Cathy told Andrew to back off

LOVEBIRDS: Cathy and Godfrey exchanging their lifetime vows at St Paul’s Namiremebe Cathedral.

What you need to know:

MADE FOR ME. Godfrey Kiyingi, a journalist, and Cathy Nambi, a lawyer, walked down the aisle of St Paul’s Namirembe Cathedral, on April 28, 2017. Their love brewed at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court when Godfrey had gone to cover a case and Cathy was the court clerk. The lovebirds took JOSEPH KATO through their love journey

Tell us how all this started.
Godfrey: I met Cathy in 2014 at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate court. I was following up a certain case. My feelings changed as soon as I saw her. I could not understand what was going on. I approached her and asked for her contact but she turned me down.
Cathy: I was surprised at why a person I had never met was asking for my contact. I wondered what his interests were. That is why I declined to give him my telephone number.

What did you do after you were turned down?
Godfrey: I did not give up but consulted several people until I landed on her friend who gave it to me.
Cathy: I was surprised when he called me and said he was the person I had met at court days ago. I wondered how he had got my contact. Since we meet several people at court, I could not think of him first. I thought he was a rogue and I warned him to back off.

So, why were you tough on him?
Cathy: I’m slow at associating with people, especially those I’m not close to. I thought he was like these youth who call telling you blah blah yet they just want to take advantage.

What did you do after being warned?
Godfrey: I was disheartened but my heart was strong and I had the conviction that she was the right person. I made it a routine to send her greetings [messages] every morning or wish her sweet dreams at least twice a week.
Cathy: The countless messages made me grow fond of him. Later, I got used to them and would feel bad when he never sent them. Partly I believed he was serious but I had room for doubt and felt he was just a muyaye.

For how long did you send texts?
Godfrey: Because of the tough response I got at the start, I did not want to rush my move. I sent messages for about six months until she accepted to meet me. I had spent a sleepless night before the meeting. I could not wait and took wild guesses on what she was going to tell me. I imagined she would turn me down again. However, I was determined to face her come rain, come shine.

What did you tell her when you met?

LOVEBIRDS: Cathy and Godfrey after exchanging their lifetime vows at St Paul’s Namiremebe Cathedral. COURTESY PHOTO.


Godfrey: I first thanked her for turning up. I then told her how my heart beat for her. I asked her if she was already in a serious relationship so that I could withdraw. She did not give any answer that day.

Cathy, why did you not respond to his inquiry immediately?
Cathy: I doubted him. I thought he was going to become a problem if I told him that I was single. I went home and continued spying about his conduct and background.

So, how long did you spy on him?
Cathy: It took me about three months. In that period we were only communicating via phone calls, texts and WhatsApp messages. He asked me to meet him again. That day we had a lengthy discussion and I opened my heart to him.

What did you say after knowing she was single?
Godfrey: It was a go ahead and I was relieved of any worries. I immediately asked her to become my fiancée. She accepted but on condition that I had to “prove my seriousness”.
Cathy: True, I asked him to meet my parents for introduction and wedding afterwards. I told him that although I had accepted his proposal our meetings were to remain irregular. If we met often, he would think he was on top of the game and would relax.

What happened next?
Godfrey: Henceforth, we agreed to help each to make our dream of being together come true. We started saving for the cause. I surprised her when I asked her to introduce me to her parents and she did in December 2016. We started planning for the wedding which we achieved on April 28 at St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe.

Why Namirembe Cathedral?
Cathy: It had been my dream wedding venue. It was his dream too.

Did you involve a planner?
Godfrey: No, we had an organising committee with different individuals who played their roles to make our day colourful.

How did you come up with guest list?
Godfrey: We gave out invitation cards and the guest list comprised guests who had missed out on cards.

What was your budget?
Godfrey: First of all, we made a budget that was within our financial means. We drafted Shs37m because we already had half of it. We held five meetings but few people turned up from the start up to the end.

What was your wedding eve like?
Godfrey: I had to make sure everything was in place for the wedding. My uncles urged me to be welcoming, God fearing and hardworking.
Cathy: It was gorgeous. At night, my father told me to make God the leader of the family and be open to my husband. I was also told to be strong and supportive to my husband. My aunt told me to respect my husband and make him my best friend. Besides, I did not sleep because I was nervous for the wedding.

What were some of the unforgettable moments?
Godfrey: Taking marriage vows as the relatives and friends cheered us up.
Cathy: My childhood dream was to see my father walk me down the aisle and give me away. It came to pass.

What did you enjoy the most at reception?
Godfrey: When we served each other a piece of cake as the guests cheered us.
Cathy: When we arrived at Amazing Grace Gardens (reception) as our friends and relatives ululated and did a standing ovation.

Were you disappointed in anyway?
Cathy: No, we did something that was within our financial means.

Did you go for premarital counselling?
Cathy: Yes, Rev Festo Kalungi, Vicar of Namirembe Cathedral took us through the sessions. I learnt to be patient, forgiving and never to go to bed angry.
Godfrey: I learnt to put God first in everything and bear my partner’s traits.

Where was your honeymoon?
Godfrey: At Speke Resort Munyonyo because my wife likes swimming and we thought it was ideal.

Advice to those intending to get married…
Godfrey: Make a decision at the right time, with the right person. This means you have to prove the person beyond reasonable doubt.
Cathy: Pray for your fiancé and your relationship.

little ones
To make it an all-inclusive function, the bride chose young girls and the groom asked for young boys to join their entourage. They made the day colourful.

officiant
Rev Festo Kalungi, vicar of St Paul’s Namirembe Cathedral presided over the couple’s dream wedding. This is because he is a counsellor and from their dream wedding venue.

rides
For comfort and convenience, the Kiyingis opted for Toyota Lexus and Toyota Harrier. While thinking of one memorable big day, class is key as it leaves a lasting impression.

gown
The down-the-shoulders item looked elegant on the bride. She parted with Shs2.5m to acquire it.

suit
The cream glittery suits with black lapels made a fashion statement . They cost the guys Shs1.5m.

relatives
The best time to take photos with relatives is when the couple walks out of church. Otherwise, it might never happen.