Latvian MP Maija Armaņeva marries her aide in May Day wedding at Ranka Manor

Key facts

• Maija Armaņeva (Latvija pirmajā vietā) married Māris Mežals on 1 May.
• Mežals is an entrepreneur and serves as Armaņeva's aide in the Saeima.
• The wedding took place at Ranka Manor.
• Armaņeva designed her own wedding dress and did her own makeup.
• Mežals proposed in late 2024 during a trip to Spain.
• Armaņeva became an MP after party leader Ainārs Šlesers was elected to Riga City Council.

A May Day wedding with a personal touch

Saeima deputy Maija Armaņeva, representing the Latvija pirmajā vietā (Latvia First) party, has married entrepreneur Māris Mežals in a ceremony held on 1 May at Ranka Manor. The politician announced the news on social media, sharing photographs from the event. “From now on, we will celebrate 1 May in honour of us!” Armaņeva wrote on Facebook. She thanked her family and relatives for celebrating the day together, adding that they also photographed and filmed the occasion. “Our photos and video are from real life – everything as I wanted!” she said. Armaņeva took a hands-on approach to her bridal look, designing her own wedding dress and applying her own makeup.

A proposal in Spain and a partnership of growth

Mežals proposed to Armaņeva in romantic circumstances in late 2024 during a holiday in Spain. Armaņeva said she had no inkling of his intention. “I have learned a lot from Māris, and he from me, because we constantly help each other become wiser, stronger, and not shy away from improving ourselves,” Armaņeva wrote about her partner last year. “Despite having a similar, if not identical, view of life, we also have heated debates with each other, but that gives us the opportunity to listen, convince, understand, and compromise.”

From party aide to Saeima deputy

Armaņeva entered the Saeima after party leader Ainārs Šlesers was elected to the Riga City Council, vacating his parliamentary seat. She now represents the Latvia First party in the national legislature. Her husband, Mežals, is not only an entrepreneur but also serves as her aide in the Saeima, a role that places him at the centre of her political work. The couple’s professional and personal lives are closely intertwined.

A celebration at Ranka Manor

The wedding festivities were held at Ranka Manor, a venue that provided the backdrop for the couple’s intimate celebration. Armaņeva’s social media posts highlighted the presence of family and relatives, who also acted as photographers and videographers for the event. The choice of 1 May, a date traditionally associated with Labour Day in Latvia, now carries personal significance for the newlyweds. Armaņeva’s declaration that the day will henceforth be “in honour of us” underscores the couple’s desire to redefine the date on their own terms.

A union of shared values and public roles

The marriage brings together two individuals who are both deeply involved in Latvia’s political and business spheres. Mežals’ role as Armaņeva’s aide means the couple works side by side in the Saeima, a dynamic that Armaņeva has described as one of mutual learning and growth. Their relationship, marked by “heated debates” and a shared outlook on life, reflects a partnership built on intellectual and emotional alignment. The wedding, announced publicly with personal photographs and a message of gratitude, offers a rare glimpse into the private life of a sitting MP.

Looking ahead: a new chapter for the MP and her husband

As Armaņeva continues her work in the Saeima, her marriage to Mežals adds a new dimension to her public persona. The couple’s decision to share their wedding details on social media suggests a willingness to blend their personal and political identities. With the wedding now behind them, the focus will likely return to Armaņeva’s parliamentary duties and the couple’s joint professional endeavours. Their partnership, both at home and in the legislature, may serve as a model for how personal and political lives can intersect in Latvia’s political landscape.

The bottom line

• Maija Armaņeva, a Saeima deputy from the Latvia First party, married entrepreneur and aide Māris Mežals on 1 May at Ranka Manor.
• Armaņeva designed her own wedding dress and did her own makeup, emphasizing a personal touch.
• Mežals proposed in late 2024 during a trip to Spain, with Armaņeva unaware of his plan.
• Armaņeva entered parliament after party leader Ainārs Šlesers vacated his seat for Riga City Council.
• The couple’s professional and personal lives are closely linked, with Mežals serving as Armaņeva’s aide in the Saeima.
• The wedding was announced on social media, with Armaņeva expressing gratitude to family and friends for their involvement.