Grace got me my first job

I LOVE YOU TO BITS. It is approximately two and a half months since John Paul Wokoye, a teacher at Kinaawa High school, Kyengera and Grace Magino, a businesswoman, walked down the aisle. The couple has two children and shared their journey of love with CHRISTINE KATENDE.

What was your first meeting like?
John Paul: We met during the 2011 Easter holiday on my way back from Mbale to Kampala. She sat next to me in a bus. Since the bus did not use the usual Tirinyi Road, it took us long to reach Kampala, which gave us the opportunity to talk at length. The journey took about eight hours. We exchanged contacts then and stayed in touch as friends because we were both still at the university. She was at Makerere University and I was at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Grace: The lengthy conversation was about career, and business. I realised we were both pursuing Bachelor of Education and this created rapport.

So how did you approach her?
John Paul: It was after three months that I revealed my intentions but she asked me to travel to Kampala so that we talk more about it. Around July, I travelled to Kampala purposely to discuss the matter at length and I found her very receptive.

And when did you propose?
John Paul: Two years later because I wanted to settle early, not the usual business of dating many girls. We started living together in 2013 after her graduation. I had to first visit her parents.

How did you react to his proposal?
Grace: Although I had feelings for him, I got confused, wondering whether he meant what he said because I did not want to be played around with. However, when Paul showed how ready he was to take me as his wife, I agreed to be with him. Also, when I conceived our first child, he came to my parents’ home and promised to take care of me because he loved me. We have lived together since then.

Paul, how did you do it?
John Paul: After having children, I suggested to Grace that we legalise our relationship. Our introduction was on December 9, 2017 and wedding on January 27, 2018.

What did you like about each other?
John Paul: From the day I met Grace, the conversation was predominantly about business, which is my passion. She is humble, respectful, trustworthy, God-fearing and encouraging.
Grace: Paul is God-fearing, caring and considerate. I remember him bailing me out at police the time I was falsely accused of stealing company money.
Where did you wed from?
John Paul: At St Francis Chapel, Makerere at 1pm by Rev Henry Majwara. We later hosted more than 450 guests at Mugwanya Summit College –Kyengera.

Were you not delayed by traffic jam from Makerere to Kyengera?
John Paul: Fortunately, we did not find heavy traffic that day. It took us only 30 minutes to get to the reception venue.

What kind of cake did you have?
John Paul: Vanilla cake.
Grace: It had 12 tiers and cost Shs700,000.
How much did the music cost?
John Paul: The music was offered by Happy’s Events from Kyengera at Shs400,000.

How much did you pay for photography?
John Paul: We paid Shs1.4m to Ideal Photo Studio on Mukwano Arcade. We took garden photos from Watoto Church Gardens –Kyengera.

What was the most expensive item?
John Paul: It was food at Shs3m.

What was your budget?
John Paul: About Shs20m.

How did you choose the suit you wore?
John Paul: I’m not into fashion but I looked out for a nice and unique suit. I wanted something that would not be worn by any of the guests. I had a blue checkered jacket and royal blue trousers that cost Shs300,000. The shirts, bow tie and belt cost Shs80,000 while my pair of shoes went for Shs200,000.

And choosing your best man?
John Paul: I chose Francis Natanga because he is my close friend, a relative and he is married. I had four groomsmen who happened to be my colleagues and their body size and height matched.

How much did the bridal attire cost?
Grace: I hired both the gown and my changing dress at Shs700,000 from Glory bridals at Hanifah Towers on Kampala road.

How much did you spend on salon?
Grace: Hair, make-up and pedicure cost Shs400,000 since it was one service provider offering all.
Who was your maid of honour?
Grace: Phinelah Ssebwatto, my friend, because she is married and we go to the same church.

What was the most exciting moment ?
John Paul: Our guest turn up and I was smart in my unique suit.
Grace: Paul’s speech; he showered me with praises and talked of how I got him his first job after university. I felt happier after the vows.

Did you have any worries?
John Paul: I was worried about the turn up since many people had initially discouraged us from holding a wedding in January but the number doubled. Also, some cars that were meant to be in the convoy broke down on the morning of the wedding, I was a little disturbed but the chairman worked it out.
Grace: I was worried about some service providers not turning up since they were not fully paid. I however prayed and everything went well.

Did anything go wrong on the D-day?
John Paul: I missed my father at church. He was delayed by jam as he travelled from the village to Kampala. Then, one of the service providers gave us different tables from what we had initially ordered, which gave the decorator hard time, we had to go through trouble of looking for more tables. Also, my elder brother left before I gave my speech.
Grace: During the speeches, the MC chose a random person from my village to speak on behalf of my family yet I had initially asked my elder sister.

What were the challenges during preparations?
John Paul: Coordinating different service providers because my chairman would sometimes be taken up by other tasks. He works upcountry, he could not attend counselling sessions and church rehearsals.
Grace: The low turn up for the meetings.

Any lessons from premarital counselling?
John Paul: Mr and Mrs Gilbert Siima said we ought to be open because something minor can destroy a marriage. Grooming and taking part in the upbringing of children was emphasised. I was also cautioned to always be open even about my challenges.
Grace: We learnt a lot during the four months but what I am going to hold onto is learning and understanding my husband. Respecting each other, being open, forgiving and never be secretive.

You had stayed together before the wedding, how different is it now?
John Paul: My wife is more organised, happy and she is at peace.
Grace: I now feel contented that Paul is mine, he gives me more time yet before he always found reason to be away.