Summer lovin’ leads to Topiaries wedding for Jemma and Steven

Playing as children over summer holidays later blossomed into romance for Jemma St John and Steven Schaeller.

The pair met at just 11 years old where their families holidayed in Yamba on the NSW coast. “Every year we both eagerly looked forward to Christmas holidays as it was a chance for us to catch up,” explains Jemma of the couple, both aged 23. At 17, their friendship became love.

Steven’s harder exterior meant he wasn’t a family favourite at first, but once they got to know him, he became a welcome member. “My husband isn’t the typical clean-cut man,” smiles Jemma. “He has tattoos and piercings and this scared off the family [at first].”

The couple bought their first home together and Steven proposed in front of a 100-person crowd at Jemma’s 21st. They were married on June 6, 2015 with their Topiaries wedding, located in Samford outside Brisbane.

Their celebrant, Joan Bennett, was a special choice. “Joan was my primary school librarian and a good friend of my mum’s,” says the bride. “She wrote a beautiful and romantic ceremony. There was some laughs, tears and smiles all round.”

Photos courtesy of Jo Hammond Photography

Jemma wore a strapless mermaid-style gown with the beaded jacket.

“It was the most magical day and I wish we could re-live the moment again and again,” smiles Jemma.

Studio 12 Hair Artistry created a stylish hair-do to match Jemma’s classic gown.