As the wedding date neared the preparations continued. By day we met with catering companies and photographers, by night we slipped into Nairobi city center to meet with printing companies, tailors, and venues serving Tusker and White Cap. Meanwhile our apartment resembled Animal House a bit more each day.
House party at our crib on Muringa Road.
Brian’s brother-in-law ponders Gachanja’s powerful orange drink.
Brian’s brother Gachanja, maker or said orange drink.
A few days before the wedding was the Itaara, a Kikuyu ceremony where traditionally the groom’s mother taught the bride-to-be the ways of the kitchen. Following the Itaara was the wedding rehearsal, and with that taken care of that there seemed to be little else in the way of getting Brian and Christine wed.
Brian’s Uncle Gikiri says a few words at the Itaara ceremony.
Freddy keeping the ladies company.
Picking up the wedding programs from the screen printing shop.
Practice makes perfect – figuring things out at the rehearsal.
Flower preparations.
Little else besides a few missing shirts, that is. On the eve of the wedding Brian’s brother Gachanja and I noticed that none of the groomsmen’s shirts had been returned from the dry cleaners. At 11PM we set out on a wild matatu ride into Nairobi to bang down the doors of the shop. Finding them closed and on the verge of breaking through a window to retrieve the shirts, we finally tracked down the owner who guaranteed to deliver the shirts by 5 AM the following morning. So with minutes to spare before it was time to dress for the wedding the shirts arrived. Brian and Christine didn’t realize until much later how close their groomsmen were to being topless for the ceremony.
Thanks to Joe Link Media and their fantastic photography and film crew for their tireless work throughout the day of the wedding. Please note that most of the following pictures are taken from their collection.
Gachanja enjoying a little practical joke called “Let’s steal Ryan’s shirt!” – Photo by JoeLink Media
Eventually I got the shirt back. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Freddy, George, and Ben passing time while we wait for Brian to finish getting dressed. – Photo by JoeLink Media
The groomsmen lookin’ on point. Charles, Ben, Gachanja, Steve Biko, Uncle Gikiri, me, and Steve. – Photo by Eugenia.
Seems the groom polishes up all right! – Photo by JoeLink Media
Freddy lookin’ sharp. – Photo by Eugenia.
Guys, where are the rings?!?!
Brian and “Shots!” have always been somewhat synonymous, so a little Johnnie Walker seemed appropriate to celebrate his last moments as a free man. – Photos by JoeLink Media
Meanwhile the bride was ready and as beautiful as ever. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Christine and her parents Elizabeth Wanjiru and Kiruthu. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Bridesmaids Victoria, Rachel, Ngonyo, Deyonka, Eve, and Angela with Christine and the flower girls. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Angela, Eve, and Christine positively glowing. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Finally the bride arrived in her chariot and the wedding began. From a beautiful ceremony in the botanical gardens to a nearby garden reception for an afternoon of dancing, speeches, and feasting it was absolutely amazing. The rumors had all been true – there is nothing like a Kikuyu wedding!
Here comes the bride! – Photo by JoeLink Media
A wedding isn’t complete without armed guards and AK-47s. – Photo by Eugenia.
Brian walking Maito to her seat. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Christine’s parents walking her down the isle. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Freddy bringing the rings. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Followed by the flower girls. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Maito listening to a heartfelt speech by Gachanja. – Photo by JoeLink Media
A post speech hug. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Sirens Eve and Victoria melting the crowd with a few songs. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Good thing Brian found the rings. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Photo by JoeLink Media
Pouring the sand. – Photo by JoeLink Media
They seem a bit excited don’t they! – Photo by JoeLink Media
The wedding party. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Brian, Christine, Freddy, and Pastor Steve who flew from Delaware to help them tie the knot. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Gachanja, Brian, Christine, Freddy, Maito and Ngonyo. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Ben, Elizabeth Wanjiru, Brian, Christine, Freddy, Kiruthu, and Angela. – Photo by JoeLink Media
George, Charles, Gachanja, Steve, Brian, Christine, Freddy, Ben, me and Steve Biko. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Angela, Eve, Rachel, Ngonyo, Deyonka, and Victoria. Oh yeah, and Brian, the guy about to fall on the ground. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Who are these guys?! – Photo by JoeLink Media
One awesome family! – Photo by JoeLink Media
Let the feast begin! – Photo by JoeLink Media
And of course the dancing as well! – Photo by JoeLink Media
Our good friend and colleague Eugenia with Brian and Christine.
Cake!!!!! – Photo by JoeLink Media
Maito looking as happy and beautiful as ever. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Gachanja and I sign the bridal poster. – Photo by JoeLink Media
Steve Biko’s way of saying, “Let the party begin!” – Photo by JoeLink Media
TheDromedaryTales.com 
Great blog Ryan!!! Well written and great descriptions…Brian and I were honored to have you in our wedding!
Thanks Christine! It was an honor to be there and so awesome to be a part of your family. Don’t forget: December 2013!!!!!
“Brian and I”? Christine, please speak for yourself. Not all of us were honored to have Ryan there. hahaha!! Great blog bro!!
Great stuff man!!!!…. But why are you always referrring to “Gachanja and I”…. Hehehehe….
I guess ‘Groom-Scotch-no glass’ is universal. Was it also a 5 seconds shots?
I suppose so Vic, it’s a small world after all!!! 5 seconds? Ha, thankfully no, and no Yam Sengs this time :-)
It is good to be able to see it! Thanks for posting this, it looks like an awesome wedding! Congrats Brian and Christine! And you Ryan, dancing?
Great Blog Ryan……(a few years later ; ))