We recently had the honor of hosting another great wedding at Vuyani Safari Lodge.
On the day of the ceremony myself, Hannes, Christopher and our local Pastor George, set off to Porcupine dam (on the reserve) to set up for the service. On arrival we had a quick scout around to see if there were any signs of wildlife. We had found some fresh Elephant tracks and thought that there would be a chance that the Ellies might come down to the water for an afternoon drink.
We set the table with snacks and bubbly and waited for Togara to arrive with the wedding party. It was late afternoon and the temperature was soaring. We opted for the sparse bits of shade and listened to Pastor George’s stories about all the weddings he has done in his life.
Togara called his 5 minute ETA and the wedding party arrived. Pastor George and the couple headed down to the ceremonial table which was near the water and the photographer started snapping away. Hannes, Chris, Togara and I decided to split up and stay vigilant for any game that may be moving through the area. Momentarily after we parted Togara whistled and gestured with his hands for me to come over. Togara and Hannes had just spotted a Lioness on the opposite side of the dam. She was on the move and calling to her cubs, we were a bit panicked as to where the cubs were in relation to the soon to be newlyweds.
Togara decided that a higher vantage point was the answer and proceeded to climb in a small tree. He was examining the surroundings and whispering to us on the ground.
The ceremony was still in full swing and we had informed the party that the Lions were near and that we might have to beat a hasty retreat to the vehicles. Myself and Chris even had time to take a “selfie” 
The ceremony finished and Pastor George blessed the couple.
We poured some bubbly and the guests enjoyed the delicious snacks prepared by the Chefs. Christopher wandered off to have another quick peek, returning two minutes later with a bounce in his step and wide eyed. He whispered “Justine, they are there” I asked him what he meant. He whispered again “Justine, the Lions they are there” I asked him where “there” is and he pointed to a Guarri bush behind the snack table. I immediately saw a sub adult Lioness staring at us, well camouflaged in the dappled light of the Guarri. Togara and Hannes also spotted her at the exact same moment. I managed some “blurry” photos with my phone and then one “decent” photo as she lay down to rest next to the water. 
Togara immediately took control of the situation and instructed the Guests to climb on the Vehicle, which they hastily did with Champagne glass still in hand. We hopped in the other vehicle and the minute Chris closed the door, the sub adult Lioness walked out from behind the Guarri bush. She walked right in front of our vehicles and past the snack table where our unsuspecting guests had been standing not even a minute before.
What an exciting moment! Nerve wrecking – but exciting! A wedding ceremony that Guests and Staff alike will remember for years to come. Once back at the lodge, the guests were treated to a beautiful candle lit dinner.
