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The late afternoon sun beats down in the NorthWest bushveld near Potchefstroom where Cheetahs and Griquas flyhalf Naas Olivier is waiting patiently in a chapel nestled among willow trees. The bride is already half an hour late – and the clock’s ticking.
The vintage 1963 Audi 1000S coupé Joanita Holtzkamp (30) chose as a wedding car has broken down, leaving the bride stranded on the side of the R501 between Potchefstroom and Carletonville.
Such a disaster would reduce most to tears but Joanita wasn’t about to let it spoil her day.
“I hitched up my wedding gown and put out my thumb,” she jokes as she steps from the new bridal car – a white Mazda 3 parked outside the chapel.
“Luckily one of my bridal party was travelling not far behind us and stopped to give me a lift.”
As the wedding march starts Naas grins mischievously at his best man, his brother John-Henry (26), before turning towards the door. But when Joanita enters the chapel he loses his composure and a relieved smile washes over his face. In fact he’s so glad to see her a single tear runs down his cheek.
Joanita’s father, Pastor Charlie Holtzkamp, walks her down the aisle and gives Naas a firm handshake before mounting the pulpit.
The couple can barely conceal their excitement as the ceremony draws to a close. They exchange rings and moments later 120 guests cheer as Naas gets the go-ahead to kiss the bride. A late afternoon thundershower passes unnoticed outside.
Find love now! Click here. Read the full article in YOU, 6 January 2011.
