RAVESHAN GOVINDASAMY & DERONA NAIDOO

Temple meeting led to love, marriage

RAVESHAN Govindasamy, 32, a teacher at Cliffdale Primary School, and Derona Naidoo, 28, who works for Mercedes-benz, both of Newlands West, married on April 23 at the Kharwastan Temple Hall in Durban. HOW WE MET

Derona and I met at the Shree Kamatcheeammen Temple. It began with me offering Derona a mango, which led to friendship, and eventually our beautiful love story. THE PROPOSAL & MARRIAGE

Our traditional proposal took place in March last year, with just immediate family. Derona was fine with the traditional proposal, but I wanted to do something special.

So in September I planned a surprise proposal, where I went down on one knee at ushaka Marine World, with a surprise photo-shoot.

We had a traditional Tamil wedding on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning, with 500 guests present. WEDDING BLACK BOOK

Bride and groom outfits:

The Raj, Gateway. Hair & make-up: Arthie Sugrib, Unique Brides.

Photography/videography: Hall and stage decor:

Temple Hall.

Floral decor: Lighting: MC: Catering:

Vinay’s. Kharwastan Avi of Peter’s Florist. Kharwastan Temple Hall. Denver Naicker. Kharwastan Temple Hall. Cake: Decadent Desserts, Vaneshree and Preggie. Percy Govender. Kharwastan

Priest: Sound & projection:

Temple Hall. BIGGEST CHALLENGE

Staying calm through the wedding planning was the biggest challenge as emotions ran high at times. Finding a sari and wedding souvenirs for Derona, a perfectionist, was a challenge. VIEWS ON LOVE AND MARRIAGE

We believed God was at the centre of our relationship. Working together as a team is vital in any relationship. Derona and I are best friends. Respect, communication, compromise and spontaneity make a marriage succeed.