Teen couple marries in Springs in celebration of love and history
The high school sweethearts tied the knot in a heartfelt ceremony, choosing the Springs Mining Museum as the backdrop to their big day.
High school sweethearts Dunkin and Cherique Tissen are proof that it’s never too early to marry the one you love.
At just 18 and 19 years old, the young couple tied the knot at Den Ekker Party Venue on June 28, before heading to the Springs Mining Museum to take their wedding photos.
Asked why they chose the historic setting, Dunkin explained, “I’ve always been interested in history. My dad has always made it a point to teach me about it. I’m a huge fan of books about the World War, so it made sense to get married at a venue that displays our rich history.”
The couple first met online in 2023, chatting for three months before finally meeting in person.
“We met on Instagram. If I didn’t open Instagram that day, I believe we might never have met. After speaking for three months, I transferred schools and finally met him.
“We were both so nervous. We could barely speak to each other without laughing because it was so awkward,” said Cherique.
Dunkin vividly remembers the moment he knew she was the one.
“I was taking a photo of her and there were people in the background. I told her I was worried about them being in the frame. She said, ‘Forget those people and pretend it’s just you and me.’ Something about that moment made me certain she would be my wife,” he said warmly.
Telling his family about his decision to marry wasn’t easy.
“I couldn’t build up the courage to bring it up to my mom, but I eventually did and she was very supportive,” he said.
Cherique describes Dunkin as her smile keeper.
“My favourite thing about him is that there’s not a day he doesn’t make me smile. Whether it’s by just looking at me or sending me a cute message. Even if he doesn’t realise it, he always finds a way to brighten my day,” she said.
She added that their relationship has also brought her closer to God.
“Before meeting Dunkin, I had fallen into a dark place and lost all faith. A few months into our relationship, he said three simple words: ‘Jesus loves you.’ From that moment, I knew he would be my husband. Whether that happened then or a hundred years from now, I knew I would stand by him all the way.”
The couple enjoys attending church together and credits their faith as a central part of their relationship.
Tony da Cruz, founder of the Springs Mining Museum, congratulated the newlyweds in a Facebook post on the Springs History of a Gold Town page.
“SHOAGT and all of Springs wish them a wonderful flight of life together,” he wrote.
