Couple’s pandemic wedding ‘extra special’, despite neighbour threatening to phone police
A celebrant kitted out in mask and gloves, a last-minute change of location, and a grumpy neighbour who threatened to call the cops made this Melbourne couple’s wedding day that extra bit special.
Inner East
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As far as weddings go, Shannen and Allison always knew their nuptials would be special.
The West Melbourne couple, aged 35 and 28, had been dating for two years when they decided earlier this year to tie the knot, in part because Allison, a US citizen, was nearing the end of her visa.
They’d planned to host a small civil ceremony in Flagstaff Gardens for close friends before a big bash overseas next year with family and their larger group of mates.
But when the coronavirus pandemic escalated and the state was forced into lockdown, Shannen said they realised their union would be less traditional than first thought.
Their guest list was pared back and the ceremony was moved from Flagstaff Gardens to the communal courtyard of their apartment block on the advice of the celebrant, who feared community backlash if the event was held in public.
They also copped negative comments from a neighbour, Shannen said, who kept interrupting proceedings and threatened to report their small gathering to police.
“The celebrant was saying that some people have been naming and shaming celebrants online,” Allison said.
“We only had five people for the ceremony — our celebrant, us and two witnesses — which was the legally permitted amount,” Shannen said.
“But our celebrant was really concerned about making sure everything was by the book in terms of the new rules. She said people have been really aggressive in taking photos of celebrants and causing reputational damage. She was understandably really anxious about possibly losing her licence if someone made a false report that we weren’t adhering to social-distancing rules.
“(And) the whole time she was wearing a face mask and gloves.”
Overall Allison said their neighbours were supportive, with many dressing up and happily toasting the loved up newlyweds from their balconies.
Shannen said while the day wasn’t what they’d initially pictured, they wouldn’t have had it any other way and they couldn’t stop laughing at how odd it was, particularly given it was held on April Fools’ Day.
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“We couldn’t kiss and hug our friends … we even had our own pens to sign documents.
“(But) we had so much fun because it was just so hilarious.”
“It was a very 2020 wedding,” Allison said.
“We had to keep telling our neighbour we live here and we’re just trying to get married.
“People cheered from their balconies when we kissed. I think people just want something cheerful to celebrate.”