After seven years together, Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell officially tied the knot on March 25. The ceremony, originally intended to host over 200 guests, was scaled back to include close family only amid the coronavirus and its safety restrictions. Despite the change, Bindi and Chandler were still able to have a fairytale wedding full of love and animals.

The ceremony was held at Australia Zoo, which was opened by Bindi’s grandparents in 1970. Her late father, Steve Irwin, famously filmed all over the wildlife park where, years later, Bindi and Chandler would first meet when Chandler visited the zoo and was given a tour by Bindi herself.

“My dad used to say that I couldn’t marry anyone unless he could swim across the croc pond first,” Bindi said in her vows. “And now, here you are, helping us during our regular crocodile demonstrations. One of your jobs is to jump into the water with our biggest crocs to help encourage them home! They say there’s a moment when you know you’ve fallen in love with someone, for me it was watching you happily jump in the water with a 15-foot crocodile and then tell me how much you enjoyed it.”

During the ceremony, Bindi honored both her mother and father. Though her mother Terri’s wedding dress was too frail to be tailored and worn, Bindi was able to find a similar long-sleeve A-line gown. As for her father, Chandler and Bindi held a candle-lighting ceremony next to a photo of Steve in his memory.

“Mom and Robert were standing right next to dad as we exchanged vows,” Bindi told Discovery when reflecting on the candle-lighting. “It really felt like he was there with us. It was a lovely moment of peace and happiness.”

Bindi’s brother Robert also played a role in the big day by walking his sister down the aisle.

The beautiful day was full of nature themes, including the cake, which was designed to mirror tree bark. Despite all the last-minute changes, both Bindi and Chandler were thrilled to move forward with their nuptials.

“I married my best friend,” Chandler said. “After almost a year of planning, we changed everything so that we could enjoy a safe and small private ceremony at our home, Australia Zoo. As we embark on this new life chapter, I hope that we can share some love in the world, especially during this challenging time.”

When it came time to exchange their vows, the couple had these words to say:

“Chandler, when I went to write my vows I found I couldn’t stop writing them,” Bindi said in the first half of her vows. “I started by sharing all the ways you make my life beautiful and wrote close to a thousand words. Then I moved on to write about what an extraordinary person you are and I needed a new pen. Finally, I wanted to share all of my hopes for the future and I ran out of notebook paper. I thought about how there is no way to describe genuine, unconditional love. A love like this is meant to be felt, in every part of our soul.”

“Beautiful Bindi Sue– Almost seven years ago when we met here at the Zoo, I had no idea the adventure that would be waiting for us,” Chandler said in his vows. “Who knew the stars that had to align for a guy from Steffner, Florida, and a girl from Beerwah, Queensland to be destined for each other to meet. You became my friend, my best friend, and now I get to call you my wife.”

Congrats to the newlyweds! To watch Bindi and Chandler say “I do” watch Crikey! It’s the Irwins: Bindi’s Wedding on Animal Planet GO.