“Ryan is my best friend, my biggest supporter and now, my beloved husband. He walked into my life when I least expected it and I can’t remember how I ever existed without him.”
Oftentimes, it’s the plot twists you didn’t see coming that end up being the beginning of a love story that was written in the stars. Such is the case for Sydney-based couple, couturier, Leah Da Glória and actor, Ryan Johnson, who said “I do” on February 10, 2024, before 200 of their dearest family and friends.
As a connoisseur of exquisite taste, Leah, who established her namesake bridal and red-carpet label in 2012, envisioned a celebration that felt “eclectic yet elegant” for her own nuptials. Enlisting the help of esteemed event planners Paloma Events and bridal consultant, Sarah Bedingfield Shutt to assist in curating their dream wedding, the bride and groom chose Anambah House in the picturesque Hunter Valley – a lavish 20th-century estate that radiates character and charm – as the idyllic backdrop for their momentous day. Leah’s desire to create a wedding that resonated with both her and Ryan’s distinctive style, imbued with elements of timeless romance, materialised beautifully amidst the venue’s lush, rolling hills.
“I adored the juxtaposition of the rural setting peppered with our contemporary touches,” Leah tells Dream Weddings. “We draped fragrant florals around the garden’s fountain – the spot we selected for the ceremony – in a style that was inherent to the setting. We worked with The Naked Florist who really understood our brief and executed the vision flawlessly. For our tablescapes, we wanted something that felt a little quirky, so we ornamented the banquet-style tables with an assortment of fruits, vegetables and exotic foliage. The styled arrangements made a really striking statement against the pristine white linens.”
Then came the gowns. A true vision of beauty in not one, but three of her own custom-designed creations, Leah channelled her incomparable craftsmanship to create a show-stopping trio of masterpieces alongside her atelier’s trusted team of seamstresses. With a philosophy steeped in the art of bespoke tailoring, crafting gowns that are both architectural and ethereal is at the heart of Leah’s brand’s identity. This ethos was profoundly evident in the bride’s own sartorial selections. “Many of my designs incorporate clever corsetry to sculpt and enhance the female form to truly celebrate the hourglass silhouette,” Leah explains. “This is achieved through a harmonious marriage of intricate detailing and expert construction. My own wedding gowns were no different.”
For her fairy tale moment, the bride gracefully made her way down the aisle accompanied by an instrumental rendition of the Chris Stapleton classic, Tennessee Whiskey. Swathed in an architecturally inspired scoop-neck ballgown in ivory and ecru, its sheer, pleated skirt with French lace underlay encapsulated the very essence of exquisite artistry. Leah enhanced her ethereal look with an embellished cathedral-length veil, adding an air of enchantment. “My earrings were from a quaint antique shop, and I wore a bangle that once belonged to my paternal grandmother.” The bride’s beauty radiated an effortlessly chic allure, characterised by soft, luminous make-up and elegantly winged eyeliner. Her hair was beautifully styled into a low bun, allowing the intricate details of the gown to take centre stage.
“We adored every aspect of our ceremony,” Leah reflects. “Sophie Cleary, our celebrant, has been friends with Ryan for many years. She infused our ceremony with humour and a personal touch, resulting in an atmosphere that felt effortlessly joyful and incredibly authentic.”
Following the heartfelt vows, Leah transitioned into her second look for the glamorous evening reception – a silk satin gown featuring a plunging halter neck, impeccably cinched at the waist with a striking knotted detail. She paired her new ensemble with soft, cascading waves and deepened the tones of her make-up to elevate the overall aesthetic. “Making my own gowns made me feel so connected to our wedding,” Leah shared.
Guests were treated to a bespoke culinary experience featuring creations inspired by classic Italian dishes. The evening unfolded into a magnificent celebration of love, with the newlyweds sharing their first dance to a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Songbird. “I think our guests were under the impression that my second gown was the final one; however, for the first dance and the afterparty,
I changed into a third dress – an opulent, fully embellished creation featuring a corseted design and a sheer tulle skirt that was an absolute delight to wear. Beneath the lighting, the tasselled beadwork shimmered with extraordinary brilliance.”
“There isn’t a thing I’d change about our wedding day. My only wish is that we could do it all over again.”
GOWNS, VEIL & SHOES, Leah Da Glória
HAIR AND MAKE-UP, Bynormie
TANNING, Tanning Angel
GROOM’S SUIT, Alex Goodman
EVENT PLANNER, Paloma Events
BRIDAL CONSULTANT, SBS Weddings & Events
PHOTOGRAPHER, Matt Godkin
VIDEOGRAPHER, Salt Atelier
CONTENT CREATION, Olivia & Living
VENUE & CATERING, Anambah House by Doltone House
CAKE, Spodeli
FLORIST, The Naked Florist
PROPS & FURNITURE, Lovers Lane, Beavis
CELEBRANT, Sophie Cleary
ENTERTAINMENT, Nick Hardcastle
MUSIC, Skivi and Co.
STATIONERY, Lines on Linen
TRANSPORT, Unique Wedding Cars
