Tim Chaisson weds Jen Allen in Australian sunrise ceremony

P.E.I.'s Tim Chaisson and Jen Allen did it their way, exchanging vows on an Australian hilltop as the sun rose on the first day of 2016.

Chaisson, an award-winning Island musician, was taking part in the Woodford Folk Festival, which includes a popular sunrise ceremony every Jan. 1.

"Anyone who wants to trek up to the hilltop will hear Tibetan monks chanting peacefully as the sun rises," Chaisson told CBC News via email.

"Everyone finds a spot on the hill to enjoy it some meditate, some do yoga, others may have a little rest but the energy up there as everyone anticipates the first sunrise of the year is pretty magical. And what better way to start a brand new year?"

Chaisson said he and his fiancee made the trek last year and were stunned by its "magical" beauty.

"I couldn't have imagined doing it any other way!" he said.

Allen, who was born in Bermuda, has been teaching yoga at stops along the way while the band tours. She is also an artist, with a business called free jane.

"The most spectacular day, surrounded by the most incredible people, in such a beautiful place, marrying a man so amazing I couldn't dream up if Itried. Feeling exceptionally grateful!" the bride wrote on her Facebook page.

"We are so extremely thrilled to be husband and wife!"

The couple had what Chaisson called a "quaint reception in the afternoon" after everyone got some rest.

And Chaisson's not just a celebrity in Canada: The Brisbane Times newspaper covered the wedding with a photo and short write-up.

Despite being half a world away, Tim'scousin Koady Chaisson attended along with Tim and Jake Charron, they make up the trio The East Pointers. The groom's best friend and cousin Andrew Chaisson, who's living in Australia, was by his side.

The couple plans to host another celebration this summer with their family at home, Chaisson added.

The East Pointers are touring Australiathroughout January, promoting their debut album Secret Victory, before heading to the UK and the United States in February, then returning to Australia in March.

"Then, a proper honeymoon!" Chaisson said.

Chaisson is a member of P.E.I.'s famed fiddling Chaisson family from Bear River.

He was nominated for roots artist of the year at the 2015 Canadian Country Music Awards, and won an East Coast Music Award for best roots/traditional solo recording of the year for his album The Other Side in 2013. He's also taken home more than a dozen PEI Music Awards.

The couple lives in Charlottetown.