Short courtship to wedded bliss

Sue Robinson says time is inconsequential when it comes to true love.

Blainey Woodham

JANE Austen may have cautioned generations of women against hasty marriages, but research has found a quick trip down the aisle does lead to happily ever after.

A new study performed at Stamford University has found that 18 months from a couple’s first date is the ideal period to wait before getting married. Waiting more than three years can spell real trouble.

With Austen’s Pride and Prejudice delivering a cautionary tale through Lydia Bennet, and numerous celebrities taking a trip from the chapel to the divorce court, short-term engagements have been tinged with negativity over the years.

However, according to Tweed marriage celebrant Sue Robinson, time is inconsequential when it comes to true love.

“It comes down to the couple and their circumstances,” Mrs Robinson said.

“Marriage is a wonderful thing to do and respect is an important part of marriage.”

Mrs Robinson said quick engagements and happy marriages ran in her family.

“My parents were engaged within six months of meeting each other. They have six children and have been happily married for 55 years,” Mrs Robinson said.

“When my son met his wife, within two weeks they knew they wanted to get married. They are still happily married with two little girls.”

Mrs Robinson’s daughter- in-law Angelique Robinson said you just “knew” when it was right.

“We moved in together on the first date and were engaged within three months of meeting each other,” Angelique said.

“It’s the people in the marriage who make it work, when you know, you know, and I didn’t believe that until it happened to me.”

The Stamford University study shows couples should avoid marriage procrastination and in the words of Beyonce “just put a ring on it”.

QUICKIES

Hasty celebrity marriages:

Kloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom.

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony.

Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz.

Scarlet Johansson and Ryan Reynolds.