A couple who have been together for 23 years this week tied the knot with the help of their community in Kuils River.
Sarepta residents clubbed together to host a wedding and reception for Joanne Hector, who works at the local feeding scheme.
Joanne, 39, and Garfield Hector, 39, were joined by the less fortunate people she serves at their walk-through reception.
The wedding planner, community activist Dawn Roode, says that they called an official to her Kuils River home to preside over the wedding.
Joanne says it was a nice surprise for the 200 people who normally come to the home.
“I wanted them to be part of the event because they have been with me all these years that I have been a community worker,” said the bride.
The couple had been living together for all these years with their two sons, Monray, 19, and six-year-old Leo, who were also at the wedding.
The groom says he chose a date they will never forget.
“(Monday) was my birthday and (Tuesday) is my wife’s. We chose the day because it will be easy for us to remember our anniversary.
“I wanted to marry her for a long time but I just felt that I wasn’t ready and then last year I wanted to marry her and then things (the pandemic) happened.”
Dawn says they approached her with the wedding date.
“I spoke to potential sponsors who helped me. The dress, cake and some food items were donated by the retired teachers test administrator and MacLean’s Angels contributed with the rings and flowers.
“The menu included samoosas, koeksisters, bean curry and roti, chicken and rice with dessert of jelly and custard and cake.”
Dawn says she has decided to become a marriage officiant.
“Last year I had a homeless couple, Amber and Daniel Kepkey, who came to me and told me they wanted to get married and I arranged everything and yesterday I had another wedding,” she says.
“Helping people is my passion and I love doing what I do, uplifting and empowering.”