Dominique and Mandla Hendi said their vows and celebrated the moment when their hearts grew to encompass the merging of two families, lives, and hopes at Mesnes Park Lodge in Wigan. They hosted a stunning wedding filled with love, laughter, and happiness.
Mr and Mrs Mahlangu thank you for inviting me to document your first day as husband and wife. Much Appreciation and Love… M.
In Dominique and Mandla own words, here's their story.
How did you meet?
We Met January 19th 2008 at a Hall that two of my close friends (Grantie and Meg) had hired out for their 21st Birthday party.
Hanz (the new hubby) hadn't been invited to this birthday celebration but turned up with his friend (Mel) anyway....Grantie noticed them sat in the far corner and she told me that she didn't really know them...but they had met a very long time ago back in their home town in Africa...(but it's very common with Africans to turn up to parties that they hear of but hadn't really been invited to ).
So whilst debating whether we were to let them stay or kick them out, the music had really got going and everyone had made their way to the dance floor...some very popular house favourites had started to play and this is where Hanz (the party crasher) took his opportunity to impress...And he most certainly did that!...he had some serious dance moves back then!
As the evening came to a close and people were leaving he came and found me, asked me for my number and if he could take me out sometime....at first I had said no....but as I saw him putting his smart dark grey long coat on to leave, and as he walked past me...in what almost seemed like slow motion...I just got a feeling in the pit of my stomach that I was supposed to give this guy a chance and say "Yes"...so I did ....and 10 years later....here we are today.
How long did you plan your wedding?
We gave our notice of Marriage in on October 2017...but unfortunately just a month on from then, on November 25th we lost my Father...so what would have been around four months of planning turned out to be just under 2months.
We had hoped that Dad would get better and be able to share in this day that we had been talking so fondly about before his passing, but unfortunately this was not God's plan, and he needed him to return home. But we are sure both Dad and Grandma who we lost just 3 years before (one day before my birthday on December 10th) were with us, and brought that beautiful sunshine in the midst of this cold and blustery snowy weather we've been having.
What made you choose Mercure Wigan Oak Hotel your wedding venue?
We chose Mercure Wigan Oak Hotel because their wedding package was affordable and they had great Food and Beverage options. As well as this they had, reduced accommodation for wedding guests, a DJ and Room Decorator already on hand to contact within their wedding package. The hotel is also located within the city centre, which was very convenient, with parking that was provided for free on the wedding day. Additionally the staff members we spoke with there were very welcoming.
What was your favourite part of your wedding day?
There were so many lovely parts to our wedding day, that I don't know really which part to choose...I just really cherish being able to share this day with the one I love (my best friend) and being able to see all the happy faces of our friends and family that were able to share this special day with us.
What was your first dance song?
I chose Lasauce - "I do" for our wedding "First Dance" song.
The song was really quite new to us both...neither of us had really heard it before but my friend "Grantie" who had been helping me out with song choices for the DJ had popped that one in and I really liked it straight away.
I chose it as a First Dance song because I felt it was really relatable to us both, talking of life's ups and downs and stresses but we still get by and pull through. I also like this song because it was written in both Zulu and English which is relatable in our relationship as his Mother tongue is Zulu and mine is English.
Would you like to say special thank you to somebody who helps you make your wedding day perfect?
A special thank you would definitely have to go to my Mother and younger Sister who have been by my side throughout many decisions...and also to my close friend Grantie for the creation of digital wedding invites and song selections.
Then there's also the companies that have helped bring the celebration together;
Starting with yourself; Monika Szmidt photography. Thank You .
Plutinnum Film and Photography
Century Wedding Cars
Jandol Baklava Pastries (Levenshulme) for a beautiful wedding cake.
Mercure Wigan Oak Hotel Venue
Hobby Craft; for the availability of wedding decor decorations and supplies.
Last but not least all friends and family who travelled to come share and be a part of our special day :)
