“A Victoria Falls Wedding Fit for a Queen” 👑💦

Theme: #SafariChic 🐘🌿 + #LuxeGameLodge 🕯️🦓
Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Couple: Tatenda & Samantha Moyo (UK-based, Zimbabwean diaspora)
Date: 
Vibe: Wildly romantic, Afro-luxe, waterfall drama meets golden hour glamour

💌 Meet the Couple

Tatenda and Samantha met in London over a shared love of jazz and jollof (don’t ask who made it better). Both originally from Zimbabwe, they always dreamed of reconnecting with their roots for their wedding day—and what better place than the iconic Victoria Falls? “We wanted something timeless, magical, but also a love letter to where we come from,” says Samantha.

💍 The Proposal

Tatenda popped the question at the Sky Garden in London with a view of the city skyline—but secretly, he had already planned their wedding location. “I knew it had to be Vic Falls from the moment I bought the ring,” he shares.

🐘 The Setting

The wedding took place at Old Drift Lodge, just upstream from the Falls, where elephants casually wander through the bush and champagne toasts happen under baobab trees. The ceremony overlooked the Zambezi River at sunset, with the sound of the Falls thundering faintly in the background.

The lodge was exclusive-hire for the weekend, giving guests a luxe safari retreat. A welcome bonfire night kicked off festivities, complete with storytelling, traditional drumming, and locally brewed Zambezi lager.

👑 The Fashion

Samantha wore a breathtaking custom gown by Gert-Johan Coetzee, featuring a dramatic detachable overskirt and delicate beadwork inspired by river currents. For the reception, she changed into a modern take on traditional Shona attire with gold and cream hues.

Tatenda wore a bespoke linen suit from David Wej London, accessorised with hand-beaded cufflinks and leather sandals made in Bulawayo.

Bridesmaids wore deep terracotta tones, while groomsmen went for open collar safari-style suits.

🌸 The Decor

The ceremony arch was made of driftwood and wild florals—king proteas, pampas, and soft acacia greenery. The reception featured long wooden tables under fairy lights, accented with stoneware, brass candleholders, and local woven placemats. Each table was named after a Zimbabwean river.

A floral chandelier hung above the dancefloor, and the couple’s initials were projected onto the baobab tree behind them.

🎶 The Vibes

Music: Mbira during the ceremony, Afro-jazz during dinner, and DJ Zinhle-inspired dancefloor bangers for the afterparty

Special Moment: A surprise performance by Samantha’s grandmother, who sang a traditional Shona wedding song and had everyone in tears

Cake: A four-tiered white and gold marula-infused masterpiece with sugar hibiscus flowers

Send-off: The couple left in a vintage open-top Land Rover with sparkler tunnels and cheering guests

🔧 PMW Planning Tools Used:

Budget Tracker

Custom Guestlist

Destination Planning Concierge

Local Supplier Booking (makeup artist, DJ, caterer)

💡 Bride’s Top Tip:

“Plan your legal paperwork early and don’t be afraid to blend cultures—our wedding felt like us because we didn’t pick one thing, we picked everything that felt meaningful.”

🔍 Vendors You’ll Love:

Venue: 

Planner: Plan My Wedding Concierge

Photographer: 

Makeup: 

Dress: 

Music: 

✈️ Bonus for Diaspora Brides:

Coming home to say “I do” doesn't have to be stressful—Plan My Wedding Africa helped Tatenda & Samantha coordinate everything from abroad. Use our digital checklist and book vendors you can trust—no matter where in the world you’re planning from.