Tabla de contenidos para Weddings 2016 en Drum English

COUPLE Bubu Mazibuko and Langa Masina VENUE Fun Valley Pleasure Resort, Johannesburg BUDGET Not available GUESTS Not known Actress Bubu Mazibuko kept her wedding a private affair, having her traditional and white ceremonies on the same day, but was clearly happy to promise her love and commitment to Langa Masina. The couple, now based in Los Angeles, had traditional “green” and “red” celebrations – and a private white wedding ceremony at the Old Apostolic Church in Comptonville, south of Johannesburg. It was attended by family and celebrities including Sophie Ndaba, Manaka Ranaka,Thandy Matlaila, Zikhona Sodlaka, Zizo Tshwete and her husband Mayihlome, as well as Zwai and Melanie Bala. The beautiful bride arrived at the church with her two bridesmaids. After the ceremony, the newlyweds left in a luxurious Bentley to…

COUPLE Hlubi Mboya and Kirsten Arnold VENUE Hlubi’s parents’ home in Pretoria BUDGET Not available GUESTS 250 It was a fabulous fusion fest – a traditional Xhosa wedding with a Scottish spin as the bride and groom made every effort to honour each other’s heritage on their special day. “I love this guy. He’s my best friend,” actress Hlubi (38) gushes about Kirsten (37), a financial consultant. The couple have been together for just over 15 years and Kirsten’s best man, Dirk Fourie, loves telling the story of how the groom had been smitten with theTV star since seeing her on the soapie Isidingo. “Every time she was on, Kirsten would ask me to lower my volume and up her volume!” Dirk says. Hlubi says she and Kirsten, who enjoyed…

COUPLE Sanana Mubebo and Lerato Mogale VENUE Oakfield Farm, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg BUDGET R150 000 GUESTS 120 When Sanana (29) and Lerato (31) saw the chapel at the Oakfield Farm venue in Muldersdrift, they knew immediately this was the spot for their wedding. “It had a lot of natural light and the garden was lush and beautiful.We fell in love with it,” says the bride, who originally hails from Zambia. And the day was indeed perfect for the Cape Town couple who met on a church retreat in 2011. “Standing in front of the altar, nervously waiting for her and then seeing her enter with her mother, was one of the most memorable parts of the day for me,” says Lerato, who is from Soweto. They chose the wedding date of…

COUPLE Tumi Mabogoane and Sizwe Magagula VENUE Casablanca Manor, Donkerhoek, Pretoria BUDGET Not available GUESTS 300+ Sizwe Magagula and Tumi Mabogoane (both 33) met when they were kids at Sunday school at the Alliance Church in Ackerville in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, where they grew up. They started dating years later and got engaged in March 2014. The couple, who now live in Cape Town, wanted their wedding to be a simple summer’s day filled with love and laughter and they credit their parents, Jeremiah and Molly Magagula and Emily Mabogoane, for ensuring it was just perfect. They helped with everything, says Sizwe, an internal broker, even choosing the Casablanca Manor outside Pretoria as a venue after looking at various options. “We wanted a venue that was large enough for all our…

COUPLE Louise Kazi and George Akande VENUE MolenVliet Oosthuizen Family Vineyards, Stellenbosch BUDGET $100 000 (about R1,5 million at current exchange rate) GUESTS 80 Seven years after they met as international students at a Malaysian university, George (30) and Louise (29) Akande married on the picturesque Stellenbosch wine farm, MolenVliet. The couple, who now live in Dubai, exchanged vows during an outside ceremony, and Louise, a sales manager originally from Tanzania, says seeing how emotional her groom got during his vows was her favourite part of the day. “Louise, I never knew the true meaning of love until I fell in love with you. Loving you has been the greatest journey I’ve ever travelled in my life,” George, a businessman originally from Nigeria, said in his vows. Seeing Louise walking…

COUPLE Liapeng Matsau and Greg Schnuer VENUE Family home, Muldersdrift, Gauteng BUDGET Not available GUESTS 400 Pretoria-based couple Gregor Schnuer (31) from Luxembourg and Liapeng Matsau (34) from Lesotho actually met in Scotland in 2008 while both were studying for their doctorates. And when they decided to get married they went all out. They completed lobola negotiations in Pretoria and had a civil ceremony and a wedding reception in a former cloister turned boutique hotel in Luxembourg in 2014. The celebrations later culminated in a traditional wedding in South Africa at Li’s aunt and uncle’s home in Muldersdrift. They were also celebrating Li’s pregnancy with their first child. “We wanted to show all our guests how we love each other respectfully and this love also included our friends and family,…

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NTHABISENG MAKHOKHA BEAUTY EXPERT Beauty editor Nthabiseng Makhokha lets DRUM, YOU and Huisgenoot readers in on the beauty secrets of the moment. She has a qualification in journalism and advertising from Boston House Media and has perfected her craft in the five years she’s been in magazines. “Brides have become more daring and adventurous,” she reveals. Nthabiseng.Makhokha@media24.com GERT-JOHAN COETZEE DRESS DESIGNER One of South Africa’s most successful designers, Gert-Johan Coetzee is passionate about spreading the gospel of glamour. His creations are of the most talked-about gowns worn at the biggest events on SA’s social calendar, and on the international red carpet his designs are worn by A-listers including Kelly Rowland. He also produces two ready-to-wear ranges. info@gertjohancoetzee.com NONCEDO SIWISA CATERER Noncedo Siwisa is a passionate cook who studied BCom (Economics…

COUPLE Takalani Rathando and Takie Ndou VENUE Lighthouse Christian Church, Nzhelele, Limpopo BUDGET Not available GUESTS 1300 She cried when he professed his love to her in front of friends, family and church elders, says Midrand-based gospel musician Takie Ndou (33) as he recalls proposing to Takalani Rathando (26), an internal auditor. “It was in church where we have fellowship together.” And the wedding day in Limpopo was filled with special memories. “Her walk down the aisle was breathtaking,” he says. And his bride surprised him with Venda vows. “I was not expecting that as she usually speaks English, it was very special.” The bride loved their reception dance. “The night before the wedding I found the perfect song to dance to by Venda rapper Mizo Phyll. It goes, “Namusi…

COUPLE Wanda Zondi and Nhlakanipho Mhlongo VENUE Eden Lassie, Pietermaritzburg BUDGET Not available GUESTS150 A few things went wrong at Wanda (28) and Nhlakanipho Mhlongo’s (34) wedding at Eden Lassie in Pietermaritzburg:The DJ was late and a groomsman had to go fetch him, which made the groom late to fetch the bride (traditionally the groom fetches the bride even though they drive to the venue in separate cars). Then the cake was two hours late and it started raining straight after the ceremony. But none of this mattered to Nhlakanipho, a property consultant, when his bride Wanda, a chartered accountant, walked down the aisle to Jennifer Hudson’s “Giving Myself Over to You” on the arm of her uncle, Makhosonke Zondi. “I thank God that this day we waited for so…

COUPLE Mmanake Rathete and Tshepo Mokitimi VENUE St Martin’s-in-the-veld Anglican Church, Rosebank (ceremony) and Inanda Polo Room, Sandton (reception) BUDGET About R850 000 GUESTS 450 Mmanake, a civil engineer, and Tshepo Mokitimi, a physiotherapist, live in Centurion in Pretoria, and met as students at the University of Cape Town. They were friends for three years before they began dating in 2012. Just six months later in 2013 he proposed on her birthday at the Miami Seaquarium in Florida, USA. Mmanake (29) always dreamt of a wedding in a glass marquee next to a river, with the day ending with fireworks, but she had to reconsider when they couldn’t find a suitable venue. In the end they went with a theme of polo, Tshepo’s (31) favourite sport, and the Inanda Polo…

COUPLE Zama Memela and Mthandeni Nzama VENUE Newlands East Community Hall, Durban BUDGET R110 000 GUESTS 140 Mthandeni (32) and Zama Nzama (28) started dating in high school and on their wedding day the Durban couple wrote their own vows, saying, “I promise to take care of you and love you. Nothing has changed since we were in high school and nothing ever will change.” Mthandeni’s day was made when he saw his wife-to-be walk down the aisle towards him. “She looked gorgeous – that was my highlight,” he says. For the bride the kiss after “I do” stood out: “It was like we were kissing for the first time!” she says. They wanted to make it easy for friends and family to share their special day with them, and…

COUPLE Akhona Ntsodo and Andile Mlindi VENUE Val de Vie Estate, Franschhoek BUDGET R360 000 for both weddings GUESTS 120 Fifteen years after their chance meeting in a taxi, Andile (36) and Akhona (34) Mlindi from Centurion got married atVal deVie, an elegant polo club in the Franschhoek valley. “We sat next to each other in the taxi and he told me I had the most beautiful hands,” Akhona, an events coordinator, says. “I blushed and we started chatting.” The rest is history. “Our life together has been filled with love, joy and happiness. I have always wanted him to be my husband.” Their wedding had a polo theme to reflect the bride’s love of horses and guests were even treated to a surprise polo match. “We started the match…

COUPLE Zanele Ngcobo and Nhlanhla Sithole VENUES Thandana Wedding Venue and groom’s family home, Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal BUDGET R300 000 (traditional and white wedding) GUESTS 250 Zanele Sithole was so happy but couldn’t really believe it when businessman Nhlanhla (33) asked her to marry him in 2012, after dating since 2008. “I was very excited, but I only started believing it when he sent his uncles to my family home for lobola negotiations,” says Zanele (35), a supply-chain practitioner. The couple, who have known each other since they were teenagers, tied the knot in a weekend celebration with both a white and traditional wedding. The white wedding was held at Thandana Wedding Venue in Ladysmith, where the couple lives, and the following day they celebrated their traditional wedding at the groom’s…

Expert tip Have a cake tasting in advance to explore fillings, flavours and textures. LP THERE are few things as synonymous with weddings as cake. Those majestic tiers with intricate detail, rich sponge in decadent flavours and creamy fillings – it makes one happy just thinking about it. The opportunity to have your perfect cake comes only once in a lifetime so it’s important to know how to get exactly what you want. Ideally cakes should be ordered about a year in advance and no later than three months before your wedding. Begin your search for the perfect cake and baker by asking for recommendations from friends and family with similar taste to yours. Or go through the portfolios of bakers spotted in wedding magazines, like this one, or online,…

COUPLE Tumi Sisulu and Peter Shivute VENUE Summer Place, Hyde Park, Johannesburg BUDGET Not available GUESTS 350 When Tumi Sisulu, acting CEO of the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Foundation, married Peter Shivute, consultant and entrepreneur, they wanted a celebration of the union between their families. “The negotiations and lobolo all culminated in the perfect wedding with family and friends,” Peter says. And when he saw his bride walk down the aisle he was blown away. “It was the most magical part of the wedding.” SadlyTumi’s father, Mlungisi Sisulu, passed away shortly before the wedding. But he had already given his blessing – even signing as witness on behalf of the groom to show his acceptance of his son-in-law. “Having my brother, Linda, walk me down the aisle was very memorable…

COUPLE Stephanie Olyn and Lwazi Mvovo VENUE Netherwood Farm, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands BUDGET Not available GUESTS 180 Eight years after Lwazi Mvovo (30) met Stephanie Olyn (28) and fell in love instantly, the Springbok rugby star married the love of his life and mother of their daughters Esihle (4) and Lwando (1). The couple celebrated their union on a misty morning in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The theme business studies student Stephanie chose for the day was 1950s-inspired Hollywood glamour, and it was indeed an elegant affair with a mix of antiques and more modern pieces. When Lwazi saw his stunning bride enter the venue chapel he had a broad smile on his face. And the bride says, “I can’t imagine a happily ever after without him and our two girls. I…

COUPLE Onthatile Kgadiete and Sikhumbuzo Sibanda VENUE L’Aquila Country Estate, Pretoria BUDGET Not available GUESTS150 When Sikhumbuzo Sibanda (30), a software engineer from Zimbabwe, saw his bride, Onthatile Kgadiete, walk down the aisle on their wedding day he was blown away. “I had to swallow the lump in my throat really hard to prevent myself from crying. It was beautiful – I doubt I will ever get to experience a moment like that in my life again.” The couple now lives in CapeTown but got married in Pretoria, the home town of Thati (28), a senior retail buyer. They finalised their union with rings they selected carefully – hers a rose-gold band with a champagne diamond surrounded by a double halo and diamonds and his a Tungsten ring. “Khumbu chose…

COUPLE Sinovuyo Msizi and Nkosekhaya Mfini VENUE Groom’s home in Nkantsweni, Bizana, Eastern Cape BUDGET R360 000 GUESTS 600 Nkosekhaya Mfini (29) and Sinovuyo Msizi (30) went to the same Eastern Cape high school but only really noticed each other on a Boy Scouts and Girl Guides tour to the Wild Coast in 2000. “She was very shy and for the three-day tour I was too scared to approach her,” Khaya says. But he eventually asked her out the next year and 15 years later the Midrand-based couple celebrated their wedding. It was a combination of African tradition with some Western touches, and took place at his family home in the Eastern Cape. “Not everyone marries their first love,” says Sino. “That made our wedding extra special.” Khaya’s twin brother,…

COUPLE Keitumetse “Tumi” Masisi and Lukholo “Moe” Mlisana VENUE The Glades Farm, Balgowan, KwaZulu-Natal BUDGET R150 000 GUESTS 140 Tumi and Moe Mlisana met in 2004 during Orientation Week at the University of Cape Town. Four months later they were an item. Over the next 10 years they had their ups and downs, and their “fair share of break-ups”. But when they were 1200 km apart – she in Joburg and he in Cape Town – Moe (30) realised Tumi (30) was the woman for him and pursued her again. Traditional Setswana marriage negotiations were done about a year later and the couple, who now live in Joburg, celebrated their relaxed white wedding in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. “We love each other. Dearly. And we love everyone we invited.We wanted…

R10 000 AND UNDER These lovely dresses offer a variety of styles and colours and are all priced at R10 000 and under Expert tip Use gold and white as it gives a royal twist. GJC Expert tip Boho chic is always on trend. GJC UNDER R15 000 Whether you like an A-line skirt, sheer elements or lace details, these dresses are all under R15 000 Expert tip Voluminous sleeves are big right now. GJC Expert tip A slit works well for your second wedding gown. GJC UNDER R20 000 The dress is usually one of the most important details for any bride – this wide variety of gowns are all under R20 000 Expert tip Choose textured fabric as it photographs well. GJC Expert tip Pick ivory over crisp…

BOLD patterns. Striking cuts. Eye-catching accessories that pay tribute to your cultural traditions. If ever an occasion lent itself to amazing self-expression it is this day: your traditional wedding ceremony. So let loose, and encourage your groom to do the same! What trends in traditional bridalwear do you need to know about? We asked Matome Seshoka of Antherline Couture Studio and this is what he had to say: “Mesh material is a must-do when creating your gown, and lace on Shweshwe is also big. “Capes are very fashionable, too. Every bride needs a cape – they are the new veils, whether they are structured or flared. “Peplum designs are also fashionable as are accessories which make a statement and reflect one’s heritage,” Matome says. Expert tip Bold prints and a…