Nothing could stand in our way

Bride: Linda Cheiwot Tessott

Groom: Eric Okoth Pinkerton Ombaka

Date:  February 22, 2014

Guests: 400

Venue: Kivuli Gardens and Forest

Budget: Sh551,500

First date

Eric: I first spotted Linda at our church service and she captured my attention with her beauty and her keen sense of fashion. At first she looked unapproachable but through friends, we got to meet and shake hands. We had church forums where we got to interact and the more I became fond of her, the more I wanted to spend time with her.

Linda:  Eric is persistent… he never gave up chasing after me. The beginning of this beautiful journey was a tea date at Milimani Suites in Nakuru. It was a Friday evening and we were both exhausted from work so we decided to have some tea in a nice cosy place. We watched Spoken Word by P4CM poet Janette on the computer as we took pancakes and tea. It did not occur to me that he was hinting that he was interested in me. Our friendship grew stronger after that.

The proposal

Linda: It was on a Sunday afternoon in January last year. The weather was just fantastic for  a swim and we decided to go for swimming at Capital Hill Resort.

After an hour, Eric said we needed to go for a drive in Elementaita because the  weather was changing. He suggested we go check out the  venue. Little did I know that he had arranged a surprise on the cliff with the waiters. I was taken to this romantic set-up. I sat down and the next thing I saw was Eric on his knees. Music was playing in the background. I freaked out and asked him,  “what are you doing?” and quickly told him to get up.

It shortly downed on me that he was proposing and I was overwhelmed. I hugged him and said a big yes!

 The engagement ring was gorgeous. After the magical moment, the waiters clapped and congratulated us.

It all happened at the cliff in the forest and that is why we ended up having a forest wedding.

The story behind the wedding

 Linda: My parents initially opposed to the tribal differences and also the fact that they thought I was too young to get married. They wanted the wedding postponed, but we pushed through and made them realise that we were serious. They eventually gave us their blessings.

In hindsight (Lessons)

Eric: Read contracts carefully and ensure what you discuss with service providers is exactly what they put down. A man should start saving as early as four years before the wedding.

Photo: courtesy