Tell me about your The Beginning!

We met in Suzhou, China when we were both studying at the same university. We had the same Chinese class, and I sat directly behind Morgan. We were in class for 2 months together before we talked to each other for the first time. It happened to be a new club opening night right near campus, and out friends invited us to go. When we arrived, we sat at the same side of the table. Once we introduced ourselves, we didn’t stop talking for the rest of the night. It felt like an instant connection. We spent almost every day together, studied together, threw paper airplanes in the uni library, and ate so much Chinese food.

Unfortunately, after only a few months into the relationship, Morgan’s exchange program ended and he had to go back to Australia. It was heartbreaking, but we stayed in touch and continued our relationship through distance. I attempted to get a visa to Australia, but it was denied twice. That was one of the hardest moments in our relationship, but we stayed strong. Then Covid started, and we were slowly losing hope to ever see each other again, but even that didn’t break us. We decided to do weekly online dates. We would pick a recipe and cook it together over a video call, then watch the same movie and eat dinner together. In September 2021 I was accepted to uni in Australia and got a visa to come. We cried on the phone, overwhelmed with joy and relief. After everything, we were finally going to be together again.

On March 22, 2022, three years, two months, and two days after we said goodbye in China, we were united again!

 

When and where did you get engaged?

It was going to be a simple dinner with friends at our favourite Russian restaurant in Melbourne. Prior to it, Morgan kept giving me “updates” on our friends, saying who is coming and how excited they are to try new food. I had no idea. On the day, Morgan chose a dress, heels and jewellery for me and brought them to me after work. He was dressed really nicely, and I still had no idea. I jokingly asked if he was going to propose to me tonight, then we both laughed and moved on.

When we arrived at the restaurant, I sprinted upstairs to get to our table. As I reached the top, I saw a single table in the room, with rose petals in the shape of a love heart in the middle, flowers, candles, and our photos all around the room. Morgan smiled and led me to the rose petals. He said the most thoughtful words, and then got on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was the most perfect proposal with the most perfect man.

 

How did you come to choose The Stables at Bendooley for your venue?

When we saw it online it clicked instantly. It was so gorgeous and a thousand times better than we both imagines. One day we can’t wait to show it to our kids.

 

What are you most looking forward to on the day?

Becoming a family.

 

Wedding at the Stables, Bendooley Estate – The Vendors

Venue: The Stables, Bendooley Estate

Celebrant: Lynda Leith

Videographer: Twelve Eleven

Florist: Flower Mamma

Hair & Make Up: Mae You Be

Dress Designer: Mary Trufel

Suit Designer: Peter Jackson

DJ: Ministry of DJ’s Entertainment