By Naome-Shyline Mutsunge; Mabusha Venue In-house Events Manager
It has been over a month since the wedding of Eve and Babi (now Mr and Mrs Mukandambi), yet it seems like yesterday. Sure sign that we enjoyed it that much, we can’t get over it! I met bride Eve four days before her wedding day as she lives in Australia. She was so calm and had placed absolute trust in us that her day was going to be as we had discussed via our WhatsApp communications. To couples who live overseas and want to come back home to get married; it is possible to plan your entire wedding via social media communication with your coordinator.
Enjoy the story of this lovely couple for inspiration for your own wedding day or anniversary event.
The Planning Process |
When i joined Mabusha Garden Venue in April, I took handover of Eve and Babi’s wedding portfolio from Mrs Chawora. She was a laid back bride who knew exactly what she wanted. With the use of the pre-wedding questionnaire that I use to get all the information from the couple about the vision of their wedding day; she stated they wanted an all white rustic yet classy wedding. The wedding was for 350 guests; starting midday until evening. With Eve being based in Australia and Babington in South Africa, they were surprisingly calm and trusted us to do the work. They assigned a family representative who was really a great person to work with, who signed the contract on their behalf and brought the payments of the wedding to us. This is another advise we would give to couples planning weddings from abroad, entrust someone trustworthy and respectful of your decisions to represent you. They can be two people for accountability purposes since there is money involved. Avoid having a large wedding committee as it creates lots of drama and misunderstandings which are unnecessary. Above all, trust your wedding planner to do what they know best.
Bridal Prep |
When it comes to Eve, classy is what you can describe her as. She is a lady who possesses more than just beauty and a pretty smile; but a mellow attitude which made planning her wedding such a joy. It was an absolute joy and pleasure to have coordinated her wedding. We absolutely love her minimalistic classy style.
Bride Eve
Eve & Mrs Mashipe (her mom)
Bride’s 1st Dress
Groom Prep |
Babi is the kind of groom that you definitely can’t miss. Confident, head above the rest yet such a true gentleman who is down to earth. His outfit was classy slayage and we loved it!
Wedding Details |
Initially Eve wanted only all white roses and peonies but with the season and costs; we ended choosing first grade white chrysanthemums that we requested they harvested them fifteen days before the wedding to esnure they were really open to resemble the fullness of a peonies. We incorporated white roses, white sprays, gypsophilla and penny gum for a touch of greenery. The ceremony was lined with pine stumps decorated with recycled mayo jars with blooms and the customized chuppah covered in Algerian and Irish ivy climbers with white blooms and hanging birdcage with flowers to create a romantic ceremony. The couple sealed their vows by lighting unity candles under their beautiful canopy surrounded by their loved ones. Did we tell you Babi shed some tears? He certainly did and pur hearts were touched.
Guests were ushered to the pre-reception area decorated with bamboo sticks that had tied bottles with flowers. Our professional waiters ensured every guest had something to drink whilst the bridal and family shoot was underway.
The reception was held in a frame tent that was lined beautifully. The seating arrangement was of round tables draped in white linen and table set with white napkins, gold under-plates to cut through the all white and the flower centre-pieces were welded for that rustic feel.
Eve and her angelic bridesmaids
Babi and his on-point groomsmen
The Aunts in Matching Outfits
Service Providers |
Venue: Mabusha Venue, Harare Zimbabwe Wedding Coordinator: Naome-Shyline Mutsunge, In-house Events Manager Florist: Blessing Musavengane, In-house florist Photography & Videography: Naledi Productions Catering: Miranda Chirinda. In-house Caterer Decor Hiring: Sonia at Sonia Hiring & Events Frame Tent Hiring: Prisca at Decoden Hiring DJ Services: Romeo at Premier Sounds Lighting: DJ Jabu Mareverwa Personalized Dance-floor: Neon Events Signage