United at university

When and how did you meet?
Sam: It was in 2001 at the university at the faculty of education, Makerere University but in different groups.
Susan: We met way back at the university as friends then started dating in 2005 at a friend’s party.

When did you propose then?
Sam: It was in 2005 after graduation.
Susan: I remember him proposing in 2007 at a date and I did not take long to respond since I was already in love. I couldn’t wait.

What attracted you to each other?
Sam: Her beauty and calmness.
Susan: He is understanding, handsome and God fearing.

How did you raise funds?
Sam: We had saved about Shs10m. So by the time we involved other people, things such as dressing, reception and church were done. However, our family and friends were so supportive that we managed to save over Shs3m after. We had no debts. We only went for what was in our means and made sure we used very few service providers who were at the same time close friends.

What did your clothes cost?
Sam : Suit at Shs350,000 from Omni Fashions located at Avemar Shopping Centre shoes at Shs90,000 from Perfect Shoes on Luwum Street.
Susan: I got the gown from ADlight at Shs700,000. The changing dress was made by a friend, Agnes Nalwoga at Shs400,000. I had two pairs of shoes, one cost Shs120,000 and the other Shs100,000.

And the maids?
They were six maids dressed who wore black and silver.

Break down some of the outstanding costs.
Sam: The cake cost Shs 2.3m (18 tiers) and venue was Shs 1.7m. We hired Rossy Routes Events for the decoration, transport, tents, chairs, tables, videography, still photos and music. It was at a discount of 40 per cent.
Susan: The cake was baked by Ms Margaret Matovu and our rings cost Shs 1.2m.

What challenges did you go through during the preparation?
Sam: Deciding on what to have, where to go for what was so much challenging given the many ideas brought forward. Different individuals wanted us to go with what they had suggested which was not easy. Many were disappointed. For the theme colour, both of us wanted something different. Also reaching out to different relatives was quite hectic given the little time I had.
Susan: I think everything was in place except getting the right people to help me choose the right things.

How did you manage the time?
Sam : We went to the same salon, Soft Touch Salon at Shumuk House. We also arrived as early as 5am which spared us many movements thus having ample time to do all.
Susan : We were finished at 7am. That helped us reach church and reception on time.

What excited you most on your day?
Sam: My mother was happy as it had always been her dream to see me walk down the aisle. I was also excited at being received by my friends and family.
Susan: Seeing all my people cheering me up in church was amazing and more still; the whole function was a success.

Any disappointments?
Sam: Although I had tried to manage the time, one of the service providers delayed, hence having food late than expected yet we reached the venue on time.
Susan: Yes, we had planned to have food at 5pm but the service provider arrived late.

Did you go for premarital counselling?
Sam: Yes. It was an eye-opener given the fact that I got time to be counselled by my father. It was a one-day session but with different counsellors. That alone helped me know about things like handling a situation without harming the other party.
Susan: We had a one-day counselling at Martyr’s Church in Katwe. It helped me realise my responsibility as a wife and mother in a home. I was told never to take anything for granted however minor the issue might be. Communication was another crucial thing that I was taught about.

Did you have a wedding planner?
Sam: No, it was me because I already knew what I wanted. I was only advised in a few aspects like using trendy things like tents, chairs among others.

If you were to redo your wedding, what would you change?
Sam: Myself. Then I focused so much on Susan because I wanted her to be happy. I would this time round plan for a cocktail party with not more than 40 people. I wouldn’t even involve my parents.
Susan: I will focus much on the service providers to avoid miscommunication and time wastage.

A message to those getting married…
Sam: Always be focused. Know what you want and follow that to avoid messing up at the last minute. Men should also know that marriage is a sacrifice because we all come from different family backgrounds.
Susan: Try to understand your partner better and also plan together. Also render a hand if possible to avoid stress.

Did you go for honeymoon?
Sam: It was unfavourable given the fact that my wife had a new born. However, we are planning to have it soon.
Susan: Yes, we were not interested given the costs involved and , we had a little baby that we could not leave with a maid.

Which day was your wedding?
Sam: It was on August 16, 2014 at Martyrs Church, Katwe and the reception was at Stallion Hotel in Busega. The service was led by Rev Kaweesa Walusimbi.

Whose idea was it?
Sam: It was a hustle between our parents and us but later agreed to have the church at Katwe.

DETAILS
Date: August 16, 2014
Groom: Sam Ntensibe
Bride: Susan Nabirumbi
Church: Martyr’s Church Katwe
Celebrant: Rev. Kaweesa Walusimbi
Reception: Stallion Hotel, Busega
Guests: 700
Budget: Shs 35m

Theme colour
The groom’s favourite colours are black and white. The couple settled for them as their day’s theme.

Photography
This was done at Memofliq Studio in Mengo while the Speke Resort Gardens Munyonyo were the other romantic scene for the photo moments.

Cake

The off-white cake was baked by Margaret Namatovu at Shs 2.3m. This towering yummy looking cake comprised 18 tiers and befitted the function.