Melbourne couple Amy and Elise McDonald celebrate first official same-sex marriage in Victoria

A MELBOURNE couple has become the first in Victoria to legally wed under new same-sex marriage laws, tying the knot in a surprise wedding at Carlton Gardens.

Victoria’s first same-sex marriage wedding has taken place.

A MELBOURNE couple has become the first gay pair in Victoria to legally wed under new same-sex marriage laws, tying the knot in a surprise wedding at Carlton Gardens.

Amy and Elise McDonald’s big day made it into the history books amid applause and tears this afternoon as family and friends celebrated not just the couple’s commitment and love, but the backing of an entire nation.

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Elise and Amy in Carlton Gardens. Picture: Jason Edwards

During the ceremony. Picture: Jason Edwards

“We’re just so excited that it’s been legalised and we have the support of the country and everyone is behind us,” Elise told the Herald Sun.

“Amy is just the love of my life and someone I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.

“We challenge each other, complement each other, and push each other to be the best we can be.”

Amy said Elise was her “perfect” match, adding people couldn’t help who they fell in love with.

“We’re just catching our breath still, coming off the high,” Amy said.

“I can’t wait to share the rest of my life with her.

“In the end love wins.”

Elise said the marriage was an important step and the couple was looking forward to not having anyone question their relationship.

The happy couple. Picture: Jason Edwards

Flower girls blowing bubbles in Carlton Gardens. Picture: Jason Edwards

The newlyweds after the ceremony. Picture: Jason Edwards

The ceremony in Carlton Gardens. Picture: Jason Edwards

The surprise wedding at Carlton Gardens was in front of about 60 guests, who didn’t know the legal vows were to be exchanged, including the brides’ parents, with their nieces acting as flower girls.

Elise, 28, wore a pale pink-beaded gown and Amy, 36, a black velvet gown, both of which were designed by Australian designer Rachel Gilbert.

The women, from Maribyrnong, met six years ago while both working as nurses at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

They became engaged last year when Amy proposed during a quiet night at home.

Elise said the couple had always planned a commitment ceremony for this weekend.

Her fiancee’s parents had flown over from Vietnam, and siblings came from United Arab Emirates, to share in the ceremony.

But at the eleventh hour, the brides applied for exemption from Births, Deaths and Marriages, on financial grounds that the arrangements were in place and their families had travelled.

The special dispensation was granted and the couple sprung into action to organise a celebrant for the big day.

“We were always going to have a ceremony but to have it legalised is very special,” Elise said.

The certificate of marriage after the ceremony. Picture: Jason Edwards

The ceremony took place in Carlton Gardens. Picture: Jason Edwards

And, by coincidence, both Elise and Amy already had the same surname — McDonald — helping them avoid further red tape and any quarrels over whom should take whose name.

Surprised and teary relatives and friends said the ceremony was a beautiful and special day for the close families.

The newlyweds beamed as they held hands and embraced on what they said was an historic day.

The union comes as another wedding took place in Sydney today between Lauren Price, 31, and Amy Laker, 29, who were also granted a dispensation.

Couples not granted a dispensation must wait until January 9 to tie the knot.

The Equality Campaign has congratulated the first same-sex couples that married today.

Anna Brown, Co-chair of the Equality Campaign, said:

“This is what Australians and our parliament voted for - loving and committed couples marrying in Australia and being equal under the law”

Alex Greenwich, Co-chair of the Equality Campaign, said:

“Australians have shaped our country as a beautiful and loving place and today we see those celebrations begin”

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