‘Angels’ save the day for bride in need
ALL that unemployed Drien Siems asked for her wedding day was the loan of a “pretty” dress to wear to Newcastle Magistrate’s Court, where she would exchange vows with her fiancé, Hennie Bruyns.
Now she will not only have the use of a wedding gown, but also new shoes, rings and a wedding at a local resort — all thanks to the generosity of a group of local women who responded to her advert three weeks ago.
In the advert, which appeared in a local website’s classified section, Siems made an impassioned plea for “anyone who can lend me a dress for my wedding day” to contact her.
She has been overwhelmed by the response of the small northern KwaZulu-Natal community, who rallied to help her to realise her dream wedding.
“I just wanted to look pretty on my wedding day when I exchanged vows and signed the marriage register,” she said.
“My fiancé and I went through a very difficult patch financially. For some time, we have been putting off our wedding.
“We decided we are now going to get married, even if it is in court before a marriage officer. We just wanted to make it official, even though we are still struggling.
“I thought why not give it a try and put an advert in the paper.”
After four years together, Siems and Bruyns had planned a low-key ceremony.
But now that a group of women, who have been dubbed “The Newcastle Angels”, are organising her big day, it will be held at a “secret venue” on Saturday and most of the details will be a surprise to her.
She said everything was being kept hush-hush.
“All I know is I’m getting married on June 7, when my dream wedding will come true.
“We have met the pastor who will be marrying us, but the rest of the finer details, like the venue, are a surprise to us.”
Siems said apart from the dress and other preparations, arrangements had been made for her nails, hair and makeup to be done.
The couple have also borrowed a suit for Bruyns.
Chane van Heerden, who is one of the organisers, said she had been touched by the advert and had mobilised her friends to get involved.
“We are just a group of normal working-class women who want to help Drien,” said Van Heerden.
“It’s every girl’s wish to have a dream wedding. It’s been amazing how people have come forward to help.”