Today marked the wedding day of Hayley and Rachelle Bennett, a local couple who had their relationship celebrated with a reception provided by the radio station hit92.9.
The couple were able to legally wed at a British consulate due to Hayley’s UK citizenship. The ceremony was followed by a reception at the observation deck of the bell tower.
Rachelle and Hayley are parents to four year old Ruby and six month old Harrison. Due to Ruby’s love of the film ‘Frozen’, the observation deck was decked out in a wintry theme and hit92.9 presenters Will and Woody kept guests entertained dressed as Olaf the snowman and Sven the reindeer, while Heidi took the role of Elsa.
Hayley made an emotional speech on behalf of herself and her wife, in which she addressed the listeners of hit92.9 and spoke on the importance of support for marriage equality. She said in part:
“To the listeners of hit92.9 in Perth for getting behind us to support an issue as important as marriage equality, and for coming along on this crazy ride, we hope we did all of you proud.
“‘Chelle and I have lived our lives in reverse. We met, we had kids, and then we got married. That was always the plan. We wanted to wait to have a family completed before we took this step. To involve them. And I think we may have done it. It’s a pity and an embarrassment that this won’t be legally recognized in Australia. But the wings of change are upon us, and we strongly believe that in the near future, Australia will come to their senses and realize that being gay is fabulous.”
Pink tribute act P!Nked performed ‘Let it Go’ as the couples’ first dance, and continued to play on as the couples’ family and friends joined them.
OIP Staff
Image: YAY Micro
