Bindi Irwin has confirmed she married Chandler Powell today, sharing
the first image of them as husband as wife.
The pair had to make several changes to their nuptials, after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison brought into effect strict lockdown rules around the coronavirus pandemic, meaning they didn’t have any guests.
However, in a sweet post to social media on Wednesday, it’s
clear the newlyweds couldn’t be happier to be husband and wife.
Bindi, 21, explained earlier today: ‘We held a
small ceremony and I married my best friend. There are no words to describe the
amount of love and light in my heart right now.
‘We’ve planned this beautiful day for nearly a
year and had to change everything, as we didn’t have guests at our wedding.
‘This was a very difficult decision but important
to keep everyone safe. We wish all of our friends and family could have been
there with us, however it’s lovely that we will be able to share photos and
videos.’
She continued: ‘Right now we’re encouraging the
world to hold onto hope and love, which will carry us forward during this
profound time in history.’
Bindi added the pair married in the gardens of
Australia Zoo, in Queensland, where the family is based, and her mother Teri
helped her get ready – with brother Robert walking her down the aisle.
The conservationist said: ‘Chandler became my
husband and together we lit a candle in Dad’s memory.
‘We shared tears and smiles and love. Thankfully,
since we all live at Australia Zoo as a family, we could be there for each
other.’
She concluded: ‘To everyone reading this – stay
safe, social distance and remember LOVE WINS!’
It
was earlier speculated Bindi and Chandler had brought their wedding forward to
make it before the country’s government brought in restrictions on how many
people can attend a wedding due to the coronavirus pandemic.
From now on, only five people will be able to attend weddings.
Aerial footage showed event planners setting up for the outdoor
ceremony, complete with white flowers and a green archway, with another shot
showing a white gown poking out among a crowd of people huddled under
umbrellas, and a guitarist waited at the end of the aisle.
Dozens of people were spotted waiting for the ceremony, while
two easels displaying photographs had been set up as part of the decorations.
It is unclear whether the couple had always intended to tie the
knot this week but it may have been brought forward after Australia Prime
Minister announced earlier this week that after 11.59pm on 25 March, weddings
must only have the couple, a celebrant and two witnesses in attendance.
Bindi and Chandler got engaged last July and the Dancing With
the Stars winner previously gushed about finding ‘true happiness’ with him.
She previously wrote on Instagram: ‘Chandler, close to six years
ago I fell in love with you and every day since has been a whirlwind of
adventure and true happiness.
‘I’m so looking forward to spending our forever together as your
wife.
‘Here’s to a lifetime of friendship, purpose and unconditional love — now let’s get married already!’
MORE: Bindi Irwin shares beautiful tribute to dad Steve Irwin on what would have been his 58th birthday
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