For the welcome party, the couple hosted a South African braai (BBQ) garden party, where guests wore all white. “A bridal entrance is a must at all Somali weddings,” Sagal explains. “So I made a solo entrance to the welcome party, soundtracked by a custom song my mum had commissioned a Somali artist to write and produce for me. It’s a longstanding tradition in our culture and a love language of sorts to have songs made for the people you love most, especially since Somalia is a land of poetry and linguistic creativity. Not only was it a special moment for my mum, but it was the best gift I could have ever asked for.”
For this, Sagal wore a bridal version of a traditional Somali dress, known as a diraac. It was gold with beaded embroidery and had a matching veil—all by Ilwaad Shop, a well-known Somali bridal wear boutique based in London. “I was so excited to wear my traditional look because growing up, I’d watch all of these VHS videos of Somali weddings with my mum, and the brides always looked so stunning to me in their diraacs, dripped in statement gold jewels,” Sagal remembers.
On the wedding day itself, the main ceremony was held outdoors, with the mountains of Banhoek Valley as the backdrop. “I entered first and greeted guests as ‘Popping’ by Show Dem Camp played, bringing a warm, upbeat energy to the start of the ceremony,” Richard says. “Sagal then walked in with her mother to a beautiful instrumental of one of her favorite songs, ‘Know That You Are Loved’ by Cleo Sol.” The ceremony itself was led by a Christian officiant and included traditional vows, a blessing, and, of course, a kiss at the end.
“It was such a beautiful, emotional moment,” Sagal says. “My mum walked me down the aisle. Having her by my side in that moment and seeing Richard smiling at me as I walked towards him will always be a cherished memory for me. I don’t think I’ve ever felt anything quite as special. Having all the people we love most witnessing it with us was just a dream.”
Afterwards, they walked back down the aisle through a burst of confetti and then moved straight into cocktail hour, where saxophonist Jamo Harrison and percussionist Jason Ward set the tone with soulful Afro House tunes that quickly got guests into an early party mood. Cocktails were flowing, alongside canapés and a harvest table featuring artisanal breads, whipped butter, local cheeses, and other seasonal bites.
During cocktail hour, the newlyweds caught their breath, took photos with family and friends, and enjoyed a few drinks. They then had a private first look at the reception space, which was illuminated by the glow of more than 600 candles and half a dozen chandeliers. “I grew up in Copenhagen, and one of my favorite childhood memories is that instant feeling of love and coziness—or what we would call ‘hygge’ in Denmark—that transforms any environment as soon as a candle is lit,” Sagal explains. “So I knew I wanted to create a candle-lit experience for our reception dinner that felt whimsical and romantic.”
