They are typical high school sweethearts

When and how did you meet?
Ethel: I first met Kimbowa at my senior six sosh but didn’t talk to him. He was wearing an oversize suit and I thought to myself: “Bambi this guy needs to style up.”
We met again at St Francis Chapel’s Come Alive concert. He asked me to go on a boat cruise. I accepted because I found nothing wrong with it.
After, he asked for my phone number and we kept in touch. He was always asking questions that got me wondering if he was interested in me. I fell in love with him even before he asked me to be his girlfriend.
Dansturn: I was at Kings College Budo and she was at Gayaza High school. I also coached her economics during Senior Six first term holiday.
The next time I saw her, we were preparing for St Francis Makerere chapel’s Come Alive Concert in 2013. I was part of the organising committee and she was in the choir.
On seeing her, I told my close friend Ritah Nassuna. “Oh that girl looks beautiful and I think I like her.” After the concert, we went for a party at Aero Beach, Entebbe where I asked her to join me for a boat cruise. I got her contact details. She always came off as a serious woman whenever we talked. This scared me. I knew she was a no-nonsense person. We went on five casual dates before the final one at Piato Restaurant, Lumumba Avenue when I asked her to be my girlfriend.

Did she accept?
Dansturn: Oh yes… She said yes. She didn’t make it hard for me like other ladies do.

For how long did you date?
Dansturn : We dated for close to three years.

What do you find special about each other?
Dansturn: Ethel is an angel. She is honest, friendly and loving.
Ethel: Dansturn is confident, loyal, understanding and loving. He is the kind of man any woman would want to have.

How was the proposal?
Dansturn: I tried to get ideas from her indirectly on Valentine’s Day. I asked her what her dream proposal would be and she told me. I did exactly what she wanted.

On that same day?
Dansturn: No, it was on Women’s Day in 2015 at Kampala Serena Hotel.

How was it ?
Ethel: Dansturn went on one knee and proposed to me in front of close friends and family. This really excited me. It was my best day of the year. I felt like I was flying, floating on the clouds.

When did you break the news to your parents?
Ethel: At the beginning of last year when Dansturn came home for kukyala. They liked him and this excited me.
Dansturn: Ethel had always been known at home as my girlfriend. So, when I told them I was going to marry her it was not a surprise and they were happy for me.

How did you raise the funds for your wedding?
Dansturn: Our budget was about Shs37m. Most of that budget was covered by my family and friends through wedding meetings.

Did you go for premarital counselling?
Ethel: Yes, we went to All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero. We learnt a number of things such as how to communicate in marriage, how to handle fights, and finances in marriage.
Dansturn: We learnt to always stay calm and always remember our marriage vows in case of a fight.

Did you involve a wedding planner?
Ethel: No, we did not involve a wedding planner. Most of the planning was done by some of our family members who had experience in organising weddings.

How did you come up with a guest list?
Dansturn: There were some people on the list who were non-negotiatable such as our parents. Then, we also considered people who showed interest in the wedding.
We also reserved 100 slots for emergency.

Were you disappointed in any way on your wedding day?
Ethel: No, everything went as planned.

What was your best moment during the wedding?
Dansturn: When I made vows in church. I was a bit nervous but happy.
Ethel: Singing and dancing for Dansturn

What was going through your mind during the wedding?
Dansturn: I was thinking: Oh we are now married and looking forward to our forthcoming honeymoon.
Ethel: After the vows in the church I could not wait to leave the church. Also, I was thinking of the coming years together with him as my husband.

Where did you buy the rings from?
Dansturn: A friend of ours called Aaron Tushabe helped us get the rings from the US.

What advise would you give those planning to wed?
Dansturn: Try as much as possible to live within their means. Also, invest more in their honeymoon. They should take marriage seriously, it is not showbiz.
Ethel: Marriage is a journey that is beyond the church ceremony. Do not spend all your energy on the wedding yet you have a future to plan for.

Wedding planner

Spirited entourage

In their classy black and white attire, the groomsmen did not disappoint. Dansturn and Ethel chose such a spirited circle of friends to keep them active and happy. This is the day everyone looks forward to and hopes for less or no stress. Despite any eventualities, laughter is good for the soul and this lifts the mood of the day.

Rings

The weddings rings you choose will express your unique love. Thus, the couple sent Aaron Tusime, a friend for their white gold rings from the US. The bride’s ring had a diamond vine and a double edge. It fitted her finger and matched her natural white nail varnish. It is a gem she always looked forward to.

In-charge

Putting pieces together for a wedding can be a daunting task. However, it is advisable to get in touch with the in-charge such as the clergy to know the requirements for the D-day. You do not want to fail at the last minute. Also, use the opportunity to ask any questions about your wedding venue. This saves you embarrassment.

Tit Bits
Date: November 26, 2016
Groom: Dansturn Kimbowa
Bride: Ethel Kagoya
Church: All Saints Cathedral, Kampala, Uganda
Reception: Dreamland Gardens, Namugongo
Guests: 300
Budget: Shs37m

THE DETAILS

Certified
As important as the rings are in church weddings, ensure to get a certificate from a recognised institution. Dansturn and Ethel got theirs from All saints Church, Nakasero.

Cake

Christine Jaghwe baked the couple’s cake. The snow white tiers and petals looked classy and yummy for such a glamorous day. They also had cupcakes for every guest to take.

Attire

Dansturn and his groomsmen wore white tuxedos with black lapels and bolo ties. The couple got their wedding attire from “B” Fashions run by the bride’s sister.

Memories

It is not just the photography team to record the couple’s times. Some of the trendy invited friends and family took the chance to take selfies with the couple.