While the St Kilda couple had tied the knot in a registry wedding in 2020, they say their marriage never felt complete. No parents, friends or even an engagement ring were at the simple ceremony. COVID-19 restrictions and overseas employment obligations further delayed their plans to hold the wedding celebration of their dreams.
"We never felt we had married properly, I felt there was unfinished work there," Marcus said. But with the timing now right, he was determined to bring the romance - and a ring.
After Marcus spoke to our Council, the plan was hatched for Mayor Louise Crawford to ask Karina to come up on stage to receive a commemorative Port Phillip pin. Marcus followed her and then presented the ring.
"I was literally in shock. It was very romantic and he definitely gave me the ring of my dreams," Karina said.
"I was already proud and emotional about becoming an Australian citizen. I was very happy, crying tears of joy."
The couple is now planning the wedding they always wanted, possibly in Kazakhstan where Karina and her parents are from. Friends and family will be joining them to finally officially celebrate their love.
Karina was among 138 Port Phillip residents from 44 countries who became Australian citizens at that ceremony.
Did you know?
In 2024, 923 people acquired Australian Citizenship at eight ceremonies held throughout the year at St Kilda Town Hall
