Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell are Parents, and Their Daughter's Name Honors Late Steve Irwin
March 25 is a day of celebration for Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell. In 2020, the couple married in an intimate minimony amid COVID-19. Exactly one year later, they welcomed their first child: a daughter, named after Irwin's late father, wildlife conservationist and "Crocodile Hunter'' Steve Irwin. "March 25, 2021. Celebrating the two loves of my life," Irwin wrote on Instagram. "Happy first wedding anniversary to my sweetheart husband and day of birth to our beautiful daughter."
Irwin went on to share her name and its significance to their families. "Grace Warrior Irwin Powell. Our graceful warrior is the most beautiful light. Grace is named after my great-grandmother, and relatives in Chandler's family dating back to the 1700s. Her middle names, Warrior Irwin, are a tribute to my dad and his legacy as the most incredible Wildlife Warrior. Her last name is Powell and she already has such a kind soul just like her dad. There are no words to describe the infinite amount of love in our hearts for our sweet baby girl. She chose the perfect day to be born and we feel tremendously blessed."
One year earlier, Irwin and Powell exchanged vows at the Australia Zoo—just themselves, no guests.
"We held a small ceremony and I married my best friend," Irwin, 21, revealed alongside the first snapshot from her nuptials. "There are no words to describe the amount of love and light in my heart right now. We've planned this beautiful day for nearly a year and had to change everything, as we didn't have guests at our wedding."
In the photo, the newlyweds exchange a kiss before a floral installation. Irwin explained how she and Powell did what they could to exercise social distancing, especially in order to keep their loved ones protected as most remain at home.
"This was a very difficult decision but important to keep everyone safe," Irwin explained. "We wish all of our friends and family could have been there with us, however it's lovely that we will be able to share photos and videos. Right now we're encouraging the world to hold onto hope and love, which will carry us forward during this profound time in history."
A select pool of family members were present for the occasion: Terri Irwin got ready with the bride, while the brother-of-the-bride, Robert Irwin, walked her down the aisle in place of the late Steve Irwin. "This is a day that we will never forget," Robert wrote in an Instagram tribute. "Bindi and Chandler, words cannot describe how happy and proud I am that today you started your married life and celebrated love during a difficult time for our world. And I was beyond honoured to get to walk Bindi down the aisle today. Even though all of your wedding plans had to change at the last minute to keep everyone safe and healthy, it truly was an emotional and beautifully spontaneous day... I know that Dad was with us, and we are all so delighted for your future as husband and wife. I love you both."
A candle was lit to honor the late "Crocodile Hunter," who passed away from a stingray attack in 2006. (Bindi was just 8 years old at the time of her father's tragic death, but has since grown into her calling as a conservationist and an environmentalist. Such has been the common thread within the Irwin family.) "Today we celebrated life and revelled in every beautiful moment we shared together in our Australia Zoo gardens," Bindi concluded in her wedding day message. "Mum helped me get ready, Robert walked me down the aisle, Chandler became my husband and together we lit a candle in Dad's memory. We shared tears and smiles and love. Thankfully, since we all live at Australia Zoo as a family, we could be there for each other. To everyone reading this - stay safe, social distance and remember LOVE WINS!"
Prior to the nuptials, Terri revealed the couple's plans to honor the beloved, late father of the bride. "You know, I guess in some ways it's not necessary because Steve will be there anyway," his widow told the Courier Mail. "I believe the people we love always are. You know, if you are missing someone, I think it's helpful to know that scientifically you can't actually create or extinguish life, you can only change its form."
Irwin's gown was from Kleinfeld Bridal Salon, which she picked up during a trip to New York City. "I left my dress until the last minute but I'm really excited about it," Irwin previously said on Good Morning America. "It's really special. I love it so much because it kind of mimics my mom's beautiful dress so I found something that paid tribute to her beautiful wedding dress and I'm thrilled."
The pair got engaged at the very same spot in 2019. "It's where we met, it's where we got engaged, it only makes sense to have it at the Australia Zoo," Powell added in the same interview with GMA. They had always planned to have "lots and lots" of animals around.
"We may be setting some new trends for weddings from here on out," Irwin previously teased. Powell and Irwin had dated for six years before he popped the question.