TEARS OF A HELPLESS WOMAN CHAPTER 32
kindly ignore mistakes"
Atusaye and I travelled to the united States with the Martin's to celebrate our engagement but most importantly, I wanted to get a princes wedding gown by Pinina and I found the perfect dress.
I didn't know what to put together when planning for the special day, all along i knew I wanted a fairytale wedding but the time finally came and I was blank.
Clara suggested she knew a planner who could help and she was right. The man knew what he was doing.
I was so calm through the planning process, no stress whatsoever. I was just glad that i was getting married to the man of my dreams.
Despite everything I went through, I really wanted to have my uncle walk me down the aisle. Unfortunately he was still in prison so Mr. Martins took that gap and filled in for the father I never had.
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The morning of the wedding was so peaceful, I woke up feeling very emotional. I couldn't believe I was finally going to be with the love of my life, i had really suffered and now I was a few hours away from being a wife.
Atusaye was just that gift I needed from above and he came at the perfect time.
The matron who happened to be Mrs. Martin's was very helpful. She made sure I was dressed on time and she kept me calm. She also made sure everything was sorted.
We spent a night at Clara's house, she hosted us and took care of our sleeping and food arrangement. I was marrying into a wonderful family that was so selfless and this was comforting, despite what the devil ploted in Nigeria, I managed to reconcile with Clara and my mother in-law.
Joy and faith were in charge of makeup and they worked their magic on our faces while keeping mindful of time as they too were on the lineup. My bridesmaids included Clara, Joy, Faith and Joy (Atusaye's sister)
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When we were all ready I gathered all my bridal party in one place because i had something important to say.
"I would like to thank you all for being a part of my life, each one of you has had a very important part to play in my life. As you know my life has been a roller coaster, I've had so many ups and downs.. The downs being many but all in all I thank God. Today I want to thank God because he has shown his mercy. I know marriage is not easy but with God at the centre i know i will enjoy every moment. I want us to pray.. Please pray for me as I take this journey" I said emotionally.
"I agree my dear and I think we should pray now and for your husband too. I know my brother and I have no doubt he will make you a happy wife." Mrs Martin's said as she rubbed my shoulder.
Clara spread a mat in the bedroom and I knelt down there while my bridesmaids surrounded me as they held hands. Mrs. Martin's led into a strong prayer and everyone joined in, it was strong, powerful and touched every area including our unborn children.
When Mrs. Martin's concluded the prayer a breath of fresh air filled the room and I was calm and peaceful. It was finally happening... I was going to get married in less than an hour.
Mrs Martin's dropped my veil and handed me my bouquet, the most emotional part of my morning was being covered under the veil.
As I slowly walked out my bridesmaids ululated. My heart was overjoyed. This was me... Mwansa Yande finally getting married, leaving behind the horrible life I had led. Each step reminded me of the small chicken run I grew up in. The smell of chicken feed and chicken manure came back.. The faith and hope I had in having a better life clouded my mind, the sleepless nights, tears and hungry days. If this God isn't to be praised then I don't know who deserves the praise.
I was a maid in ripped clothes without anything to my name but now I was not only independent but also getting married to a wonderful man. I was an outcast but God still saw it fit that I be called his own.
Who wouldn't want to serve a God like that?.
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As the vehicle moved all I could think about was Atusaye, I couldn't wait to see his face and his look. Mrs Martin's sat next to and she kept reminding me to breathe and take in the moment.
The vehicle finally pulled over at the venue of the marriage blessing ceremony.
When I was informed the bridesmaids had settled inside my heart suddenly started racing but I had to be calm.
Mr. Martins came to open the door and he held my hand . We slowly walked to the chapel entrance.
"You're nervous relax" Mr Marin's whispered as we stood at the entrance. The bridesmaids had just made their way in and it was almost our turn to enter.
As I stared at the chapel door and imagined just how Atusaye was smiling it made me feel better and calm.
The doors slowly opened and the celebrant asked everyone to stand up to welcome the bride...... The bride who happened to be myself. Mwansa Yande was finally going to be a wife.
The keyboard finally started to play "here comes the bride"
While holding on to Mr Martin's we walked slowly into the beautifully decorated chapel. Just how I imagined it, the ceremony was peach and white. Material hang from the ceiling and it looked beautiful.
My princess Pinina wedding gown was glowing with the crystals flashing as people admired. The neck piece and tiara were all shipped from the USA..... just simply amazing.
I looked up to peep and Atusaye was facing the front, he clearly heard not to look behind until he was asked to. I could see his hands make fists as if he was nervous.
"Awwww he must be anxious" I thought
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"Who gives this Lady away in marriage?" The celebrant asked.
"I do" Mr martins replied.
When Atusaye got my hand from Mr. Martin's I got so emotional but I contained the tears.
"You look gorgeous honey" he whispered
I smiled hearing those wonderful words coming from my husband to be.
It was a beautiful service, the preaching touched my heart. Atusaye kept stealing glances at me and we smiled at each other often all through the service.
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THE VOWS
ATUSAYE:: One boring afternoon I took a drive to relax my mind and refresh my thoughts. Little did I know that drive was going to be the beginning of something beautiful. That day i met a young lady, She looked very tired and frustrated with life. To me she was a diamond in the rough and I believed it the first time I set my eyes on her. From that moment I knew she was no ordinary girl and I told God if I drove back and found her there then I would be taking her home with me. I quickly informed my sister of this young lady I had finally found to help her with the chores. She agreed without hesitating and just like God had planned it.... I found her there. Mwansa my love no amount of pain that life has thrown at me has or can succeed in changing my feelings for you. Today I'm joining myself to you accepting that you are the only woman destined for me. I promise to love and always stand by you, through hard times and good times. I can't afford to be away from you any longer my love. My promise to you is eternity of togetherness through the the laughter and the tears.
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I was emotional hearing Atusaye recite those words, knowing they came straight from his heart made it even extra special.
The celebrant extended the mic towards me.
"I wouldn't want to be you right now ... The pressure is on" the celebrant teased.
The congregation laughed and ululated. Indeed the pressure was on, how could I ever top the beautiful vows Atusaye made.
I cleared my throat and smiled. I knew Atusaye could see the smile from my veil because he smiled too.
MY VOWS:: My love Atusaye.. you showed me a new side of life.
# The emotions were too many so i stopped a little to gather myself #
"Breath honey" I heard Atusaye whisper.
Its like his words triggered the emotions more and tears trailed down.
I smiled trying to block the tears but it was too late.
"Atusaye you got me my first brand new dress as opposed to the hand me downs I grew up wearing. The first time I ever smelt good, you were behind it. You washed the dirt out of me and gave me courage to pursue my dreams... Just that alone gave me drive to work hard and one day be able to afford my own clothes and perfume. Today.. I can testify that God is indeed able. He really is faithful and because of him today I am getting married to my best friend, my motivator, my confidant and the most courageous man I know. He is my rock loving and shielding me through every storm. This man standing opposite me has taught me to love and trust again"
At this time tears had already flooded my face and I was shaking.
Atusaye equally broke down and the celebrant asked for a moment of silence to allow us calm down. It was very emotional.
"God if I had to do this over again I would choose this path again" Atusaye whispered in between the tears
The celebrant was amazed at the love we expressed for each other and he challenged the guests to believe in love. He said::
"True love is patient and overcomes every storm"
"What can I say? Who am I not to bless this union?" The celebrant added
The rings were brought forward by Joy (Atusaye's sister) who was my maid of honour. Having blessed the rings the celebrant handed one ring to Atusaye and asked him to repeat the vows of commitment.
As Atusaye held the ring towards my finger I could tell he was still very emotional.
"Mwansa take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, in the name of the father and of the of the holy spirit"
The crowd cheered really loud and now it was my turn. I kept reminding myself that it was really true and that it was really happening.
Holding the ring toward his finger I repeated the words::
"Atusaye take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen"
The ululating was loud as people clapped and congratulated us.
The certificate was presented before us and we signed it with Mr and Mrs Martin's standing as witness.
The moment everyone was waiting for finally came.
The celebrant cracked a few jokes before asking Atusaye to unveil his bride.
"Atusaye as you unveil you bride say these words after me...."
"Bone of my bone, flesh of my flash.. Her name is Mwansa Ruhai" Atusaye recited as he unwrapped my veil.
"Ladies and gentleman by the power invested in me, I now introduce to you for the first time Mr and Mrs Ruhai!!!"
The crowd rolled with cheers and laughter as Atusaye and i kissed.
Well I must say that kiss was one of a kind.
We both burst into laughter after the kiss because Atusaye wore all my lipstick.
And just like that I was officially Atusaye's wife.
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We had just finished having lunch at Clara's house after the studio photoshoot, it was almost time for the reception.
Atusaye and i had a table set out for us privately where we had our lunch and the rest of the bridal ate in the dinning room.
"Honey I need to change into my second dress" I said to Atusaye.
"Oh that's great then let me escort you" he responded.
"Honey??" I responded shyly.
"What? I am your husband.." he insisted as he winked at me.
He had a silly smile on his face and he kept winking.
"Oh honey stop it.... Can I at least worry about that after the wedding.. Please let me go alone" I insisted.
Atusaye was clearly amazed by my persistence and it just made him more eager to escort me but he finally let me have my way.
"You better get used to this arrangement" he giggled.
The thought of just sharing a bed with Atusaye that night killed me and I wished the reception could last forever. I was so nervous
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I had just finished changing into my second dress in readiness for the wedding reception when I walked out to meet Atusaye, he was blown away and kept reminding me how beautiful I was.
"Honey I hope you are ready to dance because am ready to jive" he teased.
"I got two left feet but we got this" I giggled.
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We finally arrived at the beautiful Ananda lodge where our wedding reception would take place. Outside we could tell the guest were aware of our arrival from the loud screams and ululating
The grand entrance into the reception got everyone on their feet, Little had I known Atusaye's feet had great rhythm.
The audience was taken by surprise seeing how my husband and I killed it on the dancefloor.
It was a day to definitely remember and we gave the media something to talk about.
The favourite part of the reception was cutting into the gorgeous 15tier velvet wedding cake, the kiss and finally our dance to the theme track of our relationship "hold on by Israel".
That wasn't the best part yet.
The master of ceremony surprised the crowd including my self when he asked me to stand and sit on a chair that was place at the centre of the hall.
The lights went off for a few minutes and when they went back on, Atusaye and his groomsmen were standing in front of me, they had removed their jackets but had put on hats.
" what's going on?" I whispered to Atusaye.
Suddenly a track by Runtown "mad over you" started playing and the men started their routine.
Awwww........ it was so romantic seeing Atusaye slide from one direction to the other in
what seemed like a Michael Jackson inspired dance.
The wedding sealed off with our send off track "unajaila" the danceable version by Tiye p featuring Kekero.
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I am just a blessed girl. Blessed beyond mans understanding.
SEE YOU IN CHAPTER 34.