From tour guide to husband

How and when did you meet?
Raymond: Our parents were serving prison officers during our childhood in the barracks. We barely knew each other unlike our parents.
I first met Cathy in the Youth Ministry at St John’s Church (staff chapel), Luzira barracks. She loved singing and serving God in the ministry. I was a leader and took note of her talent and desire to sing. With time, we got to know each other. We got even closer when it became apparent that Cathy had to go and study in Kabale and being someone who had been to Kabale several times, I gladly played the part of a reliable tour guide. I went on to follow her up with phone calls.

What attracted Raymond to Lilian?
Raymond: Lilian is born-again. That to me is very important because I am a born-again Christian. Lilian is a very good worshipper in church; she would lead worship that inspired and led me closer to her.
She is outgoing, friendly, very accommodative and disciplined. When I would visit their home, I appreciated the discipline she was exhibiting as a woman. That reaffirmed my decision to take her for marriage.

Did he propose to you?
Lilian: Raymond was shy but he later gained confidence, not to propose but to tell me the date of our introduction on phone. Since he had a lot I looked for in my future husband, I accepted.

What exactly attracted you to him?
Lilian: He is born-again, a trait I admire most and honest. These two, change anything referred to as terrible character in a relationship.

When did you come up with the wedding date?
Raymond: We came up with three dates in September last year. First; was the date for kukyala October 4, 2014; December 13, 2014, for kwanjula (traditional marriage) and April 18, 2015 as the date for the wedding.

What was your budget and how did you raise the funds?
Raymond: We had some savings and held wedding meetings. The main wedding meeting took place in Kampala. However, my father also got us some funding from friends at his workplace at Kakira Sugar Ltd.

Where did you shop for the rings and what are they made of?
Raymond: We shopped for the rings at Rada Jewellers Ltd at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. They are made of gold. My best man shared his experience with me. He ordered wedding rings from abroad. On delivery, they were small and he had to spend double to get them adjusted by the said jewellery shop. So, he recommended it. My elder sister Laura had also told me about the reliability of that same jewellery shop.

Did you involve a planner?
Raymond: No, I did a lot of consultations with my married friends. My best man Patrick Andiandu was instrumental in making some of the decisions.

How did you come up with the guest list?
Raymond: My wife came up with her own guest list while my father and I came up with another list which we harmonised. It was challenging because our parents have manyfriends.

What were you doing on your wedding eve?
Raymond: I had to ensure that all that we had been planning for was in order, such as securing the wedding suits, checking the reception venue, going to the barbershop. I also used that time with Innocent Anecho, one of my groomsmen to purchase some items required for kasuzekatya, a ceremony during which some gifts are given to the bride’s family on the wedding day before she goes to the salon.
Lilian: I was with my aunts who were counselling me about how to handle marriage. I was told that respect and love for my husband are key to a successful marriage.

Were you disappointed in any way during the function?
Lilian: No, I was so happy with the decorators. They did one of the most outstanding jobs. The only hiccup was at the reception when lights went off for close to 15 minutes but it was fixed.

What did you enjoy most on that day?
Raymond: I was mesmerised by the many guests who came to share our joy despite the big blow we had just experienced on April 10, 2015. I lost my beloved grandmother. We enjoyed the company and comfort our guests showed us. Our pain was turned into joy. The reception decor too was spot on.
Lilian: I enjoyed the love people showed us, the big number overwhelmed me. Florence Andiru baked for us a very yummy cake! Everything was fine.

What was going through your mind during the ceremony?
Raymond: All I was thinking of was, “Finally it has come to pass. It’s now a new chapter opened in my life, a journey of unending love no matter the circumstances.”
Lilian: I was so glad; it was finally legal for me to love Raymond without minding about public opinion.

Did you go for premarital counselling and what did you learn from it?
Raymond: Yes, we did. During counselling sessions, I realised that many couples paid more attention to preparing for big and lavish functions as opposed to the institution of marriage.
I learnt that marriage is allowed by God and that He was a silent witness to the whole process. That everything we were committing to was very serious before God.
It is very important to first of all love my wife at all times, and be patient with her, forgive each other whenever we go wrong; because forgiveness heals many things
Lilian: I learnt the basics of marriage; why one gets married. I had a negative perception towards marriage but after counselling, my mindset changed. I learnt how to be patient and love my partner. I also learnt that marriage is a study ground where two persons come together, learn to be patient with one another and tolerate each other with love in all situations because love conquers all.
Marriage is now not about me but the two of us and no third party.

What is your advice to those planning on wedding?
Raymond: Couples planning on wedding should first pray about it, plan for it and select the right people to steer their plan. The right people that will encourage and not demoralise them in all efforts as they seek for resources for the wedding. Preparing for a wedding is so demanding and stressful. Doing lots of consultations on just about anything you need and above all, know what u want and stay focused.

Tit Bits
Groom: Adriko Raymond
Bride: Lilian Catherine Namuswa
Celebrant: Rt Rev Johnson Gakumba,
Church: St John’s Staff Chapel, Luzira
Reception: Uganda Information and Communications Technology (UICT) in Nakawa
Photography: SNAB Media
Guests: 1,000 guests

THE DETAILS

Reception
The Adrikos went to spacious gardens where they could dance and accommodate their guests. This was also adjacent to their church, saving guests the hustle of long distances.

Rings
On recommendation from their relatives, the couple preferred to pick their gold rings from Rada Jewellers at Sheraton Kampala Hotel. They were afraid of the hiccups that come with importing wrong sizes.

Gown

It was a sequin-embellished strapless gown.Lilian says she spent more on the gown because it was exclusive, extraordinary, and they bought it from Lady Scarlet in Wandegeya.

Your wedding planner> Compiled by Denis Mukungu

Lipstick

Lilian settled for a shade of red that made her lips drip of cuteness and style. This blended well with her complexion and befitted the day. How much more would she have done for her body!

Photography

The black and white effects by the photography providers took the couple back in time. Raymond and Lilian do not have to have lived in the 70s to own the vintage souvenirs of their day.

Colour pop

The maids yellow maxi dresses with purple print bodice did not disappoint. They were outstanding and looked elegant. This gave the mood a boost.