Simply beautiful

Who: Angela Wambui and Morgan Kisienya

When: September 18, 2010

Where: Lang’ata Botanical Gardens

Budget: Sh300,000

Guests: 400

Photography: Mutua Matheka and Sami Khan

Eve Bridal: How did you two meet?

Angie: We met in campus about eleven years ago. We dated a little but it didn’t work out then. In 2009 we had an unexpected chat about what happened in campus and realised we had a lot of love to give to each other.

Morgan: When my eyes were finally opened I realised just how open, honest, simple, generous and loving Angie is. Our life together encourages me to love God more. She has a beautiful face with a heart to match.

EB: How was the marriage proposal?

Angie: Simply beautiful. Morgan took me out to some gardens in Karen on December 31, 2009. We had dinner under the moonlight, talked, took photos, then just after midnight he proposed; and didn’t a girl cry! I was honoured to later learn that he had asked my best friend what would make me happy. The first thing that came to mind when I saw the ring was: "Why not?" While we were dating, I was so much at peace. I knew I was loved.

EB: How was the planning?

Angie: It was a loving experience of getting to know each other. We did everything together and from this our bond grew. We thought it would be a hard task after hearing other people’s experiences, but we had such an amazing time.

We chose white as the main colour because our theme was heavenly. Then we blended it with nature — green and a little brown. Our marriage is a thanksgiving to God, thus the heavenly theme. We also had paintings of the creation story on the aisle.

On the budget, God came through for us. We had amazing people taking care of some costs and some service providers cutting down their quotes.

EB: How did your wedding day go?

Morgan: I woke up early, prayed and took some time to meditate. At about 7am, we were ready with the groomsmen. I was nervous about singing to Angie, so I sent a prayer to her via SMS.

We arrived at the venue by 9am and waited for Angie for two hours. I was thinking about how she would look walking down the aisle as I sung. My highlight was when I heard the beeps from the cars and saw her coming in.

Angie: Morgan’s prayer that morning was beautiful.

We got to church and I heard him sing as my parents walked me in. I felt like running to the front. My highlight was our vows — we had made personal vows. Later, on our way to where we would stay for the night, we passed through Nakumatt Junction to buy water and painkillers, and yes, I was still wearing the wedding gown.

EB: What part did you love most?
Morgan: Doing it together. Another thing was an amazing committee and our wedding planner, Jean Mwongela of Imagine This Events.

EB: Any tips to share?

Angie and Morgan: Pray, a lot. Plan together and communicate about the smallest details. Be on the same team especially when it comes to bride price matters. It is good when brides talk with their parents to know what to expect. Also let them know your financial position to avoid strain.

Work with the money you have and be open and honest about finances. Planning a wedding has its moments and when issues arise, fight the issues not each other. Finally, get a mentor couple to walk with you.

EB: What do you think is the most overrated thing in weddings?

Angie and Morgan: The budget. A wedding is about friends and family coming together to witness and support the union.

EB: What’s the most important thing you learnt from your counsellor?
Morgan: What stood out most was the comparison of the Church to a wife and Jesus to a husband. The husband is to love the wife with his life.