Schoolmates saw love and followed it

When and how did you meet?
Charles: I met Florence in 1993 when my first wife left me, but I saw her when she was in O’ Level. I was an A’ Level student then at the same school, Gulu High School.
Florence: I met Charles in 1993 when I was in my Senior Six. I knew him as the OB of our school although he finished his Senior Six when I had just joined Senior One.

How long was your courtship?
Charles: It was one year, then we started living together. Florence continued with her education from my home.
Florence: I got pregnant in my Senior Six vacation, and feared to stay at my parents’ home so I had to elope with Charles.

What attracted you to each other?
Charles: Having the past experience with my former wife. I first took some time to study Florence and I saw that she had the qualities I wanted in a woman.
Florence; His height, humility and handsomeness attracted me, I grew up liking tall men. When he approached me, I could not reject his advances.

How many children do you have?
Charles: I have five children, three with Florence and two from my previous marriage.

What has kept your relationship going for 23 years?
Charles: We understand each other and as born Again Christians, we handle everything with prayer. Florence loved all my other children and supported them as her own.
Florence: I respect my family,so I didn’t want to disappoint them. I made sure I respected our relationship although it is not a bed of roses. In case of any challenges, we prayed.

How did you overcome the challenge of waiting for marriage?
Florence: I got Born Again after seven years in the relationshp and my husband also confessed after wards, so the faith in us kept us moving knowing one day things would work out.

How long did you plan for your wedding?
Charles: We had a vision of wedding in 2011 when I was still working, but things did not work out.
Florence: One year, although my in-laws interfered with our wedding plans twice.

What was the most interesting thing on your wedding?
Florence: Exchanging the vows. I thought someone would interfere with my wedding date, but when the Reverend asked ‘if anyone knows the reason why these two should not be joined into holy matrimony’ and nobody spoke, it was the happiest moment in my life.

Who was your best man/matron and why?
Charles: Rev.Charles Komakech Komagum. He has been married for 32 years and we also wanted to tap the same anointing.
Florence: Ms.Hellen Komakech Komagum. The character they portray in their marriage is the character of our Lord Jesus Christ, they have love for everyone.

How many groomsmen/maids did you have?
Charles: Ten grooms men and four page boys
Florence: Ten maids and four flower girls.

How many cars comprised your envoy?
Charles: Six cars

What was the cost of your wedding suit/gown?
Charles: My suit plus all the accessories costed me Shs300,000
Florence: I bought my wedding gown at Shs4million and my two changing dresses cost Shs4,00,000.

What was the cost of the wedding cake?
Florence: We had 16 cakes at Shs600,000

How much was your wedding budget?
Charles: Shs17 million.

Did you attend premarital counselling?
Charles: Yes it was through marriage counselling that the church elders could pray with us to break the chains that was holding our wedding
Florence: The marriage counselling that we attended made me learn to forgive all those who hurt me ever since I got married.

How do you feel being the sole breadwinner to the family?
Florence: I have no problem, with the counselling we got before wedding, I can stand and when my husband was still working, we built three houses. We stay in one and rent out two to the tenants we also have other businesses that generate money for the family.

Did you get any disappointment during your wedding preparation?
Charles: Yes, I fell sick two weeks before our wedding and I thought it would stop us again for the third time.
Florence: Yes, my husband got serious mental problem during our wedding preparation, and the doctor said he was suffering from depression. It was his counsellor at the Gulu Regional Referral hospital who organised a meeting with all his family members and talked to them that is when they allowed us to wed and that’s how Charles got his deliverance.

Why did you choose the reception to be at the church?
Florence: Our wedding was organised by both our family members and church. We chose the reception to be at the church because it was free of charge and we wanted every church member to attend because they all stood with us in prayers.

What advise do you give to the couples planning to do the same?
Charles: Trust God in everything and you don’t need to have much money to plan for wedding.
Florence: For those who are already staying together before wedding just agree as a couple and sanctify your marriage while those who are not yet wed, don’t rash to move in before marriage because it takes long time to wed when you are already cohabiting.

Magical scenes

When choosing scenery for taking photos, choose one that is comfortable and suitable for your pose and also brings out the mood of the moment. Nature is always a good ally when it comes to taking great photos.

Perfect snap

It is okay for your friends to take photos of you, but they should keep a distance so that they do no congest the place or even disrupt the activity that is going on. It is very irritating, especially if they inconvenience parents.

Get a comfortable veil

Choose a veil that can easily be raised by your groom. After unveiling, you should be able to show off your tiara. However, make sure your hair dresser fits both the veil and tiara properly, otherwise you could get embarrassed.

TIT BITS
Date: 17, September 2016
Groom: Charles Olaa Atema
Bride: Florence Alok
Church : Christ Church Gulu
Reception: Chirst Church Gulu
Guest : 1000
Budget : Shs17 M