By: Allan Olingo
Paul remembers too well the day he first met Nancy 26 years ago. Love blossomed, a traditional marriage and then children
Couple: Nancy Wambui and Paul Kanyi; Date: June 16, 2012; Venue: Moi Educational Centre in South C, Nairobi
Cost: Sh522,000; Guests: 600
How did you two meet and what attracted you to her?
Paul: We met at a wedding party in 1986. What attracted me to her was her beauty. She was humble, kind and caring. We got married the traditional way because we did not have funds to finance a wedding.
Does that mean you dated for 26 years? How was the dating experience?
Paul: No, we dated for six years and got married the traditional way. Dating was okay although it was a long distance relationship. She was in Kirinyaga while I was in western Kenya. We used to communicate only through letters and landlines. Back then we called it Bolingo Telephono (a lingala song that talks about love through the telephone). Since there were no mobile phones then, I used to call the sister somewhere in Kerugoya and tell her to inform Nancy that I would be calling her the next day at a particular time. It was pretty interesting.
What did you like about the wedding?
Paul: I still smile when I think about our wedding. You see, when the bridal party arrived at the reception, the shouts, dancing and the excitement were overwhelming. It was so memorable. I also cannot forget the laughter during the cake cutting ceremony.
Did you encounter any challenges during the planning?
