We only had queen cakes and soda - Michael Kyazze

When and how did you meet?
Michael: We went to the same primary school, Old Kampala Primary School in 1970. We never were friends but I always admired this only cute, smart and composed young girl in the school compound.
I was a shabby boy back then and I guess she did not notice it. The actual meeting was in 1981 in Mengo, Bulange on Ssentema Road. Christine was carrying a bucket on her way to the well. I stopped her and asked her to become my friend. Our homes were about 300 metres apart.

Christine, how did you react when Michael approached you?
Chrstine: I ignored him thrice whenever he tried to approach me. I thought that he did not mean what he said and I never wanted any unserious boy to waste my time.
The fourth attempt, he came after me and stood in front of me. I was forced to respond but I asked him to give me time because I was still young and had to complete my studies. I was in Senior Four then.
Michael (interrupts): I was not unserious as she claims because I proposed immediately. I told her that I loved her and wanted to marry her in future. I was 19 years old and in Senior Five.
The fact is that I never wanted to marry her instantly; I wanted to make sure I had a steady Christian girlfriend who I would marry after school.

What attracted you to each other?
Michael: I had never met any irresistible woman like Christine. She is God-fearing, reliable, carries herself with dignity, a hardworker, and respectful of culture.
Christine: Michael’s height is perfect. He is a Christian and from a good family who is kind and always sticks to his word.

Then, how long was your courtship?
Christine: Our courtship lasted for six years during which we abstained from sex.

When did you get married?
Michael: After school we introduced and then wedded on April 16,1988, 11am at Namirembe Cathedral. The wedding was presided over by the Rev. Badde Okwaya.

How did you organise your wedding?
Michael: We formed a committee of about 20 people, given the fact that there were few things to be done around town. We had to do everything fast. We had to deposit money in order to book the reception venue, salon, and the cake among other things. The coordination between the two families and friends was smooth.
Christine: I did not do much; almost everything was under my husband’s control.

How was the wedding?
Michael: The wedding seemed a little bit boring.
I’m a very hyper person and here came a time where all I had to do was nothing but be the big congregation’s focus.
But, I was excited to see my friends doing everything to the last minute. They looked like they too were enjoying every moment of the ceremony.
Christine: The wedding excited me. I was astounded to have been won over by a man I had ignored for some time.

What was your theme colour?
Michael: It was yellow though mixed with other colours. Being the main planner, I felt it suited my wife.

Anything outstanding about being the main planner?
Michael: Yes, considering that we had invited 250 guests, I opted that we have 500 queen cakes and 50 crates of soda to the guests.
Christine: Since my husband did the main planning, I preferred to keep a low profile. I had to go with what he suggested.

How many cars did you have and which type did you go for?
Michael: We had three Mercedes Benzes and we did not hire them.
Our friends, Jack Lubwama, Sarah Kagere and Mugera offered them to us for the day.
We did not mind about the colour because back then, having Benz cars at a wedding was fancy and classy.
Christine: I was still young and did not mind so much about the type or colour of cars used on our wedding. I was not particular, I minded so much on taking my vows and wearing my white gown plus having the ring.

How much did it cost you?
Michael: I can not really remember how much, may be around
Shs600, 000.

Where was the reception held and who suggested it?
Michael: I suggested the reception venue, Kyambogo Polytechnic Main Hall.

Why?
Because, it was one of the posh places around town then. I had three options but managed to win this because the others were already booked. I wonder how I would have felt had I not got it.

The most interesting moment on your wedding day.
Michael: I enjoyed seeing Christine being walked to the altar. She looked so angelic.
Christine: Seeing my husband beside me and the time we exchanged rings. Also, the fact that everything was well-done and on time. Every thing went well as planned.

What challenges did you face through the preparations and on the D-day?
Michael: I had to move from one place to another because the items were few but on high demand.
For example, I had to book soda three months in advance. I would keeping going to check at the factory till my 50 crates- order was done successfully. I had to walk to where the cake was being baked.
Getting a camera man was not easy either and his camera was not of good quality.
Christine: My father came late to church. Apart from that, everything went well.

Where was your honeymoon?
Michael: We went to Fairway Hotel for a week.

What were the most interesting moments while there?
Michael: Being alone with my wife for the first time was interesting.
We were both virgins. We had never experimented anything. So it was all about experimenting and learning.
Christine: I was just anxious that I was going be with my husband for the first time.

How did you handle a debt-free wedding?
Michael: Our wedding was debt- free because we used what we had and never strained ourselves. For example, we did not have a video coverage but the wedding was fine.

What would you do differently if you were to wed again?
Michael: If I were to marry today, I would change it a little bit. It would not be exaggerated as it is today. It would be modern wedding but I would not allow my wife to kneel down and serve me cake.

Then, I would invite all my friends and focus on the church service as opposed to the reception.
I would wear a tuxedo and find similar cars preferably grey or black Range Rovers and then, gold and yellow for theme colour.

I would be keen on the deejay to only play selected music.
Christine: I would look for the best gown, I would increase on the number of maids, have groomsmen and also make sure that my guests are served a buffet. I would ensure that I have traditional dance troupes. Then get at least four cars of the same type and colour.