Two weddings, one unforgettable love story. Bloemfontein young couple, Schalk and Mariniqué Wentzel redefined what it means to celebrate marriage by placing community, gratitude and shared purpose at the heart of their journey, proving that the role of a groom is just as meaningful when love is built on partnership.
The role of a groom has often been overlooked during weddings. Perhaps understandably so, as many brides take the lead in planning every detail, bringing a lifelong dream to life. But for newlyweds Schalk and Mariniqué Wentzel, their journey shows just how powerful teamwork can be. Their love story unfolded across two weddings, each carefully shaped to reflect not only their union, but the people and purpose that define their lives.
For Schalk Wentzel, getting married was never just about a single moment. “I didn’t want the wedding to be something that just happens to you. I wanted to be present in every part of it, to actually feel what was happening,” he reflects.
It became a deeply personal experience marked by gratitude and reflection. The couple were first married in the Drakensberg on February 7, a setting that held special meaning for Mariniqué.
In the hours leading up to the ceremony, Schalk found himself calm, grounded by the thought of loved ones who had travelled far to be part of their day.
He says, “There was this quiet moment before everything started. And I remember thinking how lucky we were that so many people made the effort to stand with us.” That sense of appreciation shaped how he experienced every moment that followed.
Schalk shares that one of the most powerful experiences was seeing his bride walk down the aisle. “It’s something I thought I understood before it happened,” he admits.
“But when I saw her, it was completely different. It hit me in a way I can’t really describe.”
It brought an unexpected rush of emotion, a mix of joy, pride and anticipation for the life ahead. “In that moment, I just knew—this is it. This is everything.” It was a feeling so profound that he found himself wishing to relive it. That opportunity came through their second wedding.
Although Schalk and Mariniqué Wentzel were married in the Drakensberg on February 7, they knew their story would feel incomplete without including the 48 children from Engo’s Esperanza, Gardenia, Gladstone and Carpe Diem homes, where Marinique oversees the children as a social worker.
For the couple, this second celebration was intentional. “We didn’t want it to be a side event. It had to mean something. It had to include the people who matter beyond just our circle,” Schalk explains.
“That is exactly why there were 48 groomsmen and bridesmaids at the second wedding,” he adds. “We wanted them to feel like they weren’t just watching love, but part of it.”
In the lead up to both weddings, Schalk took on a supportive role, trusting Mariniqué’s vision, particularly when it came to décor and planning. “I knew she had it under control,” he says. “So I didn’t try to take over anything. My job was to support and step in where I could add value.”
He arranged table wines and focused on planning their honeymoon, something he thoroughly enjoyed. “I actually liked having smaller responsibilities. It let me enjoy the process instead of stressing about everything,’ he admits.
One of his standout contributions was organising a full 18-hole wedding golf day ahead of the first ceremony. “That was my space to have fun with it,” Schalk says. “I wanted the guys to have something memorable, something that felt like us.”
With traditional prizes and a playful spirit, it quickly became a highlight of the weekend. What surprised him most was how it evolved, with Mariniqué suggesting that the prize giving be included in the wedding celebrations. “That’s the thing about us. We don’t really stick to one person’s idea—we build it together,” he says.
When reflecting on his favourite moments, Schalk highlights the speeches. “People often think speeches are just formalities, but for me, they were everything,” he adds.
He describes how loved ones opened up in ways he never expected.
“You hear things you didn’t know people felt,” he reflects. “It makes you realise how many lives are woven into yours.” A custom song from his best man added an unexpected emotional layer. “I was not ready for that,” he laughs. “That one really got me.”
As they settle into married life, Schalk reflects on what has surprised him most. “I expected to feel like something was ending, but it feels like something is expanding instead.” Rather than loss, he speaks of gain. “I didn’t just gain a wife,” he reflects. “I gained a second family, a bigger world, more connection than I ever expected.”
His advice to other grooms is simple. “Be present. Don’t just show up—be there emotionally, mentally, fully.” He shares, “And don’t try to control everything. The best moments are usually the ones you didn’t plan.”
For Schalk and Mariniqué Wentzel, their two weddings were not just about saying I do.
“It was never just about us alone. It was about love that includes people, that builds community, that grows beyond the two of you,” Schalk says.
And in doing so, they created a celebration that will be remembered not just for how it looked, but for how deeply it was felt.
Text: Clement Matroos
Photographs: Elysian Photography, Tania Allen Photography, Clement Matroos
