Virginia and Nzima Mlangeni renewed their vows for their 10th wedding anniversary, Geraldine Doyle was passing by and offered to take their photos but she forgot to get their details, so she took to Facebook to track the couple down.
Mpumalanga, South Africa (09 January 2024) – Geraldine Prinsloo Doyle was on holiday from Cape Town, visiting the Sudwala Lodge in Mpumalanga. While there, she bumped into a couple and their son who were taking photos after renewing their vows. She could see they were struggling so she offered to help them.
Geraldine did an entire photo shoot for the couple. She learned that they were renewing their vows after 10 years of marriage. The couple were over the moon, but then, as everyone went their separate way, Geraldine realised she had not got the couple’s contact information to be able to send them the photos.
Geraldine took to Facebook on the 16th of December 2023, sharing an image of the couple and asking for help in finding them, so she could send them the photos.
The search started and people were sharing her post, all in the hope of finding the married couple. After two weeks of waiting, Geraldine finally got the message she had been waiting for. The couple had been found! She was able to send them the photos, giving them the best gift for the New Year.
Speaking to Virginia and Nzima Mlangeni, we learned that they were over the moon when Geraldine approached them to take their photos.
Virginia shared that her wedding hadn’t gone to plan 10 years ago and this was her redo. The dress, the very same one she wore 10 years ago, finally fit just right.
“When I got married I never had a chance to enjoy, I was worried about the decor, my in-laws travelling from Gauteng to North West, the words, bridesmaids, my dress was small the night before, luckily my late mom was a dressmaker and she worked the magic”
The vows renewal was their chance to enjoy the day and soak in all the love without any of the stresses. The only hiccup was not having a photographer. They got their son to help out but being only 10 years old, they all struggled to make the photos special. Geraldine’s eye for photography made all the difference.
Virginia said she instantly connected with Geraldine as if they had been friends forever. They were comfortable and it shows in how beautiful the photos came out.
“Words could not explain, that there are people with good hearts out there, well I am people’s person, so I clicked with Geraldine like we have know each other for years.” – Virginia Mlangeni
We asked the couple to share some of their favourite pictures with us. Both Virginia and Nzima had their picks so we have added them to the gallery below.
The one thing we all have the power to do is spread kindness. Whether that’s offering to take someone’s photo and sending it to them, or just telling a bride she looks beautiful on her big day. Kindness makes the world a better place and thanks to Geraldine, the Mlangeni’s will have memories to cherish for the rest of their lives.
by 