Celebrated Australian bridal designer Leah Da Gloria exchanged vows with Ryan Johnson in a picturesque ceremony at Anambah House, showcasing not one but three of her own custom-designed wedding dresses. Renowned for her exquisite bridal wear, Leah brought her exceptional design skills to bear not only on her unique trio of gowns but also on the custom dresses created for her bridesmaids. Each garment was intricately designed to flatter its wearer and integrate seamlessly with the overall aesthetic of their special day.

The Love Story Begins

Leah and Ryan’s romance blossomed from a serendipitous online meeting on Raya in 2021. Their first date at a local pub and Vietnamese restaurant in Marrickville marked the beginning of a beautiful journey together. After Ryan proposed on Leah’s birthday in April 2023, the couple embarked on planning their dream wedding, which came to fruition in early 2024.

A Venue With Character

Anambah House, a majestic private residence known for its grand countryside allure and exceptional service by Doltone House, served as the perfect canvas for their wedding. Leah adored the seamless flow of the day’s events from the garden ceremony to the lively reception, facilitated by the venue’s versatile spaces.

The Bride’s Wedding Dresses

Leah had never envisioned her own wedding gown, so the challenge of designing it upon her engagement was immense, given the limitless possibilities. She found it more practical to determine every other wedding detail first, as these decisions guided the gown’s design.

For the outdoor garden ceremony, Leah seized the chance to don a ballgown, aspiring for a unique fabrication with sculptural, timeless, and ornate elements. The gown’s base was sheer, structured, and lightweight Ecru organdy. Beneath the pleated organza—hand-crimped to add a delicate shadow effect—lay a layer of Solstiss lace from France. Matte embroidery appliqués with organza flowers and pearls elegantly cascaded down the skirt, and the veil featured matching embroidery, culminating in a stunning ensemble crafted by her team over four months.

The evening’s reception look continued the pleated theme for continuity, highlighted by a sculptural nautical knot at the waist, made from heavy silk satin for comfort.

For the first dance, Leah switched to a gown designed for movement and sparkle under the festoon lights—a sheer, strapless number adorned with silvery, hand-beaded fringing.

Throughout these changes, she maintained cohesive elements across all three silhouettes, showcasing varied yet unified styles.

The Bridesmaids Dresses

Three custom gowns were crafted for Leah’s bridesmaids, utilizing duchess satin and silk organza. Each design was carefully selected to flatter different body types, ensuring that each bridesmaid felt comfortable throughout the day.

Although each gown was distinct, they worked cohesively as a collection. The soft champagne color palette was chosen not only to complement Leah’s ceremony gown but also to suit the varying complexions of her bridesmaids, harmonizing beautifully with the overall aesthetic of the wedding.

The Styling 

The venue significantly influenced the theme and styling choices for Leah and Ryan’s wedding. The location itself provided inspiration, with each part of the day offering a distinct ambiance that smoothly transitioned guests from one setting to another. The ceremony took place in the gardens of Anambah House, where the fountain served as the stunning centerpiece, surrounded by a rambling floral aisle and clear ghost chairs. The color palette of crisp whites, greens, and pale blues lent the ceremony a romantic, soft, and whimsical feel.

During the cocktail hour, guests were ushered to a clear marquee adorned with white scalloped umbrellas, where waiters dressed in black and white, complete with bow ties, served refreshments.

The reception was set in a converted barn, where Leah and her team opted to elevate the styling by introducing deeper tones of crimson and crisp apple green. The incorporation of fresh produce alongside artsy florals distinctively marked the reception space. Leah aimed for the day to exude an eclectic yet classic and romantic vibe, which was beautifully realized in the chosen decor and color transitions.

A Family Affair

The event was a collaborative effort, with Leah’s friends from the industry bringing her vision to life. Brooke from Paloma Event Co, Ashleigh from The Naked Florist, and Sarah, a creative director from London, all played pivotal roles.

Moments to Remember

Leah’s favorite moment was the overwhelming joy of having all their loved ones gathered. “My favorite part of the day was having all of my favorite people in one room. It was surreal, everyone was so happy for us and it was so great feel the love. It was so memorable and perhaps cliche to say but definitely the best day of my life,” Leah reminisces.

Images by Matt Godkin Weddings and Salt Atelier Weddings

Leah and Ryan’s wedding was not just a celebration of their union but a testament to Leah’s vision as a designer and the deep personal connections they share with their guests and collaborators. While the honeymoon awaits, their wedding day remains a cherished memory, beautifully blending style, emotion, and family.

The Wedding Suppliers 

Dress @leahdagloria

Photography @mattgodkinweddings

Videography @saltatelier_wedding 

Content Creation @oliviaandliving.eventcontent 

Venue @anambahhouse  @doltonehouse

Planner @paloma.eventco 

Florist @thenakedfloristau 

Makeup @bynormie 

Tanning @tanning_angel

Consultancy @sbs.weddings

Celebrant @sophie.celebrant

Entertainment @nickcastlehard 

Suiting @alexgoodmancustom 

Transport @uniqueweddingcars

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