Love in the Land of Giants

When you're planning your wedding, you picture the setting, the feeling, and (above all) you hope that everything will fall into place without any hiccups. Truthfully, I'm not too fussy about the finer details; my only instruction was, ‘Unless my future husband isn’t at the altar, nothing else matters’ 

Angama Amboseli took the moments I’d pictured, the visions I had dreamt of, and not only brought them to life but also took them to new heights. It might sound like an exaggeration, but if you’re lucky enough to say your ‘I do’s’ here, you’re in for a day that will be etched on your heart forever. 

Warning for any couples still venue-hunting, this might spoil every other place for you.  

How many people can say they got married in ‘the land of giants’? With Mount Kilimanjaro’s peak as a backdrop, as elephants casually ‘photobomb’ in the distance? Then there’s the wilderness of Kimana Sanctuary with Fever Trees surrounding the lodge. We had our pick of perfect photo spots.

It felt surreal when the big day arrived, as the final touches of hair and make-up came together, I could hear the distinct voices of Maasai Warriors escorting Jaryd from his Suite. I knew our special day was just about to begin.

Next, it was my turn. I was greeted at the Suite door and ushered by the Maasai Mamas. Their contrasting greens and blacks made their beautiful, colourful beads pop out and glint in the sunlight. I was enveloped in warm smiles, and that's when the emotions started to hit. And when they began singing... let's just say my make-up needed a quick touch-up.  

As I stepped through the passage in the Guest Area that overlooked the lawn, I took a deep breath, struck by the sheer beauty that surrounded us. Jaryd stood in front of Mount Kilimanjaro as Maasai Warriors lined up on either side of him and Jonah, Warrior and ordained Bishop, gave the ceremony and shared a heartfelt message with us, as birds chirped from the high treetops.

As I mentioned, Angama Amboseli took my vision and exceeded it, making me feel completely present as we said ‘I do’ with elephants and giraffes in our peripheral vision. Even the usually Shy Mountain stayed in full view, as if she wanted to be part of our celebration.

After the ceremony, the mood shifted from heartfelt to fun as we headed to the Field Games for celebratory drinks and some healthy competition. Nothing like testing a new union with a game of croquet or cricket, right? The joy was contagious, and the Amboseli team jumped in with full enthusiasm. Luckily, I was the bride, because they cheered for me despite my questionable skills.

As the sun began to fade, we arrived at the Mnara for bitings, more bubbles and yet another breathtaking view as it set over Kimana Sanctuary. If the morning’s events weren’t convincing enough of the setting, this would persuade anyone.  

Once the stars were twinkling, we returned to the Guest Area, where lanterns lined the lawn. In a perfect full circle, we ended the day looking out over where my dream day had begun.