A thief nearly ruined our wedding day

BRIDE: Esther Wanjiru Kung’u

GROOM: Cyrus Njonde Maina

DATE: 2 April 2016

GUESTS: 450

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION VENUE: Deliverance Church

(House of Bread), KPCU, Nairobi

BUDGET: Sh250,000

FIRST DATE

CYRUS AND ESTHER: Our story is like the Biblical tale of the two love birds, King Cyrus and Queen Esther. We met in April 2013 at a Nairobi Church where I served as a décorator while (Esther) was in charge of camera sound and photography. One thing led to another and soon I asked her out at a local famous joint where we had a chance to some of African delicacies.

CYRUS: However, it was not until one day later that year during one of our coffee dates that I gathered guts to express my feelings towards her. “I am falling for you,” I told her not knowing what to expect from her.

Looking into my eyes she went head to ask me if I had prayed about it and as usual I said yes. But it appears she needed more time.

THE PROPOSAL

CYRUS: Although I initially planned for the proposal on a Valentines’ Day 2016 - Sunday afternoon but owing to unavoidable circumstances I had to move it to the following afternoon.

Well, it was while having lunch at a Nairobi hotel that I used the opportunity to pop up the big question while on my knees.

This time round her answer was a big yes that followed with a hug accompanied by tears of joy.

THE DRAMA

CYRUS: It took us two months to plan the wedding. We started out with a budget of Sh360,000. However, after careful negotiation, besides people opting to lend a helping hand, it was lowered to Sh250,000. On the eve of our wedding I was in town for a shave and hair do while Esther who had moved to our new house in Muthiga left for work early. Unfortunately, a thief broke into in our new house and as she returned back home to pick her gown, she was shocked at the sight of the mess.

Her efforts to reach me were in vain as my phone was off. After passing through a period of stress thinking that I may have been kidnapped by the robbers – somehow, I managed to switch on my phone and it was at that point that she felt a sense of relief after informing me of what had transpired. Luckily for us our wedding rings worth Sh30,000 that were packed in a box were thrown on the floor for some miraculous reason.

ESTHER: This aside another challenge we faced in our planning our wedding was the fact that I was never available most times owing to the fact that I worked late and had evening classes to attend to.

Most times my husband to be took it upon myself with the help of the wedding committee to update her on our wedding plans marriage counselling classes, meeting service providers among other things.

What are some of the things you would have done differently? Although we had budgeted for a sitting capacity of 350 guests we were ambushed after the number turned out more by close to 150 extra guests.

As much as the wedding was glorious some guests were forced to stand on their feet as they enjoyed plenty of delicious food and music among other nicities. MEMORABLE MOMENTS

The fact that the number of guests turned out more than we expected was a good sign. The caterers had enough food for everyone. The gifts were more than we ever imagined. At some point, a section of guests were advised to bring their gifts forward without having the chance to greet us.

Luckily for us, by 5 pm we were through and as people left for their various homes, we went for a photoshoot after the wedding which was unique and different in the eye of many. The cake, courtesy of Jerry Cake House, was just enough for everyone - we didn't even have pre-packed pieces of cake like most people do to supplement the main cake.

ADVICE

CYRUS: It is important for them to plan early besides being in agreement while doing so. Always opt for something affordable but quality.

ESTHER: They need to seek God in their wedding plans for He always has a way of making their heart desires come true. WORDS: CAROLINE NYANGA PHOTOS: COURTESY