Fairytale ending for missing wedding album
22 October 2025
A mysterious wedding album in the Strandfontein Library found its way home after staff went the extra mile down the aisle to find the owners.
During a recent tidy up session at Strandfontein Library, the staff found a wedding album that had been at the library for many years.
The album was found previously, but because staff didn't know who the owners were, they kept it safe in the storeroom, hoping the couple would reclaim it, but neither a bride nor groom turned up.
That's until it resurfaced recently and efforts to find the owners were reignited.
The staff showed photos from the album to a few patrons – one of whom identified a local church where the marriage was officiated, and was able to recall the first names of the couple – Nico and Tania Manuel.
Next, staff contacted the church secretary who managed to trace Nico Manuel and convey the good news. He was in another province at the time, and initially thought to collect the album later and surprise his wife, but could not contain his excitement and alerted Tania, who quickly turned up at the library to collect the album.
The couple were thrilled to have their wedding photos back, especially because they didn't know what had happened to it.
They believe it may have mistakenly ended up with a box of books that they had donated more than 20 years ago.
Tania wrote in the comments book at the library desk, "Thank you to the beautiful people @ Strandfontein Library for holding on to our precious memories. Much appreciated. Love, Nico & Tania.”
‘Library staff went the extra mile not only to hold on to the album, but to make sure it’s returned to its owners two decades later. We’re glad Nico and Tania’s memories of their special day have been returned, and I applaud the staff for going above and beyond to solve the mystery. Who knows … this could even have the makings of a plot for a novel,’ said Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.
Caption 1: Tania Manuel collecting their photo album and Librarian in Charge, Hawa Williams
Caption 2: Tania's comment in the comment book at the desk at Strandfontein Library
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
