Share

With only 3 weeks to plan #KFCWedding, Precious the Planner curated a dreamy affair, even after some sponsors pulled out

accreditation
Precious the Planner. Photo by @photgeniustats
Precious the Planner. Photo by @photgeniustats

While South Africa is still in a celebratory mood, we take a look at how the most anticipated wedding of 2019 - the #KFCWedding - was planned. Speaking to the woman behind organising the wedding, South Africa’s event maven, Precious Thamaga, shares heart-warming details about her experience with the Mkansi's.

READ MORE: A woman from the UK tells us how #KFCWedding touched hearts all over the world - 'It was in our newspapers, on TV, everywhere'

Precious says she was drawn to pledge because of the couple’s love story. “I was in a meeting when my phone kept on getting notifications from Twitter mentions from users asking me to pledge to organise the wedding. After the meeting I had a look at Twitter and immediately was drawn to their love story,” she says.

READ MORE: This designer only had 3 days to make 5 bridesmaids' dresses for #KFCWedding, he tells us how he did it

Despite not knowing if she would be available for the wedding, she agreed to do it and planned a surprise to meet the couple. Precious visited the couple at their home without knowing if the bride would recognise her, however, as soon as Nonhlanhla walked in, it was clear that the bride knew Precious from some of her previous work.

The surprise meeting is what gave birth to the royal theme of the wedding after Precious’ first question to the couple was – “If you had all the money in the world, what would you want your wedding to be like?”

Nonhlanhla said that she wanted to feel like a queen, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Inspired by the bride’s first gown, a simple satin off-shoulder dress, Precious wanted to portray the couple’s love story by going for a classic look in using A colour combination reminiscent of Buckingham Palace - champagne, green and a touch of gold.

READ MORE: Here are some of the celebs who pledged and kept their promises to be part of the #KFCWedding

Although the couple wanted to share their big day with the nation by using a bigger venue, they opted for a much more private and intimate venue after considering the costs to accommodate everyone. Precious chose Thaba Eco Hotel, as the wedding venue not only because she used it for her own wedding but because of the relationship she has developed with the owner who offered the use of the venue free of charge.

The challenges experienced by the planner on this journey was the brands and individuals who pledged but pulled out last minute, including those who pledged to provide the wedding rings.

Thankfully Precious has built a lot of relationships in the events industry and had TGF and Sterns save the day.

The décor pieces that stood out for Precious were the floral arrangements for the reception, the touches of colour and the main table where the couple sat. The plain white 4 tier cake with flower details topped the wedding off.

Speaking fondly of Nonhlanhla, Precious says, “The wedding was authentic. Nonhlanhla told me she wanted to feel like a queen and she trusted me with everything else. She was calm, she voiced her concerns calmly, and was appreciative.

READ MORE: WATCH | #KFCcouple: It’s wedding day! Watch as Nonhlanhla and Hector tie the knot

"With all the sponsors who pulled out, I went out of my way to ensure her day wasn’t mediocre as my name was on the line too. Someone like Nonhlanhla deserves everything she got.”

Although planning the wedding was challenging as I had only three weeks to plan it, I had my last wedding of the year on 14 and to 15 December however I had to ignore how tired I was and enjoy the process.

"This wedding is definitely one for the books, from their love story to their personalities, you had to be happy being around them. I learnt a lot about loving someone despite what the world says (in reference to the initial shaming of the couple's proposal). The world is so full of possibilities," says Precious, adding that she is truly inspired by everyone who made contributions towards the wedding.

Would you use a planner for your wedding or do you prefer to do the planning yourself? Share your thoughts with us here.

Follow us on social media here: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Sign up to W24’s newsletters so you don't miss out on any of our hot stories and giveaway.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE