The couple kept it as original and authentic as it should be following the Islamic ideals and principles. From every picture it was evident love that went beyond culture and religions was in the air.

BRIDE: Nyla Wambui

GROOM: Badru Juma

NAME OF VENUE: Fahari Gardens Utawala

NO OF GUESTS: 400

BUDGET: Sh550,000

DATE OF WEDDING: December 22, 2012

How did you meet?

Mercy:  We met in Utawala at a weekend basketball tournament. I came to support my team and so did he. After the game, he approached me and that is how our friendship started.

What attracted you to each other?

Juma: She is beautiful and well mannered. She is also fun to be around and her smile blew me away. We have many things in common.

Mercy: He is understanding, mature and loving. He makes me happy and when I’m down, he lifts my spirits up. He loves me for who I am and respects me.

How did he propose?

Mercy: We went for swimming at Splash Water World in Lang’ata, and we were having lots of fun. For a while, he disappeared and I went looking for him. I tried to call him to find out if he is okay, but he wasn’t picking up my call. Little did I know that he was following me the entire time. He found me in a secluded area trying to reach him. I was furious and wanted to know where he had disappeared to. As I demanded answers, he went down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was a pleasant surprise.

Did you have traditional ceremonies?

Mercy: Yes we did. When he and his family came to ask for my hand in marriage and the time my family went to their home for dowry negotiations.

Where did you get your gown and the maids’ outfit?

Mercy: For my gown, I wanted something unique so I did a lot of window-shopping. My mother-in-law directed me to a tailor in Ngara who makes beautiful wedding outfits.

The tailor did my lime green sari for the Nikah ceremony, and my gown and the maids’ dresses were made by a different person.

What was the most challenging part of planning the wedding?

Mercy: Blending in two cultures and religions. I am a Christian and he is Muslim.  We wanted a bit of both. There are many differences in the way they each conduct their weddings, and we wanted to mix both religions and traditions, to make everyone comfortable. Factoring in different opinions was a big challenge, but we managed.

What part did you love most about the planning process?

Mercy: We loved the way our parents and relatives stood by us throughout the journey, especially when things were tough.

What was going through your mind the entire time?

Mercy: I was nervous at first, thinking of how the day would go, and I was also wondering where he was taking me for our honeymoon.

Juma: I was anxious to meet my bride and I was praying that everything goes as planned.

Did you have any fears concerning the day?

Mercy: Not really, we had planned the wedding well and we trusted that God would take control of the day. And He did.

What lessons would you share with other soon-to-be husbands and wives?

Mercy: Planning a wedding is not easy. You should start early and have a budget. Also choose the friends and relatives you want in your committee wisely because they play a big role.

Honeymoon?

Mercy: We went to a cosy hotel in Mtwapa, North Coast. We had a relaxing and refreshing week.

What is the most overrated thing in today’s weddings?

Mercy: The budget. Couples should work with what they have. This will reduce the stress of planning a wedding.

What lessons did you learn from your marriage classes?

Juma: That marriage works if you are committed to it. Anyone can marry or be married, but not everyone can sustain it.

Interview and Photos: Jennifer Wachie/Standard