Former Miss World Rolene Strauss is marking a major milestone this week. She and her husband D’Niel Strauss have been married for 10 years. The couple tied the knot on February 6, 2016, at the Laurent Wedding Venue in Somerset West. That was a decade ago, but for Rolene, it feels like both yesterday and a lifetime at the same time. She took to social media to celebrate the anniversary with a heartfelt message. “So much life in between,” she wrote, reflecting on everything that has happened since that special day. And when you look at what the couple has accomplished together, that simple phrase says it all.
When Rolene walked down the aisle in 2016, she was still adjusting to life after her reign as Miss World 2014. She had traveled to dozens of countries representing South Africa. She had met world leaders, judged beauty pageants, and become a household name. But on her wedding day, she was just a young woman marrying the man she loved. The ceremony was nothing short of magical. Top South African wedding planner Aleit Swanepoel designed the event. It was an elegant, sophisticated affair with cascading white florals and luxurious details. Rolene wore a bespoke gown by designer Casper Bosman. She arrived in a horse-drawn carriage. Guests enjoyed an Asian-inspired Peking duck starter and traditional South African boerekos for the main course. The five-tier wedding cake was a showstopper. It was the kind of day dreams are made of.
But what came after the wedding was not always easy. Rolene and D’Niel faced challenges that many couples never have to deal with. They spent the first six years of their relationship in a long-distance situation. Two of those years were as a married couple. During that time, Rolene was completing her medical degree at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. D’Niel, who is 10 years older and works as a director of an investment company, was based in Stellenbosch. They had to commute to see each other. D’Niel would fly up on Thursdays and return on Sundays. It was not a simple arrangement, but they made it work.
Rolene has spoken openly about how difficult that period was. In past interviews, she explained that they used the time to build a strong foundation. They focused on good communication, unconditional respect, and patience. They learned to trust each other even when they were apart. And they became parents during that time. Their first son was born in January 2017, just one year after their wedding. That added a whole new layer of complexity. Being a new mother while studying medicine and living away from her husband was incredibly hard. But Rolene is nothing if not determined.
The couple went on to welcome two more children. In 2020, they had their second son. And in 2024, they welcomed their third child. Rolene shared joyful hospital photos on Instagram when the baby arrived. The photos included sweet drawings from their other children. It was a beautiful moment that showed just how much their family had grown since that wedding day in 2016. Three kids. A completed medical degree. A thriving career. And a marriage that has only gotten stronger with time.
Rolene is now a qualified doctor. She has also built a successful career as a businesswoman and influencer. She regularly shares glimpses of her life on social media, balancing motherhood, work, and personal passions. D’Niel has been her biggest supporter through it all. In previous anniversary posts, Rolene has gushed about how he makes her feel like a princess. She credits him for letting her chase her dreams while cheering her on from behind the scenes. She thanks him for his mentorship, his love, and his unconditional support in everything she does.
Looking back on a decade of marriage, it is easy to see why Rolene chose the words “so much life in between.” From Miss World duties to medical school. From long-distance struggles to becoming parents three times over. From living apart to building a home together. The journey has been anything but ordinary. But through it all, Rolene and D’Niel have stayed committed to each other. They have grown together instead of apart. And that is what makes their love story so inspiring. Ten years down. Many more to go. And if the first decade is any indication, the best is yet to come.
