“It’s difficult to explain,” Nqobile reflects on her coming together with Bheki, “it’s as if the universe shifted everything to ensure we would meet…I knew that I would never want to be with anyone but him.”
The path towards each other began when the boyfriend of a best friend decided to set Nqobile on a blind date. In Nqobile’s words, that blind date turned out to be “the first and worst blind date” she had ever been on. Feeling terrible about the negative experience, that same acquaintance decided to try setting her up on another blind date.
When Bheki first entered the room as the second blind date, Nqobile recalls praying; “God, please let that be my blind date,” somehow knowing deep down that she was about to meet her future husband. As it turned out, for Nqobile the second time was the charm, with her connection to Bheki feeling entirely natural. Within each other, they had both discovered a best friend, soulmate, and the love of their life.
Nqobile and Bheki remained engaged for five years, honoring during that time Zulu tradition with ceremonies such as the Lobola; the bringing together of both families to honor the gift that is the bride, the Umembeso; the giving of gifts to the bride’s family, and the Umabo; the traditional Zulu wedding ceremony.
For their western wedding, Nqobile and Behki were married in a gorgeous garden ceremony at a vineyard in the heart of wine country in Cape Town, South Africa. Nqobile was stunning in a strapless Pronovias Princess dress with a striking layered tulle skirt, sweetheart neckline, lovely train, and completed with a traditional veil. Bheki awaited his bride-to-be at the altar in a handsome classic ivory Tom Ford tux where they were joined, happily ever after, as husband and wife.
Read more about their luxurious wedding below, and see all of their gorgeous wedding photos featured in the 2019 Fall/Winter Issue of MunaLuchi Bride Magazine.
- Bride & Groom: Nqobile & Bheki
- Wedding Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Wedding Date: September 22, 2018
Best Wedding Memory
Coming down the aisle and being walked by my mother, having my two little boys run up to meet me halfway and looking up to the altar and seeing my dreams become a reality…the sense of family and the love that I felt will forever be unmeasurable.
Wedding Style
I had two wedding dresses. The ceremony dress was a strapless princess dress with an enormous skirt of layered tulle, sculpted in voluminous ruffles crafted with pleats and pinched edging, which culminate in an endlessly show-stopping train – it was dreamy. This was paired with a white veil (not matching the tone of the dress).
Reception Dress – the dress was a creamy, soft crepe, this mermaid gown with button detail from back to the dramatic fishtail, which features illusion tulle adorned with classic floral patterns that glitter with beaded embroidery, moving into the waist at the front of the dress for a feminine finish.
Advice for Engaged Couples
No need to stress about details, enjoy the process and have fun on the day. That moment is about you and will forever be etched in your hearts so what better way than to enjoy the journey together. Take your time so as to avoid financial woes later, rather take longer and pay for everything through cash then to be indented after your special day. We took a whole five years because we knew what we wanted and were not under pressure to say I do – take your time!
Vendors
- Photographer & Videographer: ZaraZoo Photography
- Décor & Design Co-ordination: Wedding Concepts
- Bride’s Dress: Pronovias
- Bridal Salon: Fancy Claws (Durban)
- Bridal Headpiece/veil: Bride & Co
- Bridal Shoes: Prada
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Treasure Cindi (Durban)
- Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Tom Ford
- Hair: Pats Perfect Beauty
- Makeup: Poutbig Mobile Makeup Studio (Cape Town)
- Cake: Wades Cake
- Catering: Two Chefs
- Ceremony & Reception Venue: MolenVliet Oosthuizen Family Vineyards
- Entertainment: Khanya Sosibo (MC) Felix Hlophe (Comedian)
- Florals: Aspen & Co
- Structural Décor & Lighting: Something Different
- Linens: Tablecloth Hiring
- Bespoke Hiring: Two Birds
- Bespoke Hiring: Distinctive Event Furniture Hire
- Furniture Hiring & Styling: A|Create
- Staffing & Hiring: Urban Tonic
- Stationery: Lara’s Designs
Wow! That was incredible. Five years of engagement before saying “I Do” was indeed inspiring. And, the advice was very appropriate – taking as much time as possible to avoid financial woes. Less stress and more fun! The breathtaking vineyard wedding setting with all the lovely pictures was already proof of how well the couple enjoyed the process for 5 whole years. xx
-joyce-
JJ’s House