Daphine & Paul Met at a Mutual Friend’s Birthday Party

"Indeed, love did find us.”

“You don’t have to go looking for love when it’s where you come from.” – Paulo Coelho. Paul and Daphine were just two individuals attending a friend’s birthday, and just like that, they met, became friends, and haven’t been apart since.

“The fact that we had so many mutual friends, we instantly connected as friends and did not see a reason why we couldn’t continue hanging out after that party,” the couple tells Satisfashion UG Weddings. “It was love at first sight but then, when we met, it felt like we were already close friends that have known each other for a very long time. Indeed, love did find us.”

They went on to tie the knot on 8^th May, 2021. Read on …..

Bride: Daphine, a Tax Consultant.

Groom: Paul, a Software Engineer.

Wedding venue: Reception – Serena Kigo (the colosseum).

Church Ceremony venue: St Luke Church Ntinda

Wedding Date: 8 May, 2021

Kwanjula Date: 1 May, 2021

Backstory

We met in October 2019 at a mutual friend’s birthday party.

The fact that we had so many mutual friends, we instantly connected as friends and did not see a reason why we couldn’t continue hanging out after that party, to dating and now here we are, married!

We would want to say it was love at first sight but then when we met, it felt like we were already close friends that have known each other for a very long time, all that was left was just to make the relationship official. Indeed, love did find us.

Engagement

This is the most interesting one.

Paul wanted to make sure that the proposal was “Perfect”, that included; getting the perfect ring, perfect venue and set-up. I knew that he was going to propose someday but did not know when or how the set-up would be.

He proposed on 8 November, 2020 at Mestil Hotel. We usually go for the Sunday Brunch at Mestil. So on that day, he asked me to join him for the Sunday Brunch. When I got to the hotel, he had a gift bag with him and requested I follow him to the pool side. When we got to the pool side, the place was beautifully set-up with fresh white flowers, and that is where I saw the sign “Will you marry me”. To turn, he was on his knees and popped the question. I definitely said Yes, and that is when all our friends came running to join the celebrations.

Planning the wedding

It took us five months to plan both the wedding and kwanjula as the functions were just a week apart. Planning the wedding, we can say it was a smooth process as we knew what we wanted and, we knew the service providers we wanted to work with. We were also working with small numbers for both functions which was not so hectic compared to the big weddings. We also let our service providers share their ideas with us and the objective was to ensure we had something unique and different.

The best thing about planning a wedding is having a service provider who not only understands you but also develops a good relationship with you. Our service providers were our friends and those who we were meeting for the first time we easily connected and are still in touch till today.

Decor

We decided to pick colors that we both loved. I love white and green, and Paul loves pink. For the Kwanjula, I chose an all-white theme (with greenery). While for the wedding we had greenery and fuchsia.

The colours for the wedding were a bit of a trick as they are usually not selected for weddings. Also, we wanted our decoration to standout even after all guests had settled in the reception tent, and this did scare me a bit because not all decorators pull this off. However, Shamim and Hawa of Icandy did comfort me and assured me that they would deliver and pull off the colour combo and make sure that the decoration was standing out.

On the wedding day, when we walked into the reception, we were overjoyed. The colour theme was perfect, and yes, everything was standing out.

The gown

I wanted to wear something simple but classy and elegant for the wedding. Initially, I was sold to just wearing one wedding gown but then I ended up wearing three different bridal gowns on that day (you only get married once, so why not!).

However, I had a challenge finding the perfect dresses. Due to the lockdown, my options were limited. I would love the top part of the dress but hate the bottom or love the fabric and not like the design.

It is until I met Lillian of M’adelaide and Tracy of Strat Bridal who did a great job to ensure that I got the prefect three dresses. Both teams (M’adelaide and Strat Bridal) were very understanding, patient with me, and did not shy away to share their opinions with the aim to make sure I got the perfect dresses.

For the church ceremony, I wore an all-satin A-line dress with a dash of sequins which was designed by M’adelaide.

For the reception, I wore an open princess cut fitting dress with ruffles, I remember Lillian mentioning that this was going to be the first time for them to design such a dress, and they were very excited to take on the challenge. I can assure you they delivered beyond my expectation.

For the after-party, I was looking for comfort but at the same time a classy look that would still stand out. So, I wore a Bali gown from Strat Bridal. I remember due to the curfew restrictions I did not get a chance to take professional pictures in this dress as everyone had to travel back home before curfew. However, the Strat Bridal team was so kind that they helped me dry clean the dress and delivered it (at no extra cost) so that I could have a clean gown during the post-wedding photoshoot which was also a gift from our photographer Makula Pictures.