Amid Teacher’s Day celebrations at St Mary’s College on March 14, 2015, third-form student Janelle Small found herself distracted by Ethan Dunkley, a student one year her junior. Janelle had wandered into Ethan’s form room to chat with a friend, entirely unaware that it would become the prologue to their future.

“I remembered thinking what a complete sweetheart he was and that we could be great friends,” Janelle shared with Tuesday Style Vows (TSV).

Their interactions remained polite but distant for a year, until Janelle began leaving a trail of breadcrumbs, so to speak. Through shy signals and clever excuses to cross his path, she eventually turned those brief school yard pleasantries into a genuine bond

“Our friendship truly began to blossom when I moved up to ninth grade. She started visiting the ninth-grade block more frequently, finding even the smallest of excuses to stop by — whether it was to borrow my phone or laptop, or even just to swap bags for a bit,” Ethan recalled. “That was the moment we really started to connect.”

As their paths crossed more often, once-dormant emotions bubbled to the surface. Janelle found herself torn between her heart and her head, protective of their friendship, yet Ethan had already noticed the subtle shifts that revealed she was well and truly smitten.

“I realised there was a mutual attraction when she started getting a little jealous whenever feelings were deeper than just friendship. By the time I was in 10th grade, our bond became more serious,” Ethan said. “We started seeing each other more often, calling and texting everyday and eventually things grew naturally between us and we shared our first kiss.”

The Proposal

Although they remained close throughout their school years, graduation eventually led them down separate paths as they followed their own ambitions. Distance grew, yet they stayed connected through texts. It wasn’t until 2021 that their paths converged once more.

“High school ended up separating us, but we always stayed in touch. Our love never truly died. No matter the distance, the connection was still there. In 2021, our love found its way back to each other when I started visiting Janelle at her house. From there, everything rekindled, and we realised that what we had was still real and strong,” Ethan told TSV.

“We realised how short life truly is. When Ethan asked me out, I decided to say yes. What started a little rocky grew into something we both wanted. In 2022, we introduced each other to our parents and the rest is history,” added Janelle.

That shared conviction culminated on February 14, 2025 when Ethan proposed to Janelle.

“While I was away travelling, I requested a Valentine’s Day message from him. Before I knew it, he was video calling me to propose,” Janelle recalled. “I said yes, and he immediately sent a picture of my engagement ring waiting for me at home!”

The Wedding

Christmas arrived early for the couple as they celebrated their nuptials on December 21, 2025, at RENU Attractions in Stony Hill. Against a breathtaking natural backdrop — brought to life by Events by DR and Sleek Events — Janelle was radiant in a strapless fit-and-flare mermaid gown by Rebirth Couture. Complementing her perfectly, Ethan looked dashing in a beige suit from Windross Tailoring. Escorted by her parents, Sheryl Dacres and Joslyn Small, Janelle glided up the aisle to First Time by Teeks. Waiting for her at the altar was Ethan, ready to pledge his future to her in a ceremony officiated by Pastor Jermaine Gibson.

The Reception

Following the ceremony, guests treated the newly-weds to a series of moving toasts before the energy shifted for an impromptu sound clash. The couple tested their DJing prowess in a playful battle that stole the show.

“Through our company, EJay Enterprises, our creativity really shines,” Janelle explained. “Because Ethan is a DJ by trade and I manage the accounts, I think he expected an easy win,” Janelle teased. “He certainly underestimated me — and I proved him wrong!”

The celebrations reached a sweet conclusion as the couple cut into a two-tiered chocolate cake with buttercream icing by Forget the Fork Pastries. Ethan and Janelle then shared their first dance as husband and wife to Alex Warren’s Ordinary, the perfect end to their wedding day.

Ethan and Janelle honeymooned in Panama.

Janelle is escorted up the aisle by her mum Sheryl Dacres and dad Joslyn Small to First Time by Teeks.  (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)

Janelle and Ethan exchange vows guided by Pastor Jermaine Gibson. (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)

Ethan and Janelle seal their union with a kiss. (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)

Mr and Mrs Ethan Dunkley share a tender moment after the ceremony. (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)

Ethan and Janelle celebrate surrounded by their bridal party (from left) best man Dwayne Bennett, bridesmaid Shadae Campbell, groomsman Nicholas Williams and maid of honour Tajhiann Farquharson. (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)

Congratulating Janelle and Ethan are (from left) Ethan’s dad Brian Dunkley, mum Aljean Henry-Dunkley, Janelle’s mum Sheryl Dacres and dad Joslyn Small. (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)

Janelle and Ethan cut their two-tiered chocolate cake from Forget the Fork Pastries. (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)S

Ethan twirls Janelle around as they share their first dance as a married couple to Ordinary by Alex Warren. (PHOTO: RODEAN LEWIS)