We’re delighted to announce that Shamidah (32) and her husband Sanele Hlela (33) are our #BONAWeddings winners for the month of February 2018. Be inspired by their enchanting love story below.
How we met
The beautiful couple met on social media network Facebook in 2015 (believe it or not). They were so infatuated with each other that their conversations lasted right though the early hours of the morning. After eight months of dating, they already knew that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.
The nerve-wrecking proposal
When asked about the special moment of popping the question, the blushing bride shares,” It was the night before Valentine’s Day of 2016, we had just gotten home after spending a night out and I went to use the bathroom and during that time he hurriedly got the ring out of where he had it kept and when I returned he was on one knee and asked me to marry him. He later mentioned that he had planned on proposing Eyadini at Umlazi in front of a large crowd but he got cold feet.”
Through thick and thin
Even though fairy tales do exist, it hasn’t been an easy road for Mr and Mrs Hlela. Mrs Shamidah Hlela tells us, “The challenge was more to the build-up of our wedding. We come from completely different cultures and religions, whilst respecting rituals and aspects of each. I’m a Makhuwa girl, born into Islam and Sanele a Christian of Zulu culture. The Zulu cultural do’s were quite an expensive process – first the Umembeso, Lobola, followed by Umbondo, then we had the White and Zulu wedding (Umabo) which cost a fortune. It was a matter of striking a balance of having both families happy and us finding a happy medium for us as well. I was diagnosed with Fibroids and Endometriosis early last year, a few weeks after I took Umbondo over to his family. This diagnosis meant I’d have to have one operation immediately and another later in the year (in August). This has come with the challenge of conceiving to date.”
Keeping things interesting
Mr Hlela, who’s also known as DJ Sdoko tells us how the couple keeps their flames of their love burning,”We text each other nice messages, remind each other that we love each other and ask each other about how we can achieve our goals and dreams.” He further shares the couple’s five secret ingredients to a lasting and happy marriage:
Secret ingredients to a lasting and happy marriage
- Support each other even with the smallest of tasks – I help with the cooking and laundry (we hand wash by the way).
- Celebrate each other’s successes no matter how small.
- Tell each other that you love each other every opportunity you get.
- Don’t look for trouble…
- Have fun!
Wedded bliss
The radiant couple had their nuptials at How Long Park in Umlazi and later had their Reception at The Umkhumbane Hall in Cato Manor, Kwa-Zulu Natal. Even though the groom arrived way after the bride, which is very unusual, the couple enjoyed their special moment of dancing to Nguwe Wedwa by Berita.
Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish them a lifetime of happiness and endless love!
As this month’s winners, they receive a hamper to the value of R 1 300 and are in line to be crowned the #BONAWeddings Couple of the year and win a romantic weekend getaway. Visit this page to learn more about how #BONAWeddings works!
List of wedding suppliers:
- Photography and Videography: Highspot Photography and Videography
- Cake: Creatively Bakes by Sam
- Décor: Zanzo Function Planners – 071 850 3105
- Dress: Confetti Bridal Centre (UK) – Stella York Dress (Style 5833)
- Hair: Sarah Dawood
- Make-Up: Phindile Kanyile
- Flowers: Pershan’s Florist (Chatsworth, Durban) – 031 401 9189
- Suit Hire: Suit Up Suit Hire
- Food and Starters: Various (family and friends)
