Aminah first gave me a wrong number

Where and how did u meet?
Muhammad: We used to sit in the same class though she occupied a front seat but I remember her giving me a wrong number the time I approached her. It was bothering but since I was already attracted to her, I used a friend as the mediator to get me the right number and the communication started. But convincing her took almost a year.
Aminah: Our friendship started in 2006 at university. We were actually coursemates.

When did you start dating?
Muhammad: It was in 2007 and it took us around four months. We have been together for 10 years now.

Did he propose to you?
Aminah: Yes, he did. With love, I do not remember, I think it just happened and that is when I introduced him to my family. So the more we stayed together the more we became close and intimate.
Muhammad (interjects): I don’t remember going on the bended knee or doing something weird. Since we had cohabited for some time, I just woke up one morning and requested her to inform her parents about introduction and the wedding date. I was just ready to have her as my wife.

When did the wedding happen?
Aminah: Our wedding happened on July 17, last year at Kibuli Mosque. It was officiated by Sheikh Sulaiman Kasule Ndilangwa, the Supreme Mufti at Kibuli Mosque. The reception was held at Ggaba beach where we hosted more than 1,000 guests.

How much was your bride price (Mahari)?
Aminah: I asked and signed for Shs20m.

Did you use rings?
Muhammad: No, wearing rings is just like comedy. I consider what the heart wants not that piece of metal.

What was your colour theme ?
Aminah: I had wanted a white party but could not use it again since it is what I used for the introduction. So I settled down for white, baby pink and orange.

What was your dress code like ?
Aminah: I bought two gowns; a snow white mermaid gown that I used in the mosque, gardens to the reception then later changed into an off-white gown. They both cost Shs15m along with the changing dress. I had three pairs of shoes at Shs1.5m.

What about the salon cost?
Aminah: Shs2m excluding the maids. Make-up was done by Monispher at Shs1m.

How big was your entourage?
Aminah: I had eight maids and three flower girls who were my family members. I believed they would not stress me.
Muhammad: I did not really want to stress people running around looking for suits of my taste. I instead used my children, as pageboys and they made the function beautiful.

How did you choose the maid of honour?
Aminah: Zaituni Nakiwala is a good and understanding friend.

Who was your best man?
Muhammad: Noordeen Ntege, a long-time friend. I was also his best man.

What was the most memorable thing on your wedding?
Muhammad: The transport. We arrived on a boat to reception, which surprised our guests because some people expected us to use Mercedes Benzes. Then the cake, I liked the land title idea.
Aminah: The surprise boat cruise from my husband was amazing. The cake looked beautiful.

Did you use any cars?
Muhammad: Yes, I used Range Rovers but from the salon to the mosque and to the gardens then speed boats to the reception.

Why did you settle for boats?
Muhammad: I just wanted a unique wedding. Many couples have used choppers and all types of cars. I wanted my wedding to be different and it still remained a surprise to all.

Wasn’t it costly and risky?
Muhammad: I had planned and fully budgeted for it. Everything was well planned with rescuers on board in case of anything.

What was your prayer of the day?
Muhammad: I prayed for a great and wonderful occasion.
Aminah: I asked the Lord to grant us a bright day so that we would keep the smiles.

Talking of challenges, did you encounter any during the preparations for your wedding?
Muhammad: Collecting funds was not so easy since many pledges didn’t come through but I managed given how prepared I was. I made sure I drove my wedding. I did and had whatever I desired, I knew what I wanted. I also made sure that all service providers attended the meetings for an assessment.
Aminah: I think it was about the salon. I realised two weeks to the wedding that the person I had booked earlier did not have what I needed yet she proved that she was fully stocked. I had to look for a different person.

Were you disappointed in any way on your D-day?
Aminah: We failed to manage our time well there by missing out on some of the things we had planned.

Where did you go for honeymoon?
Muhammad: We postponed it; we were so tired since we held two functions around the same time. And still, there was a lot of pending work that had to be attended to.

How did you feel about missing the honeymoon?
Aminah: I knew it would be hard travelling with a four months old baby. Honeymoon would have lost meaning. It was okay with me but I still expect it any time.

Did you go for premarital counselling?
Muhammad: No, I did not see any use. I mean I have been with the person for 10 years, what exclusive things was I going to learn about them that I have not known the time we have been together?
Aminah: I did not have a specific counsellor but would get advice from my mother and aunts. I was cautioned to be kind, prayerful, humble, loving and never to involve in rumours.

What is your advice to those getting married soon?
Muhammad: Know what you want, never be driven by pressure for you may end up being messed up. Finally, never rely on pledges, always be prepared as a couple.
Aminah: Be part of the wedding preparations to avoid disappointments and try to understand your partner.
Keep the love and trust and you will have a happy marriage.

Tit Bits
Date: July 17, 2016
Groom: Muhammad Kamoga
Bride: Aminah Najjemba
Mosque: Kibuli Mosque
Reception: Gabba Beach
Mahari (Bride price): Shs20m
Wedding cake: Shs20m
Guests: 1,000
Budget: Shs600m

Wedding planner : Christine Katende

Guests

Muhammad and Aminah invited their close friends and those who personally responded to the wedding meetings invitations. This streamlined who would attend and also enabled them to plan for other services bearing the number in mind. Remember, you cannot invite anyone and everyone on that day.

Photography

The Kamogas hired different photographers so that they could capture every moment of their wedding. Having backup photographers is something every couple intending to wed should think about. This saves you the stress of having one group that does feel entirely relied on and sometimes do not capture every outstanding moment.

Entourage

For a Muslim function , the bride and her entourage have to wear veils and long sleeved clothes in the mosque. Aminah and her entourage settled for dresses with lace sleeves. The baby pink maxi dresses with sequined bodices and fascinators looked elegant and trendy for such a day. Dear brides, pick a leaf from Aminah to stay away from boring designs.

THE DETAILS

Gown
Aminah chose a snow white and strapless mermaid designed gown that befitted her body shape. This glamorous gown had a sweetheart bodice adorned with coloured stones.

Transport
Muhammad thought outside the box. He opted for the boats as the quickest means to the reception venue without being disturbed by the chronic traffic jam of the city.

Creative
They had a black and white 20-tier cake designed in a land title format. This made the whole function beautiful and unique.