The tears start even before the bride has made it to the altar and the groom meets her halfway up the aisle, wiping her face gently with a tissue.
Like most weddings, it’s an emotional affair – but for this couple, there’s way more water under the bridge than for most soon to-be newlyweds.
For one thing, their four children are among the guests. For another, they’ve been here before – and in the 23-plus years since they last met at the altar, they’ve endured a roller coaster that would stretch most families to breaking point.
Which is exactly what happened.
Morné and Celeste Nurse had a child, lost that child, broke up in the bitter years of blame and guilt, found her again, and then tried to adapt to a new reality fraught with complexity.
But they managed to find each other again – and now here they are in the Rocklands Baptist Church in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, saying “I do” all over again. And this time it’s for keeps, they say.
Celeste (42) is elegant in a simple white satin dress, Morné (43) smart in an all-white outfit. Their long-lost daughter, Zephany (23), who was raised as Miché Solomon, beams alongside her siblings, Cassidy (19), Joshua (14), and Micah (13).
“Each of us has a past we can’t return to,” Peggy Diaries, a member of the congregation, says at the start of the service. “We can’t change the past and we can’t let the past rob us of the joy of the present.
“God gives everyone a second chance. Today is Morné and Celeste’s second chance.”
This story is from the 26 November 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 26 November 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