The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sunday Life Correspondent
WEDDINGS are such special events that always see couples going for the best in every department to ensure they have a memorable occasion that will remain on people’s lips, even after the nuptial.
Mpala Events and Conference Centre is hoping to be the game changer on the wedding scene although the new venue won’t only be focused on those tying the knot, as it will accommodate various events and conferences.
The venue, which is built on spacious premises, sits right in the middle of an industrial area along Khami Road and although one may not see its beauty from the outside, a beautifully crafted wall that is painted in an attractive orange colour gets one’s attention, in an area where aesthetics are of no value.
The venue offers both indoor and outdoor services, as there is a ballroom that accommodates indoor events, while there is a pristine, neatly manicured garden for those who prefer an outdoor environment.
An open house was hosted at the venue last Saturday, where the venue was showcased to select clients, while various service providers were on hand to exhibit their products.
The owners of the centre, a couple, Similo and Amon Mpala said the event was aimed at showing Bulawayo what they had to offer in terms of the venue.
Similo said they built a dedicated bridal room that would ensure the bride refreshes, after the marriage ceremony while enabling those who want to change dresses a private and convenient room to use. Close to the bridal room is a bathroom equipped with a shower.
A disc jockey’s box and entertainers’ room are also part of the make up to ensure ease of use.
Amon said they opted for the industrial areas, as the venue was convenient for clients from both ends of the city unlike most venues that are situated in the eastern suburbs.
The couple said they do not just play host to marriages but are also host marriage encounters, where they encourage couples to strengthen their bonds.
“Marriage is not just an event but it is a lifelong process which needs to be nurtured and we believe we should go beyond hosting marriages but also ensure they are sustained through counseling,” said Amon, who has been married to Similo for 25 years.
Instead of going for the usual wedding expo, Similo said they felt an intimate event with several prospective clients, some who had already made bookings for this year, would make a bigger impact.
Select service providers, ranging from caterers, décor personnel, master of ceremonies, sound system providers, camera persons and vintage car hire were all at hand to showcase their products.
The events saw guests being treated to some entertainment by Umkhathi Theatre and Hloseni Arts and Kulcha Sounds with Ngqabutho ‘Umtuntu Omkhulu’ Mlotshwa, Sthandazile ‘Stha’ Dube and Omphile Marupi taking turns on the mic while models presented various wedding clothes ranging from gowns, suits and African attire.
Guests also got a taste of the menu with wide ranging eats being served just before the end of the event.
“The event went quite well, I think we managed to attract enough people and I’m sure the prospective couples who came were impressed with what they saw,” said Similo, who had managed to turn a section of the ballroom into a winter-themed wedding that featured ‘clouds’, ‘snow’ and leafless trees that characterize weather seasons.
Dube, who has made a name for herself in the local master of ceremonies circuit with creative performances, said she was impressed with MECC, which she thinks is one of the best in the city.
“It is a unique, ‘classy’ venue but the good thing is they (owners) took their time in building it to ensure it is among the best in the city. It ranks high up there,” she said.
Décor with a Difference’s Paula White, who were showcasing their décor work, said original and creative work usually brings the clients.
She said their unique ideas they come up with after consulting clients has seen them being one of the leading service providers in the industry.
