday as just a couple, about two or three weeks before the wedding,” Gabi shares. “It was a small trip to Bali for a week. We just relaxed (no emails, no work) and it really helped me unwind before the big day. It also reminded us of the importance of being present, which has become something we focus on every day now.”

The couple’s commitment to mindfulness extends to their decision to embrace sobriety — a choice that has become second nature. “We decided to try a year without alcohol, and once we hit that milestone, we just kept going,” Gabi explains. “It’s been over six years now, and we don’t miss it. At the wedding, we toasted with sparkling water, and it felt perfect.”

Sobriety has brought Gabi and Chad a greater sense of clarity and balance. “It’s changed our lives for the better; healthier, more focused, and happier overall,” Gabi says. For them, it’s all part of living intentionally and embracing what truly matters.

Beauty, Balance and a Bowl of Pasta

To complement her mindfulness practices, Gabi embraced simple beauty and wellness rituals in the months leading up to the wedding. “I even had a lymphatic drainage massage the day before the wedding to calm my nerves,” she shares.

Six months out, she committed to a routine of monthly facials. “You always dread having a breakout on your wedding day, so I really focused on skincare and self-care.” Combined with regular workouts and supplements, Gabi ensured she felt her best as the big day approached.

For Gabi, food is more than just nourishment; it’s an expression of love. “Cooking is one of my love languages,” she says with a smile. “I’ve always loved cooking healthy meals, and it’s one of the ways Chad and I bond.” Her go-to dishes reflect this care and attention. “We love pasta, and I’ve even taught Chad to cook it so I can have some nights off,” she laughs. As for vegetables, she keeps it simple but perfect: “Pan-fry them in olive oil, keep them a little crunchy, and finish with lemon juice and salt. It’s all about balance.”

Now, as a wife, Gabi finds even more joy in their day-to-day life together. “It feels more meaningful, I guess. I didn’t think it was possible for my love for Chad to grow stronger, but the wedding has brought us even closer.”

Gabi’s pre-wedding wellness checklist, by the month:

• Six months out: Monthly facials and consistent strength training
•  Three months out: Focused skincare, daily supplements and screen-free evenings
• One month out: A balanced meal plan with lots of home cooking
• One week out: Low-impact movement, no emails, and early nights
• The day before: A calming lymphatic drainage massage

“We decided to try a year without alcohol, and once we hit that milestone, we just kept going. At the wedding, we toasted with sparkling water, and it felt perfect. It’s changed our lives for the better. Healthier, more focused, and happier overall.”

To see more of Gabi’s work, visit her Instagram.