Planning a wedding while dealing with a pregnancy is no smooth sport, and our wedding story today is proof. Walda, who was expecting, chose to do things differently! Because her hormones were allover the place, she chose to have no bridal party, held no wedding meetings, and invited just 60 guests to her wedding reception. She and Sulaiman tied the knot on 2nd April, 2021.
Here’s her story
Planning the wedding
Yes, I had a wedding planner (Biggie events). In the beginning, I thought I could do everything on my own with my husband but we later realised that it would be complicated considering he had to work a lot and so did I. We had only 2 and a half months to plan the wedding lol. I’m super OCD when it comes to organising and planning. I wanted everything to be perfect for my dream wedding. So, I began obsessing about every little detail that it started taking a toll on me, considering I was pregnant! My husband suggested we get a wedding planner because he was worried about how crazy it was all getting for me.
Biggie events were awesome!! From the moment I got a call from her(my husband organised the meeting), it was like we were family, like good old friends. They made me feel comfortable and were super expressive of their opinions without crossing the line. That was a plus for me.
Knowing when to be professional and when to let loose. Biggie and her entire crew were able to handle different areas of the wedding planning. Venue, food, dress you name it. We had a whatsapp group where we all communicated at once and this helped words not getting lost in translation because we were a big group. After this, I just lay back and got updates or just asked questions or sent ideas to them etc. For once I got a good sleep and relaxed. We shared everything and I approved anything that was related to the wedding so nothing happened without my knowledge which was awesome because I like to be in control!
At the wedding, everything was in place just like I had asked! I was with my wedding planners even the night before😂 They made sure I was okay every step of the way. I had no maid of honor or bridesmaids and my wedding planning crew made sure I never even carried my dress, thats how helpful all this was. I can’t imagine what I’d have done without them!!
Planning the event in just two months
Honestly speaking wedding planning is not a walk in the park! We had a plan. And this was planning the wedding in 2 and a half months. I still wanted to look gorgeous on my wedding day before the belly showed too much. I was pregnant, remember. So, the limited amount of time added a lot of pressure. From custom making a dress 2 weeks to the wedding and dealing with mood swings and hormones, it was very crazy.
I remember when I chose my first wedding dress design I was in a different mind set with hormones and what not. Everything was meh 😒 so I didnt really care what dress I wore. I just saw a random design on the internet and took it to Fatumasha to make. Thank God she understood me and the situation and made it better than the actual design. I wore this as my changing dress and it was gorgeous!
Two weeks to the wedding I had gotten back to my old self and realized I wanted more for my wedding dress. I wanted sparkle and uniqueness. So, I sought out Anita Beryl and we came up with an amazing dress which I wore to the mosque and first half of reception. Secondly, I didnt have wedding meetings or committee so that was that hahaha but I wouldnt have had it any other way. I just wanted my friends and family to enjoy the wedding with no responsibilities.
Having no bridal entourage
I just did not want to deal with many things during the planning. Having an entourage means I’d add more work and more organising which, I honestly wasnt up for. Considering it was an intimate wedding, I didn’t see the point. I just wanted it to be me and my husband and that’s it.
Most of my friends are busy girls and I know how crazy it can get trying out dresses and time frames etc I just didn’t want that to be an issue. So, I decided against it. And am glad I did because it turned out just perfect.
Choosing her dream gown
So, here’s the thing; normally love sparkle and over the top detailing. But when I decided to get my first dress I was really just tired all the time not to mention sleepy hahaha. I just wanted to pick any dress and move on. First of all, I knew I didnt want a rented gown that’s for sure! So I got a design off the internet and just had that custom made. It was a simple classic, timeless dress. Two weeks to the wedding, I’m feeling more myself and in a good mood, so am thinking, over the top, unique hahaha and I decide to make a second dress.This time, I was super careful to do exactly what I wanted. Something unique!
We sat down and planned and shared ideas and I was in love with it. Anita made sure to come up with a design that didnt show my bump so I’d look and feel sexy. I never thought I’d take it off hahahhah.
I had a chance to work with two of the best designers in Kampala so I was never worried about the outcome. I just showed my designs and that was that. I must have had a few suggestions here and there but honestly they did all the work.
Both dresses were perfect in their own different ways. One was super bridal and glittery while the other was classic snd timeless
The decor
I met up with the Icandy team and when they asked me what theme I was thinking about, I remember saying “red roses”. For as long as I can remember I’ve had a thing for red. I never wear anyt other color of lipstick but red. My late mom loved red roses. We had some in the compoud while growing up and I remember her staring at them when they were in full bloom and smiling. Those were happier times.
So, for me, it was more of a tribute to her. Plus i knew how gorgeous red roses look. Who doest get wowed by a little red.It was gorgeous I was wowed beyond imagination. When I mentioned Red to Icandy, they were super excited because most people don’t do it. And they added on more suggestions creating perfection at the end.
Just 60 guests
I had a super intimate wedding. Just 60 people were in attendance. We made sure it was perfect but not too squeezed. Icandy was amazing and threw all these ideas at me that I loved. Like I mentioned earlier, I was in that phase where I really didn’t care that much, everything was meh. Icandy knew how to get me excited. I can tell you for a fact, Icandy did everything. I was surprised too on that actual day. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Seeing it with fresh eyes just like any other guest, I loved that. All the fresh red roses everywhere! How refreshing!
Was she involved?
Sure! Much as I had a wedding planner I still was very involved. I wanted to know everything. So if something didn’t turn out the way I wanted it upset me a little bit more than normal. I had to do some of the things myself regardless. Which sometimes took a toll on me. The moving up and down was no joy ride hahaha. The worry, the nerves, the pressure. It’s all part of it. But I’m glad I went through all of that. Now I’m a little wiser.
First dance
I loved my first dance. I know how shy my husband is so seeing him zone out from the whole reception and just dance with me was so sweet. It’s almost like as if it was just the two of us. I Still smile when I hear our song on the radio or anywhere else! It takes me straight back to that moment.
Anything she’d change about the event if she had to do it all again
Definitely to stop stressing and enjoy every single monent of that day!! I was stressed about rain which poured like it had been chased from heaven that morning! I remember crying and even praying to God to make it stop. I remember saying, “God just give me this one day please”, and then it stopped raining! Then the sun came out and burned like it’ll take our skins off hahahaha. And this me stressed again!!! The irony! If I could go back I’d just go with the flow and enjoy every bit of it.
Vendors
Planner: Biggie Events
Hair: Sean Mbajja
Makeup: Imani Makeup
Photography: Vic Media, Luswata Samie &Hawa Mago
Decor: Icandy
Jewelry: Dolphin Collection
Bridal gown: Anita beryl
Changing gown: Fatumahasha
Setup: Fenon Events
Cake: Sarah Cakes
Nails: Nails Villa
Reception: Kampala Serena Hotel
