'Neither one of them wants fireworks and Russian caviar': thoughts turn to when and where Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon will get married. Photo: Mike Bowers/The Guardian
In a social media post Thursday morning, Anthony Albanese shared a photo of himself and his partner, Jodie Haydon, with the latter showing off a new diamond ring. "She said yes," the caption read.
The couple have since received congratulations from around the world - from the New Zealand Prime Minister to Nigella Lawson. And the post indicates that the first divorcee to become Australia's prime minister may now become the first prime minister to marry while in office.
Related: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces engagement to partner Jodie Haydon
Here's the where, when and how of Albanese and Haydon's big day (all hypothetical, of course).
How did the Albanians propose?
The couple shared a Valentine's Day dinner at Italian and Sons in Canberra's north on Wednesday evening, where special menus cost $135 per person. After returning to the Lodge, the 60-year-old Albanese popped the question on one of the balconies of the residence. Albanese is said to have specially designed the engagement ring.
"We are happy and excited to share this news and look forward to spending the rest of our lives together," the newly engaged couple said in a joint statement. "We are so happy that we found each other."
Who is Jodie Haydon?
Haydon, 45, grew up on the central coast of New South Wales, the daughter of teachers and lifelong Labor voters. She works full-time as a women's officer for the NSW Public Service Association and lives in Sydney's west - or she did, until she moved to Kirribilli House.
How did the couple meet?
Albanese's beloved NRL team, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, had a lot to do with it. In late 2019, Haydon attended a national trade union conference in Melbourne, where Albanese was the keynote speaker. After receiving some criticism about the Rabbitohs, she shouted "Up the Rabbitohs". According to an interview with News Corp, the then opposition leader later introduced himself to her as the only other Rabbitohs fan in the room. She then contacted him via Twitter and the pair met for a beer at Young Henrys Brewery in Newtown.
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Will it be a church wedding?
That's unlikely: he's a non-practicing Catholic, plus a divorcee, and he opted for civil confirmation when he was sworn in as prime minister.
When will the wedding take place?
The next election is clearly an important consideration. If the couple were to marry before the next federal election, standard elections for the House of Representatives and half of the Senate would have to take place before May 24, 2025. The election could take place as soon as August 3, 2024, but the prime minister has stressed that he expects the government to serve its full term.
Where will it be?
It has to be in Australia and the Albanians will probably want to avoid any impression that taxpayers' money is going to the wedding, which will merge the Lodge and Kirribilli House - and leave some other possibilities:
Young Henrys Brewery, Newtown: "We are delighted to hear about Albo and Jodie's engagement, and are making an offer to host the upcoming wedding at our brewery at partner rates," said Richard Adamson, co-founder of Young Henrys. "Regardless of whether that offer is accepted, we wish the couple all the best."
Marrickville Golf Club: "We used to see him quite a bit when he lived 500 meters from the golf club, but now that he is Prime Minister we don't see him as much anymore," says the club's general manager, Mathew Ward. "It would be great to have him for a small barefoot wedding in the local community."
Willie the Boatman Brewery, Marrickville: Home of "Albo" 5.5% pale ale - at least that's the beer being catered for.
South Sydney Rabbitohs Club, Maroubra: Because it had a lot to do with the couple meeting.
Marrickville Town Hall: Seats 250 for a banquet dinner. Renting the venue for a full Saturday costs $2,560.
Marrickville Hard Court Tennis Club: "We would love it. If he likes Portuguese food, we would be happy to organize a wedding for the Prime Minister," says Ron Browne, the consulting manager. The small kitchen can handle dinner for 120 people - and there is plenty of availability, provided Albanese, an avid tennis player, works among the regular locals.
Bowling club Marrickville: It's better known for barefoot bowls than weddings, but if the Albanian could plan competitive bowls and live music bookings, he could invite 350 people to the bowlo.
Old Parliament Building, Canberra: Convenient, thematically and in terms of commuting, plus space for 500 guests.
What will the bride wear?
Something Australian - and elegant. "[Haydon] looked divine in Paolo Sebastian in Washington," says Edwina McCann, editor-in-chief of Vogue Australia. "She's a big fan of his work... He would do an extraordinary job.
"She is incredibly loyal to Australian designers and wears them extremely well.
"The feedback from the industry is that she is a pleasure to work with, always very grateful and very respectful."
Haydon wore dresses by Karen Gee when he met French President Emmanuel Macron, at Queen Elizabeth's funeral and at a NATO event in Spain. Carla Zampatti is another possibility.
There is no official budget for this - Haydon's outfits and styling are paid for out of his own pocket. A borrowed or rented dress is not out of the question for the sustainability-conscious bride, says a Labor insider.
What's on the playlist?
The couple share a love of music: Albanese was a music ambassador for Record Store Day Australia and Haydon worked in a music store for years as a teenager. "He could even DJ at his own wedding," says a Labor insider. The playlist may include Joy Division, Hunters and Collectors, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Bruce Springsteen, the Pixies, the Jam, Midnight Oil and the Smiths.
And will Toto be there?
Toto, the cavoodle of the Albanians, will certainly be invited. He has described her as "loving, she is loyal, she is great company and she is always so happy to see me".
Ring bearer, flower pup, bouquet bearer, it's all possible. Just ask Wedding Paws, which specializes in "making your pets part of your special day." Should the Prime Minister wish to outsource Toto's management on the day, they have a range of dog wedding packages from $575, including on-site pet sitting and clothing - floral headdresses, bow ties and "best dog collars" optional.
Albanese's second marriage
Albanese has an adult son, Nathan, with his ex-wife and former NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt. Its then state seat of Marrickville overlaps with its federal seat of Grayndler. The couple married in 2000 and divorced in 2019, a moment that Albanese said came "as a surprise" to him.
Who is on the guest list?
Will the Prime Minister go tall and stately - inviting everyone from King Charles to US President Joe Biden and the Dalai Lama - or will the couple keep things low-key? Our money is in the latter.
"He doesn't have to invite the entire cabinet, but for optics that could be possible," says a Labor insider. "But then it could turn into a cast of thousands."
High on the list are MPs Richard Marles, Penny Wong, Don Farrell, Tim Ayres and Chief of Staff Tim Gartrell, plus NSW Premier Chris Minns, and his wife Anna, and his tennis friend Peter Fitzsimons and TV presenter Lisa Wilkinson. And will Kyle Sandilands' wedding invitation be answered?
What's on the menu?
"Neither of them wants fireworks and Russian caviar. They are working class, they don't have luxurious taste," says a former Labor worker.
The food could be a tribute to his Italian heritage - and it is likely that the caterer is from the Marrickville area, possibly someone who has supported his campaigns.
