He is the man of of my dreams

Names: Zippy Gichobi and Stephen Nderitu

Wedding date: February 24, 2012

Venue: St Francis, Karen, Nairobi

Zippy Gichobi and Stephen Nderitu

Wedding budget: 400,000

Number of guests: 300

Photos:  Gibs/James Quest

Interview: Wambui Thimba

Eve Bridal: How did you meet Stephen?

He was working at Daystar University as a creative designer while I was a student and intern at the same department (Corporate Affairs).

How was the marriage proposal?

It happened on Valentine’s Day last year at Blancos Restaurant, Hurlingham. It was a dinner date and the Villagers Band was performing. I had travelled back from Mombasa and I was very tired. In fact, I almost cancelled the dinner date but I dragged myself to Blancos and, surprise!

Why did you accept his marriage proposal?

Steve is the man of my dreams. He met my minimum requirements and qualifications.

Did you have traditional ceremonies? How did they go?

Yes. We had two visits to my home and one hurried visit to the groom’s home. We hope to do a proper visit to the groom’s home in the course of the year. The visits were stress-free because both families are staunch Christians.

What influenced the choice of your theme colour?

Steve is a wedding photographer so he showed me a beautiful wedding in red and black that he had photographed. We knew that was it (although at one time silver and black was beckoning). And also, Steve loves red.

What was most challenging in planning for the wedding?

Money, but since we had booked a Friday, service providers were not so hard on us for late payment.

What did you enjoy about the whole process?

Our friends and family were supportive. Some suppliers were also friends and gave us amazing deals on items such as catering, video, photography and décor.

Any tips or lessons you would like to share with other brides and grooms?

No pressure! Do a wedding within your budget or means. Have a budget then plan the wedding, not the other way round.

Honeymoon?

It was an awesome time at the Coast.

Any other interesting aspects you had in the wedding?

We had a couples’ dance at the end of the reception and Zippy’s parents stole the show! I think the dance took them back to their old days when they were younger.