“Marriage to me is the solidification of the commitment you have and are making to each other. It’s an opportunity to celebrate your love with the people that mean the most”. The description of marriage defines the basis of their relationship and the type of bond the pair have created during their 10 year relationship.
Jemma and her now husband Stephen met in 2010 and were highschool sweethearts, first meeting through some mutual friends.
When asked about her proposal story, Jemma told us about her stunningly intimate day. “We were on a road trip in WA and went to Voyager estate to celebrate our 10-year anniversary. While we were walking through their rose arbour garden Stephen got down on one knee and we celebrated with a 7-course lunch with lots of wine!
Now that the pair were officially engaged, they could look to the future and start planning their big day!
The pair had a few venues in mind but could not decided on just one. So, they made a spreadsheet to work out which was most suitable. Fortunately for the pair, all their family and friends were able to attend as well and they were surrounded by so much love and support on the day.
As for Jemma’s gown, “Initially I thought my dream gown seemed unrealistic, I tried on a lot of dresses. However, I was stubborn. I knew in my head what I wanted. The colour, design and applique flowers were all elements that I wanted in my final dress. I have followed When Freddie Met Lily on Instagram ever since searching for a ball gown in 2013, at the time I couldn’t afford one of their gowns and made my own (copying one of their designs) but I remember thinking, I want them to make my wedding dress. When it was my time to choose my gown, I knew there was nowhere else I wanted to go. When I arrived they totally understood my vision and what I wanted, helping me decide on all elements. I loved the entire dress hunting process! Having my mum and my maid of honour there with me making decisions about the dress, their reactions when I tried it on. Everyone (especially Coco) being so warm and welcoming from the moment we first walked in the door made it so memorable”. And of course, I had somewhat of an influence on my partner's final attire!
When it came down to their big day, the only thing that mattered to the pair was each other. Their love bringing so many people together and being joined in such a special moment in time, it’s indescribable.
Jemma’s advice for other brides is to “listen to podcasts and join Facebook groups. I promise others have the same questions/problems. I also found the Manage My Wedding app through the podcast and used that to track tasks and budget and don’t forget to focus your time and energy on the things that matter/mean a lot to you and your partner!” and probably the best advice to any bride “Let any issue go on the day, it is too late to change anything! Just live in the moment!”.
We could not be more thrilled for the pair and to have been included in such a special union. The pair were made for each-other and Jemma’s dress was made for her!
Vendor Tags:
Photographer: Van Middleton - @vanmiddletonphotography
Videographer: Luke Mears - @Mearsproduction
Styling/flower arrangements: Sue - @sugarroseteaparty
Cake: Cocoa Spice Cakery - @cocoaspicecakery
Wedding band: Cullen Jewellery - @cullenjewellwey
Make up: Kathryn Denny – @kathrynndenny.mua
Hair: Kaliya Myers – @hairbykali_rainbowbeach
Celebrant: Jay Flood - @mr_noosa_celebrant