We are stepping into spring with the love story of Akhiwe Buyana (32) & Nolubabalo Xusha (31)
Nolu wrote in to tell us how they met at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town. She says, “We were both studying Chemical Engineering in 2011 and one time we were assigned to the same group for an assignment. Akhiwe was selected as the leader but after just a few days I challenged him on his leadership skills and took over as new leader. It was this clash of personalities that started the spark between us.”
THE BIG QUESTION
Nolu and Akhiwe dated for 4 years before deciding to tie the knot. The couple says, “we decided to get married because we realized that we could not live without the other; our love was so strong and not broken even when distance separated us.”
Akhiwe proposed in 2015 and Nolu reminisces, “He took me out to dinner at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and after dinner he told me we should go on a ride on the Big Wheel. Little did I know that he had a surprise waiting for me and the staff at the Big Wheel were in on it. So there I was very nervous as I am extremely afraid of heights and as our cabin reached the top it stopped. I panicked thinking it was broken and looked down to see what was happening and as I turned my head there was my man on one knee with a ring. I said yes!”
THE BIG DAY
“We got married on the 11 May 2019 at Haga Haga Hotel in the Eastern Cape. We chose this date as we wanted a beach wedding and May is the best time for an outdoor wedding in the Eastern Cape. The highlight was that moment we were standing on the sand, barefoot with the sound of the waves as we said our vows.”
The couple had their first dance to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran featuring Beyoncé, because “this songs describes our love for each other, we were still very young when we met but fell in-love; we are perfect just for each other.”
MAKING IT WORK
The newlyweds’ union has not been without challenges. Akhiwe recently lost both his parents and as a result had to look after his siblings and relocate to the Eastern Cape. Nolu shares honestly, “It was a very challenging time for him emotionally and for me to as I now had to step back and let him be with his family who needed him more. The long distance did put a strain in our relationship and there were trust issues, what helped us was communication and our faith in God. We went for relationship counselling to understand the adjustments in our lives and it really helped us.”
Akhiwe and Nolu keep their love alive by surprising each other with gifts and activities. “My husband likes surprises, he pops in at my office with flowers occasionally. Sometimes I come home and find a warm bath waiting for me. I also surprise him with fun activities to do together like tickets to a movie or music show. We also made a tradition to spend 2 undisturbed weekends per year where it is strictly just the two of us and no phones.”
Akhiwe and Nolu say their recipe for a strong love includes: Love, Respect, Compromise, God, and Peace
SEE ALSO: Meet the Zwanes our #BONAWeddings August winners
Wedding Suppliers:
Wedding planner: The Wedding Knot
Photography: Red Events & Photography
Videography: Fab Videos
Wedding Venue: Haga Haga Hotel
Hair & Make Up: Afika M Spa
Dress: Lady Marmalaide East London
Nolu and Akhiwe win a Coverderm hamper.
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