Mara Milano and Whitney Keller exchange their vows before registrar Jessica Woodcock, In a simple registry office ceremony conducted this afternoon two trans-Tasman lesbians upgraded their relationship from a Civil Union to a marriage. Mara Milano and Whitney Keller, who are based in Australia but frequently visit this country, became one of the poster-couples of marriage equality when they turned up the moment the Auckland Central Registry office opened on August 19th, the first day same-sex couples could legally marry in New Zealand. In contrast to the flashier weddings conducted on the first day Milano and Keller opted for the relative quiet of a registry office ceremony today accompanied by a small group of friends. "It's pretty wonderful to get married in a country where this is possible," said Keller immediately after registrar Jessica Woodcock pronounced the pair to be "wives." "I never wanted to get married in my whole life," smiled Milano, "but when it's the right person then you realise it's the natural thing to do!" Milano and Keller have upgraded their relationship status before. In Australia they registered their relationship, which is still the closest thing to marriage available there. They subsequently moved up to a Civil Union in New Zealand which was conducted soon after such unions were legalised here. Neither their civil union or today's marriage are formally recognised in Australia.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 13th September 2013 - 7:42pm