A marriage started in the neighbourhood

When did you meet?
Matovu
We met in 2007. We had been living as neighbours. Around that time, she was in Senior Three. I told her about my feelings but she ignored me.
We continued talking because we used to pray from the same church. But eventually, she started opening up and one thing led to the other.

When did he propose and how did he do it?
Nakawuma
Until 2016, we had not talked about marriage. But in July 2016, he surprised me. He invited me for an outing and it is from there that he told me he was ready to marry me.
Of course he had told me about his challenges but I told him I would wait until he sorts himself out. I am a born-again Christian and I had told him I would not settle for anything beyond marriage.

What attracted you to each other?
Matovu
If I don’t say I fell for her beauty before anything else, then I would be lying. She is a beautiful woman as you can see (giggles). But beyond the beauty, she comes from a good family. We were neighbours for years so I knew her family well.

Nakawuma
He is a handsome and down-to-earth man. He is also understanding and caring. He is the man I had dreamt of giving my life.
What was your budget like and how did you raise the funds?
Matovu
We planned for both the wedding and the introduction at Shs20m. I had saved about 70 per cent of the entire budget. The rest of the money came from friends and family.

What was the most expensive item?
Matovu
On my part, the decorations and the cake really took a large portion of our budget. They both cost Shs2m. At least they were more expensive than any single item.
Nakawuma
As for me it was the bridal gown. It cost Shs1.5m. We ordered it from Kusiima Bridals in Masaka Town.

Did you involve a wedding planner?
Matovu
We did not have any. We planned everything ourselves but also got assistance from some family members and friends.

How was your wedding eve like?
Matovu
I spent much of the evening enjoying myself with friends. My friends had organised a party where we danced, ate and drank throughout the night.
Nakawuma
I first went to salon for a make-over but later joined my family members and friends in a fare well party that had been organised by my parents.

Were you disappointed in any way on how the wedding went on?
Matovu
That would be unfair if I blamed anyone. I was part of the planners so everything went according to plan.
Nakawuma
Everything went according to plan.

Did you go for premarital counselling and what did you learn from there?
Nakawuma:
It is something that is enshrined in what I believe in and indeed I learnt many things. We conducted it at Global Glorious Church from where I learnt that handling my husband well was the key to a successful marriage.

Matovu
I learnt things that to some are so obvious. Pastor Leonard Sserwadda was our counsellor and he taught us a number of things such patience in marriage even amid poverty. But above all, he taught us that love was the foundation to whatever we were planning.

What was the composition of your bridal entourage?
Nakawuma
Mine was composed of friends and relatives. Grace Namaganda, a close friend was my matron. And for the maids I choose Phiona Kusiima, Zawedde Nabisubbi, Hilder Nabukenya. All these are my friends and relatives who were so instrumental in my wedding plans.
Matovu
I had to go for Hisborn Mutebi as my best man because he is not only a close friend but is also around my body size. The groomsmen included Rogers Kawuma, Dickson Mutasingwa, Apollo Kigudde, Musa Kasumba and Denis Kawalya. All these are close friends and some in-laws.

Did you import any of your attires?
Matovu
No. I designed all my suits and for the groomsmen. It would be unfair for a fashion designer to import or buy things from other people.
Nakawuma
My gown and the maid’s dresses were purchased from within Masaka Town from Kusiima Bridals. The rings were bought from Mamba Enterprises in Masaka Town. The makeup kits were purchased from Sheraton Hotel Kampala.

What was the most exciting moment during the wedding?
Matovu
I was excited that the reception was conducted in my village. At least I gave my people some happiness.
Nakawuma
The church session was the most exciting for me but above all, I enjoyed seeing many of my friends and family members turning up for the day.

Did you borrow any money to finance the wedding?
Not really! I was so wary of incurring any debt. At least we made sure that we paid all the service providers before hand.

What would be your advice to those planning to get married?
Matovu
Marriage is a life tiem commitment, so make sure that the person you are marrying is the one you love and you want to spend the rest of your life with. Secondly, don’t borrow to finance a wedding. It is risky. It would be fine that you just do what is within your means
Nakawuma
Patience is a virtue we should all have and exercise. Do not give in to pressure. Make sure the decision to marry or not is yours otherwise no one is going to share in the marriage. It is yours and yours alone.

The details
Bride: Beatrice Nakawuma
Groom: Dan Matovu
Date: July, 9, 2016
Reception: Byakabanda village in Rakai district.
Church: Global Glorious Church of Kijjabwemi in Masaka
Guests: 500
Budget: Shs20m
Decoration and cake: Shs2m from Victory Bridals of Lukaya in Kalungu
Rings: Shs500,000 from Mamba Enterprises in Masaka Town.
Officiants: Bishop Leonard Sserwadda and Pastor Eria Buyonga
Gown: Shs1.5m
Suit: Shs600,000
Salon: Nakanwagi Beauty Salon in Masaka Town.
Photography: Cranimax Videos in Masaka Town
Photo shots: Green Ville Country Resort Beach Gayaza in Masaka

Theme colour
Matovu went for army green matched with white shirts where Nakawuma opted for a floral white gown.

Honeymoon
The couple had their honeymoon at Kalangala Beach where they spent about one week enjoying the cool weather and food.

Makeup

The makeup moment is a crucial component of any wedding. Therefore Beatrice Nakawuma made sure that the wedding was perfect. She had the makeup moment on time to avoid any last minute embarrassments.

Cake

The cake moment came as darkness started to set in. It was wrapped in a creamy fold of icing sugar and decorated with orange wrappings. At least there were about 500 guests waiting for this moment.

Signatures

The couple made sure that their marriage is registered after taking vows at Global Glorious Church of Kijjabwemi in Masaka. The ceremony was presided over by Bishop Leonard Sserwadda and Pastor Eria Buyonga.