Rumbi & Tom’s traditional African celebration in Zimbabwe was the first stop on their wedding journey. Now, the wanderlust couple is back to share all the details from their white wedding in the Czech Republic!
Gathering friends and family from all over the world, Rumbi and Tom’s cross-cultural romance culminated in an elegant, romantic white wedding in the Czech Republic. While their first traditional African celebration focused on Rumbi’s Zimbabwean culture, their second wedding honed in on Tom’s background.
Rumbi shares, “We wanted to celebrate Tom’s culture for this leg of our nuptials. This included Czech traditions where a plate was smashed on the floor and we as bride and groom had to sweep up the pieces. We were told to stop and any remaining shards symbolized the number of children we’ll have (eeek!). We also shared an apron and bowl of soup at the start of our meal. This symbolized our cooperation as loving partners.”
Their palpable joy is a testament to their love for one another. The beautiful day, filled with so many precious moments, is a perfect start to a long life of love. We wish them endless happiness in their future adventures together!
More sweet details on their love story and Czech wedding traditions below.
- Couple: Tomas Zezula & Rumbidzayi Zezula Dube
- Occupations: Software Engineer (Tom) & Native English Teacher (Rumbi)
Quick Facts:
- Wedding date: September 4th, 2022
- Wedding location: Na Kmine, Obristvi, Czech Republic
- Gifts for Bridesmaids: dressing gowns and dresses.
- Gifts for one another: Tom wrote Rumbi a 7 page letter and gifted her ‘The Comfort Book’ by Matt Haig which was such a welcome gift as she is an empath and avid reader. Rumbi wrote Tom a letter and got him a personalised wallet engraved with his name and their wedding date; socks (in case of cold feet – fun fact, they only opened their gifts after the wedding); and some luggage tags and passport covers for their future travel adventures.
- Ceremony entrance song: Tom entered to “Serenades for Strings in E Major” by Antonin Dvořák, Wiener Philharmoniker, Myung-Whun Chung. Rumbi entered to “Pachelbel Canon & Gigue for Three Violins and Continue in D Major” by Johann Palchebel, Sir Neville Marriner.
- Recessional song: “Bittersweet Symphony (Instrumental)” by The Aranbee Pop Symphony Orchestra
- First dance song: “Your Song” by Elton John
The bride…
How they met…
We met online on Tinder. A love that came unexpectedly but was very much welcomed. We come from miles apart but were able to connect on the basis of our open-mindedness, curiosity, lust for travel, love for family, and willingness to learn.
The proposal…
On a family holiday in Dubai, Tom decided to pop the question. It was on this trip that he finally got to meet my parents and spend time with them. He wanted us to have a proposal location on ‘neutral’ ground seeing as we both were not home and he also wanted my family to share in on the moment. It was a proposal on a hot August day whilst taking the Burj Al Arab. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Totally unexpected. It felt like a dream.
The ceremony…
Mr. & Mrs…
Wedding style & attire…
We went for a bohemian wedding theme. I wore a long, pearl-encrusted plunging ivory dress and Tom wore a grey custom-made suit.
Wedding shopping experience…
The dress I ended up choosing was the first dress I tried on at the first bridal store I went to. I went with my future sister-in-law and mother-in-law and dialled in my sister and friend who live in different parts of the globe. We were all speechless. I initially thought it was a fluke – I thought I was blown away just because it was the first dress I had tried on. I subsequently tried on about 27 more dresses at that store and 2 other bridal stores but could not get the first one out of my mind. While I didn’t know what kind of dress I would choose, it had never crossed my mind that I would choose the kind of dress I ended up going for.
Reception space…
Sweet details…
The cake…
Cultural elements…
We definitely did incorporate some Czech traditions. Tom carried me over the threshold as we entered the wedding reception.
A plate was broken and we both had to sweep it up to show partnership. Once we were told to stop, the remaining shards are said to symbolize the number of children we would have. Best believe I tried to sweep a few more shards away but was told it was too late.
We shared an apron and bowl of soup at the start of our meal which symbolizes our cooperation as partners.
Favorite wedding day memories…
Seeing family and friends from all around the world come together and celebrate us with so much joy. Despite language barriers, creed, culture, race and other differences – the love was palpable and so pure at our wedding. We couldn’t have asked for more. Also, dancing to Jerusalema was a jam!
Wedding advice for engaged couples…
You know yourselves best. Communicate with each other throughout the process and trust that it will all come together. Sometimes it feels like the stress of wedding planning will never end. It will. Just hold on. And have FUN on your day! You deserve it!
Looking for more Czech wedding inspiration?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Photography: Josef Marek
- Videography: Patron Production
- Venue: Na Kmine
- Event planners, Stationery & Decor: Oh Happy Day CZ
- Make-up & Hair Styling: Petra D Makeup
- Stylist: Amanda ‘Am’ Mudege: I Am Whom I Am
- Bride Dresses: Salon Maya
- Bride Shoes: Asos
- Groom suit & shoes: Blazek
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Pretty Little Thing
- Hair, Loc Refresh & Curling: Martha’s Inspirations
- Nails: Nea Beaute
- Catering: Street Catering
- Cake & Sweets: Cakeland
- DJ & MC: DJ Styx of My Productions
- Groom: Tomas Zezula
- Bride: Rumbidzayi Dube
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