Love brewed at work

How and when did you meet?
Martin: In 2010 at my workplace at Igongo Cultural Centre in Biharwe, Mbarara. She was working as an administration assistant that time, while I was a Creative and Graphics Consultant.

So, when did the two of you eventually become close?
Martin: The first time I saw her I got interested. But after hitting on her, she rejected my proposal. Though at that time I wasn’t that serious as well. Until after a few months, I recomposed myself, “re-approached” and after a long talk, she set her terms that I followed and eventually she fell for this man Martin.

Did he propose to you?

Jackee: He made a surprise visit midweek to Mbarara. He called me late in the night. I thought there was an emergency. When I went out to fetch water for him to bathe, I noticed a very bright light umbrella in the house. I ran back immediately, on entering; romantic music was playing from the bedroom. The air smelt fresh. Suddenly, I felt someone holding me and whispering. “ You hold a special place in my heart that’s why I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” In his hands was a ring which had a diamond cube on it. I cried tears of joy. Within that moment, lights were turned on. He had planned it with one of his friends I have never discovered. The glowing candles set the mood for a night full of romance and love. The rest is history.

So, when did the two of you eventually become close?
Martin: The first time I saw her I got interested. But after hitting on her, she rejected my proposal, though at that time I wasn’t that serious. After a few months, I recomposed myself, “re-approached” her. After a long talk, she set her terms that I followed and eventually she fell for this man Martin.

What attracted you to him?

Martin: I am a professional artist and I appreciate beauty first. She charmed me then her discipline was very irresistible.
Jackee: The very first thing that I found so attractive about him was his intelligence. I later discovered his sense of humour, he is caring and warm. This made me fall in love with him. His looks were the icing on the cake.

When did you come up with the wedding date?
Martin: Around December 20, three weeks after visiting her parents and paying dowry in Kiruhura District.

What was your budget and how did you raise the funds?
Martin: I had planned for Shs41m before involving friends and family. Then they had a few modifications that shot it to Shs 52m. This was raised from my savings and contributions from family and friends. Thanks to Mr and Mrs Tom Tibaijuka for they did the mobilisation.

Did you involve a planner?
Martin: I never went for a professional wedding planner. My friends; Lucy, AP and Julian among others did a great job. Even some family members.

How did you come up with the guest list?
Martin: Knowing the numbers that I wanted made it easy for me. Through my phone contacts, I picked 100 of our friends and workmates. I asked a family member to give me a list of the “must-have” family members, 100 then my in-laws also gave Jackee a list of 50 people. And the puzzle was solved.
Jackee: With the help of relatives and friends it was easy to draw the guest list.

What were you doing on your wedding eve?
Martin: I was at work because I needed to make an extra buck. Most of the things to do with the wedding had been sorted.
Jackee: I was at home, as culture demands.

Were you disappointed in any way during the function?
Jackee: Not at all. I was exceptionally joyful throughout the function
Martin: No.

What did you enjoy most on that day?
Martin: The speeches by our families and friends and the photo session were awesome. Thanks to Oscar Photography who ensured we had the various shots.
Jackee: The church session, exchange of the vows and rings were exciting.

What was going through your mind during the ceremony?
Martin: I could not believe myself . It felt like a day dream. Looking at the level of organisation, guests and the decoration, I was amazed.
Jackee: I was just excited about everything.

Did you go for premarital counselling and what did you learn from it?
Martin: Yes, we did at St Charles Lwanga Chapel in MUBs, Nakawa. I learnt to be submissive to my partner, patient, polite. I got to know much more about the Catholic faith.
Jackee: We went to Fr Larry at St Charles Lwanga MUBS. I learnt that effective communication is the best tool in relationships especially marriage.

What is your advice to those planning on wedding?
Martin: Not to be so extravagant. Do what is within your means.
Jackee: Always plan early enough and spend what’s within your means.

The highlights
cake
The Cake Lady, Ntinda baked for the couple a fruit cake. They adorned it with yellow flowers and green leaf shapes.

Rings

The rings made of white gold were the most expensive item the couple spent on. They bought them from Sheraton.

Bestman
Martin preferred his cousin Dr Brian Bangire Katonera to take the best man role. This is because he is gentle and assuring.

DETAILS
Date : Jan 24, 2015
Groom: Martin Amwiine Ahimbisibwe
Bride: Jackee Nakiza
Church: St Charles Lwanga MUBS, Nakawa
Reception venue: Royal Suites, Bugolobi
Guests: 250
Budget: Shs52m
Photography: Oscar Ntege photography
Honeymoon destination: Brovad Sands Lodge, Ssese Islands