The long distance affair

First date

Sempeyo: In 2010, George and his friends had just come from the US and he requested me to help him look for an apartment. But because he told me to do that in 2008 and they never came, I didn't take him seriously.

George: I knew Sempeyo’s dad because I went to a primary school in Kajiado for a few years and he was the area MP then.

I saw her when she was still a small girl and liked her. A mutual friend introduced me to her some years later.

Sempeyo: Our first date was at Rolf Place. He asked me to go alone but I tagged along two friends. We had a lovely evening and it was here that he expressed interest in me. He was still based in the US, so I was concerned how the relationship would work. He was, however, determined and persistent so we decided to give it a shot.

The proposal

.

Keep Reading

• Why you should stop stalking your ex on social media
• Nine types of women you are likely to date before settling
• What do men really want?
• How to build your confidence after a breakup

Sempeyo: We started dating in 2010. He went back to the US, but he would come every year to see me.

When he came in 2012, he hinted at wanting to take our relationship to the next level. So he officially introduced me to his mum and I also introduced him to my folks in Kajiado. After the introductions, I started waiting for the ring but it was not forthcoming.

Sempeyo: George is reserved, so I was not expecting anything dramatic.

I guessed so many times, but nothing was happening. So the day he proposed I was in a bad mood. I had a bad cold and I was on some strong medication. He woke me up early and I was pissed off but when I opened my eyes, he was on his knees holding the ring.

The story behind the wedding

Sempeyo: We did not have a wedding planner. I am a perfectionist and I like doing things to my satisfaction. So I planned everything by myself since he was in the US. My immediate family and my in-laws especially my mother-in-law were very supportive. My church mates also helped a lot. The only hitch was from the caterer and flower vendor. But our photographer Ben Kiruthi did a fantastic job.

Challenges

Sempeyo: We did our wedding on the Easter weekend, so some of our friends had travelled with their families plus my hubby lives and works in the US so most of his friends did not get a chance to attend.

In hindsight

Sempeyo: There is nothing we would have done differently, we had a colourful wedding and we enjoyed it.

Mwangi: My advice to young couples planning to wed is to start planning early to avoid last minute pressure. We started planning in august 2013. It is also important to put god first.

Memorable moments

Sempeyo: Everything in our wedding was unique. I had the wedding of my dreams and I am grateful to God and our parents.

Highlight: I was so happy to see my primary school teacher and friends I hadn't seen in years.

Mwangi: I was smitten when I saw my bride walking down the aisle, she looked and was a sight to behold as she looked so elegant.

Photo: quoteko.com