Patience won Isaac Siddy’s heart

“We stayed in touch for three years, but it was all over the phone. We never actually met in person,” she says.

For Isaac, those three years were a test of patience and perseverance. He laughs, recalling how difficult it was to win over Siddy’s heart. 

“She was reserved, not easily impressed, but I admired that about her,” he says. 

“She had this calm, graceful presence that left a lasting impression on me. I could not help but be drawn to her simplicity and the way she carried herself.”

On the other hand, Siddy was charmed by Isaac’s calm and composed nature. 

“When he finally asked me out, it was with such gentleness and certainty. From the start, he was clear about his intentions; he wanted me as his wife,” she shares. “At the time, I was not ready for a relationship because I was focused on finishing school, but after all those years of knowing him, I knew I could trust him.”

From friendship to forever

 After three years of virtual conversations, Siddy finally opened her heart. In 2017, they began dating, and just a year later, Isaac took the next step.

“We did not waste any time,” he says with a smile. On May 5, 2018, they celebrated a beautiful traditional marriage at Siddy’s home in Ireda Shamba, Lira City.

Their courtship was not without its challenges. Despite Siddy’s busy schedule at Uganda Christian University’s Law School, Isaac remained dedicated to their relationship.

“I would visit her hostel, and she would stop by my place when she could. But it was not easy, especially with her being the only girl in the family,” Isaac recalls. 

“Her parents and brothers were protective, and getting through to her was not always simple, but I stayed patient.”

In 2017, after years of persistence, Isaac proposed. He had planned a romantic dinner, and as they sat together, he looked at Siddy and, with complete certainty, asked her to be his wife. “There was no hesitation,” Siddy says with a smile. “I said yes with all my heart.”

The road to their wedding

 The path to their wedding began in December 2017 when Isaac’s family approached Siddy’s family to formally ask for her hand in marriage. The response was positive, and the planning began. By May 5, 2018, they had celebrated their traditional introduction ceremony surrounded by family and friends.

The couple lived together for seven years, growing stronger with each passing day and welcoming three beautiful children into their lives. In 2024, they decided to take the next step and finally seal their union in holy matrimony.

“We set our wedding date for February 1, 2025, and immediately started planning,” Siddy shares. 

“We chose gold and white as our theme, and everything turned out perfectly. Even though we did not hire a professional planner, our friends and family stepped in to help, and it all came together beautifully.”

Isaac was surprised at how smoothly things went. “I did not expect it to be this easy,” he admits. “We had an amazing team of best men, matrons, and a fantastic organising committee who made everything happen. The only thing I had to worry about was the finances. It was the first time I was not so involved in planning my own event.”

Marriage counselling 

 As part of their preparations, Isaac and Siddy attended marriage counselling, which proved invaluable.

“We learnt that marriage is about much more than love,” Siddy explains. “It is about support, endurance, and unconditional love.”

“We were taught that marriage is a partnership where both of you must put in effort. It is about understanding each other and living according to Christian principles,” Isaac adds.

Despite their excitement, they faced challenges along the way. Financial constraints posed a big hurdle, and there were emotional setbacks after their main celebrant lost his brother.

Additionally, some service providers did not meet their expectations. However, they did not let those obstacles derail their joy; they focused on the bigger picture, coming together as one.

Memorable moments

 For Siddy, the most unforgettable moment of the wedding was exchanging rings. 

“As I slipped the ring onto Isaac’s finger, I thought back to everything we had been through, the patience, the struggles, and the love that brought us here.”

Isaac’s most cherished moment was exchanging vows. “Standing there, looking into Siddy’s eyes and making those promises to each other felt surreal,” he says.

“It was also such a surprise to have unexpected guests show up, family and friends we had not expected but who made the day even more special.”

Advice to young couples

 Siddy’s advice to young women is to value themselves and not rush into marriage. “Make him work for your love,” she says. “When a man truly values you, he will respect and cherish you as his wife.”

Isaac, on the other hand, encourages young men to trust in God and follow their hearts when choosing a life partner. “Patience is key,” he says. “Do not rush. Let love grow naturally.” He also reminds young women not to have unrealistic expectations when choosing a spouse. 

“True love takes time to grow, and it is not achieved through a checklist.”