Glam wedding: She went 'mteja' on me...

BRIDE: Sarah Mutheu

GROOM: Antony Musyoka

DATE: February 21, 2015

GUESTS: 400

VENUE: St John Bosco Catholic Church

BUDGET: Sh1m

FIRST DATE

Antony: Our love story began in 2011 (August) when I met her at an event. We hardly knew each other so had nothing much to talk about. I got her number from a friend the same day and I started texting her but she would reply to my texts three days later... or even refuse to reply. She hardly picked my calls either but eventually she agreed to go for a date with me.

Sarah: Our first date was in a popular chips joint in town near Ambassador Hotel, called Nevada. I was very excited (though nervous) meeting him and sharing a meal together. The meeting was very informative, each one of us sharing much about ourselves though I was a bit reserved on details about myself. We met several times after that and realised we had a lot in common.

THE PROPOSAL

Antony: I proposed to her on Valentine’s Day 2014. I was sure she was the woman I would share the rest of my life with. She was my best friend, and we were set for a life together.

Sarah: A bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates were delivered to my office. I was so excited. I later thanked him and he invited me for dinner in the evening after work. We went to a Chinese restaurant in Upper Hill. Our dessert was a cake and as I dug in, I found the ring. He went down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Trust me, there was no drama...I just said yes.

THE DRAMA

Antony: I was worried my bride would be late for the 10.30am mass, but they arrived at the church grounds around 10.45. The parents who had travelled from Makueni also arrived on time. The dowry payment was a success since it was done in October and we had enough time to plan the wedding. We contracted an entertainment group and a few months to our wedding, they split up. We were now torn between the two groups, but we later settled on one, which delivered beyond our expectation.

Sarah: Every girl has her dream wedding and I achieved mine. My aunt and sister stayed on my side to ensure all went well. My bridal team was  also cooperative so we didn’t have drama with the tailor. Our biggest challenge, however, was getting a church to hold the service. Antony is Catholic and I’m not, so as we searched for a church, I had also to learn a few things about his faith. Around the same time, he secured a job outside Nairobi, which also became a challenge.

IN HINDSIGHT

Trust God, talk to people who have had weddingsm and of course, choose your best couple wisely.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Antony: When I saw my bride walk down the aisle, I couldn’t believe it and then when slipping the ring into her finger. I thought to myself that I was lucky to have her as my wife. She looked so beautiful.

Sarah: The most memorable moment was saying the vows in Kamba before God and the entire congregation. I listened to Antony make his vows and I was so excited. Secondly, being pronounced as husband and wife was also a highlight. 

PHOTOS AND TEXT: WILBERFORCE OKWIRI