In the valley of the Guptas

How do you top armoured knights on horseback carrying your wedding rings in a suitcase, and bringing them to you on a stage set up on water?

Vega Gupta yesterday emerged from a giant lotus flower in a red hand-stitched traditional Indian dress to be greeted by her groom, Aakash Jahajgarhia.

Guests at the multimillion-rand wedding were spoiled for choice with various cuisines - including Thai, Greek, South African, Italian, Continental, Chinese, Mexican and Indian - thanks to Delhi chef Marut Sikka and his 130-strong team of international chefs.

A guest who did not want to be named said very little alcohol was served. He said, however, that there was a bar for those who sought stronger drinks.

"It's literally a festival of colours and smells. The women look absolutely stunning in their attires. It's something out of a movie."

Former Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar has always kept her love life out of the spotlight. But she was spotted smiling at, and holding hands with, President Jacob Zuma's son, Duduzane.

It's not known how long the pair have been together.

President Jacob Zuma's nephew, Khulubuse Zuma, made a sterling sartorial effort in a champagne gold and orange shawl.

Durban businessman Vivian Reddy stuck to a plain black suit. His wife, Sorisha Naidoo, wore champagne gold trousers under what looked like a silver wraparound coat with minimal jewellery.

Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba and IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi - in an orange kurta - were also there.

So was fashion designer and socialite Uyanda Mbuli, in a more Western attire - a black Alexander McQueen top, gold Roberto Cavalli vest and a short black ruffled skirt from her own label, Diamond Face Couture, paired with Italian shoes by Guiseppe Zanotti.

Once the pair had exchanged garlands, the guests were set for a glitzy reception party.

The venue was decked in thousands of imported hydrangeas, lilies, hyacinths, roses and orchids.

HIGH-PROFILE GUESTS

• Business tycoon and Jacob Zuma benefactor Vivian Reddy;
• IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi;
• President Zuma's son Duduzane Zuma, who is linked to the Guptas through directorships in various companies;
• Jacob Zuma's nephew Khulubuse Zuma;
• Minister of Public Enterprises Malusi Gigaba;
• Fashion designer and socialite Uyandi Mbuli;
• Former Miss SA Tatum Keshwar;
• TV personality and businesswoman Basetsana Kumalo;
• Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane was also invited, but could not attend as "though he would have loved to attend, he could not because he was busy with other things".