Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Jemma: I’m an operatically trained singer who also teaches people how to sing. A very big passion of mine is designing and creating my own clothing which I have managed to adapted into a business, Paperleaf Designs, where I hand make children’s clothing. Ooo I also love Autumn. The colours are stunning at that time of year in the Southern Highlands.
Timothy: I work in IT for a renewable energy company. I enjoy watching sport but my hobby and what I love to do is brewing beer.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
Jemma: Tim and I met through Tinder when it was in its prime. We chatted via the app for a month or two before deciding to meet up. At the time, I was looking for a new place to live and had a room viewing in Glebe so we met there for some gelato beforehand. I stupidly forgot my wallet but Tim was so kind and offered to buy me some gelato and hover around my car so I wouldn’t get a parking fine. I remember thinking he was great but I am sure he thought I was a mess!
Timothy: At first, I thought it was quite consentient that Jemma had forgotten her wallet but now I know she genuinely forgot it! My first impression was how is down to earth and hilarious she is.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
Jemma: For me, I never had that revelation but I definitely couldn’t imagine life without Tim in it. Timothy: I experienced this moment when talking to a friend who was visiting from overseas.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Jemma: It was really sweet. I didn’t want a big proposal. I get highly embarrassed when all eyes are on me, despite being a performer. It is very confronting letting people see the more intimate side of the relationship. Tim knew this was how I felt so he surprised me with a little picnic at home. He handed me a viewmaster and when I clicked through it, there were some photos from the years we’ve been together. At the end, it said: “May I?” As I pulled it away, I saw Tim holding the ring.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
Autumn was our theme. Also, lush and bougie!
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
Our stylist, photographer, the entertainment, food and attire- all of it really!
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
Yes! I forgot to give the rings to the best man and so there were no rings at the ceremony. Not to fear. My maid of honour ran up to the house and grabbed them. It was hilarious!
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
Jemma: For me, there were a few main outfits. I love fashion and colour so it was really important to me to get a very glamourous autumnal vibe from the bridesmaid outfits and the groomsmen’s suits. When the boys first set eyes on the suits there were a lot of “oh interesting choice” faces but thankfully it all came together and they looked fantastic. The next outfit that had a much bigger significance was my mother’s wedding dress that featured as a bit of a joke during our first look. One of the groomsmen and I thought it would be a great idea if he were to dress up in my mother’s dress and surprise Tim in my place. It went down like a treat!
In terms of my wedding gown, I was looking for inspiration when I stumbled upon a dress on Pinterest! I was instantly obsessed with it and set out to find out who the designer was and whether it was going to be a dress I could get my hands on. I was so thrilled to find that it was a fantastic designer in Australia. I contacted Judy Copley as soon as I could, which mind you was three years before the wedding would take place (thanks, Covid), and asked if her 2016 design was something she was still making – thankfully it was. It is the most unique dress with beautiful lace detail, a high neck line and long pointed sleeves. It was elegant and simple at the same time.
Judy made the whole process memorable and created my dress in the three days we were there for the fitting. I visited the Sunshine Coast for my dress fitting with my mum which was a really great experience!
I also had this stunning art deco head piece from Twigs and Honey which I absolutely loved and intend to hand down like Tim’s great, great grandfather’s pocket watch.
Tim: I always wanted to wear a three-piece suit but something that was different to the standard blue suit. I said this to Jemma and she found the forest green suit I wore and it worked so well with the rest of the colours we wanted for the wedding. As for the pocket watch, I was going to just buy a simple one for myself but I knew my dad had one so I asked to borrow his. On the day, he gave me a pocket watch that was my great great grandfather’s that had been left to me in his will. On the fob of the watch is an engraving thanking them for their years of service back in 1919.
Ceremony location sister’s property in Robertson, New South Wales | Reception location web @burrawangsoa | Photographer @bonniejenkins | Celebrant @shannonblackcelebrant | Entertainment @bakerboysband | Styling @she_design | Glassware @thevintagekitchen | Flora @she_design | Bouquets and Boutonnieres @limetreebower | Catering + Beverages web + insta: Catering- Rabbit and Co Caterers @rabbitandcocaterers | Wine @msvwine | Cake @theicecreamfactory | Menus @peppereve_calligraphy | Live illustrator @alittlebitebyalice | Bride’s gown @judycopleycouture | Groom’s suit @oliverwicks | Groom’s tie and pocket square @otaa.australia | Rings @larsenjewellery | Bride’s headpiece @twigsandhoney | Makeup Emma Carney | Hair @hairbyrah | Bridesmaids’ gowns @jennyyoonyc from @thebridesmaidstudio | Bridesmaids’ jackets @unreal_fur | Groomsmen’s suits @oliverwicks | Groomsmen’s ties and pocket squares @otaa.australia
