It’s been a whirlwind 16 months since Monica and Steven first laid eyes on each other during a group bush walk on the 1000 Steps trail in the Dandenong Ranges, but both knew early on they had met the love of their life.
A strenuous walk up a mountain isn’t exactly conducive to in depth conversation, so it wasn’t until a seat mix-up found Monica seated across from Steven at lunch, that the pair got to know each other. Steven remembers he was impressed by her genuine interest in his work in cancer research.
“Sometimes, my work can get mundane and very scientific, it’s just the nature of what it is but she just seemed so genuinely interested.”
And she was. In fact, it’s Steven’s kindness and sense of social responsibility that Monica most loves about him:
“He could easily be a doctor, but he chose to be a medical scientist. Because he feels that if he was a doctor, he could only save a few patient’s lives but if he could find a solution to cancer, maybe one generation’s problem can be solved.”
Monica has been dreaming about her princess wedding since she was 5 years old, but she wasn’t in a rush to walk down the aisle until she found her Prince Charming.
“I was waiting for the right person, but at this moment I can truly say that I have found the one I love. The one that I can be proud of; the one that I can fall in love with for the rest of my life.”
As a nod to their first meeting, Monica and Steven held their wedding at Poet’s Lane, also in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. It’s such a gorgeous, tranquil location that feels a million miles from anywhere. The pair got ready in separate cottages before a First Look in the onsite chapel. From there we drove to the nearby Mt Dandenong Arboretum for some dramatic photos among the towering pine trees.
Then it was back to Poet’s Lane to make their love official in front of Monica and Steven’s family and friends, many of whom who had travelled from China especially for the day. Monica almost let her emotions overwhelm her as she walked down the aisle, but she was soon relaxed by the words of City Life Church minister Daljit Gill.
A quick dress change and it was time for the reception. We especially loved MC Pei’s giant dice game every time a pair of guests clinked glasses. Number 6 which required the happy couple to perform a “show stopper kiss” was particularly popular!
Monica and Steven – thanks for involving us in your special day, it’s been an absolute pleasure to get to know you both. We wish you a lifetime of happiness, love and mountain hikes 😊
Monica and Steven’s Dream Team: Reception: Poet’s Lane | Hair and makeup: Unique U Makeovers | Flowers: Posies and Twine | Cake: Ferguson Plarre
