Everything was ready and picture-perfect for her big day.
The guest farm in the lush Overberg mountains outside Swellendam in the Western Cape was all set for a feast and festivities: tables were adorned with centerpieces of roses and honeysuckle and a showpiece wedding cake was ready to be cut.
The sound system was ready for the bridal couple and their guests to dance the night away. And in the flower-bedecked chapel the pastor was waiting at the altar to guide the pair through their vows in front of 60 excited guests.
Trudie Swanepoel was ready too, dressed in her dream gown, her hair in a stylish ’do, flanked by her bridesmaids in their mustard-coloured dresses. The groomsmen were also lined up, in crisp white shirts and leather braces.
The groom was a little late though.
“Not for a moment did the family or I notice any red flags,” Trudie (27) says.
But as the minutes ticked by she started to get worried. Eventually she called him – and in the blink of an eye her dream wedding and plans for the future collapsed in a heap around her.
“I’m not coming,” Martin Strydom (35) told her. “Let’s call the whole thing off.”
Trudie was devastated but somehow managed to hold her head up high. She climbed onto a chair in front of the guests and announced, “There won’t be a wedding. You can gossip about this tomorrow, but for now we’re still going to party!”
Martin’s mom tried her best to comfort Trudie and his brother took charge of proceedings.
Only the pastor left early – there was nothing for him to do. Everyone moved to the reception area where “my almost-brother-in-law opened the dancefloor with me,” Trudie says.
This story is from the 2 July 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 2 July 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS
The king of pop's kids are a close-knit trio who guard their privacy fiercely
BARBIES ON THE GO!
Sending their dolls 'travelling' around the country started as way to escape everyday life during the pandemic and four years later they're still going strong
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
These musician decided to pack up their lives and trek across the country - with three kids in tow!
TALES FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
After 40 years in Tinseltown, filmmaker Ed Zwick is spilling the beans about the stars with the biggest egos in his tell-all memoir - and he doesn't regret a thing
India's national election
SOUTH Africa isn't the only country holding an election this year - America and India, among others, are also heading to the polls. Most countries hold elections every five years, and it typically takes place one day before the votes are counted.
IS YOUR BRA HARMING YOUR HEALTH?
Wearing the wrong bra size can cause more than discomfort - a poor fit can lead to bigger problems
MY STORY IS ONE OF HOPE
She was born with a rare condition that affects her muscles but it hasn't stopped Kerry from getting a degree or writing a book
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Drones, like the one used to kill seven aid workers in Gaza, are becoming common in battlefields
FINALLY I'M FREE
IT STARTED innocently enough, with a Bible study group, scripture readings and prayers in the suburbs of Centu rion.
CONJOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY
Abby and Brittany have again sparked public interest after Abby's 2021 wedding recently made headlines
