Total bliss

Who: Hellen Mahero and Josphat Mwakondo

When: December 17, 2011

Venue: Rajbhav Villa, Nyali, Mombasa

Atmosphere: Sunny and Breezy

Guests: 600

Budget: Sh700,000

Interview and Photography: Maarufu Mohamed

Eve Bridal: How did you meet?

Hellen: We met eight years ago at ACK Mombasa Memorial Cathedral where we both fellowship. However, we started dating three years ago.

EB: How did you propose?

Josphat: This happened on Good Friday last year at Tamarind Hotel. We had gone to spend the afternoon together and I popped the question and she gladly said, "yes" amidst screams of joy.

EB: What do you love about each other?

Hellen: Joe is kind, loving, has an incredibly great sense of humour, hardworking, family oriented, handsome and above all, God-fearing.

Josphat: Hellen is beautiful, organised, loving, a good cook and humble, but above all understanding and loves me for who I really am.

EB: What challenges did you face?

Hellen: I had to make numerous trips to Kampala, Uganda to fit my gown and get the bridesmaids’ shoes in the correct sizes.

Josphat: We did a lot of travelling in order to put everything together. We had to make several trips to Nairobi and Uganda to follow up on our parent’s and bridal team attire, accessories and wedding invites.

EB: What were the highlights of the day?

Hellen: Seeing Joe with a huge smile on his face at the alter as I walked down the aisle and when the reverend pronounced us "husband and wife".

Josphat: When my queen arrived at the church on time and when I signed the marriage certificate.

EB: Any emotions or stress during the wedding?

Hellen: The décor was a disappointment, it was sub-standard.

Josphat: Not really, just lots of anxiety.

EB: Hellen, you hardly smiled during the wedding and most of the time you were shy in front of the camera. What was the problem?

Hellen: I was nervous and anxious hoping that everything would go as planned. Then again, I’m not used to being the centre of attention.

EB: Did you go for honeymoon? How was the experience?

Hellen: It was awesome! We started off at Mombasa Continental Resort, proceeded to Taita Hills Lodge and concluded at Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge in Taita Taveta County.

Josphat: The game drives at Sarova Salt Lick, the serenity at the Taita Lodge and the hospitality from the Sarova staff made our stay memorable. Hellen says we must go back!

EB: Was your wedding day anything you dreamt of or imagined?

Hellen: It was beyond what I had envisioned and I was extremely happy and blessed despite the sub-standard décor.

Josphat: It was awesome. Total bliss I must say.

EB: Any lessons you can share with couples planning to get married?

Hellen: Yes. A good wedding doesn’t just happen. It calls for early preparations, involvement of good friends and family, but above all, putting God first in everything.