An offer this bride just couldn’t refuse
When bold accountant announced he was marrying her, she was dumbstruck
RATHER than ask Divasha Naidoo, 28, to be his wife, Nelan Govender, 33, simply told her he was going to marry her. DATE NIGHT: The couple met through mutual friends Suleni and Perry four years ago while on a night out at the Fashion TV club in
Sunninghill, Johannesburg. SAY YES: Chartered accountant Nelan did not officially propose to product manager Divasha. Six months after they started dating, on his 30th birthday, he told her he was going to marry her. “I was dumbstruck,” she said. “The next day he asked if I was happy to marry him and I said yes.” THE DATE: April 27, Freedom Day, coincided with the date they began to date. The traditional ceremony and reception took place at Coastlands Hotel, Umhlanga. THE INVITE: An antique goldembossed invitation with a paisley design and tassel. FIT FOR A KING: For the nuptials, Divasha wore a traditional red sari with antique copper work and crystals. She changed for the reception into an ivory silk sari with a paisley border embroidered in gold thread. Nelan wore a navyblue tailored suit. CENTRESTAGE: The backdrop was gold and white drapes, with a Ganesha statue. Throughout the venue were crystals and white floral arrangements, with touches of gold. There was a sweetmeats display with a centrepiece of picture frames made from burfee, with photographs from the couple’s pre-wedding shoot printed in edible icing. The table centrepieces were either crystal-topped Roman candles or white floral bouquets. GIVE AND TAKE: South-Indian ceremony.
GUESTS: 220. TASTY TREATS: For starters, guests were served spring rolls and samoosas. The main course included tandoori fish and butter chicken served with basmati rice and roti, roast lamb with rosemary potatoes, vegetable biryani and curried paneer. To sweeten the tooth, there was soji topped with cream, crème brûlée and ice cream, as well as wedding cake. FIRST DANCE: Your Song by Ellie Goulding. LET THEM EAT CAKE: A threetier Persian cushion cake with layers of red velvet and chocolate. The detail on the cake matched the embroidery on Divasha’s saris.
MEMENTOES: Chocolates.
HONEYMOON: Mauritius. EVER AFTER: Morningside, Sandton. TREASURED MEMORY: Divasha and Nelan took care of the planning, with input from close family and friends.