Politician Coddington and lawyer Carruthers say 'I do'

Parliament has been the site of some of her unhappiest days - but last night Deborah Coddington made it the venue for one of her happiest.

In a self-designed sleek teal-blue dress with embroidered forget-me-nots, the Act MP married Wellington Queen's Counsel Colin Carruthers in the Legislative Council Chamber.

Mr Carruthers' best man was his eldest son, Andrew, while Ms Coddington was accompanied by her son Rupert and daughter Briar.

Among the guests were members of Wellington's legal fraternity, journalists and millionaire property developer Bob Jones - who arrived on foot carrying his wedding gift in a green shopping bag.

The couple chose Wellington poet Kevin Ireland's Inventing You as their reading - and Tina Turner's Simply the Best to end the service.

Usually outspoken, Ms Coddington was having difficulty finding the right words to describe her feelings afterwards: "Trepidatious, excited, nervous," the former journalist said. "But not nervous as in, 'am I doing the right thing?' We're just going to enjoy each other at the moment, aren't we?" she said, turning to her new husband.

About 60 close family and friends joined the couple for a dinner at Martin Bosley's Yacht Club Restaurant.

- Herald on Sunday