Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced her marriage to long-time partner Sophie Allouache in a picturesque Adelaide winery, surrounded by lush gardens where the newlyweds were photographed holding bouquets.
The Labour Party’s Penny Wong, who has been in a committed relationship with Allouache for nearly two decades, shared this joyous occasion with their two daughters, Alexandra, 11, and Hannah, 8, who participated as flower bearers.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other key parliamentary figures attended the event.
Adelaide, the capital of South Australia and Wong’s representation area in the senate, served as the perfect backdrop for the celebration. “We are delighted that so many of our family and friends could share this special day with us,” Wong expressed on her Instagram, garnering close to 1500 comments filled with congratulations and well-wishes from supporters.
Wedding photographer Catherine Leo reflected on the honour of capturing the day for the couple, whose union represents a milestone in Australia’s journey toward marriage equality. Same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia in 2017, marking the country as the 25th globally to recognise such unions. This legislative achievement followed extensive activism and a dedicated community campaign by the Equality Campaign.
Penny Wong’s path to this day wasn’t without its complexities; in 2010, aligning with her party’s then-stance, she did not endorse same-sex marriage, a position that evolved over time alongside the national conversation on equality. Her emotional response to the country’s affirmative vote on gay marriage underscored the personal and political significance of the journey to marriage equality in Australia.
