He proposed on my birthday

FOR YOU I WILL. Michael Grace Ndiko, a national cricket team trainer and Dorothy Esther Kiyai who works at National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders at Human Rights Network-Uganda walked down the aisle at The Redeemed of the Lord Evangelistic Church-Makerere, on Valentine’s Day. The newlyweds took Deus Bugembe through their love story.

When and how did you meet?
Micheal: In January 2013 at Baguma Restaurant in Kampala. I had gone to encourage a group of young professionals on going for missions; Christian outreaches. There was a charming girl who was very active and attentive.
Esther: I was part of those he had come to talk to at Baguma Restaurant. He was a guest speaker encouraging a group of people going to Bududa to preach.

When did you become close?
Micheal: I actually began feeling close by March 3 but by April 2014, we were more than comfortable around each other.

Did he propose to you, when and how did you react?
Esther: Yes he did on June 25, 2014 which is also my birthday. Oh my God I was speechless. He proposed a dinner and I thought it was just to celebrate my birthday. Midway the meal, he went on a bended knee and popped the question.

What attracted you to each other?
Micheal: Her simplicity and liveliness. I always enjoyed being around her.
Esther: He is spiritual, gentle and respectful.

What was your budget and how did you raise the funds?
Micheal: Shs35m was our budget and we raised it with the help of our income, family and friends.

Did you involve a planner?
Micheal: No. We had a committee to handle everything.
Esther: The maid of honour also played a major role in coordinating the meetings.

What were you doing on the eve of your wedding day?
Micheal: Looking for money and meeting people who had to coordinate the different roles for the wedding. Then, I had a dinner with my family as they talked to me about marriage life and what it comes with. I also watched New Zealand vs Sri Lanka first game of the Cricket World Cup.
Esther: Putting final touches to different things for the next day; ensuring all was good to go especially salon session.

Were you disappointed in any way on the wedding day?
Micheal: We failed to keep time, kept our guests waiting. That was a big disappointment.
Esther: The timekeeping and traffic jams. Many couples were wedding that day.

Where did it take place?
The wedding took place at The Redeemed of the Lord Evangelistic Church in Makerere.

What did you enjoy most?
Micheal: Looking at my wife’s glowing face and captivating smile. That made my day.
Esther: Walking down the aisle, the vows and dancing of course.

What was going through your mind during the ceremony?
Micheal: Oh, finally it has happened. Great relief, excitement and anticipation of the honeymoon.
Esther: I was like oh my God I am married, a Mrs....The Glorious journey is on. The day has actually come to pass.

Did you go for premarital counselling and what did you learn from it?
Micheal: Yes. At Watoto Church Central. I learnt that marriage is meant for companionship and oneness of spirit, soul and body.
Esther: I learnt that marriage is beautiful and a lifetime commitment
Your favourite moments….?
Micheal: Seeing all my family present with friends. Also, seeing Esther smile and she even made me dance in public.
Esther: Seeing everyone happy especially my husband.

What is your advice to those planning a wedding?
Micheal: Be decisive and enjoy every choice you make. There is no room for regrets or improvement. It is a day’s event and never happens again.
Esther: Trust God to provide in every way. Do not be in a rush to wed when you do not feel ready.

Did you have any debts after the wedding?
Micheal: Yes, but not they were not very significant. We cleared them.

Where did you buy her ring from and what’s it made of?
Michael : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is white gold with a diamond stone.

Where did you go for honeymoon?
Esther: Johannesburg, South Africa.

THE highlights >

theme colour
Being Valentine’s Day, the couple chose the traditional red to represent their love and passion with highlights of black, blue and yellow.
leaf shapes.

reception
The couple chose Ruth Gardens in Kisaasi because it is accessible, spacious and fitted their budget.

cake
The cake cost Shs2m and it was made by Dr Kenneth Mukasa from Kenbake Limited. It had different yummy flavours that aroused the guests taste buds.