Picture this: a birthday spent walking around Melbourne, swigging wine and eating cheese. What more could you possibly need in life?! But Piers, that sneaky fellow, figured out a foolproof way to make Jemma’s day even more spectacular. “In the evening, Piers surprised me with a dinner surrounded by our closest friends. He got down on one knee while everyone was singing ‘happy birthday’ and the roof exploded with pure joy! After dinner, back at our place, we partied until the earlier hours. It was the perfect day – the perfect evening – celebrating with the perfect bunch of people.”
Going for a super relaxed, minimal and classic vibe (captured beautifully by She Takes Pictures He Makes Films with Anthony Cribbes presiding over proceedings), the couple stayed true to their personal style, telling us, “we both have a simple, pared back aesthetic and prefer the finer detail rather than anything too loud.” That same concept held true when it came to the simple yet beautiful cake from Miss Lady Bird Cakes and the wedding dress shopping, says Jemma.
“I have never been a ‘typical bride’. I’m not a fan of colour, I don’t over-accesorise and have quite a masculine sense of style. I did try the bride thing – however I had a massive Sex and the City moment when I slipped into the lacey dresses at a bridal boutique – suffocated! I just wanted to feel elegant, classic, cool and refined.”
Ticking all those boxes for Jemma was a stunning Ellery gown, which suited her to a T. “It was structured yet softened by the beautiful fluid sleeves. I felt womanly, feminine and incredibly confident,” explains the bride, recalling that her favourite memory from the day was the first dance with her official partner in life – and dance floor shenanigans alike.
“Our first dance song was Fleetwood Mac’s ‘You Make Loving Fun’. It was a mix of pure adrenaline and ridiculous moves. We were so worried about it, however looking back at the video we were in our own world, letting loose,” Jemma tells us, adding that the silly antics weren’t exclusive to the d-floor. ” Piers attempted to rip off my veil for the big kiss and we just couldn’t get it right! It was incredibly awkward, but so something we would do. We’re not picture perfect – we are real – and we love that about each other.”
And as far as lessons go? Jemma and Piers say that it’s best to be chilled about the whole organising-one-of-the-most-important-days-of-your-life thing. “You’re planning a party and committing to your best friend, that’s pretty much it, so let it be a fun process.” And we have no doubt choosing to tie the knot and hold the reception in the one spot (on the grounds of the stunning Abbottsford Convent with catering by those legends at Bursaria) also contributed to those super chill vibes.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer and Cinematographer She Takes Pictures He Makes Films Event planner & Stylist Local Gatherings Florist Babylon Flowers Ceremony & Reception Abbotsford Convent Catering Bursaria Cake Miss Ladybird Cakes Entertainment Edd Fisher Celebrant Anthony Cribbes Rings Lott Studio Transport Triple R Cars THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Ellery Veil Bonnie Evelyn Millinery Shoes Christian Loubotin Hair Honey Ryder Makeup Hilary Holmes Makeup Bridesmaids Dresses The Reformation THE GROOM Suit Oscar Hunt Tailors.