A sense of adventure

Martin and Agnes met in Seychelles in 2007 and four years later, they were sealing their love with a memorable wedding in Elementaita 

Names: Martin Shikuku Odie and Agnes Musira

Date: December 10, 2011

Venue: Elementaita Lodge.

Budget: Sh500,000.

Guest: 250.

Interview and photography: Baraka Karama.

Eve Bridal: When and how did you meet?

Agnes: We met in Seychelles on August 13, 2007. It was love at first sight and nothing has changed ever since.

Martin: We were working in Seychelles and she had come my place of work with a Kenyan friend to bring me a Sunday newspaper she had brought from Kenya. Two days later, the three of us went out for a drink at Pirates Arms, one of the most lucrative restaurants in Mahe Island, Seychelles. We made it a habit to go out every Monday evenings when the restaurant would play local songs like sega, moutaf dance and serve creole delicacy. One thing led to the other and here we are.

EB: How was the marriage proposal?

Agnes: He proposed by the pool side. We had gone on a trip to Nakuru and then he went on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was so emotional and romantic and I could not resist saying, “Yes I do accept”. We started making arrangements for our wedding afterwards.

EB: Why did you accept the proposal?

Agnes: I could not resist. He was so genuine and reliable besides being very handsome and hardworking. I could not just let him go.

EB: Did you have any traditional ceremony before the wedding?

Agnes: Yes, we had one called Ayie. It is a ritual among the Luo where his family came and asked for my hand in marriage. We also had another one where they brought cows and money.

EB: How was your wedding? Give a brief recount of the day.

Agnes: The preparations were hectic, considering the fact that we are from Kisumu and chose Elementaita for our wedding. We managed and it was such a lovely event. We expected around 150 guests, but the number went up to 250.

I woke up in high spirits because I had really waited for this day. I just didn’t want anyone to spoil it for me and so I switched off my phone. It was really exciting to see my husband to be, very smartly dressed. I was very happy.

Martin: I was anxious, but I knew all would be well. I had been waiting for this day and it finally came. I was  waiting for it to happen so I could finally be with my wife. My friends and colleagues kept me going by giving me moral support. Seeing my sweetie walk down the isle is an unforgettable moment.

EB: What were the challenges you faced?

Agnes: The hotel where we had booked fed extra people who were not part of our team without our consent and insisted that we have to pay for the additional guests, which baffles us to date. I think it was a trick.

The entertainment band we hired gave us a raw deal. They were disorganised.

EB: What was the inspiration behind your choice of colours?

Martin: It was based on Agnes’ taste. Green symbolises productivity and gold symbolises wealth. We plan to be wealthy. However, we settled for a colour close to gold — mustard — which looked really nice, but still donned gold shoes.

EB: Why did you have the wedding in Elementaita and not Kisumu?

Martin: We wanted a secluded place, which gave us a sense of adventure.

Agnes: I love being unique and I wanted to do something memorable.