Once again, Leigh and I were up before dawn, on another enjoyable road trip through the Transkei. Sisana and Mandisi held their white wedding in the picturesque village of Mvuzi, just 10km before Mount Frere in the Transkei. This is the hometown village where Sisana grew up. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Xoli (another client of mine, and the bride’s cousin) who made us a fresh pot of delicious tea and some home made muffins. Soon thereafter Leigh headed down the road to capture pre-ceremony photos of Mandisi and his groomsmen. After the heartfelt and emotional ceremony, we followed the bride and groom over some challenging terrain (my B-Class had to pretend it was a Jeep), to Sisana’s favourite place, where as a little girl, she and her friends and siblings would run barefoot across the plains, and swim care freely in the stream below, surrounded by breathtaking rugged cliffs and crags. Today we witnessed Sisana’s excitement as she hurriedly tossed off her wedding shoes and ran down the hill towards the stream below. Once she reached the bottom, she quickly picked up her wedding dress to her knees and skipped barefoot across the rocks and through the water. It took Mandisi and the bridal party a minute or two to catch up with this happy-go-lucky bride, who was clearly in her element. In fact, once we reached the bottom, Leigh and I immediately understood why this place was so special to her. The majestic, rugged cliffs were softened by reeds at the water’s edge and the rolling green hills surrounded us on all sides. It was the perfect location for their creative photo shoot. Afterwards we were greeted at the reception by horsemen on their spirited, galloping steeds, adorned in traditional regalia, much to the crowd’s delight and entertainment. The reception was held under a large white marquee tent and Leigh and I stole a few minutes throughout the evening to play with two very frisky juvenile dogs, which we wanted to take home with us. At one point a little rooster, with some serious attitude marched by us in a determined fashion, and we couldn’t resist capturing a few pics of him too. I met the cutest little boy, about 3 years old, who enjoyed winking at me, so Leigh captured a sweet moment of us winking back at her behind the lens. The day was amazing, from beginning to end. We stayed overnight at Dan’s country lodge in high spirits, ready for the next day’s traditional ceremony in Butterworth. Thank you Sisana and Mandisi for sharing your special day with us and to Leigh, for your friendship and contribution to yet another successful wedding day. I enjoyed your company and the many fits of laughter we had on our journey back.