Fashion designer Anita Beryl introduces fiancé in glamorous Ankole ceremony

Multi-award-winning international fashion designer Anita Beryl introduced his fiancé Richard Ekoot, a financial consultant to her parents Rev Emmanuel Ahabwe and Jean Ahabwe in Masheeruka, Sheema district last Saturday in fashion.

She much lived up to the expectation of an introduction of a fashion designer. She personally made the dresses for her entourage, inspired by her Kinyakole culture, thus embroidered with details of "Endiro" and "Ekyanzi”. The internet sang her praises for those pieces.

Beryl with her fiancé Richard Ekoot

The function that is traditionally the first of many marriage ceremonies in Ankole culture, known as "kugamba obugyenyi" was very intimate, blessed with her closest friends and immediate family.

Beryl asked her parents to let Ekoot became a part of the family. "Dad and  mum, I introduce to you this wonderful man that I met. I kindly ask that you welcome him to our family," she said amidst cheers from her friends and family members.  

Anita Beryl with her entourage

Ekoot, son of the late Mr John Temel from Kumi district, was escorted by several family members.

Anita Beryl with her father Rev Emmanuel Ahabwe

A few of them were later engaged in bride price negotiations, as the tradition requires. Immediately after the negotiations, the family was informed that Ekoot had paid the bride price.

Anita Beryl shows off the gift from his fiance

Rev Ahabwe, described Ekoot as a very determined and strong gentleman. "Ever since I met Richard, I have realised he knows exactly what he wants and is always determined to get it,” he said.

He thanked his family for respecting and honoring her daughter in the most elegant way.

It was however Ekoot’s mother who could not hide her joy for even a moment during the function.

As the representative of Ekot’s family, she thanked the Ahabwes for taking care of Beryl and promised to start from where they stopped. "I am so excited and I am going to love her so much,” she said.

The gifts, offered by Ekoot, were received by the hosts with cheers. He however saved the best for the last. He left a pink Range Rover at the gate for his fiancé.