Jarelle and Chelsea, High School Sweethearts, Tie the Knot in Beautiful EThekwini
Durban – The City of eThekwini was filled with immense joy over the weekend as the families of Jarelle Van der Byl and his partner, Chelsea Mudzinganyama, came together to celebrate the union of the newlyweds.
High school sweethearts Jarelle and Chelsea exchanged vows on Saturday, (29 March 2025), at the Musgrave Methodist Church, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues.
With an outpouring of blessings and support from both families, there were delightful surprises in store for Jarelle and Chelsea.
The first surprise was the vintage Rolls-Royce that transported the couple to the wedding ceremony, perfectly setting the scene for the day ahead.
“The ceremony was beyond our expectations,” Chelsea later remarked.
“Surrounded by our loved ones, Methodist Church Minister David delivered such a gracious and warm message, making the moment incredibly heartfelt and significant.
“It surpassed every expectation, and it’s a moment we will cherish forever.”
Following the church ceremony, the couple proceeded to the reception in a stunning 1934 Dodge, fulfilling a dream for both of them.
The evening unfolded flawlessly—the decor, the food, the music—all meticulously arranged to craft an unforgettable experience.
The wedding reception at the Transhaven Seaside Haven celebrated diversity and showcased how love can bridge differences.
“We danced the night away, enveloped by family and friends who made the event even more special,” Jarelle reminisced, his eyes sparkling with joy.
Named after a renowned English football club, Chelsea received a warm welcome from her in-laws—the Van der Byl family, known for their passionate support of Liverpool.
“Chelsea is now a Liverpool fan,” announced Sam Van der Byl, the groom’s father.
Jerrelle expressed his gratitude to his bride for inspiring him to become a better man, allowing him to confidently address the guests.
He also honored both families, specifically mentioning the Sadza that his mother-in-law, Georgina Mudzinganyama, served him during countless visits.
Georgina reflected on how, as a mother, she understood it was not just the Sadza or academics that brought Jarelle to her home for over a decade.
Ultimately, everything turned out wonderfully, which was evidently appreciated by the guests, some of whom traveled from afar to witness the wedding.
A few days after their wedding, Chelsea shared that the lead-up to the event was filled with a whirlwind of emotions—tension, disagreements, and plenty of stress.
Always composed, Chelsea humorously noted: “Isn’t that part of the journey?”
She continued: “As the big day approached, we were pleasantly surprised by the sheer beauty and joy that unfolded.”
Reflecting on the past, Chelsea said that all the stress and disagreements leading to the wedding seemed trivial compared to the wonderful outcome.
“We are incredibly thankful to our parents for everything they did to turn this day into a reality. And to our friends and family – your love and support meant everything to us,” the couple shared in an exclusive interview with The Bulrushes.
“It was genuinely a day and night to remember, filled with love, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.”