Shanela and Vishnu celebrated their marriage with their families overseas in December, 2023. They looked into the process of having a legal component to their wedding, however, it was all rather complicated and they came to the conclusion that it wasn’t a feasible option. Instead, they enjoyed a traditional and colourful ceremony, surrounded by their families.
As their one year anniversary approached, the couple decided to have a simple, legals only
marriage close to their home in Brisbane.
We completed the Notice of Intended Marriage a month beforehand, then on their wedding day, Shanela and Vishnu brought along their two witnesses. Law in Australia required me to read the Monitum – three sentences which state that firstly, I am authorised to conduct legal marriages in Australia, and secondly to impress upon the couple that marriage is a serious commitment. The legal definition of marriage in Australia comprises the third sentence.
After exchanging the legally required marriage vows, the couple were officially married, and we then all signed the three marriage certificates.
The couple couldn’t believe how simple the process could be to marry in Australia, where residency and religion are not mandatory considerations. So long as a couple are not already married, are over 18, are not closely related to each other, and are marrying of their own free will, they are able to marry in Australia.
Vishnu looked very smart, wearing a dark suit and a white shirt, and Shanela wore a beautiful halter neck ivory brocade top and fitted ivory trousers, with a matching ivory bow in her dark, shiny hair. Her entire outfit was sewn by her friend and witness, Serah. Serah also created her own hot pink, floral strapless dress, and a pantsuit in lilac floral fabric for her sister.
After the simple and legal ceremony, Shanela and Vishnu met up with their friends for some fun photos before heading off to a riverside lunch.
P.s. – there’s always a little hiccup in every adventure, which just makes the stories so much more unpredictable and memorable. Groom, Vishnu, spent his first hour of married life changing the tyre on his witness's borrowed car, proving he’s a handy man to have around. Well played, Shanela!
Venue: nil
Photographer: nil
Styling: nil
