I fell for him even before he proposed

How did you meet?
John: A close friend was admitted in hospital and I went to visit her. Before I left, other friends came to check on her. After welcoming them, the sick friend told one of the visitors to thank me with a hug for being so nice to her. It was such a warm hug. She introduced her to me as Jane Frances.
For years, I had strived to get a serious partner but the ones I came across were my clan mates or did not have qualities I desired. Jane looked no different from them.
A couple of days later, our friend was discharged. I asked her about Jane’s status. She told me Jane was already booked. This was a big blow. My heart never stopped yearning for her, though, and our friend told me to try my luck.
When did you become close?
John: On February 18, 2017 I gave her a ride and on our way, I told her about my single life and she was touched. She promised to pray for me. I got her phone number and reminded her to fulfill her pledge. Slowly, we got closer.

Jane: I liked and admired him before he proposed to me. When he shared his sorrowful life experience, I desired to make him my friend and wanted to call him regularly. His approach was totally different from other men.
What attracted you to each other?
John: At first sight, she looked cute and when I engaged her in serious conversation I discovered a genuine God-fearing lady, mature in mind and financially responsible.

Jane: He is a God-fearing man, educated, loving, handsome and mature. He accepted me with no strings attached.
How did you react to the proposal?
Jane: On the first date, he proposed and stressed that he wanted a church wedding. I looked straight into his eyes but did not say a word. Later, I told him to be patient and pray to God for a suitable partner.

Did you go for premarital counseling?
John: No. I instead read literature on marriage.

Jane: I did. I learnt two things. One is to never expect too much from my husband because he will never do everything for me. Secondly, I learnt that not all men are players.
How much was your wedding budget?
John: Shs27.3m and by the time I drafted it, I did not have a single coin. However, I was determined to begin the journey of Holy Matrimony. I started saving, informed my relatives, colleagues, and friends. Fortunately, they all contributed generously.
Who was your matron?
Jane: She is called Resty Namatovu and she was the one who brought us together. I knew she would be with us even after the wedding because she is a devout Catholic.
Did you involve a wedding planner?
John: I did all the planning myself and the wedding committee approved the plans.

What was your theme color?
John: Grey and white.

Jane: Pink and purple.

What was the most challenging thing during preparations?
John: Collecting funds and bringing all people on board.
Jane: I had to travel to Masaka, Mityana, Kiboga, Mutukula, and Kaliisizo convening meetings. At some point, the turn up was very poor. It was scaring.

What did you do on the eve of the wedding?
John: I was sorting out the final bits of my wedding plan with my treasurer.

Jane: I received counselling from my aunties, prepared the honeymoon attire, had a pedicure and manicure, and then, prayed for the success of our function and marriage.

Did you have any fears?
John: Yes, of course. Satan interferes with such functions. Not all people will support you when you are moving a step ahead of them. Secondly, I had to find avenues for getting money for the kwanjula and wedding which took place in the same week.

Jane: A woman called me, advising me to abort the plans because she was Kennedy’s ‘rightful’ woman. She claimed to have a baby with him. I thought Kennedy would not come to Mityana for my kwanjula because of her threats.

What was the most important thing at your wedding?
John: The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony and the time factor were important. We did not want to be late. The bridesmaids were at the church 40 minutes before Mass.

Jane: The Sacrament and my husband.
Were you disappointed in any way?
John: The food was not enough. The catering service provider had not cooked all the matooke. Secondly, one of my people pocketed money meant to buy extra chairs. Many guests did not find seats.

Jane: Some of my ‘diehard’ friends never turned up and my matron’s mobile phone was stolen at the reception.

Where did you spend your honeymoon?
John: In Tanzania.

What is your advice to those planning to get married?
John: Your love should be greater than your pride. Accept what you are; the expensive things we yearn for are nothing. Do not try to understand marriage but rather, understand your partner. Lastly, invoke God’s grace.

Jane: Trust in God and make many friends who will stand with you. You cannot do it alone.

The cake
The wedding cake cost Shs700,000. It was a huge cake with 15 tiers.

The groomsmen
The groom chose his longtime friend, Jude Ssenfuka, as his best man. They studied together in primary and secondary school. For groomsmen, he choose jolly friends who wished him well.

The rings
The couple bought their rings at Daughters of Mary Bookshop in Masaka town. The rings cost Shs140,000 each.

The cars
One of the couple’s spiritual directors bought them a maroon Toyota Premio X. They also used two Prados and two Toyota Harriers.

The clothes
The bride wore a Cinderella gown to church and a Mermaid dress to the reception. The gown cost Shs1m, while the groom’s suit cost Shs300,000. She spent Shs300,000 in the salon.

The deal
Groom: John Kennedy Lubega
Bride: Jane Frances Nalukwago
Officiant: Rt. Rev. Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa
Church: Our Lady of Sorrows Cathedral – Kitovu
Reception: Patel Shamji Hotel
Guests: 600
Photo venue: Hotel Brovad gardens.
Budget: Shs27.3m