IT’S the morning of her big day. She wakes early and sips a cup of coffee in bed, listening to the soft drizzle outside. The rain doesn’t bother her – in fact, it calms her.
But her serenity doesn’t last long. It’s time to get up – the hairstylist is waiting and there’s plenty to do.
Former Miss South Africa Adè van Heerden (30), a medical doctor, is marrying the man of her dreams, Alex Forsyth-Thompson (33), a financial analyst from Johannesburg, and a three-day extravaganza for 75 guests is about to kick off.
The festivities will all take place at Mdluli Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park and as the hour draws closer, the morning drizzle gives way to glorious sunshine, bathing the venue for the ceremony – a large rock with views of the bushveld – in golden light.
“I started crying even before I got to the pathway,” Adè, says. “Alex had the biggest smile on his face. He couldn’t keep his eyes off me throughout the ceremony.”
The couple exchanged wedding bands on the rock – hers is an 18-carat yellow gold band with 0,1-carat oval-cut diamonds, his a 4mm, 18-carat yellow gold band.
This story is from the 21 October 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 21 October 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILY
Lynn and Kairo Forbes invite us into their home as they prepare for their second Christmas without AKA
DENZEL'S DECADE OF SOBRIETY
Expensive wine was his weakness but these days the legendary Hollywood actor is all about clean living
WE DID IT FOR YOU, DAD
It was a dream come true for Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse when they ran out together for the Boks – but it was bittersweet too
HIP-HOPPING ALONG!
Moo Deng, the adorable pygmy hippo, is about to become an even bigger star thanks to a catchy new song released in her honour
IAM NO DIFFERENT
Despite being born without legs, Kanya Sesser truimphs at anything she sets her mind to
OUR WONDERFUL, WEIRD WORLD
Bizarre and beautiful spots exist off the well-worn tourist paths that criss-cross our precious planet
GOD'S INFLUENCER
After Carlo Acutis died at age 15, he was credited with performing miracles. Now the Italian is about to be canonised as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. But what did the seemingly ordinary teenager do that was so special?
RUCK ON!
Rucking walking with a weighted rucksack - has gained popularity once again for its ability to improve your heart health, increase your strength and burn kilojoules fast
MY KIDNEY FOR MY SON
This Cape Town mom is determined to lose 50kg so she can give her boy the gift of life
A WHOLE NEW WORLD
She's been deaf since she.was a baby but now Chermelle ;s slowly startmg to hear thanks to a Cochlear Implant
