Sello & Lerato
Where and how did you meet?
We met in Johannesburg during our chartered accountant training articles. We were planned for an audit at the same client and Sello kept on inviting me for coffee. I declined. After the audit, we went back to the office and Sello asked me out for lunch. This time I said yes. The lunch was good – we talked, we laughed and an hour felt like five minutes. After that short lunch, which we now consider our first date, Sello asked me out on an ‘official’ date on Friday, 29 July 2011. I was so excited. He even bought new pants for the date… and that was the start of this beautiful journey!
How did he propose?
Sello’s family personally delivered a letter to my family, requesting my hand in marriage.
Please provide a short description of your wedding day?
I woke up around 3am as I was so excited and anxious, I couldn’t sleep. During final preparations I was calm – thank heavens I had my family and bridesmaids to keep me sane. Then the ceremony started and the day went by so quickly. Our entrance dance/step at the reception was on point, thanks to the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and, of course, my cousin, Mpho, who was choreographer. After a lot of toe stepping, we managed to enjoy and execute our first dance in style. The food was amazing and the after party was insanely good.
If you could change one thing about your wedding day, what would it be?
We should have prepared our MC better (he wasn’t used to being an MC and his nerves got the better of him). Everything else was perfect, thanks to our wedding planner.
What was the highlight of your wedding day?
Walking down the aisle was a big highlight. In fact, the whole ceremony was special, including saying our vows, the church ceremony and, most importantly, seeing Sello at the altar (he was the only person who mattered at that point). It was also breathtaking seeing the reception décor for the first time during our photo shoot just before the reception while the guests were enjoying our wedding cake. Another highlight was our first dance as well as when our daughter, Onalerona ‘Ona’ Mphatse joined us on stage – what a magical moment.
How did it feel to finally stand next to each other as husband and wife?
I can’t describe the feeling in words; it felt like I was standing next to the person who completes me.
Where did you go on honeymoon?
Cape Town.
What advice would you give to a bride-to-be?
Hire a wedding planner, as peace of mind cannot be bought. Do not procrastinate; ask for help when needed (remember, you can’t be at everywhere at once). Make sure that you are ‘present’ on the day of your wedding! And enjoy your wedding day.
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