Summer Bay’s own Jackson Heywood, former star of Home and Away, has tied the knot with model and Miss Universe Australia finalist Anneliese Zanchetta, 25, in a ceremony that has ignited

both celebration and controversy online. The 37-year-old actor shared glimpses of their wedding day on social media this week, showcasing a day of elegance, romance, and joyful union —

yet reactions from fans and onlookers have been far from uniform. Jackson, known to audiences as the charismatic Bloom from the beloved Australian soap, exchanged vows with Anneliese,

his partner of several years. The couple officially made their relationship public in July 2022, when Jackson, then 32, shared a striking black-and-white image of himself and his 21-year-old girlfriend sitting closely together at a restaurant. That announcement was met with admiration at the time, yet the age difference between the couple has continued to attract scrutiny, with their recent wedding drawing renewed attention.

For their nuptials, Anneliese chose a timeless white sleeveless gown, complemented by a long flowing veil, embracing classic bridal elegance. Jackson looked dashing in a traditional dark tuxedo, beaming as he held his new wife close during a ceremony captured in a series of romantic wedding photos shared to Instagram. The couple’s celebration drew congratulations from numerous celebrity friends, including Home and Away’s Sophie Dillman, who described the pair as a “heavenly couple,” and actress Heidi May, who gushed, “We LOVE.” Fellow Aussie actor Nicholas Burton also chimed in, writing simply, “The best.”

However, the joyous occasion was met with a significant wave of backlash on social media, primarily focused on the 12-year age gap between the couple. Critics, often referred to as “keyboard warriors,” took to Facebook and other platforms to question the appropriateness of the relationship. One user posted a black-and-white image of the wedding, noting Heywood’s soap star past and Anneliese’s pageant career, and commented, “I’ve worked out that she is around 25 or 26 and he is 37. Usually I stay out of what’s not my business, but I can’t help finding it distasteful… watching all these celebs congratulate them is kinda gross.”

Another commentator weighed in with a more measured perspective, questioning the timeline of their relationship: “Depends when they got together, tbh. If they met recently, they’re two consenting adults.” Meanwhile, a third female user echoed concern over the age gap, writing: “I couldn’t imagine being 37 and wanting to be with someone in their mid-20s, no matter how ‘mature’ they are. I’m always going to look at a dude doing this funny because of how dudes are.”

Despite the criticism, many rallied to defend the couple, emphasizing the importance of consent and mutual respect in adult relationships. One user wrote, “Age gaps can always be turned around to make it ‘creepy.’ If they’re both consenting adults, I don’t see the issue.” Another added, “They’re both consenting adults… definitely overreacting lol,” while a third humorously remarked, “Can we not make a problem where there isn’t one? He wasn’t with her when she was in primary school.” One woman shared her personal perspective, writing, “Lmfao. My husband is 54 and I’m 37… mind ya business.” These reactions underscored the divide among social media users over how age differences in relationships should be perceived and judged publicly.

The wedding itself, however, was a celebration steeped in love and elegance, with Anneliese and Jackson sharing tender moments captured in a series of photographs posted online. In the images, Jackson is seen gazing lovingly at his bride, while Anneliese radiates happiness in her flowing white gown. The couple appeared relaxed and elated, surrounded by friends and family who shared in the intimate, romantic atmosphere of the day.

The union is a significant milestone in Jackson’s life, who has navigated both personal and professional highs and lows throughout his career. Before Anneliese, he was in a long-term relationship with Zelda Williams, daughter of the late actor Robin Williams, which drew its own share of public interest. Since publicly committing to Anneliese, Jackson’s relationship has become a focal point for fans, blending the worlds of Australian television and the glamorous realm of beauty pageantry.

Fans and followers have continued to debate the couple’s age difference, which, while legally and ethically uncontroversial, has sparked a broader conversation online about societal expectations, celebrity influence, and the scrutiny faced by public figures. Social media users have dissected the couple’s Instagram posts, celebrity congratulations, and past history, highlighting how modern relationships involving public personalities can often invite intense commentary, whether warranted or not.

For Jackson and Anneliese, the criticism has not overshadowed the celebration of their love. The couple’s choice to share carefully curated moments from their wedding day reflects both their joy and resilience in the face of public scrutiny. Each photograph — from the elegant aisle walk to the intimate glances during their vows — tells a story of affection, partnership, and mutual respect. Despite the noise online, the couple appears determined to embrace this next chapter of life together, focusing on their shared happiness rather than the commentary.

The ceremony itself blended traditional elegance with personal touches, emphasizing the couple’s personalities and shared journey. Friends and family were in attendance, including notable figures from the Australian entertainment and pageant worlds, highlighting the couple’s close connections within their respective industries. The overall tone of the wedding was one of warmth and celebration, underscoring the joy of uniting two individuals deeply committed to one another.

Jackson and Anneliese’s relationship also offers insight into the intersection of celebrity culture and personal milestones. In the age of social media, where private celebrations are instantly visible to thousands — if not millions — of onlookers, every photo, post, or comment can be amplified, criticized, or celebrated. This dynamic is particularly pronounced for Jackson, whose long-standing recognition as a Home and Away actor ensures that his personal life will continue to attract attention.

Ultimately, the couple’s wedding serves as both a personal triumph and a reflection of contemporary celebrity culture. Their decision to publicly share their joy, despite online criticism, underscores the resilience and confidence required to navigate the modern spotlight. While debate over their age difference may continue, Jackson and Anneliese appear united in their commitment, embracing a shared future that celebrates love, partnership, and mutual respect.

As the couple embarks on their married life, fans and observers alike will watch with interest to see how Jackson and Anneliese balance public scrutiny with private happiness. The wedding may have sparked online debate, but it has also highlighted the couple’s devotion to one another and the enduring power of love, regardless of age.

For now, Jackson Heywood and Anneliese Zanchetta have firmly announced their union to the world, stepping into the next chapter of their lives together — a chapter marked by elegance, celebrity admiration, and, inevitably, ongoing public conversation. Their story, like so many in the entertainment world, illustrates the complexities of love under the public eye, while affirming that, ultimately, happiness and personal choice remain at the heart of every marriage.