MY WEDDING: Marriage is about understanding each other, says TV host Lucky Nzeyimana

Lucky Nzeyimana, a journalist and presenter with Royal TV was swept off his feet five years ago, by 24 year-old Divine Halwat Murekatete, an employee at Viva Supermarket. They sealed their love story by saying their vows, on October 15th this year. They shared their love story with Sunday Times’ Sharon Kantengwa. HIM How did you two meet? We met five years ago in a café in Kigali where she was working and where I had gone for sports betting. She advised me to shun betting and save the money for better use. Betting was my thing but her advice changed my life and that is how our friendship and relationship started. Because I am a staunch Muslim, my mother convinced her to convert to Islam and she obliged. I promised her then that I would marry her this year and I am happy that I fulfilled my pledge. She is focused and principled. How did you propose to her? I did not plan to propose to her. We had gone for our usual outings, when suddenly it just struck my mind that I should propose. I did not even have a ring. She asked me to give her some time to think about it and that night she called me to say ‘yes’. I chose the date for our wedding within my birth week because I felt it was a special occasion in my life. How long did it take you to plan for marriage ceremony? We started saving for the wedding in January this year and we contributed 70% of the budget. It only took us two months to prepare for the wedding because I did not want to involve my wife with media and thus kept it a secret from all my friends. Courtesy photo. Our wedding announcement was a shock to them because they knew me as someone who fears girls. Who chose the wedding theme? I did. I chose red because of its beauty in the pictures, and I blended it with blue, her best color. Also we chose to wear Nigerian traditional attire because it resembles the Muslim way of dressing while our maids wore Imishanana to represent our culture. What has changed about you a few weeks into marriage? I now live like a married man. I take my meals from home and I am always home early enough to have supper with my wife. My daily schedule is well planned and organized which was different from my life as a bachelor. What according to you is the secret to a successful marriage? Putting God first in everything and praying together as a couple. Also you need to understand each other well before you decide to commit to one another. *** HER What was your reaction when Lucky proposed to you? I thought he was joking because I did not see that coming. Courtesy photo. I however said yes to him after realizing that I was indeed ready to commit to him. I mean, we have loved each other for five years and I felt like I knew he was the one. What attracted you to him? He is a very understanding man and he always listens to my advice. He is also mature and focused on our future together. Not to forget, he is also very funny. How did it feel like walking down the aisle with him? I felt so comfortable and adored. I had found a life time companion. How do you handle the fact that he is a celebrity who draws too much attention? I do not mind it because he respects me and also he knows what I like and what I hate. Courtesy photo. He is so proud to have me and actually shows it which gives me a sense of security. He always reminds me that he is a simple and normal being. How did your family react to you marrying outside your religion? My Family has always respected my decisions. I converted to Islam because I love him and he loves me too. He taught me a lot about Islam and that convinced me to change and my family accepted that. What advice do you have for couples intending to walk down the aisle? My simple advice is that couples ought to understand each other, help each other, and plan everything together. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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MY WEDDING: Marriage is about understanding each other, says TV host Lucky Nzeyimana