An evening of love is on the cards
Crying groom, bride in SA to renew vows at Valentine’s concert
LOVED-UP vloggers Gabes and Anna Deku have landed in the country to renew their wedding vows.
The couple’s story went viral when a clip from their 2016 wedding did the rounds. Gabes was so overwhelmed when he saw his soon-to-be wife walk up to him that he could not hold back the tears.
The Crying Groom clip has been viewed by millions of people across the world, with the result that the couple became overnight celebrities. The London-based couple launched a YouTube channel with at least 30 000 subscribers who watch the couple’s every move.
The Dekus now use the channel as a platform to inspire people to believe in love again, through sharing weekly videos on love, advice and lifestyle.
The two will renew their vows at the Evening of Love concert on Valentine’s Day at Sun Arena, Pretoria. What does love mean to you? Love in its purest form is achieved when you are able to see a person for who they really are, imperfections and all, but still choose to love them. Love sees beyond the masks, the insecurities, the wrongdoings and the past mistakes. Love is unapologetically unconditional. What attracted you to each other? Gabes: I was attracted to Anna’s heart towards people. I had never met someone who cared so much for the welfare of people; it was actually incredible.
Anna: Apart from his beautiful dark chocolate skin, Gabes’s vision attracted me to him. He was a man with a plan and I wanted to be part of it. What are the key things any marriage should have?
1) Open, honest and transparent conversation.
2) A willing and open heart to serve.
3) Fun.
What inspired you to start the vlog?
We saw there was a lack of people online that were willing to be vulnerable and share the good, bad and ugly of their relationship. People tend to walk into relationships blind so we thought we should share our lessons to help.
Why is it important to renew your vows?
Marriage evolves, people change. In marriage we think that you have to learn how to love and re-love through the ups and downs and through the changes.
It can almost feel like you’re married to a different person. It’s good to embrace the change and continue the loving when you are married. That starts with declaring your love over and over again.
Performers at the concert include the original love crooner Ringo Madlingozi, Ntando and Thabsie, Vusi Nova, 047 and many more. Refunds are available for ticket holders who wanted to see Carl Thomas perform. He was unable to, due to a family emergency.