On Valentines Day 2024, Gemma-Lee and Ryan said “I do” in the stunning gardens at Terrara House, surrounded only by their immediate family. We spoke to Gemma-Lee about her love story with Ryan, styling her intimate and European-inspired wedding, and the vision she had before saying ‘yes’ to the dress.

Terrara House, New South Whales 

Getting ready 

Finishing touches

Let’s go back to where it all began. When and how did you meet your significant other?

I own a cafe and in 2020, Ryan started working in the same area. He started getting his daily ‘small cap 1 sugar’ from me every morning and there was always a magnetic pull between us. Long story story, we are now married with three kids and I have SC1 tattooed on my arm!

How did your now-husband propose?

I have to go back to our first date which was at a giant secluded waterfall in the Southern Highlands where Ryan had wanted to tell me he loved me. Feeling nervous it was too soon and he’d scare me off, Ryan choked and didn’t tell me once we got there. On the walk back to the car after the cutest first date, he thought to himself that one day he’d bring me back there to propose. And that’s exactly what he did.

"I do" 

The happy couple

Was there a theme for your wedding? What inspired you while styling your dream day? 

There was no theme per say, I just wanted the day and night to be elegant and classic like an old love song. 

What was the inspiration behind your bridal look?

A few things. My ring; Ryan designed it all himself and it is just so perfect. Then there was our beautiful venue which was stunning and timeless. And of course, our own little family. I wanted my bridal look to capture my family and the love we have, as that's all that matters in life. I had the team at Eternal Bridal add some of my wedding dress lace to my daughter’s dress to tie our looks together. It was perfect.

First look with Dad

Ceremony details

Here comes the bride 

Describe your ‘yes to the dress’ moment. How did you feel and what made you say ‘yes’?

I wanted the dress to capture the same elegance as the venue and styling. I had originally envisioned myself wearing a plain silk slip but once I tried on my dress, I could see myself running with the kids through the maze at Terrara House and knew it was the right one for my day.

How was your experience at Eternal Bridal?

Eternal Bridal was a dream to work with. From start to finish, the experience always felt warm. There were times I had dentist appointments for the kids and sporting commitments I was rushing to, but Eternal Bridal fitted me in and made it work. My shape also wasn't the most usual, so there were quite a lot of alterations that needed to be done but the team was so lovely and always calmed me down if I had a panic about it.

Family portraits

What was the highlight of your special day?

Gosh it's so hard to pick just one highlight. Everything honestly was perfect. I think overall the carefree, relaxed, wholesomeness of the day was the overall highlight; spending the morning with my babies, making our wedding cake together, swimming and playing tennis, the soft beautiful sound of the harpist playing our favourite songs, reciting our own wedding vows to one another, and dancing the night away with our kids under the stars in the love garden by candlelight. 

If you could go back in time and give your newly-engaged self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Nothing really, I think I aced it! I didn't stress too much and we set out to spend our wedding day encapsulating our love and all the sentimental moments that come along with it and I think we did just that.

An intimate dinner for 11

Cutting the homemade cake

First dance under the stars

Gemma-Lee and Ryan’s vendors:

Dress: 'Palmer' by Enzoani from Eternal Bridal
Video: Sam Battin
Photo: House of Lucie
Harpist: Rebekah Chandler
Makeup: Sandey Sass MUA
Hair: Hair by Tia
Venue: Terrara House
Caterers: Season and Savour
Flowers and decor: Pia and Jade