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BRIDE: MONICAH MBUTHIA

GROOM: MARTIN MUTURI

DATE: AUGUST 9, 2019

VENUE: CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH AND RECEPTION AT FAHARI GARDENS UTAWALA

What’s your love story?

Monicah: We met in high school back in 2004. Martin was two years ahead of me and his cousin was my friend. We started talking through his cousin. Martin was good in maths and sciences, so he offered to tutor me.

After high school, we kept in touch and one thing led to another. In August 2010, six years later, we sought our parents’ approval to get married and the rest is history. We have been living together for nine years now and we’re blessed with two beautiful children.

How did you settle on the wedding venue

We live in Embakasi and fellowship at Christ the King, which is in the vicinity. For the reception, we wanted a location near the church for convenience and Fahari Gardens topped the list.

Tell us about your choice of outfits and theme colours

I had always desired a princess look on my wedding day; a ball gown definitely fit the profile. I shopped at a bridal shop in town with help of a friend.

The maids dresses were turquoise green, which is one of my favourite colours. I find it unique and cool. Orange is a happy and bright colour, hence a perfect combination.  

Martin: I am in technical field (instrumentation engineering), and I don’t like suits, I don’t even have one.

I was considering something I would wear beyond the wedding day, hence settled for semi-casual wear. We considered cool colours that would go well with the wedding theme (turquoise and orange).

How long did it take you to plan the wedding and how did you do it?

Monicah: It took us about seven months. We planned everything just the two of us, and this made it easy to select suppliers and make decisions, since we knew what we wanted, and was within our budget.

Three weeks to the wedding, we formed a committee and handed over the suppliers we had contracted to the team that volunteered to run the wedding day.

How did you settle on the number of guests and bridal team?

This was a tough one. We considered the day being a weekday and budget. We had planned for 300 guests but received 400.

We gave priority to our close family, close friends, our church fellowship members and colleagues who we knew would make it no matter what. Our bridal team of 14 was comprised of close friends who have our best interests at heart. 

You had a convoy of classy rides. Tell us a bit more

Our friends overwhelmingly gave out their vehicles. We had all sorts of cars from Mercedes, Prados, V8s, Pajeros and others. These came in handy for everyone, even those who required transport from church.

Martin is a biker, so we had superbikes that led the convoy, which was quite cool and colourful. 

Why would you say your wedding was successful?

We loved every bit of our wedding. It was flawless; all our providers did an outstanding job, the programme ran on time and we had mad fun.

Being surrounded by close family and friends on our special day was exciting. Most of all, we solemnised our union and started a new life in Christ.

What was most memorable about your big day?

Walking down the aisle to the man I love and lived with for nine years was breathtaking. The thrill of superbikes revving at both the church and reception won.

That sound was a killer. Also, the heartwarming presentation by our daughter Stacy at the reception… I can go on and on (laughs).

Martin: Reciting the vows to the love of my life. It was a happy day, we had a lot of fun from church, reception and the evening party that ended at 5am following day.

SERVICE PROVIDERS:

Photography: Willy Muturi Photography

Sound and MC: DJ Achiever and MC Neb

Caterer: Sherehe Caterer

Décor: Daroms & Events

Cake: Joy Bells

Rings: Nagni Pattni

Gown: Bibi Harusi

Groom’s outfit: B Wear Designs

Make-up: Make up by Rita

Transport: Family and friends