Effie & Raph

Effie & Raph

 

Our Story

We first met in 2015 at the University Of Nairobi Medical School through the Medical School Christian Union (MSCU). I arrived late to our first committee meeting—wearing a brown sweater that, funnily enough, we still have. He mentioned, ever so casually, that he could play the piano, and I thought that was the coolest thing ever.

Years of friendship led to a Christmas visit that changed everything. It was as if God opened our eyes, and we realized what we had been searching for was right in front of us. On January 21st, 2022, he asked me to be his girlfriend, and our love only grew stronger.

Then, on April 15th, 2024—my birthday—he threw me a grand party and surprised me with a proposal. It was an easy, joy-filled yes!

From stethoscopes to soulmates, God’s hand was in every step of our journey.

Theme & Inspiration:

We chose an elegant theme because we love refined details and the timeless allure of luxury. We wanted our day to feel regal—an unforgettable celebration worthy of a king and queen. Parliament blue and gold perfectly captured that vision, exuding richness, sophistication, and a classic charm that never fades.

The Dress:

Finding my dress was quite a journey. I had tried on so many gowns, but none felt right. Since I didn’t have enough time for a custom-made dress, I had to look at off-the-rack options. Unfortunately, most were either outdated, stained, too small, or simply not my style. Just when we were about to give up, we decided to try our luck at Archela Bridal. After browsing through several dresses, Chloe—who was incredibly patient and kind—suggested the Ariel vintage white dress. The moment I tried it on, I knew it was the one. It fit beautifully, hugging me in all the right places, and made me feel sophisticated and radiant.

Even better, there was a brand-new one available in the warehouse. We had it shipped in, and when I tried it on, it was perfect. However, it was slightly big in the bust, so I needed some adjustments. This actually helped me refine my vision for a two-in-one dress. I flew back with the gown, and Lolo expertly resized it to fit me perfectly. She also created a stunning bridal skirt, bringing my dream dress concept to life.

What made this journey even more special was having my mum by my side. It was such an emotional experience for both of us, and sharing that moment with her was truly a treasure. Chloe from Archela Bridal went above and beyond to help me find what I wanted, even on such short notice. In the end, finding my perfect dress felt like a dream come true.

The Big Day:

No words could truly capture how I felt when I woke up that morning—I was beyond happy. The day we had prayed and waited for had finally arrived, and God’s faithfulness was so evident. Seeing everything come together so beautifully was a sight to behold. Having both our families present was an incredible blessing, and my heart was full.

One of the most emotional moments for me was when my dad and mum placed my veil—it was such a sacred and tender experience that I will forever cherish. Walking down the aisle and seeing Raphael waiting for me was another deeply emotional moment. He looked amazing, and my heart swelled with gratitude knowing I was walking toward the love of my life.

The day was simply beautiful. Seeing all the people who came to celebrate with us was overwhelming in the best way. There was so much joy! One of the most fun moments was when our MC got the bridal team to play a game—it was absolutely hilarious to watch. But above all, I was filled with gratitude, laughter, and so much love. It was a day I will treasure forever.

Wedding Planning:

Planning a wedding isn’t without its hiccups—figuring out finances, balancing different mindsets in the planning committee, and dealing with vendors definitely had its challenges. But honestly? I wasn’t too stressed. The fact that we were planning our wedding and seeing how far we had come kept me focused on gratitude. Raphael was my pillar of support and anchor, and our friends and family truly went above and beyond for us. Their support made the journey beautiful.

Advice for Future Brides:

For majority of brides, this may be their first time planning a wedding. Please accord yourself much grace. I was blessed to have women who had gone ahead of me share their experiences, expectations, budgeting tips, and dress-hunting advice. A happy bride means a happy day—so your joy truly matters!

My dad once told me, "As long as you have said your vows and said 'I do,' everything else should not bother you." That stuck with me. At the end of the day, our vows before God and to each other were what truly mattered. Everything else was in the hands of men, and no man is perfect. Instead of stressing over little imperfections, focus on the beauty of the day—because no matter what, your wedding will be beautiful.

A New Chapter: Leaving the home I had always known to build a new one with my husband was an emotional transition. But looking ahead, knowing that I was starting this journey with Raphael—it was so worth it. Words couldn’t fully capture what I felt, so I took it to God in prayer. He understands transitions better than we do, and He gives the grace to walk through them.

Gratitude: None of this would have been possible without God, our parents, and our friends. We found favour in our parents' eyes, and they supported us in ways we will always be grateful for. Our friends? They truly went above and beyond for us. And my groom—he was the darling of my day. I love him so much.

 


Back to blog