Who: Irene Moturi and Roncliffe Odit (Roni)

When: February 4, 2012

Where: Nairobi Sailing Club

Guests: 400

Photography: Kevin Odit

Interview: Philip Mwakio

Eve Bridal: How did you meet?

RONI: We first met in Mombasa, back in 1999 when our families were neighbours. Even so, we were not friends, but our parents were. Everyone went their way and we never talked or bounced on each other for ten years. In 2010, fate brought us together and we became friends. Later on, we took the friendship to the next level.

Since I grew up in Mombasa and Irene in Nairobi, we coined the phrase Island Boy meets City Girl in our wedding invitation cards.

EB: How long did you date and how was the experience?

Roni slips the ring onto Irene’s finger

IRENE: We dated for close to two years and I must admit I enjoyed the experience. Roni is understanding and very caring. He is my perfect man.

RONI: The two years we dated helped me understand Irene and appreciate her a lot. She has all the qualities you want in a woman, and she is a perfect cook. Although our dating period had ups and downs, that sharpened us to be the best husband and wife.

EB: How much did you spend and how did you raise it?

RONI: Our budget was Sh600,000 although adding all the small details including our parents transport, their dressing and other miscellaneous items saw us spending about Sh800,000. We raised a major chunk of the money from our savings; however, a few friends chipped in and supported us.

EB: Why did you opt for a garden wedding?

IRENE: We wanted a unique open door setting that would also get rid of the hustle that comes with having to transport people from the church ceremony to the reception venue.

RONI: A garden wedding is simple, but classy, and simplifying the event while making it classy is what I wanted.

EB: What was the inspiration behind the white suits for the men and sari for the women?

RONI: I’m in love with bright colours and I also like being unique and being noticed. White represented all that. It is also a ‘loud’ colour that goes well with my personality.

IRENE: The Asian oufits represented my general idea of being unique. I wanted something out of the norm that’s why I opted for a sari. I also wanted an outfit that I can still wear at other functions.

EB: What was the most challenging part in planning the wedding?

IRENE: The finances. It’s not easy getting money to foot the entire bill and especially if you are doing it alone. We had to work hard and go the extra mile in finding money, but we are glad we did it, thanks to my brave husband who has experience in planning weddings.

RONI: Getting the right service providers. I think that’s the most challenging thing in planning a wedding. You get many fake vendors, many with marvellous promises but who cannot deliver. It takes time, but it’s worth the hustle come that day.

EB: Did you have any disappointments?

The bridal team looked stunning in purple, lilac and white.

IRENE: No I didn’t. Everything went as planned. I really enjoyed my day.

RONI: Just one or two. The person who was charged with the décor did not bring out all that we had paid for, but the rest of the service providers did exactly what we expected of them. I salute them.

EB: What was the most interesting occurrence during your wedding day?

IRENE: Driving inside the stretch limo. It was so colourful and it made my day.

RONI: Watching Irene walk down the aisle made that day so romantic. She was like an angel, so beautiful.

EB: What would you do different if you were to wed again?

IRENE: I would have the wedding start a bit early. Our wedding started at 2pm and things seemed to be rushed because of time.

RONI: Nothing. Our wedding was the best and if it was to be repeated, everything would remain the same.

EB: How was your honeymoon?

RONI: Just one word, enjoyable! It was marvelous, but we would not divulge the details, come home and see the photos.