I asked her to move in

When and how did you meet Jackie?
Dunstan: We went to the same primary school in the early 90s.

When did you start dating?
Dunstan: During our secondary school days ( in Senior One) at St Balikudembe SS, Mitala Maria in 1996. However, she left the school and we kept in touch until I completed university.

When did you propose to her?
Dunstan: It was in early 2004 after my graduation. The proposal was asking her to move in with me for a while before we could commit.

How did you react to his proposal?
Jackie: It took me some time to accept because I was not convinced about his move. I then moved in but took a year to make up my mind on marriage.

How did you come up with the wedding date and venue?
Dunstan: We discussed it as a couple. We were afraid of involving others because it would take so long to come to a middle ground.

Did you have a wedding planner?
Dunstan: No, the organising committee planned the function to the very end. This made it stress-free.

How much did you spend on the reception venue?
Jackie: We hired Lweza Training and Conference Centre on Entebbe Road at Shs950,000.

What about the salon?
Dunstan: I had nothing much to do. I went to Kavuma Barbers near home in Kitende for a haircut at Shs2,000.
Jackie: I went to a salon at Maria’s Galleria on Luwum Street and my maids went to a different one at Platinum House whose name I do not recall. It cost Shs800,000.

What did you spend on the attire?
Dunstan: I bought the suit at Shs450,000 from Select Garments and the shoes at Shs70,000 a pair. As for our changing wear, the fabric cost Shs100,000 and labour Sh60,000.
Jackie: I hired the gown at Shs400,000 and changing dress at Shs400,000 from Madlight shop at Maria’s Galleria on Luwum Street.

And transport for your wedding day?
Dunstan: They were three sliver Mercedes Benzes. We liked them because they are classy and very comfortable.

What was your theme colour?
Jackie: Orange and black because it blended well and I knew the bridal entourage would look elegant in it.

Who comprised your entourage?
Dunstan: I had two page boys.
Jackie: They were eight and two flower girls.

What was the most interesting thing on your wedding day?
Dunstan: Receiving a ring from Jackie proved her love for me. And that she was to stay with me until death separates us.
Jackie: When Dunstan said the vows. The part “to love and cherish me for life” excited me the most.

Whom did you invite to entertain you?
Jackie: We invited Catherine Kusasira of the then Eagles Production at a cost of Shs300,000.

Did anything go wrong on your wedding day?
Dunstan: Time management was poor. We did not get to the reception venue on time I think it happened because of traffic jam from Sheraton Hotel to Lweza.
Jackie: My father’s failure to attend the reception disorganised me.

Did you face any challenges during the preparations?
Dunstan: The funds were not readily available meaning we had to seek help from different people through wedding meetings.
Jackie: My stepmother wanted to postpone the wedding date even after clearing the service providers. She wanted to have her daughter’s introduction first then my wedding later.

Where did you go for honeymoon?
Dunstan: We went to Entebbe Traveller’s Hotel where we spent about five days. It was nice having the two of us together without the children’s interruption.
Jackie: The care and gorgeous room we slept in and having my husband by my side without any disturbance from outsiders was so sweet.

Did you go for premarital counselling?
Dunstan: It was very important because I learnt the best way to handle any situation in my home, however, challenging it might be.
For example, I am an introvert and wife is not comfortable with it. I normally adjust to maintain the happiness and peace in my home.
Jackie: I was cautioned never to disrespect my husband, say shouting at him in public or in the presence of the children. This has helped maintain his love and respect for me for the seven years we have been married. I normally make sure we settle all our differences as a couple.

What would be your advice to a couple that is soon getting married?
Dunstan: Take God as your guide. More still, there is no formula for a successful marriage; every marriage is unique, what works for A might not work for B. It’s not a copy and paste policy, it should be original.
Jackie: Love and respect your husband and never entertain rumours.

PEEK IN

The cake
Victoria Mawemuko, the bride’s sister made the 26-tier-cake. It was shaped like a basket with peach toppings. It cost them Shs800,000.

Changing clothes
Nigerian garbs are what the couple opted for since they wanted to break away from the traditional suits and evening gowns.

Gown
At Shs 400,00 Jackie managed to hire a wedding gown. This saved her the burden of importing or the extra cost of buying.