Bride: Winnie Ochola, electronic engineer

Groom: Zawadi Mudibo, KTN business anchor

Venue: Great Lake, Butterfly Pavilion at Haller Park, Bamburi

Date:April 7, 2012

Guests: 300

How did you two meet? 
Bride, Winnie Ochola and Groom: Zawadi Mudibo [Photo: Courtesy]

Zawadi: We met in college five and a half years ago. It was a funny meeting — Winnie used to be a lone ranger, hardly mingling with others and I was curious to get close and candid.

How long did you date? How was the experience?

Winnie: We dated for four years beginning March 23, 2008. It was fun and lovely though, of course, we had our ups and downs, which thankfully God took us through.

What was the budget for your wedding and how did you raise the money?

Zawadi: Initially, we anticipated a lean budget of at most Sh450,000 but this was to later shoot up to about Sh750,000. Only God knows how we raised that money. It is unbelievable.

Winnie: We did not have any pre-weddings to raise funds. Our close friends and family played a critical role and we glorify God for that.

Why did you decide on a garden wedding?

Winnie: Gardens are lovely and natural. I wanted the wedding away from the norm — to have the feel of Mother Nature. It is stress relieving, you know.

What was the most challenging thing during your wedding planning?

Winnie: We did not have a wedding planner. My nature of work, too, was a challenge.

Zawadi: Working late and having minimal time to plan. We would shuttle from Nairobi to Mombasa at least thrice a month. Meeting our suppliers and service providers too, was a great challenge.


Did you have any disappointments?

?Zawadi: Yes, we had our fair share of disappointments. There were frustrations from quarters we didn’t anticipate, but then, that is incomparable?with the joy that our union has finally brought.

What was the most interesting occurrence on your wedding day?

Winnie: Zawadi surprised me with his attire. I didn’t expect the cap on his head, or the sunglasses. But they came out real nice.

Zawadi: The Kaza Moyo Cultural Dancers from Kaloleni too, made our day. It was funny seeing them dressed in sacks.

What would you do differently if you were to wed again?

Winnie: Absolutely nothing. It was just perfect.

How was your honeymoon?

Zawadi: Our honey moon... haaahaaaa… As sweet as honey.

How has marriage life been so far?

Zawadi:?What do you expect if you marry your best friend? So lovely, we thank God.

What advice can you give to couples planning their wedding?

Winnie: The wedding is meant for the two of you. Try to plan within your means.

Zawadi: It’s your wedding. Do it your way.