April 29, 2007
Gloria Banda moved to South Bend, IN from Malawi, Africa and took up work at a factory in Mishawaka. Little did she know her future husband had already made the same journey. On the job site, Graston Kamchewere couldn't help but take notice of Gloria. "I was impressed with her from the start and had to introduce myself!" he reflects. His spontaneous introduction led to the discovery of their similar backgrounds and both quickly became good friends.
But the ordinary friendship would soon evolve as Graston was continually impressed with Gloria's admirable qualities. He remembers with a smile, "I fell in love with her goals and ambitions." Still wanting more, Graston asked Gloria on a date. Such a night proved to be destiny in the making as one dinner led to six years of blissful dating.
An intimate table for two at Gloria's favorite restaurant presented the perfect opportunity to pop the question. "Once I told her I couldn't see my life without her she got so quiet," Graston reminisced. But Gloria wouldn't stay quiet for long, as she broke the silence with an elated, "Yes!"
Gloria and Graston jumped into wedding planning mode and decided to take on the challenge as a team. Ironically, amidst the many stressful "to-do's" both found the planning to be an enjoyable experience. Gloria especially had fun while selecting the bridal gown and planning floral and decor.
But though Gloria and Graston proved to be expert planners, they could not have predicted the untimely death of a close family member right before the set wedding date. Realizing the gravity of the situation and its implications, the couple made the tough decision to postpone the wedding. Instead of August 2006, the couple looked to April 2007 to tie the knot, allowing them adequate time to grieve their loss.
Soon enough, the rescheduled wedding date drew near. The couple's hard work and organization paid off as wedding plans were executed flawlessly. On Sunday, April 29, 2007, at 1:00 pm, the ceremony music began to play and the couple's dreams were about to come true.
As Gloria took her first steps down the aisle, Graston was taken aback by his bride’s beauty. He remembers a flood of emotions swept through him and recalls "I couldn't believe how beautiful she looked. I couldn't believe she was mine." Reminding herself to take deep breaths, Gloria made her way to Graston recalling, "He looked so innocent. And, of course, he was so handsome!"
The rest of their special day was a string of magical moments. Looking back, Graston wonders, "I don't know why I waited so long to ask her to be my wife. Things are so much better and we are so much closer." And to top off their fairy tale story, Graston adds, "We haven't stopped dreaming."
First Seventh Day Adventist
South Bend, IN
Reception Location:
Marriott Hotel
South Bend, IN
Wedding Coordinator:
Blain Whitesel
South Bend, IN
Caterer:
Marriott Hotel
South Bend, IN
Photographer:
Cripe Studio
Goshen, IN
Videographer:
Light House Production
Goshen, IN
Wedding Gown:
Eve of Milady, Bridal & Formal
Cincinnati, OH
Bridesmaids Gowns:
Greta's Bridal
South Bend, IN
Hair Salon:
Studio 16
South Bend, IN
Nail Salon:
Lee's Nails
South Bend, IN
Make-up Artist:
Ntambosi Kaendera
South Bend, IN
Tuxedos:
Bernardo's Tuxedo & Tailor Shop
Mishawaka, IN
Invitation:
Invitations by Dawn
Lumberton, NJ
Wedding Rings:
Fred Meyer Jewelers
Mishawaka, IN
Flowers:
MichaelAngelos "The Event Company"
South Bend, IN
Wedding Cake:
Dainty Maid Bakery
South Bend, IN
Reception DJ:
DJ Pangani
South Bend, IN
Rehearsal Dinner:
Grand Empire International Buffet
Mishawaka, IN
Transportation:
Royal Excursion
Mishawaka, IN
Antique Limousine
Indianapolis, IN
Avis Rent-a-Car
South Bend, IN
Honeymoon:
Marriott's Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Fort Lauderdale, FL