Ashlee and Andrew Family tradition played a big part in this Bendigo couple’s special day, after COVID caused some pre-wedding jitters. Photography by Justin & Jim After many opportunities to meet in person – living in the same college at university, the same suburb in both Melbourne and Bendigo – it was the internet that finally brought Ashlee and Andrew together. They started dating in 2015. Four years later, on Christmas Day, Andrew popped the question. “We’d exchanged gifts and were preparing to take our dog for a walk,” Ashlee says. “Andrew said that he had one more gift and produced a basketball and asked, ‘what else
do you need to go with a basketball?’.” Adds Andrew: “Ashlee answered ‘a ring?’, and there was an engagement ring behind the basketball. After some lovely words, she said yes!” Following family tradition, the couple exchanged vows at Sacred Heart Cathedral. The reception was at Ulumbarra Theatre, with the Bendigo Chinese Association Lion Dance Team introducing the newlyweds to guests with a bang. “Sacred Heart Cathedral is a significant
place, with many of Ashlee’s family also being married there, including her parents Kerry and Doug in 1980,” Andrew says. “Her family have been long-time members and volunteers with Bendigo Chinese Association and we were proud to share some of our history with our guests with the lion dance performance.” Their February 20 wedding took place just days after Victoria emerged from a COVID-19enforced snap lockdown, leaving the couple nervous in the lead-up to their big day. 63
