Two Worlds Come Together at a Stunning Wedding in South Africa
Photo: Love Made Visible1/39The selection of beads worn by Dennis and his groomsmen on the day. He specifically wanted to wear blue and white beads like he had seen my father and uncles wear in previous Xhosa ceremonies we attended together. His shirt was made by the exceptionally talented Bara of Touba Broidery in Cape Town. He has been making all my custom African dresses for years, so it was obvious to include him in our special day. The shweshwe fabric is the same as the one that was used in my dress.
Photo: Love Made Visible2/39With my dearest friend and bridesmaid Sibongile, taking a moment to thank her and the fact that the big day had finally arrived. Joy and gratitude is what I remember feeling. Our expressions reflect all we have seen, shared, and experienced together over the past 12 years of our friendship. I love this lady.
Photo: Love Made Visible3/39Here I am trying on my stunning Pichulik custom-made earrings. I love the brand’s African contemporary designs. “Bold yet simple pieces for the brave woman.” I love this ethos and these earrings. I was so relaxed here laughing with my girls.
Photo: Love Made Visible4/39My amazing makeup artist, Noziqhamo, and Sibongile, doing what Xhosa girls do best, tying a head wrap or dook firmly onto a head. Traditionally, a Xhosa bride must cover up her head on the day she marries and then continue to wear a head wrap whenever she is in the presence of her husband’s family. We used a very long piece of white duchess silk and shweshwe fabric like my dress.
Photo: Love Made Visible5/39A lot of pins and tight knots kept it together. Sibongile holding my head firmly while Nozi fixes the Knot. I am always the one helping make up someone else’s dook so it was surreal to now be the bride in the chair.
