Sydney woman marries HERSELF: ‘I love me’
A single woman has bucked age-old tradition by marrying herself in an unconventional ceremony surrounded by her closest friends.
Determined to defy societal expectations that women should be married before turning 30, Patricia Christine tied the knot in a 'self-commitment ceremony' at the age of 28 in May last year, eight years after ending her engagement.
The teacher, from Sydney, spent weeks planning the event, buying herself a wedding ring, flowers, and a floaty, bohemian wedding dress for a total cost of just $92.
Ms Christine married herself in a show of self-love that she hopes will help women to know their own worth, regardless of their relationship status.
Accompanied by nine close friends, the bride headed to her local park where guests spoke about the importance of self-love, before she made vows to herself in an 'emotional' and socially distanced ceremony that lasted 30 minutes
Her vows included, ‘I love me despite the mistakes I have made’, ‘I commit to being kind to myself and trusting in myself’ and ‘I commit to following my dreams no matter how big or small’.
"I wanted to defy societal expectations and show women that the most important relationship we have is with ourselves," she said.
"We search our whole lives to make a huge declaration to another but we don't do it for ourselves first."
After the ceremony, guests celebrated with a casual picnic on the grass.
Ms Christine documented her big day on Instagram, kicking off a series of posts with a photo of her ring - a simple silver band with a single diamond.
"I said yes!...to myself," she wrote in the caption.
While the photos drew heartwarming comments from friends and family, not everyone was so supportive of Ms Christine's decision
Some comments 'congratulating' her sarcastically left the newlywed feeling upset, but she has since made peace with her decision.
Despite marrying herself, Ms Christine has not ruled out finding a partner in the future.
She said she believes focusing on herself will ultimately make her more successful in love when she does find the right person.
- Austalscope/ Media Drum World
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