We are ending July with a celebration of Vincent (38) and Richardine Plaatjies (35) and their love as our July #BONAWeddings winners
The meeting
Richardine says the couple was introduced on Mxit by a mutual friend (Morne) in October 2009. “Vincent had just moved to Cape Town and Morné wanted me to be Vincent ‘s tour guide. Morné arranged a face to face meeting with me and Vincent at the end of October, during my lunch break, we met, had a quick chat and I went back to work. I just finished my board exam, and was waiting to hear from my employees about a possible job opportunity in the Eastern Cape. On the very same day I met Vincent, I got the post and the employer wanted me to start ASAP.”
Richardine left Cape Town two days later and did not see Vincent again.“Upon my arrival in the Eastern Cape, I was greeted with heavy thunderstorms. I was so discouraged and wanted to get on the first bus home. I was left in a town with no friends and family. Vincent however stayed on the phone with me for hours. That’s how our love story started…”
Making it official
The couple dated long distance for a month before getting serious and they say, “both of us knew, from the telephone communication and chats that we were perfect for each other.”
It was Vincent who popped the question during a visit over the festive season less than two months after their meeting. Richardine reminisces, “we spent New year’s eve together and after the New year’s countdown, he gave me a promise ring. He left two days later, but returned for his sister’s wedding on the 23rd of January 2010 in Tsitsikamma which he invited me to. After the wedding, I went back with him to Cape Town to attend my graduation (our first road trip). While we were driving he was keen on showing me Cape Aghulas (where the two oceans meet) and that’s where he popped the question after only 24 days of wearing a promise ring!”
The big day 
The lovebirds say they had two weddings. They got married at Home Affairs in June 2010, with Vincent’s parents as witnesses. Their second celebration took place on 31 October 2015 which was the date the couple first met. “We renewed our vows and had a proper ceremony at Assegaaibosch Country Lodge in Karreedouw. The highlight was having our vow renewal with the kids being part of it and having both our families and friends celebrating with us.”
Happily ever after
After a month of being married, Richardine fell pregnant. “So not only did we adjust to living together, we also had to prepare for our baby – the product of our love for each other. It was not a difficult task at all, and we quickly adjusted to having each other around. What made it even more special, was the fact that we really started knowing each other in our marriage.”
Keeping the love alive
The pair has been married for 9 years and is the parents to two boys and juggle working, parenthood and each other. They say, “we both have demanding jobs, and we’ve been blessed with two beautiful boys. We try to stay in contact with each daily by sending messages/phone calls to find out how the day is going. We take lunch breaks together every day. After we put the children to bed, we catch up”
Richardine and Vincent’s secret to a healthy marriage:
- Forgive each other daily, let everyday start afresh
- Try not to fall out of love at the same time
- Live every day to the fullest, tomorrow is not promised
- Don’t just dance to the beat of the music of marriage, pay attention to the lyrics.
- Let God be your first. Tell everyone how perfect your spouse is, and tell God about his flaws. People cannot fix his/her imperfections… But God can give you the wisdom to accept or change his/her flaws.
Win the ultimate baecation by entering BONA Weddings
The Prize
The Plaatijies win themselves an AMC Cookware 24cm Dome Fry Pan valued at R3 299!
Although pots and pans are probably the most used appliances in your kitchen, they are often purchased with little thought to quality and longevity. This leads to inferior cookware being replaced every few years, at a cost that you can do without. In contrast, the AMC Cookware range represents healthy living, product innovation and superior quality.
Manufactured from surgical grade stainless steel, AMC offers a lifetime guarantee on its cookware. This gives peace of mind that you’ll always be cooking your family meals in the best cookware.
For more info, visit amcsa.co.za or follow AMC Cookware on Facebook and @amc_cookware on Twitter. You can also phone 086 111 1262 or email info@amcsa.co.za
