Family and friends rocked up to Toongi Hall on Saturday, October 4, expecting to celebrate a joint milestone birthday with two loved ones who had both recently turned 60 – only to find it was actually their wedding.

Dr Benn Bryant, a veterinarian with Taronga Western Plains Zoo, and Dr Jodie Benton, the Dubbo-based director of and principal consulting archaeologist with Oz-Ark Environment and Heritage surprised everyone by taking the plunge and getting married.

Dubbo Photo News learned of this when Benn’s proud dad, John Bryant, contacted us.

“Benn and Jodie have been together for 30-plus years, and they both recently turned 60,” he explained.

“They hired the Toongi Hall and invited over 100 friends and rellies to their joint ‘120th birthday party’. There wasn’t a whiff of a wedding – it was a total secret!” he added.

“When we arrived, they had everything set up for a huge birthday celebration – outdoor stage, live band, fire pits, bar, bush lighting, even special printed stubby holders, and full catering,” he explained.

“We all thought, ‘this is a pretty awesome party, but why not, they’ve both worked darned hard and done a great job with their two girls. Plus, they are totally devoted to each other,’” Mr Bryant added.

The surprise was revealed around 5pm, just as the sun was setting, when the band stopped playing and the true nature of the event was revealed to the highly excited audience.

“We looked around and two beautiful young ladies, Charlotte and Georgia Benton-Bryant, Benn and Jodie’s adult daughters, emerged from the hall, and walked in single file towards the outdoor stage,” he said.

“Following behind were Benn and Jodie, arm in arm, looking a million dollars. Then someone yelled, ‘It’s a wedding!’ and the place erupted!”

Celebrant Sue Curley emerged and proceeded to marry the couple in a ceremony that included their own specially-written vows, announcing them as “married partners”, Mr Bryant added.

“The party then continued, with all thoughts of ‘birthdays’ forgotten.”

Guests enjoyed delicious food by Smoking Brothers Catering, music by Sim Jullivan band (local high school kids, we understand) and Mick Davis, and entertained by DJ Rob Zee, and were dancing until the "wee hours".

Mr Bryant expressed his joy at the nuptials.

“My wife Annette and I love Jodie and are very proud to have her as our formal ‘partner-in-law’. We have considered her a vital part of our family for three decades,” he said.

“Benn and Jodie weren’t going to publicise their union, but I reckon their many Dubbo friends, acquaintances and business contacts will rejoice with these wonderful folk.”