BRIDE: Ruth Wanja
GROOM: George Aluru
DATE: September 24, 2016
GUESTS: 500
VENUE: ACK St Marks Church, Westlands
RECEPTION: Consolata School Grounds
PHOTOSHOOT: Serena Hotel
FIRST DATE
RUTH: We lived in the same estate and had been greeting each other for a while. One day, there was a blackout in the estate and we met in a kiosk while purchasing candles. He happened to have bought the last three hence upon seeing my frustration, he offered to give me one and then we walked back together and exchanged contacts.
GEORGE: We went for an evening play at Alliance Française and spent some quality time together.
THE PROPOSAL
RUTH: George had been in Germany studying and I was left behind in Kenya. We met in Lalibela, Ethiopia on holiday after 20 months away from each other. He proposed while on this particular holiday. Our tour guide was the only witness.
I did not expect it at that time since we felt like we were starting the relationship all over again due to the long separation and long distance relationship, but deep down in my heart I felt he was the right person and of course it was a YES. He has a great sense of humor.
I can laugh the whole day - he can convert anything into a joke including news stories. His personality and most of his body features are also admirable and I would like our kids to have them. He is also caring and makes effort to create for me a small heaven on earth; my needs and comfort are his priority. He has very strong faith in whatever he does, something that I admire.
GEORGE: I love her because she is determined and makes sacrifices to achieve her wants. She is a very joyful person and feels at ease around me. More than that, she is a very reliable partner.
THE BIG DAY
GEORGE AND RUTH: The day turned out perfect and a dream come true for both of us. The most impressive thing was that we kept time. Every service provider played their role well beyond our expectations, our favourite minister was to travel abroad but her trip delayed and she happened to be the officiating minister.
It was so fulfilling in general. Despite the successes, there was one hitch. The person making the wedding cards destroyed them with smudges of ink all over the cards. Luckily, we had a month to go before the wedding and could get an alternative in time.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
RUTH: My heart was racing as I walked down the aisle and got closer to George.
GEORGE: Ruth danced joyfully to Ohangla drums. I will never forget the support from family, friends and the church, the stares in the streets as the Limousine and motorcade snaked through, the minister saying she has not taken a photo as we kissed and made us repeat the action, the MC teaching our guests from Germany that saying 'hello' in Swahili is ‘mpesa’ and the wedding anthem...."zaeni matunda mema, zaeni mapacha."
ADVICE
GEORGE AND RUTH: Pray for the big day and your marriage, plan early and insist on contracts from service providers. Have a third party as a witness to sign always and insist on not paying more than 80 per cent before the service is delivered as per contract.
Pay deposits when the money becomes available, and settle as many bills as possible before the wedding. Compromise, compromise and compromise. You will not agree on many things, you will have to allow your partner things that are important to him/her and vice versa. This process is a first step of you living together.
On your wedding day, enjoy yourself regardless of what isn’t going right. You will laugh about it after the wedding and always remember the vows and the certificate are the most important things in it all.
Keep time and create enough time for the reception. Avoid placing all the reliable friends in the bridal team and leave some to run around and do the ushering. Avoid friends and family members as the service providers since you will shy off from “harassing” them and also they might take advantage and give you a raw deal.