Monica played hard to get

Where and when did you meet?
Monica: We had no specific place and time of meeting because I received a call from a stranger called Denis on June 2012. He said he was interested in me. He pursued me since then. I later learnt that he got to know me through a friend of mine who gave him info about me. I accepted to meet him for the first time on his birthday on November 11, 2012.

Denis: I got to know her through a friend in June 2012. I managed to get hold of her phone contacts and began calling her. Fortunately, she would pick my calls but took long to accept my advances or even meet me. On my birthday, I tried my luck again and convinced her to dine with me. As soon as she accepted, I never looked back.

What did it take you to convince your parents that you were ready for marriage?
Monica: I didn’t need to convince them much. I had finished school and I was ready to get committed to Denis. Denis is a loving and God fearing man and when my parents got to know about him, they supported the marriage.
Denis: There was not much to convince them because I used to tell them about my relationship with Monica. They just loved her the day they met her.

How many changing dresses did you have? Why and how much did they cost you?
Monica: I had four beautiful gomesis and one kitenge dress. I bought these outfits from different places. The total cost was Shs2.1m. I changed my clothes each time I had to appear before the guests because I had to look exceptional on my day.

How many guests were you asked to come with?
Denis: I was allowed to come with 80 guests.
What details did the bride bouquet comprise?
Monica: The bouquet comprised sweets, apples, wine, roses and many African fruits. It was beautifully prepared. The symbolism of each of those things was explained to me and it was so exciting.

Where did you conduct your function from?
Monica: The introduction took place at my parents’ home in Nsawo- Namugongo.

Did your cultures play a role in the function?
Monica: This function is always cultural. We both come from the same tribe and this enabled things to move well as we planned because both sides knew their cultural roles and expectations. Our staunch Christian backgrounds also played a role in how the function was run as everything was put in Jesus’ hands.
Denis: Yes, to some extent culture played a role, especially on what to wear and to do at an introduction ceremony. Culturally, a man is supposed to wear a kanzu while women are supposed to wear a gomesi. Monica also cared to keep calling and checking progress. This helped me not to go wrong.

What was your budget and how did you raise the money?

Monica: My budget was about Shs26m. My parents played a big role in funding my function. Close friends and relatives also supported us.
Denis: My budget was Shs15m. I had saved some money for the day. My family and close friends also helped me a great deal.

What special gifts were presented on that day?
Monica: All gifts presented were special. My family really appreciated Denis for delivering as required. Culture has its demands and we had to prioritise some of the things like the cow limb and Buganda certificates.
Denis: We presented various gifts and they were all special.

How did you feel after being introduced?
Denis: I felt happy and thankful to God that Monica was given to me as a wife. I was humbled that I was accepted by Monica’s parents.

Decoration
The purple and yellow blend of the tents was done by Bam events. The space planned for the event looked bright and better.

Cake
The basket-shaped cake with fruit toppings was an offer from a relative. It had vanilla flavour and was befitting the day.

Food
Food is one of those items guests look forward to. Monica bought food at more than Shs7m and hired a group to cook it at Shs1m.

Spokesmen
At an introduction ceremony, the spokesperson sets the tempo of the function. At Denis and Monica’s introduction, they hired two spokespeople. Each was hired at Shs500,000.

DETAILS

Date : August 2,2014
Groom: Denis Kato
Bride: Monica Nalubega
Budget:
Groom: Shs 15m
Bride Shs 15m
Photography: Momu events
Venue: Nawo in Namugongo at the woman’s home