Greater Brisbane celebrates easing of COVID-19 restrictions

Samantha Thomas and Desmond Smith were originally planning to get hitched in Hawaii last week, but were happy to tie the knot in a Brisbane registry office today instead.

COVID-19 put a stop to an American wedding some time ago.

“Next best thing: backyard party!” Sam said.

But when stronger contact restrictions and masks were mandated across Greater Brisbane earlier this month, she said she became “a little bit nervous”.

By good luck more than design, coronavirus restrictions eased just hours before the big occasion, meaning they could go ahead with a gathering of 50 friends and family to celebrate.

“I’m kind of glad everything’s OK,” Sam said.

“And all our guests could come, that’s good,” Des said.

Asked what had…