Will the free-trade marriage prosper or be annulled?

No blushing bride, Vaile declared this marriage the commercial equivalent of the ANZUS Treaty. This was a bold "I do", especially given the complexity of a 1100-page FTA versus a 800-odd-word security agreement. But this ceremony did not invite any objections. Critics are bound to forever hold their peace.

On this hot, humid spring day, a thunderstorm built outside, threatening the final procession. Was this more symbolism? Could the bride's love be divided? No-one was talking about him - that other man. Though not invited to the ceremony, Labor leader Mark Latham will ultimately decide if the ring slips on to the finger, thanks to Labor's numbers in the Senate.

For now, the conservative newlyweds will enjoy their honeymoon. For Vaile and Zoellick, the FTA came after a heady courtship. Australia danced and hoped the US would not stand on its toes. Hard work and compromise goes into any relationship.

Both are evident in this marriage. The bride hoped for sugar-coated almonds and ended up with peanuts. The groom wanted to dissolve the agricultural monopolies but had no luck.

Now that the ink is on the certificate, getting parliamentary and congressional approval remains. This deal will never enjoy the spectacular popularity of the newest Danish princess. The happy Australia-US relationship might still end in divorce.