Beatrice refused to cohabit

When and how did you meet?
Dan : In 2007, we were neighbours and friends.

When did the two of you eventually become close?
Dan: I remember by then she was still in Senior Three and I had started practising my fashion and design course. I befriended her because I wanted to make my advances. I liked her but she always ignored me. With time, I discovered that we were attending the same church. I approached her there and our friendship grew stronger.
Beatrice: As neighbours, we were friends then being churchmates we grew close. However, I never knew that Dan was interested in me.

When was the proposal?
Dan: Well, my proposal took time because I wanted to first stay with her. Beatrice refused to cohabit given her strong born-again background.
Also, there was not enough money for us to survive as a couple. Finally, I proposed to her in 2015.
Beatrice: I loved Dan and he asked me to marry him in 2016. I was overjoyed because I had been waiting for that moment.

What attracted you to each other?
Dan: Many things; she is beautiful, her family background, and remember we were neighbours first and I realised that she was disciplined and religious.
Beatrice: He is handsome, down-to-earth, understanding, caring and I could not hesitate to give him the chance to be with me for the rest of my life.

What was your budget and how did you raise the funds?
Dan: Shs 20m for both introduction and wedding. I had 70 per cent of the budget and the 30 per cent was raised through meeting with friends and family.

What was the most expensive item on your wedding?
Dan: Decoration and cake both cost Shs2m and both were by the same service provider.
BeatrIce: My gown cost Shs1.5m from Kusiima Bridals in Masaka town.

Did you Involve a wedding planner?
Dan: No, my wife and I were the wedding planners since we had a picture of what we wanted our wedding to be like.
BeatrIce: Our friends and families too helped out and everything went as planned.

What were you doing on your wedding eve?
Dan: I was in the village celebrating; we drank, danced and ate with friends and family. Everyone was happy for me.
Beatrice: I went to the salon for hairstyling and then my parents organised a farewell party at home. So, friends came and we celebrated my last day as a single girl.

What was your colour theme?
Dan: I chose army green and red.
Beatrice: Gold, cream and pink.

Were you disappointed in any way during the wedding?
Dan: No, since I was the planner, everything was superb.
Beatrice: God is good, everything worked out perfectly.

Did you go for premarital counselling and what did you learn from it?
Beatrice: Yes, we went to Global Glorious church and I learnt how to handle my husband.
Dan: Pastor Sserwadda taught us many things; in summary, we were taught how to be patient in marriage because there are times of poverty and women lose hope so easily but I’m blessed that I got a wife who does not easily give up.

Did you go for honeymoon?
Dan: Yes, we went to Kalangala Beach for one week. We enjoyed the conducive environment, weather and the waters.
Beatrice: I enjoyed every moment such as swimming and the delicious deep fried fish.

Who comprised your entourage and why?
Beatrice: I chose Grace Namaganda as my matron because she is my friend and was happy for me. So, I was free and comfortable with her.
Dan: My best man was Mutebi simply because he is a close friend, our size and height matches.
Some of my groomsmen such as Rogers Kawuma, Dickson Mutasingwa, Apollo Kigudde, Musa Kasumba and Denis Kawalya are my long time friends and in-laws.

Where did you shop for your attire?
Beatrice: I got my gown and maids attire from Kusiima Bridals, a shop in Masaka town.

What about your jewellery ?
Beatrice: I bought my jewellery and makeup from a certain shop at Sheraton Kampala Hotel while our wedding rings are from Mamba Enterprises in Masaka town.

Why did you buy the makeup from that far?
Beatrice: Quality matters and at least that is one place I trust not to have fake products. The skin naturally deserves extra care.

What was the most excItIng moment at your function?
Dan: The grand entrance into the reception venue in my home village was exciting. Then, the ululations that welcomed us and most guests were smiling at us. This proved their happiness to me.
Beatrice: I enjoyed the church session especially when we were exchanging our vows. I was glad that my friends and family turned up to show us some love.

Did you incur any debts afterwards?
Dan: No, we ensured to pay for everything in time.

What is your advice to those planning to wed?
Dan: Ensure that you love that person you are going in for and you should not be forced too. Investigate the family background. You also need to set aside some money so that you do not secure a loan. Do not force people to contribute towards your wedding.
BeatrIce: Always be patient and no one should pressurise you to wed. Your decisions are for a lifetime.

The details
Date: July 6, 2016
Bride : BeatrIce Nakawuma
Groom : Dan Matovu
Date : July 9, 2016
Reception : Byakabanda, Rakai District.
Church : Global Glorious Church of Kijjabwemi, Masaka
Guests : 500
Budget : Shs 20m