We wedded after 12 years
It is done. Meddie and Sarah Nsereko after exchanging vows at Kibuli Mosque.
What you need to know:
There’s only you in my life. Meddie Nsereko Ssebuliba, a renowned journalist and a political show host on CBS radio, wedded Sarah Mirembe, an events’ planner and his sweetheart for 12 years. They shared their story with Christine Katende.
When and how did you meet?
Meddie: We met the time she worked as an administrator at CBS FM.
Sarah: I met Meddie 12 years ago at our place of work. I’m not certain about the dates or month.
What attracted you to each other?
Meddie: Sarah is caring, respectful, God fearing and approachable.
Sarah: He is kind and understanding.
How long did it take you to propose?
Meddie: It took us a while because we had to know each other first.
How did he do it?
Sarah: We were friends first for two years.
How is it like dating a celebrity?
Sarah: You have to be patient because he has a big fan base. Meddie is decent and fatherly. He does not carry work issues to the house.
Being Muslim , is Sarah your first or second wife?
Meddie: She is my second wife.
Sarah (interjects): Meddie separated with the first spouse, so I’m his first wife.
How do feel about it?
Sarah: I feel good, waking up by his side every day.
For how long did you date?
Meddie: We were friends first for about two years, and then cohabited for 12 years.
Who came up with the idea of wedding?
Meddie: I did and Sarah was surprised. One Monday morning, while we were having breakfast, I broke the news to her.
Sarah: I thought it was a joke until I saw Meddie drawing a budget and formed an organising committee.
The wedding was a week after the introduction, how did you raise the funds?
Meddie: We had four functions in one month; visitation, the introduction, stag and hen party (kasiki) and the wedding. Each function was held a week after the other. I had saved some money and my friends too contributed.
Did you hire a wedding planner?
Meddie: Yes, Sarah did it because she is an events planner.
When did you wed ?
Meddie: On May 15,2014. It was a week day because I wanted to be unique.
Your groomsmen were mostly celebrities. Why?
Meddie: I’m a celebrity and they are my close friends.
How many guests did you invite?
Meddie: We had invited 2,000 though the number exceeded. Gladly, the hotel adjusted. We catered for people of all classes.
Which cars did you use?
Meddie: We used 14 black and white cars. I got them from my friends but had to pay the fuel costs and drivers’ allowances.
How much did you spend on the introduction and wedding?
Meddie: A lot of money but less than a billion.
How much was the outfit?
Meddie: I got my suits from Elegant Garments at Mabirizi Complex. I cannot recall the price.
Sarah: I hired the gown from Sister Bridals at Shs1.3m. I had two changing dresses. The silver with black sequins which cost Shs870,000 and the gold one at Shs2.1m.
How big was your entourage?
Sarah: They were eight who happened to be my sisters and friends
Did anything go wrong on your wedding day?
Meddie: Everything was okay. All the invited guests turned up including the Nabagereka of Buganda. All things were done in time.
Sarah: No, our guests were happy and the service providers did a good job.
What kind of challenges did you face during the preparations?
Meddie: I got so scared whenever I looked at the budget. I thought I could not raise the money. Just looking at an item got me worried given the fact that I had to live up to people’s expectations. Luckily, I managed to pull it off with the help of my friends. It took me five weeks to prepare all the functions.
Sarah: My husband did most of the work.
Did you go for premarital counselling?
Meddie: Yes, I got knowledge on what I was going into. Most things are confidential.
Sarah: It was useful; even if we had been together for 12 years. I still wanted more advice on how to make a marriage last. Patience is key.
What advice do you give to those getting married soon?
Meddie: They should prepare themselves before involving other people. At least have 40 per cent of the budget aside.
Sarah: It makes no sense to walk down the aisle and separate the following day. It’s better to understand this person than rush for the gown which is a one-day attire yet you are to stay with the person for ever. The happiness is not in the gown but with the person.
Is there a difference between the 12 years back and now?
Sarah: Nothing much apart from change of status.
The DAY
Date: May 15, 2014
Groom: Meddie Nsereko Ssebuliba Bride: Sarah Mirembe
Wedding Venue: Kibuli Mosque
Reception: Hotel Africana
Honeymoon: Madagascar and Royal Beach Hotel in Zanzibar
Decorators: Trends Deco at Shs16m.
Invited guests: 2,000
