36 of my friends wanted to be bridesmaids

BRIDE: Winfred Muthoki Uthasyo

GROOM: Dennis Mwika Ithai

DATE: December 13, 2015

GUESTS: 500

VENUE: Isiolo Central Point SDA Church

BUDGET: Sh750,000

RINGS: In accordance with our faith, we don't do wedding rings

CAKE: Fruitake for Sh60,000

GOWN: White Ash in Nairobi CBD

DATING:

DENNIS: We met in college back in 2008. As time went by, our friendship blossomed into romance. I proposed to her in 2013. Our first romantic date was on March 16, 2011. I was attracted to her because she is God-fearing, faithful and beautiful. She stood out among many. The one thing I would change about her is tendency to overthink things. The way we react to situations is totally different.

WINFRED: I liked him because he is a man committed to his work and words, loving and respectful and I pray that God may keep us together forever for each other. We have the same beliefs and focus in life. The only thing I don’t like about him is how fast he gets involved in issues.

PROPOSAL

WINFRED: It was in July 2014. He called and ask me to meet him at Karen in Nairobi for shopping (which never happened). Instead, we took a vehicle to Karen Blixen restaurant. I was wondering why he had chosen a ‘big’ hotel for a date...but then I noticed some of his friends singing for us and before I composed myself, he was down on one knee. I felt special, and thankful to God.

DENNIS: I believe in you and that's why I'm committed to you till death.

THE DRAMA

DENNIS: The caterer we had set our mind on called off at the last minute.

WINFRED: Everyday, I had a new bridal party member who wanted to be added to the list. That's until we got to 36 and I couldn't take any more.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

DENNIS: I loved it. There was a lot of dancing and singing. When I saw her come towards me veiled and surrounded by her parents, that is the moment that I believe will never fade from my mind.

WINFRED: The cake moment was gorgeous. When we were announced husband and wife, I was so happy. I couldn’t believe it. We went down to the coastal region for our honeymoon. Both in Mombasa and Malindi.

ADVICE

DENNIS: For those planning to wed, I urge you to be focused, set your priorities well and go for your dreams. Trust in God because all things are possible through Him who strengthens us.

WINFRED: Trust in God and let God go first in all you plan to do. Marriage is good when with the right person. Finally, special thanks to all service providers they did their work perfectly.

WORDS: Nancy Nzau

PHOTOS: Bruno Mutunga