Our wedding planner saved the day

Eve Bridal: How did you two meet?

Sandra: Ben approached me in a matatu seven years ago. The friendship led to dating.

EB: How did Ben propose?

It was on my birthday on September 16 last year. We were at Laico Regency when he went down on his knees and proposed.

EB: Was it easy settling on a colour scheme?

We got the idea from the Internet. I was looking at different wedding sites when I saw this one that had these colours I loved and that was it.

EB: Was it hard getting your wedding dress?

No. I was shopping at different wedding shops in the UK and when I fitted this particular dress, I knew it was the one I wanted. The groom and best man suits were also bought in the UK and the rest of the groomsmen’s suits from Dubai. The bridesmaids dresses were designed locally.

EB: Did you face any challenges?

Oh yes. We had a long distance relationship. Ben was based in Malawi while I was in the UK.

We both got into the country two weeks to the wedding and we had a hectic schedule. The wedding planner, Alfred, helped in making things work — calling us for meetings, finalising on things within a short time and working out the guest list. Friends and relatives were also very helpful.

The other challenge was that we had to negotiate and pay the dowry within the two weeks before the wedding. That was not interesting but it all worked out at the end.

EB: Any disappointments?

One of the men in the line up failed to show up despite having his suit ready. One of the maids had to walk alone; most people did not notice though.

EB: What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?

It’s hard work but don’t give up. Take it as an adventure. Love each other and do not let that love ever cease.

EB: What are your plans for the honeymoon?

We want to experience adventure and travel to places we have never been to before around the world.