It was a day of cheer and joy at the Karen residence of reclusive billionaire businessman David Langat as he officially handed over his daughter, Natalie, to his soon to be son in law Derick Onyancha. The traditional wedding ceremony that is referred to as ‘Koito’ among the Kalenjin community was graced by key state dignitaries with Deputy President Ruto and his wife Mama Rachel Ruto among those in-attendance.

The bride made her grand entry escorted by Mrs Ruto and followed by a group of bridesmaids all dressed in red save for Mama Rachel who donned an elegant baby pink dress.

A radiant Natalie looked stunning in a red one-off shoulder dress as she was received on the podium by her bridesmaids who had changed to maroon dresses. Guests at the invite only white and maroon blend themed wedding where treated to a seven-course meal.

Tradition is all about practices that extend through generations. It provides us with a source of identity by telling the story of where we came from and reminds us of what shaped our lives. Its importance in the modern world is not forgotten, especially among African communities where certain customs and symbolic practices must be done to complete certain rites.

In many African communities, its not only about the glamour of a white wedding, or the marvelous wedding gown and attires donned, though important, but also about the blessing of the marriage from the ancestors and completion of the marriage rites.

A perfect depiction of this was seen through Kenya’s Youth and Gender Chief Administrative Secretary Rachel Shebesh traditional wedding to her long time husband Frank Shebesh. The ceremony dubbed as ‘Ngurario’ is one of the most important events among the Agikuyu customary wedding rites. It celebrates the completion of dowry payments to make her an upstanding woman in the society. Unlike the glorious cakes displayed at modern weddings, this event involves the symbolic practice (‘Gutinia Kiande’) of the bride cutting a piece of meat of a lamb’s shoulder.

The long serving politician remarked that she was fully married in the Abaluhya community but her husband acknowledges her Agikuyu background hence the holding of the ceremony.

“I have been married for 24 years, I have children and grandchildren, and I am 100 per cent married in the Abaluhya community, but my husband appreciates my background and appreciates my family, that is why we are holding this event” she said.

Among the Agikuyu tradition, it is stipulated that after completion of the marriage rites, she is then able to accept dowry from her daughter’s suitors. She then proceeded to serve him porridge symbolizing her duties as his wife.

During the ceremony, the moderator explained the different parts of the slaughtered goat as symbols of the different parts of their union to the witnesses, as a crucial part of the ceremony.

Written by Stanley Omambia

Every bride wants to, and in fact must look beautiful, dazzling and make a lasting impression on her special day. Brides to be should begin consulting for hair and beauty 4 to 6 months before the wedding. Some brides opt to do the makeup themselves. Consider the shape of your face, the length of your hair, your trouble spot and your best facial feature. If the style you have chosen is for long hair and your hair is too short, you can get extensions.

For beauty, if your eyes are your best feature play them up with makeup to draw attention to them. If your trouble spot is your forehead, which, for example, you find is too high, you can choose a style that plays it down or hides it perhaps a fringe.

But why go through all the trouble? Why not choose to have a professional beauty consultant and a hairdresser make you look like a fairytale princess on this special day. For both of these, trusted names are a good way to go; recommendations should be highly considered. A personal consultation should be made from 4 to 6 months before the wedding. Consultations are often free of charge and the consultant will want to know your cosmetic background, hair history and what headpiece youve chosen to wear. Shell also want to discuss what you expect concerning your hair, make-up and nails so that she knows what can be done to meet those expectations. Remember to choose a look thats an extension of yourself, not someone elses look. Choose a style that you are sure of instead of adding to the tension of your wedding day by keeping on worrying about how the style looks on you. However, thats not to say that you cannot try a new look. Changes and experiments can be made successfully if the new look is tried out in advance. But why go through all the trouble? Why not choose to have a professional beauty consultant and a hairdresser make you look like a fairytale princess on this special day. For both of these, trusted names are a good way to go; recommendations should be highly considered. A personal consultation should be made from 4 to 6 months before the wedding. Consultations are often free of charge and the consultant will want to know your cosmetic background, hair history and what headpiece youve chosen to wear. Shell also want to discuss what you expect concerning your hair, make-up and nails so that she knows what can be done to meet those expectations. Remember to choose a look thats an extension of yourself, not someone elses look. Choose a style that you are sure of instead of adding to the tension of your wedding day by keeping on worrying about how the style looks on you. However, thats not to say that you cannot try a new look. Changes and experiments can be made successfully if the new look is tried out in advance.

HAIR
The stylist will help you decide on the suitable length of hair,type and placement of the headpiece, how the flowers will be placed and highlighting. Remember that you should have a style that will endure the long active wedding day: all the photographs, the dances, hugs and the elements of sun, wind and water during your honeymoon. Usually the hairdresser starts with a try out in the final 2 – 3 weeks before the wedding. The final styling is done on the morning of the wedding day.

NAILS
Manicure
Since you will be showing off your ring and there will be a lot of congratulatory handshakes, nails are a visual and important part of your wedding grooming. We have several nail salons with excellent manicurists. When going for manicure consultation, take along with you a swatch of the fabric your wedding gown is made of to give the manicurist an idea of how best to design your nails.

Pedicure
This is another important beauty treatment as it will improve your self-image and help you take time off to relax while having your feet done. Also it will ensure pretty feet during the honeymoon. Establish a relationship with a beauty salon so you can visit weekly for your manicures and pedicures in the days culminating to your wedding.

MAKE-UP
You will be the centre of attention on this day; all eyes on you. Numerous photos will be taken.Your make-up will help maintain your radiant good looks throughout the long day. MALE GROOMING
Whereas there was a time it was a mark of shame for a man to be seen fussing over himself and a choking sight to see him stroll out of a salon, today this is a popular service. Many males are not afraid to fuss over themselves and it is no longer an eyebrow-raising sight to see a man in your local salon. Most male clients will get their final haircut 1-2 weeks before the wedding day and return for a shampoo and hair trim (beard and moustache included) a day before the wedding. A manicure is also high on the cards and roughened hands can be softened and ragged nails shaped.

Choosing a wedding date is one of the most important planning decisions that you’ll have to make as a couple that is after saying yes to the journey of love. Your wedding date will impact every other aspect of your nuptial including your budget. You may have an idea of where you envision yourself walking down the aisle or how your gown will look like , but until you decide when you’d like to get married, you can’t commit to anything. We have compiled some of the best months with the best deals as far as tying the knot is concerned.

1. February
This is the month, after January, that is deemed to be tough in terms of financial matters is concerned. Hence, when it comes to getting deals, most wedding vendors and hotels give the best deals especially being that it is the month of love. Its also the best month since its hot and your guests can wear their pretty little dresses on your nuptial.

2. June

June July is the coolest time in Nairobi but other parts are warmer.It is a good time at the coast, less humid and not too hot. Depends where you choose to plan your nuptial. Money is also not overstretched as far as wedding budget is concerned.

3. August

This month looks like a fake December with many of the working class taking their leave during this month. So, if you are looking to have a crowd on the day of your wedding, this is the month to go for.

4. October

October has been the most popular wedding month in the last couple of years. In Kenya, two holidays fall in this month where a couple can plan their wedding date. It is also a month with a great cash flow if you are planning to do a harambee.

5. December

This is the most ideal month for many couples with the many holidays falling during this time which can work well if you are looking to have a crowded wedding. For many couples, things like warm weather or an outdoor venue are important. But obviously, this is the busiest time of year for venues and vendors, so costs will likely be higher.

While it is true that every person loves compliment, women, in particular, are never disarmed when you give them one. So besides carrying your gift vouchers and presents, a nice word will keep them smiling all the way. From the research we conducted, we found out that brides love to be told all things nice ranging from their makeup, to their wedding gown to the tiniest details of what stood out on their big day. As a guest at a wedding, here are some of the nice things you can tell a bride:

1. This gown really looks good on you!
If you’ve ever assisted a bride look for a wedding gown, you can attest to the fact that it is one of the most challenging things to do. So when she finds it and looks perfect on her big day, genuinely compliment her by telling her she looks beautiful. You can never go wrong by telling her how spectacular her gown is.
2. You are beautiful
Especially when it comes to make up. From research, ever bride wants to know that her look made each of her guests shed a tear or two. From her gorgeous hair, to her breathtaking vision and her beautiful face the compliment will stick with her long after the wedding.

3. You two are perfect together.
One of the most relieving things you can tell a bride is to let her know that she made the right choice in as far as her husband is concerned. Compliment both her and the hubby and let them know how well they look like soul mates.
4. I’m enjoying myself so much, thanks a lot for inviting me.
After all’s been said and done, every couple wants to know that everything they went through to make this big event happen was worth it. And nothing makes them smile than to know that their guests enjoyed and loved everything in the wedding.
5. Your choice of décor was stunning!
Research indicates that most brides spend 90 %of their time on décor. Since they spend all this time making their wedding look good, why not make them feel awesome by how their whole reception or their church set up looks! Whether it’s a creative table arrangement or just a well arranged bouquet, its these little things that go a long way to make the brides day feel worthwhile.