The perfect rib

Couple: Mathew Hope Kwena and Fridah Muthoni Miano

Date: July 9, 2011

Venue: Chrisco Church, Kawangware 

Reception: Jockey Club, Racecourse

Photo location: Karen Country Lodge

Photos and interview: Thorn Mulli

Eve Bridal: How did you meet?

Fridah: We met in church.

EB: How did you know she was the one?

Mathew: You know when you meet somebody and its just flowing, you can’t get her out of your mind even in the thick, then you know the rib fits perfectly. Then again its impossible to even imagine myself with anyone else. I call her princess. She is God’s best gift to me.

EB: What was the proposal like?

Mathew: Fridah loves cake, so I took her out for lunch, bought a box of black forest, which is her favourite, and put the ring in there. As we were having lunch, she opened the box to have a look and there was the ring and a card reading “WILL YOU MARRY ME?”

EB: What was the inspiration of your gown and those of the bridesmaids? 

Fridah: I just loved my gown; with the short tail and the bolero, plus I did not want a heavy gown. I like clothes that fit well and Alex and Charles simply did a marvellous job with the bridesmaids’ dresses. Then again since July falls in the cold season, the boleros came in handy.

EB: You seemed happy throughout the ceremony, what was going through your head at the moment?

Mathew: Yes! She looked stunning. That it was finally happening, after two years of friendship, one year of courtship and six months of planning. This coupled with the fact that she was actually forsaking all men who were eyeing her and they were many was beyond word. It also helped that the whole event was going on better than planned.

Fridah: I was genuinely happy, so I couldn’t help smiling. I was humbled and peaceful that I got God’s own masterpiece and he looked handsome. He actually made me feel like a princess even though we missed our sister Carol, who couldn’t make it.

EB: What is the most overrated thing about weddings?

Mathew: Every aspect of the wedding is important. If you want it, go for it. People may not like the fuss, but it is your day and it comes only once. It is a personal choice and only you can determine what’s best for you, which may be overrated to someone else. The only advise we can give is for guys to plan the wedding within their means. If that means Sh5 million go for it. If it means Sh100,000 make it the best Sh100,000 wedding ever.