Out-of-the-box nuptials: Not just another cookie-cutter wedding
How did you meet?
Ann: We met at WOLEF Church back in 2006, in the worship ministry, but it wasn’t until 2011 that we began dating, and got engaged in December 2017 during the Annual Family Altar and Church Dinner, in front of everybody at the altar. It was quite memorable.
How did you settle on the venue?
Other than it being a magnificent garden-forest setting for our outdoor wedding, we have a special attachment to the divine grounds, which have hosted prayer meetings dating back to the 1950s, during the East Africa Revival led by our grandmother Risper Wangari, who was an elder at WOLEF Church.
Your wedding was not the typical Kenyan wedding. Tell us more and why you went that route
We definitely went out of the norm with our big day. Our dating journey of love too was extraordinary, and with God from the beginning, seven years in, we committed to Him concerning the wedding and its details. That’s how we exceptionally did this in just six months.
We settled for a Friday afternoon wedding on a date that is special and divine for us.
We planned to engage our guests for a total of four hours; one hour for the officiating ceremony, and two to three hours for the soirée, after which guest could leave at their own pleasure. We still had a party till late – of course, who would want to leave just yet!
Tell us about the various rites you had at the ceremony
During our vows, we incorporated the blowing of the Shofar, which is an Israelite horn (God’s instrument), used for prophetic ceremonies.
The first blowing was to introduce the bride as she took to the aisle.
This had symbolism to scripture, that the trumpet shall sound for Christ to receive His bride - the church.
It also symbolised a declaration to the spiritual realm that the Lord has taken charge and scattered all forces of darkness, and a covering of light radiates from the ceremony to all parts of the nation.
What’s more, we broke bread as Holy Communion and George conducted the choir, which I was part of, in singing And The Glory Shall Be Revealed from ‘The Messiah’ oratorio by British Baroque composer George Handel. Again, we ended the ceremony with the covering of the tallit, which is a prayer shawl.
Done surrounded by men and women of God, its significance was wrapping the new couple in the Almighty’s presence and glory. The entire officiating process took an hour. 
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The couple’s theme was royalty, “Understanding that we are of a royal priesthood,” they explained.
Being a one-venue wedding, the soirée and late party followed thereafter. For our send-off, we lit the night sky with flying Chinese lanterns. That was spectacular.
You not only had a dress code for guests, the bridal party also had interesting outfits. Tell us about that too
We went for a jumpsuit for the bride, as it’s not every weekend that you find the Kenyan bride wearing trousers to her big day.
We had a live recording and were also making a wedding film, therefore, seats were designated and there was a dress code for the guests; black tux for the gentlemen and all-white with gold and silver accessories for the ladies.
We announced our wedding invitation through a 50-second film and specially designed invitation pass cards for the VIPs, all done by George’s company, Handel Studios.
What was the inspiration behind your colour scheme?
We love silver. It was the centerpieces and our attires colour. Its biblical meaning is strength (armour of God), divinity, truth, and freedom to create. That describes both of us.
For the 300 guests, we had black meaning the brooding of the Holy Spirit and the presence of God, and all-white representing the garment of praise.
Royalty was our theme, understanding that we are of a royal priesthood. 
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The dress code for the guests was black tux for the gentlemen and all-white with gold and silver accessories for the ladies.
Is there anything you had seen at other weddings which you liked or disliked that informed how you went about your day?
The discipline of time management is an issue. Today, stern wedding planners are on demand.
Another thing, times have changed. The same way arranged marriages were slowly abolished, today, participating parties ought to loosen their grip and be open to new conventions.
Honour the bride and groom to uniquely customise their one day to what’s special and memorable to them.
What are some of the values that drive you as a couple?
George: The presence of great role models, our parents. I have grown up watching my dad successfully spearhead a family with great wisdom, concern and significant character.
He has exemplified practical blueprints for a warm home, and I’m forever grateful.
Ann: I have been nurtured under a spiritual mentorship of God’s idea of love and family.
That definitely changed a lot in my mindset over time –12 years of proper mentoring, prayer and prophetic covering have greatly impacted the deep value I hold to love, respect and honour my husband. A big recognition to my spiritual parents Bishop Dr Mbugua and Pastor Mbugua.
We both value and enjoy God’s presence. We’ve learnt that His love is unconditional but His presence is conditional. He truly defines every direction we’ve taken since we began dating.
Our obedience to Him has been the guiding light of our eight years now together.
Also, trust has been our greatest asset; the openness to each other and choosing daily to guard and water this noble entity. 
In what ways are you most alike?
Music was our connection. We are both in worship ministry, George being a prophetic worshipper and music director and myself a singer and songwriter.
We have both collaborated in songwriting and producing Revolution the Worship Album project.
Also, we both love the road, flying, touring, travelling, high-adrenaline outdoor activities, the theatre, a good barbeque and honey in our tea.
How about the ways you are most different?
Differences should not be viewed as incompatibility, but as the two sides of a coin; both serve a purpose. I believe focus often creates blindness.
If I’m looking south, I cannot see north, therefore, I need someone in a different inclination guarding my focus. He’s the designer – I’m the “accountant”, he’s the listener – I always have a story to tell, he’s the right-handed – I’m the left-handed, he loves his bread extra soft – I love the crackling crust, he loves his egg simple with a little pepper – I love them all Spanish.
What was most memorable about your big day?
The exchange of vows. That was my most profound moment of the day. How it divinely connected our hearts.
George: Having stood on the same ground as a young teenager seeking God for that supernatural life partner, and now, there I stood literally unveiling my wife as a fulfillment. That was overwhelming. Also, the blasting sound of the shofar announcing the bride’s entrance down the isle.
SERVICE PROVIDERS;
Wedding planner – Peris Kinyua
Sound – WOLEF Media
Caterer – WOLEF
Décor – Lavish Homes
Bride’s gown – We both designed the wedding gown and Peggy Onyango Fashions brought it to life.
Groom’s suit – The groom designed the outfit details and worked with Winnie Nyambova and local tailors to execute the piece.
