Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made history by becoming the first sitting leader of the country to get married while in office. The 62-year-old politician exchanged vows with his partner Jodie Haydon, 47, in an intimate ceremony at his official residence in Canberra.
A Private Celebration at The Lodge
The couple chose Saturday afternoon for their special day at The Lodge, the Prime Minister's official Canberra residence. The timing was strategic, coming just one day after parliament concluded its final sitting for the year, allowing for a more relaxed celebration without political distractions.
In a heartfelt statement released after the ceremony, Albanese expressed their joy, saying they were "absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends."
Intimate Gathering with Personal Touches
The wedding was kept strictly private for security reasons, with attendance limited to close family members and top cabinet ministers. Among the special guests were Jodie Haydon's parents and Albanese's son Nathan, who witnessed the meaningful ceremony.
The celebration featured several charming personal elements that made the day uniquely theirs. In an adorable moment, the Prime Minister's dog Toto served as the ring bearer, adding a touch of family warmth to the proceedings.
Music played a significant role throughout the ceremony. The couple chose to walk back down the aisle to Stevie Wonder's classic hit "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)", with Albanese later sharing a video showing guests showering them with confetti during this joyful moment.
Reception Details and Honeymoon Plans
During the reception, the newlyweds shared their first dance to Frank Sinatra's romantic standard "The Way You Look Tonight." Guests received special treatment with custom-made beer cans featuring the same photo the couple used to announce their engagement last year.
The couple's love story began in 2020 when they met at a business dinner in Melbourne, back when Albanese served as opposition leader. Their relationship culminated in an engagement on Valentine's Day last year, setting the stage for Saturday's historic wedding.
Due to political commitments, the couple has adjusted their honeymoon plans. They will spend Monday to Friday next week honeymooning within Australia, a shorter duration than originally intended because of Albanese's re-election campaign responsibilities.
This historic wedding marks a significant personal milestone for the Prime Minister while creating a new chapter in Australia's political history as the first marriage of a sitting prime minister.
