Gemma and Neale’s Dream Day: A Perfectly Curated Celebration of Love and Style

From a Heartwarming Proposal to a Seamless Wedding Dress Experience at Studio Levana, Gemma and Neale Share Their Beautiful Journey to the Altar

Gemma and Neale’s wedding story is a heartfelt and joyous celebration of love, family, and finding the perfect style to match. The couple, who met on Tinder in 2017, quickly became inseparable and navigated life’s adventures—including a proposal that was as intimate as it was perfect. Neale’s surprise proposal was wonderfully low-key, popping the question just after a grocery run, which fit their laid-back personalities.

For Gemma, a self-described “curvy bride,” finding the right wedding dress was challenging. “I’d had some negative experiences elsewhere, but then I found Lush Curve Bridal and Studio Levana. The range of dresses and the care they took to cater to curves made me feel incredible,” she shared. She fell in love with Studio Levana’s “Grace” gown, which she customized to suit her style with a nude lining and lowered neckline—just the touch she needed for her dream dress.

 

"Remember, it's a lifelong commitment, not just a day—go with the flow and savor every moment!"

Subscribe and be the first to know all things bridal!

Sign up now to receive exclusive offers, bridal tips, new collection launches, insider's scoops, and more.

One of the most memorable parts for Gemma was the energy on the dance floor, full of friends and family who joined in the celebration with enthusiasm. “Just seeing everyone we love together was amazing,” Gemma said. The wedding was held at the stunning Dodford Manor, where elegant, coordinated decor made the day feel both cohesive and personal.

Want to look as fabulous as Studio Levana brides?

Gemma encourages couples to stay true to their vision, noting that “it’s easy to get wrapped up in everyone’s opinions, but it’s your day.” And while their honeymoon plans are postponed due to a leaky roof, they’re excited for what’s next and grateful for a perfect day that truly felt like them.

Wedding team

Venue – Dodford Manor Barn

Florist – Gemma Fernandes

Makeup – Haley Marie

Photography – Ed Godden

Wedding Boutique –Lush Curve Bridal

Wedding dress – Studio Levana

Need help choosing your dress?

Subscribe now to get the unique Bridal Guide — your ultimate companion for effortless dress shopping.

Discover more

Noemie A-line plus size wedding dress with lace sleeves
bridal insights

Detachable Sleeves & Boleros: One Gown, Two Looks

A bride doesn’t wear one look on her wedding day. She stands at the altar in one version of herself, then dances the night away in another. A handful of Rêves gowns make that easy, with detachable sleeves, straps, and sheer boleros built right in, so the ceremony dress and the reception dress can be the exact same gown.

Read More »
Plus size wedding dress corset
bridal insights

The Studio Levana Corset, Explained

There’s a hero in every Studio Levana gown, and you’ll never see it. We call it the magic corset, built right into the bodice so there’s no separate piece to fit around and nothing left to guess. Here’s how it shows up in three gowns that don’t have much else in common: Ines, Corinne Fitted, and Yvette Fitted.

Read More »
Claire A-line plus size wedding dress with lace off-the-shoulder sleeves, detail view
bridal insights

A-Line vs. Fitted: Choosing Your Rêves Silhouette

Five gowns in the Rêves collection come in two versions — same fabric, same signature corset, two different silhouettes. A-line skirts sweep and move; Fitted silhouettes follow the body before releasing into a train. Here’s how that choice plays out across Claire, Manon, Anaïs Sparkly, Corinne, and Lise — so you can find which one is you.

Read More »

Find Your Perfect Silhouette with Our Bridal Style Quiz