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Sunday Times, 29.04.07

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Gerry weds Canadian beau

Television personality Gerry Rantseli married Canadian fiance, Kerry Elsdon, at a picturesque Cape wine estate yesterday.

Elsdon, chief executive of Daimler Chrysler Financial Services in South Africa, was first seen in public with Rantseli in May last year at the Viennese Ball in Johannesburg. The couple exchanged vows at the Vrede en Lust estate, on the eastern slopes of the Simonsburg Mountains outside Franschhoek.

Rantseli's best friend and Top Billing producer Basetsana Kumalo was "Mistress" of Ceremonies, Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-simang's daughter Pulane Kingston was matron of hour and Elsdon's teenage daughter, Christa arrived from Canada to be bridesmaid.

Among the guests was Rantseli's well-loved housekeeper of 10 years, Thoko Zulu, whom she flew in from Johannesburg for the occasion.

Born and raised in Canada, Elsdon had worked for Daimler Chrysler for 20 years when he joined the South African organization in 2003.

Rantseli's strapless floorlength gown, created by Norman Callan was made of white satin beads. A sleeveless, see through overdress, made in tulle, was sprinkled with the same beads and 4 000 grey Swarovsko crystals. The hem of the dress went into a 1.5m train, edged in grey and white ostrich feathers.

The bride wore no shawl, despite a chilly April breeze. Callan, who has dresses Rantseli for 15 years, also designed her gown for her first marriage to musician and businessman Alex Rantseli. The couple divorced last year.

The Cape Dutch-style Vrede en Lust wine farm was owned by mining entrepreneur Roger Kebble form 1977 to 1990.

The current owner is Dana Buys, South Africa's first Microsoft distributor, who sold his US computer company in 2005 for $185-million.