BALTIMORE (November 28, 2012)—An appeals court in Maryland appeals court has ruled that Noel Tshiani is married even though he skipped the ceremony in the Democratic Republic of Congo and said his wedding vows over the phone.

The Maryland court noted Tshiani answered questions and the families exchanged money, clothes and a goat.

The court ruled while the ceremony was unusual it was valid.

Tshiani was ordered to pay his ex alimony and child support.