MY WEDDING: Race was never an issue for us to get married, says gospel artiste Kavutse

Olivier Kavutse is a gospel artist and Amanda Fung, a Canadian management consultant and entrepreneur tied the knot on July 9. They hosted their guests at the spacious Hakuna Matata Hotel in Rubavu and their wedding was one to remember. The Two lovebirds shared their love story with Sunday Times’ Donah Mbabazi. HER How long did it take him to propose? Olivier and I dated for nearly three years before we got engaged. His proposal was perfect, he organised a worship night with a few close friends of ours, the night went on like any other and we sang a number of worship songs together. Toward the end, he began singing “Ushime Yesu”, one of the songs off Beauty For Ashes’ Siriprize album. As he finished, he shared with our friends about why the song was so significant to him, he shared not only about the circumstances of his life at the time he wrote the song but also shared that it was the song he was singing the day we met back in 2011. After sharing a bit more about our relationship, he then said that night would mark the third time the song would be significant. Before I knew it, he was down on one knee, ring in hand, asking me to marry him. Of course, I said yes! (As a side note, our bridesmaids walked down the aisle to “Ushime Yesu” at our wedding.) Were you at one point scared that he might never pop the question? Not really, we had discussed marriage on many occasions and we both hold strong convictions that the purpose of dating is ultimately to marry. Weren’t you scared that your parents wouldn’t approve of your choice for a partner? My parents have lived in Canada for many years now and have adopted a number of Canadian values in that time. These include a conviction that their children can make independent decisions and a deep appreciation for diversity. Therefore, I was free to enter into a relationship or choose a partner knowing that I had the trust and blessing of my parents. Plus, I had chosen Olivier, a man who genuinely seeks, loves and submits to God, so what was there to worry about? What was the most memorable moment of your wedding? One of the most memorable moments was during worship at the beginning of our ceremony. As we sang “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, I couldn’t help but cry as I remembered God’s faithfulness throughout our relationship, which had brought us to that moment. On the eve of your wedding, were you nervous? On the eve of our wedding, it was hard to be nervous when we were all so busy. Olivier and many of our friends were setting up and decorating the outdoor venue, while my friends from overseas and I assembled all of the bouquets and flower arrangements. We were all working until 3am. I went to bed tired, but definitely more excited than nervous. How did you spend your first morning as Mrs. Kavutse? Sleeping! We were both exhausted, but we eventually dragged ourselves out of bed to have lunch with the friends who helped us at the wedding. What’s your favourite spot for a night out with your spouse? We both appreciate food, so dinner out is always a treat. He also knows I love stars, so sometimes he’ll take me to some secret spot to enjoy the view. Truthfully, though, I always love the nights we spend at home, having a home cooked meal, talking, and watching movies together. What song can you dedicate to him? “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys What special name do you call him? Honey ***** HIM Where did you meet your wife? We met in 2011; it was during a music recording session where their team had come to Rwanda. They invited some local artistes to come and record with them and I was among them. When we started singing I heard some really beautiful voice in the room and I looked around for it, my eyes landed on her and I never looked back, she was beautiful. What was it that made you decide to have her for the long haul? She is beautiful, patient, down to earth, hardworking and such a Christian. Why the long wait to tie the knot? We actually dated for quite a long time and we did it that way because we had different backgrounds and cultures thus needed enough time to learn each other such that once we get married it would be to last. What were you doing on the eve of your wedding? We had dinner at my brother’s house in Gisenyi and held a reception for Amanda’s friends and family who had come for the wedding. As for the rest of the night we were decorating the wedding place because we did everything ourselves, friends and prayer partners helped. What was going through your mind on the wedding day? On that day I was so happy, it had finally come and I was like what a beautiful day. The venue was beautiful the decoration was amazing and the people, it was all just amazing. But at the same time I couldn’t wait for it to be over so as to have my beautiful bride all to myself. I was super excited. What’s the best vacation you have ever taken together? I really enjoyed the time we went to Singapore in 2014 it wasn’t a vacation as such for most of our trips are mostly ministry based but it was one of the most beautiful moments for us. Wasn’t race in anyway a barrier to your relationship? It wasn’t a hindrance at all. Well it was kind of scary for me to actually go meet her parents because I thought they would be resistant but on the contrary they were really nice people, they loved me and I was welcomed in their family. My family too approved of our relationship. What is your definition of a happy married life? In my opinion a happy married life is that where a couple is united, speaking the same language and understand each other in a way that they always work together in challenging their challenges. What was the worst thing that happened on your wedding? It was the services of the hotel that hosted us they delayed and it wasn’t good. What would you tell a couple getting married? They should care to know each other because that person is the one you’re going to be with for the rest of your life.

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MY WEDDING: Race was never an issue for us to get married, says gospel artiste Kavutse