Somizi Mhlongo and Mohale Motaung have gone down in history as having two of the most extravagent weddings South Africa has ever seen. This iconic couple has dominated gossip columns since they came together, and keep us constantly entertained.
They have also become beautiful examples of love, and have inspired many to be their true selves. Here’s how this iconic South African couple came to be.
Idols judge Somizi met actor and businessman Mohale in 2017 at a book signing for Somizi’s book Dominoes: Unbreakable Spirit – The Somizi Mhlongo Story.
“I knew from the minute I saw him. He thought I was joking when I told him because he was at my book signing,” Mhlongo told Sowetan Live. “With everyone I was signing SM, but when he came I signed ‘thank you for your support, dear future husband’.
“He laughed it off and two months later, we met for dinner. We met at 8pm and the date ended at 3am. We went through eight bottles of champagne and we have never been apart since then. He slept at my house. I knew then that this is the man I’m going to marry,” Mhlongo says.
Their relationship has not been without its fair share of controversy. Initially, the 22-year age difference surprised fans.
Many also criticised Mohale of faking his love for Somizi for fame. When Mohale appeared on Somizi’s reality show Living the dream with Somizi, viewers said Mohale seemed disinterested and unaffectionate towards his partner. The couple also faced infidelity rumours when Mohale was allegedly caught with another man.
On March 10, 2018 Somizi popped the question to Mohale at Pont des Arts, the ‘lock bridge’ in Paris that overlooks the Eiffel Tower. Of course, Mohale said yes.
The pair tied the knot in what many believe was the wedding of the decade in 2019, first with a traditional wedding in 2019 and then a white wedding in early 2020.
For their traditional wedding, the couple wore matching outfits and made multiple changes throughout the day. Their first look was designed by Gert Johan Coetzee, who was inspired by a North African theme.
A host of local celebrities were in attendance, including Bonang Matheba, Casper Nyovest, Kelly Khumalo, Lerato Kganyago, Pearl Thusi, Julius Malema, and Thando Thabethe.
According to Liquid Image Consulting, the creative team behind the wedding, the pair had a particular dress code for guests. “Dresscode: #Somhale wanted to showcase African Tradition and they personally selected a region from Africa for each guest detailing what they should wear and sent extensive dress code mood boards to ensure everyone stayed on theme!!” they wrote in an Instagram post.
Not one to be outdone, Somizi made sure their second wedding was even more lavish than their traditional wedding of 2019. Their extravagant white wedding on Thursday, January 30 was attended by celebs like Minnie Dlamini-Jones, Casper Nyovest, Khanyi Mbau, DJ Zinhle, Shimza, Lerato Sengadi, Thando Thabethe, Ayanda Thabethe and Bonang Matheba. Guests were instructed to wear white and red-bottom shoes.
According to reports, Somizi had three outfit changes, each of which were accessorised with different Christian Louboutin red-bottom shoes. Celebrity designer Gert-Johan Coetzee was at the helm of at least one of these looks.
Their nuptials were captured in all their glory in a 4-part special on Showmax, which broke viewing records and became the most streamed show when it premiered in February.
The pair had planned a third wedding in Italy this year, but had to cancel plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s clear that there is a lot of love in this couple. We can’t wait to see what they do next!
Feature image: Instagram / Mohale
