Community ensures couple’s happily ever after
Many Kemptonians contributed to make the wedding of Armoné (20) and Dewald (29) Basson a dream wedding which took place on September 5.
Venue – check. Hair and make-up – check. Wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses – check. Honeymoon suite – double-check.
Many Kemptonians contributed to make the wedding of Armoné (20) and Dewald (29) Basson a dream wedding which took place on September 5.
The wedding on a tight budget was challenging, but this generous group pulled it off in just five days. The ceremony was hosted at the lifestyle centre at Jerry’s in Benoni.
Carike Pretorius from Under His Coverings NPO, as part of her Women Stand Up and Strive project, took the challenge head-on. She was assisted by Wedding Vibes owned by Linda Marais and Daphne du Plessis.
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They run a bridal wedding dress shop and wedding planning company. Pretorius told Express: “When I first met Armoné I was completely unaware of her circumstances because of her positive attitude, approach and happy, energetic laughter.”
Armoné was discovered at the Protea Park informal settlement in Bredell when Pretorius was facilitating a Stand-up and Strive outreach.
Pretorius learned that the couple needed a new place to call home.
“The couple met Luigi Airaga and Jacque Olivier who assisted them daily. Their new landlords/employer encouraged them to share a home on their property. They were married after being engaged for three years,” said Pretorius.
“Since the moment I met him, I knew he was the man I was going to marry,” the bride swooned on the day.
“Linda, Daphne and their staff are an incredible team that arranged the entire event and decor for the wedding. The wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses were chosen, fitted and arranged within less than two hours,” Pretorius said.
“A beautiful wedding cake and cupcakes, baked by Mrs P’s Cakes from Kempton Park, was arranged in a day and Susan Myburgh from Model Manifest did beautiful makeup for Armoné.”
Pine Pienaar helped to arrange Dewald’s suit.
“Danielle O’Niel, another incredible woman from Pretoria, reached out to the couple. She’s a photographer, makeup artist and specialises in floral decor. She arranged the bride and groom’s bouquets and flowers and photographed the happy event.”
Danielle O’Niel, together with Deon Swart all the way from Cape Town, donated money towards the celebrations.
Leanne Spies, a Grade 10 learner from Hoërskool Kempton Park, saw Armoné’s story on Facebook and offered to manicure her nails for the special occasion.
“Paula’s Lashes in Kempton Park made sure the bride winked at her groom and The Silent Crew arranged the champagne for the wedding day.
“We had the privilege of teaming up with Hair by Stephan who was amazing in getting Armone’s hair done. Pastor Dalton Marais steered the ceremony and the arrangements were done by Francois du Doit.”
Carla Prinsloo was one of the bridesmaids and helped with the arrangements by taking care of the bride and groom’s logistics to making sure everything went according to schedule.
Marechelle Country Estate in Bredell was host to pre-wedding celebrations and offered the couple a luxurious stay in their honeymoon suite.
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