A Wedding in Paradise

If someone had, at the start of this trip, told me I would be attending my parents wedding in Vilanculos I would have quite literally laughed at them. But, thirteen years after the initial proposal, Mum and Dad finally got married at North Point on Benguerra Island.

The Ride To North Point Beach

It had started as a normal day, Peet, Dad and myself were off fishing whilst Mum and Sue were going to spend the day relaxing at North Point - which for the record is one of the most perfect beaches in the world. All was going to plan until the swell picked up to around five metres and our fishing plans were scuppered, prompting a return to North Point for a few rum and cokes whilst we made a new plan for the day.

The Wedding Party

That plan was to take the boat to Benguerra Lodge and have a drink there before heading back to mainland. Only one drink lead to two, and two drinks lead to a wedding being planned. As is, or should I now say was, often the case the topic of why Mum and Dad weren't married came up over drinks, which is not unusual. What was unusual was Mum didn't try and change the subject, but rather made a pact with me that if I could find a priest she would get married whilst in Mozambique.

The Happy Couple At The Wedding Chapel

Not one to waste time no sooner had she shaken my hand than I was up and off to get Mum and Dad married, with a little help from Benguerra Lodge. Two days later and we were wading out towards Peet's boat heading back to Benguerra Island for Mum and Dad's wedding - a day I know Dad had been longing for for many years.

I Take Thee....

After a drinks reception at Benguerra Lodge it was on to North Point where the wedding chapel had been prepared, in a very African style. With the English speaking minister being on holiday we had to settle for a minister who only spoke Portuguese, which meant a good friend of Sue and Peet's came along to translate so we would all understand.

You May Now Kiss The Bride

The wedding itself was simple yet beautiful, and from my point of view it was a very special day to finally see two people, so clearly in love, uniting their relationship in matrimony. Not that I have never seen our family as anything but that, but with Mum and Dad finally getting married it also united us as a complete family. With the vows completed, Mum and Dad were officially husband and wife, a day I think most of us didn't think we would see!

The Happy Couple

After enjoying the sunset and a camp fire it was time to depart, leaving Mum and Dad at the Lodge for the night, whilst the rest of the wedding party braved the journey back home in Peet's boat. It was interesting to say the least, dark skies, choppy waters, merry (to say the least) passengers and a skipper who only knew one speed - flat out.

Whilst it was not something Mum and Dad had planned on doing whilst in Mozambique their wedding was a special day, one that they will never forget, and certainly one I will never forget. So all that is left to say is, congratulations Mum and Dad.

written by

MarcusInAfrica on April 18, 2009 from Vilankulo, Mozambique

from the travel blog: Cape to Cardiff

Send a Compliment

Hi darlin - well married life is just great - dad said it would be different - after being together for 19 years I was thinking 'how can it be different' but he is right - it is.

Memories eh - good one's.

Dad has still got his beard but he has shaved it into a small goatie - looks cute and everyone likes it - so he gets to keep it. Its hard settling back into work after the amazing time we had in Africa - we have decided to have an 8 week trip early next year - time to really explore and chill.

Sounds like you are having a great time - very envious of you being at Livingstone now - tell me more about the chickens - your very brave...

Miss you loads - hugs n stuff

Mum xxxx

written by jayne leach on May 13, 2009

Dreams really do come true.... Fantastic job Mr. Marcus... on all fronts. Well done. Love Maddie x

written by Madeleine French on June 5, 2009

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