Bride of the year 2016

When Nothando Shabalala said yes to Simphiwe in 2014, she did not realise that the “best day of her life” would also make her The North Coast Courier’s Bride of the Year for 2016.

The 31-year-old secretary at Ilembe District Municipality said her husband, a manager at Woolworths (Gateway) had wooed her since her high school days.

“I met him when I was in grade 10 in 2000. He asked me on dates and wanted to be my boyfriend, but I refused. I was set on finishing matric and going to university. I had no time for boyfriends,” said Shabalala. Simphiwe respected her decision, but could not forget her.

“He saw me again while I was in second year at the Durban University of Technology. He said he still loved me. I figured that if he waited so many years, I should give him a chance.” Three years later, they welcomed their first baby – Okuhle – into the world and became a family.

“It was a difficult time, because my husband had to go to Johannesburg for a year for work and could only visit every six months. Being away from him for so long, while having a little baby was tough, but it made us stronger.”

On June 28, 2014, they finally decided to tie the knot with both a traditional ceremony and a white wedding.

“I was two months pregnant with Lungobakhe when we got married at the Mount Edgecombe Conference Centre. Getting everything ready was stressful and being pregnant did not make it easier. My husband was very supportive and despite my moods, he made sure everything was perfect. From walking down the isle, taking to the dance floor for the first dance to cutting the cake, Nothando loved every moment and said her wedding was perfect.

“I think people want to impress with their weddings and feel like they have to spend a lot of money on the day. For me it is important to just do what you can afford.”

Two years into their marriage, Nothando said they are happy together and that she is glad Simphiwe did not stop chasing her all those years ago.

Fabulous prizes

Our Bride of the Year will spend two nights surrounded by luxury at Rhino River Lodge, her prize includes two game drives and three meals daily valued at R8600.

Rhino River Lodge is a Big 5 safari lodge along the shore of the Msunduze River in the southern section of the Zululand Rhino Reserve.The private game lodge offers an intimate safari experience, with excellent game viewing on open safari vehicles with their knowledgeable guides.

Nothando will also be able to frame her wedding day stylishly with a Printwild A4 white contemporary framed print, valued at R766. But that’s not all, our Bride of the Year also receives a Complexion Perfection package (peel/facial, laser therapy and light therapy) valued at R2000 from Radient Skin Care Centre, a month’s free treatment at The Firm Ballito Slimming and Health clinic worth R950, a His and Hers hot stone full body massage from Perfect 10 Ballito valued at R400 each, a R300 meal voucher from Jack Salmon at Tiffany’s Shopping Centre and a his and hers pair of Chilloes slops valued at R180 each.

The runner-up Bride of the Year, Cara McDaniel from Ballito, will also be spoiled with a superb two night weekday/weekend stay for two people in the new luxury honeymoon cottage at Forty-Winks valued at R5000. This jewel of the midlands is located in the picturesque Kamberg Valley on the new Springrove Dam.

She will be greeted by panoramic views, game grazing outside the veranda, underfloor heating and luxury honeymoon extras.There are even two trout dams for exclusive use of Forty-Winks guests, should she or her hubby wish to cast a line. Ts and Cs apply. The judge’s decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into.

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