Hunter Valley, a destination brimming with romance and magic, played host to Australian bridal designer Leah Da Gloria and actor Ryan Johnson's unforgettable event — the epitome of poetic timelessness. Touches of historic design merged with contemporary elegance, two worlds entwining for an experience steeped in nostalgia and sentiment. Outside, rambling wild blooms and foliage reminiscent of overgrowth climbed Gothic-inspired architecture, while inside, antique European tablescapes were adorned in jewel tones, lush velvet textures, and ornate silverware under flickering candelight. An experience evoking opulent soirées, matched only by the bride's three custom couture looks — all by Leah da Gloria, of course. Together, an intoxicating fairytale experience perfectly executed by THE WED member, planner Paloma Events, immersing guests into a world of storytelling, mystique, and everlasting love.
Tell us a little about yourselves. How did you meet? What do you do for a living? What are your hobbies?
Quite the modern love story, Ryan and I met on Raya in 2021. He is an Actor and I am a Bridal Designer. Work is both my hobby and profession whilst Ryan is an avid collector of Vinyl records. We met in person 6 months after we spoke online due to COVID lockdowns. Our first date was at a Pub in Marrickville which led to dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant, we have been inseparable ever since.
Can you share your engagement story?
We got engaged on my birthday. Ryan took me out for dinner to Aria Restaurant. He surprised me with the engagement ring before we got to the Entree. It was a perfect evening.
Did you have any pre-wedding events, like a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower?
We had a post-wedding recovery party at our accommodation on the Sunday after. It was a great opportunity to spend quality time with people because the wedding day went so fast. We had an American BBQ, a beer truck and a karaoke rock band. The recovery day was Ryan’s day. He planned most of it, it was really his moment to shine. We repurposed some of the wedding florals and hired lounges and umbrellas. It was very casual and fun.
We chose Anambah house in the Hunter Valley because we wanted to make it a mini get-away while still being close enough to Sydney for convenience. The venue itself was beautiful, it felt timeless. Grand without being gaudy, understated but elevated. The flow of the day was easy to visualise because the venue was able to seamlessly cater to the entire day in one location. From the ceremony to cocktail hour and then the reception. The enjoyment of our guests was paramount, it was important for each section of the day to flow seamlessly without any jarring gaps.
What was the concept behind your wedding and how did you find your inspiration?
We wanted it to feel a little nostalgic and romantic. The location formed the foundation of the styling – half-countryside glamour, half-gothic fairy-tale. It was the right balance of eclectic and elegant, and it still felt traditional where it mattered. We honed-in on an autumnal palette of apple greens, deep crimsons and crisp whites. I loved the juxtaposition of the rustic with the contemporary.
We draped florals around the fountain for the ceremony in a style that was native to the garden setting, and we used vegetables and unorthodox foliage on our table-scapes —the Naked Florist really understood our brief and Brooke from Paloma Events styled and executed the day to perfection. A highlight was the dining room bridal party shots with silverware in a decadent table scape.
How long did it take to plan your wedding? Did you encounter any challenges during the planning process?
I originally had a different venue in mind however we pivoted halfway though, due to some logistical issues. I didn’t want an overly long engagement so having only 8 months brought its challenges.
How many guests did you have? And what was the seating arrangement at the wedding like?
We had just over 200 guests. Long banquet tables lined the converted barn, with a central kings table down the middle for the bridal party and their partners. We folded back the glass doors to open one wall entirely and bring the outside in.
Tell us about your outfits. How many different styles have you tried?
I am a wedding gown designer, so I didn’t actually try anything on. My team and I created three custom looks around different parts of the day. Look one, for the ceremony was a pleated organza ballgown with a Basque waist and subtle embroidery. An underlay of French Chantilly lace formed the under structure of the gown, only visible in the backlight. Look two, for the reception was a halter neck silk satin, pleated gown with an architectural maritime knot feature. This look felt right for a dinner vibe. Look three was for the first dance. I envisioned something with movement and sparkle which would work well under the festoon lights, sheer, and with a split for movement.
What was your first dance song? Did you choreograph or improvise?
We had a couple of dance lessons beforehand; it was well worth it because I am not a natural dancer. Our first dance was a cover of Songbird by The Basics/Gotye.
Did you have any special performances or entertainment?
We had Skivi and Co perform semi-acoustic sets throughout the ceremony and cocktail hour. They upped the ante during the reception to include a DJ. They brought such a great energy to the day. We Had a surprise performance midway through the reception. Ryan’s close friend Toby Allen (from Human Nature), Our MC Nick Hardcastle and Groomsman Rodger Corser had a boyband moment where they broke into song and dance. It was the absolute highlight of the day, other than getting married of course.
What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?
So many memorable moments, the speeches were a highlight. The surprise performances, Ryan’s dance with his daughter Alia. It was all such a beautiful day.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Brooke from Paloma Event Co went above and beyond for us during the planning of this wedding. Nothing was too much trouble, between a venue change, potential date changes and revised mood boards. She absolutely nailed the brief as did Ashleigh from The Naked Florist. They executed all facets of the day to perfection. Our celebrant Sophie Cleary and Mc Nick Hardcastle, Brought such humour and joy to the day. Both of whom are close friends of Ryan, I’m so grateful for their involvement, generosity of spirit and wit.
What advice would you give to couples who are currently planning their wedding?
Just have fun, It goes so fast. It will be perfect even in the imperfection.
What gift from guests do you remember the most?
We received a bronze sculpture from Ryan’s dad, who is an enthusiastic collector of art. It sits on our fireplace at home.
What helped you cope with the anxiety before the wedding?
I wasn’t anxious, I was just very excited for the day to arrive. Everyone we chose to invite were great friends and family so I didn’t feel like there was anything to worry about.
Photographer: Matt Godkin
Video: Salt Atelier
Social Content: Olivia & Living Event Content
Styling, Planning and Coordination: Paloma Events
Florist: The Naked Florist
Venue: Anambah House
Stationery: Lines on Linen
Consultancy: SBS Weddings & Events
MC: Nick Hardcastle
Celebrant: Sophie Cleary
Music: Skivi and Co.
Hair and Makeup: Bynormie
Tan: Lily Elkhouri
