By Whesly Handiseni
Love is lovely, love is beautiful, especially when you find someone who will give you more than enough just to make you happy all days of your life. Thulani ‘Dread’ Mabunga Msipa found his true lover Ronia Chigwendere in the year 2008 in Glen Norah. The two met when Ronia came to Glen Norah to see her aunt and it was like a planned day for these two to meet and fall in love as it was love at first sight. In 2011, Thulani decided to pay lobola for her beautiful soulmate Ronia.
9 years later, the couple decided to wed in the year 2020, never mind that it was a tough time for everyone because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple wedded on the 22nd of December 2020, on Unity Day, uniting the Msipa and Chigwendere families.
It was a blessed day as the rains washed away the dust in the ‘Garden of Eden’ venue before the commencement of the wedding. The place is surrounded by hills and dwalas as it represents the actual meaning of the venue’s name (Garden of Eden). The setup was exquisitely decorated and well arranged in a manner that the Msipa and Chigwendere families and relatives could sit separately from each other. The aisle was decorated in white.
The groom was well dressed in a black and white blazer, black shoes, a white shirt, and a black bowtie. The groomsmen wore 3 piece black suits and black shoes. Ronia looked stunning in her long laced sleeve white gown and white shoes, whilst the bridesmaids wore long black dresses.
The wedding started around 9.00 am. Senior Elder Mr. Machote of Fulfilment Centre Church led the couple to the exchange of their vows and proceeded with the signing of marriage certificates. Senior Elder Mr. Machote gave his speech last to the congregation. With excitement, he labelled this wedding as one of its own. He said, “Of all the weddings I have attended, I’ve never seen such beauty at a wedding. I like their unique style, and this is not just an ordinary wedding but ‘The’ wedding.”
As the photo shoot was taking place at the venue, the guests filled their tummies with delicious and tasty food that was well prepared. The catering team handed their job well as they fed the crowd.
MC Prince Vince took the opportunity of entertaining the crowd with his facts, jokes as well as keeping everyone engaged at the wedding. The bridal team also did the extraordinary dances that made the day end in laughter and everyone ended up putting on their dancing shoes as they celebrated.
“I thank God that I have fulfilled my dream, that I must have a wedding. I wanted to wed since 2010 after paying lobola but unfortunately, things were not in a good position to allow me to do so, but I thank the Almighty that I have finally wedded in 2020 though it was a tough time”, said Thulani.
