Naomi frequented my aunt’s home

When and how did you meet?
David: We met in 1996 in Butesa village, in Butaleja district when Naomi used to visit my aunt’s home to do revision.
Naomi: I was stubborn and I used to go for play dates at his aunt’s home. That is where we got to know each other from and we became friends.

So, when did the two of you eventually become close?
David: We became close in December, 1996 when we had gone for prayers. I felt she was the person God was directing me to as a life partner. I proposed marriage to her.
Naomi: Although I was young and I wanted to continue with my studies, I also looked forward to marriage.

How was the proposal?
David: I took her to Butesa Trading Centre and I bought for her chapatti and underwear. The following day we walked to the field and started chatting. And I proposed to marry her.
Naomi: I was not ready because I was still at school. My elder sister too had not yet got married. After two months, I accepted his idea.

What attracted you to each other?
David: She is beautiful, hardworking, God-fearing, respectful and reasonable. I had a dream that she is the wife God had prepared for me.
Naomi: He is responsible, God fearing and honest. He is also charming and disciplined.

What was your budget and how did you raise the funds?
David: Oh Maama! My budget was small compared to other people’s wedding budgets. But I was contented with it. I did not want to ask people for contributions and I had planned within my means. My budget was Shs16m which we raised from farming. We had saved that money some time back.

What was the most expensive item?
David: Food because it cost us about Shs 3m.
Naomi: Clothes, although I do not recall how much we paid for them.

Did you involve a wedding planner?
David: No, we did not. We planned by ourselves with the help of our friends. We had amassed experience from other people’s weddings.

What were you doing on the eve of your wedding?
David: I handed over responsibilities to the organising committee to run the show.
Naomi: I was at home resting and waiting for D-day.

What was your colour theme?
Naomi: Green and red

Were you disappointed in any way during the wedding?
David: our invited guests did not turn up in big numbers as I expected. I sent out very many invitation cards but few people honoured the invite.
Naomi: Yes, other people came late.

Where was the reception?
David: At my home in Nanyulu village, Butaleja District, because we had no money to take our guests to a hotel.

What did you enjoy the most on that day?
David: I enjoyed the reception because people came to witness our wedding.
Naomi: The decoration reception was beautiful.

What was going through your mind on that day?
David: I was so happy because it had been a bumpy journey to that day.
Naomi: Oh God, I was too excited and I could not believe that I was wearing my dream gown.

Did you go for premarital counselling and what did you learn from it?
David: Yes, Archbishop Stanley Ntagali, guided us on several issues concerning marriage. I learnt that a good marriage is the foundation of a good ministry. He also told us to respect each other.
Naomi: I learnt that, God is bringing me into my husband’s life to help him fulfil the purpose for which God created him. Premarital counselling also helped me to know what God expects of us to have a good family.

Did you think of going for honeymoon as vital?
David: We have not had our honeymoon yet but we are going to Kampala anytime from now.
Naomi: We were very tired on that day, but we are organising to go during our anniversary celebrations.

What is your advice to those planning to wed?
David: They should save money instead of going to banks and micro finance institutions to get loans for a wedding. Do not expect money from people because they can disappoint you at the last minute.
Also, follow God and not the worldly desires in your marriage. And, Take your time while choosing a partner. Do not wed because your friend has done so. This is because you will wake up and find that you married the wrong person.
Naomi: They must involve God in all their planning in order to have a good wedding. God is the way. Everything is God’s idea and He is willing to support it. If you ignore Him, you are finished.

Who comprised your entourage?
David: My bestman was Paul Hibombo, the sub county chief of Butaleja, because he is a family friend, approachable and wedded.
Naomi: Stella Namujongo was my maid of honour because she is religious and honest.

Where did you shop for your attire?
David: I did not find what I like in Mbale and things were expensive in Kampala. I shopped for everything in Kisumu, Kenya.
Naomi: I bought and hired my attire from one of the bridal shops on Republic Street in Mbale town.

How much did you spend on the wedding?
David: We spent about Shs17m although the previous budget was Shs16 m.

Where did you buy your wedding rings from?
David: From Maama Nalongo Bridal Shop on Republic Street in Mbale town .

How many guests did you invite?
David: 600

Did you have any debts after the wedding?
Naomi: No, because we had plan accordingly.

The deal
Date: September 24, 2015
Groom: David Nasangha Musomerwa
Bride: Naomi Nawegulo
Celebrant: Archbishop Stanley Ntagali
Church: St Paul CoU, Butaleja
Reception: [Groom’s home]
Guests: 600

Groomsmen

Time has proven that a tasteful bow tie worn with a tasteful tuxedo will never go out of style. David’s groomsmen teamed up black suits with red bowties. they looked fashionable.

Food

Food and drink make up a big percentage of wedding costs. Go for a menu that will leave wedding guests wanting more. Preferably, traditional dishes and they will not disappoint.

Bridesmaids

Short hair was touched up with gel while sleeveless pink A-line dresses looked beautiful on the bride’s entourage. The white bouquets with green, pink and red highlights befitted the function.

Cake
Mbale Town Catering Services on Naboa Road, Mbale town provided the cake. It cost the couple Shs 350,000.

Attire
While the groom found no appropriate designs fit to use on his big day in Kampala and Mbale, he quicker better deals in Kisumu.

High profile
This day happens once in someone’s life; thus David and Naomi invited the Archbishop Church of Uganda, Stanley Ntagali to officiate the function.