Wedding Day

IFAK, Kimihurura

Religious Ceremony

Serena Hotel

Cocktail

Reception

Soirée

Our Wedding

Roger’s Version:I feel like we’ve always known each other. We were Facebook and then Instagram friends. So finally in 2021 I decided to reach out. I slid in her DMs as the kids would say. I commented on her story … and when I realized she lived in Ottawa, I suggested we grab a drink the next time I was in town. I did end up in Ottawa a few weeks later and we had our first date. Daisy’s version:When he says “we’ve always known each other” he means that in 2012 when I first got to Canada and staying with family friends we went to visit his family. And his mom called him to come down and hang out with the young guest, “ngwino uganirize umwana”, she said. He was nice, gave me his Facebook so I could reach out if I had any problems. I went home that day with a huge crush, my sister who was there that night made fun of me when she saw me stalking his facebook page, she laughed and said that I would probably never see him again. And she was wrong, guess who ended up sliding in my DMs 9 years later… Roger:OK so back to 2021. We had a great first date and now I was the one with the huge crush, but I might have scared her off as I started planning visits to Ottawa. So we didn’t get into a relationship right away. Instead we kept in touch and saw each other once or twice a year for next couple of years. Daisy:But this was good because we got to really know each other with less pressure. And I made a friend… Roger:Yes, and we let that grow until one of our visits in 2024 finally felt a little different. I think she finally let her guard down. And I'm so happy she did 😊 because its been an amazing journey since then. The Proposal:There were two things I knew I wanted in the proposal. It could not be public (she not so subtly hinted at that any time we saw one on Instagram) and I wanted it be as much of a surprise as possible.But the more I thought about it the more I realized it would be nice to have her friends and family involved. I found a way to do all of those things. So that’s how Daisy ended up being proposed to in sweat pants in a random hotel room I had decorated earlier that day when she thought I was at my friends place. We then got dressed up for what she thought was her cousin’s birthday but was really an engagement celebration.

Our Story

Getting to Kigali

We know a trip to Kigali takes some planning, and we want to make it as smooth as possible! Flights to Rwanda are limited and fares tend to climb over the holiday season, so we’d encourage you to start looking and booking early. Our FAQs page can help you plan your trip and has everything you need to know about visas, health prep, and getting around once you’re here. All international guests fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL). Airlines serving Kigali: &gt; RwandAir &gt; Brussels Airlines (via Brussels) &gt; KLM (via Amsterdam) &gt; Qatar Airways (via Doha) &gt; Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa) &gt; Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) &gt; Kenya Airways (via Nairobi)

Getting there

Where to stay in Kigali

We've gathered options for every budget and style. Kigali is compact and easy to get around, so most are a short drive from our reception at the Kigali Serena Hotel (Kiyovu). Best value tip: if you want the most for your money, especially as a couple, family, or group, look at the Apartments and Airbnb sections further down. You often get more space for less than a hotel room. Note: Prices are per night in USD (with taxes included); are approximate and vary with dates.

Hotels

We've put together a short list of hotels we're recommending, many with special rates we've arranged just for our guests. How to book the special rate:Email the hotel directly with the following details and they’ll confirm your booking:&gt;Your full name&gt;Check-in and check-out dates&gt;Room type (and number of rooms if booking more than one)&gt;Number of adults&gt;Reference: Daisy &amp; Roger’s wedding, December 27, 2026Tip: We still recommend you check the hotel's website to verify there are no other promotional rates going on you can take advantage of. Note: Hotel rooms are often priced based on single occupancy (1 adult) vs double occupancy (2 adults)

Our reception venue! Stay where the celebration is. Serena is a refined 5-star with elegant rooms, a beautiful pool, and a full spa. The easiest possible logistics on the wedding night. Special Rates:&gt;Standard Queen Room (1 adult): USD 135&gt;Standard Queen Room (2 adults): USD 150&gt;Deluxe Single Room: USD 150&gt;Superior Single Room: USD 190 Contact: reservations.kigali@serenahotels.com

Kigali Serena Hotel

~3 min to wedding venueA legendary Kigali landmark with lush gardens and one of the city's most famous poolside terraces.Amenities:&gt; Breakfast included&gt;Airport transfer (one-way): USD 30 per guest Special Rates:&gt;Classic Room (1 adult): USD 120&gt;Classic Room (2 adults): USD 150&gt;Classic Room Garden View (1 adult): USD 145&gt;Classic Room Garden View (2 adults): USD 175&gt;Classic Room Panorama (1 adult): USD 170&gt;Classic Room Panorama (2 adults): USD 200 Contact: reservations@millecollines.rw

Hôtel des Mille Collines

~5 min to wedding venueKigali's first solar-powered hotel — a luxury eco-boutique escape with a heated saltwater pool, a full spa, and the much-loved Heaven Restaurant just next door.Amenities:&gt;Breakfast included&gt;Complimentary 20-minute massage&gt;Airport transfer (one-way): USD 45 per car Special Rates (check website for best rate):&gt;Villa Budget Queen Room (1 adult): USD 103&gt;Villa Budget Queen Room (2 adult): USD 133&gt;Villa Deluxe King Room (1 adult): USD 144&gt;Villa Deluxe King Room (2 adults): USD 174&gt;Residence Superior Queen Room (1 adult): USD 195&gt;Residence Superior Queen Room (2 adults): USD 226&gt;Residence Superior King Room (1 adult): USD 246&gt;Residence Superior King Room (2 adults): USD 277 Contact: boutiquehotel@heavenrwanda.com

The Retreat by Heaven Boutique Hotel

~8 min to wedding venueBright and contemporary, famous for its rooftop infinity pool ("iJuru") with sweeping views over Kigali's hills. Reliable comfort and excellent value.Amenities:&gt;Breakfast included&gt;Airport shuttle (one-way): $20 ($15 for groups) Special Rates (check website for best rate):&gt;Single Standard Room: USD 90&gt;Double Standard Room: USD 110&gt;Junior Suite Single: USD 100&gt;Junior Suite Double: USD 130 Contact: reservations.kigali@onomohotel.com

Onomo Hotel Kigali

~20 min to wedding venueA charming modern boutique with a Mediterranean restaurant, near BK Arena. Stylish without the splurge, a favorite for travelers who want design-forward and affordable.Amenities:&gt;Breakfast included Special Rates:&gt;Budget Room: USD 63&gt;Standard Room: USD 85&gt;Executive Room: USD 93&gt;Deluxe Room: USD 100 Contact: stay@lumalua.com

Luma & Lua Boutique Hotel

~15–20 min to wedding venueA small boutique stay in the quiet, residential Kagugu neighborhood with clean, comfortable rooms and warm hospitality, with great value and a peaceful feel.Amenities:Breakfast included Special Rates:&gt;All rooms: USD 65 Contact: contact@arthillsboutiquehotel.com

Arthills Boutique Hôtel

Apartments

Prefer a self catering apartment? Search live listings on airbnb.com and booking.com Ideal for anyone who wants more space than a hotel room. (Rates below are approximate, based on Booking.com listings, and vary with dates and exchange rates.) Here are a few examples:

~15 min to wedding venueSet right next to the Kigali Golf Club in leafy, upscale Nyarutarama, The 2–4 bedroom layouts make it ideal for families or a group of friends to share, and each apartment comes with a full kitchen and a balcony. The property itself has an outdoor pool, sun terrace, garden, on-site restaurant, an art gallery and small shopping mall, plus 24-hour front desk and security. Rates: 2 - 4 bedroom apartments starting at USD 120

Elizabeth Golf Apartment

~12–15 min to wedding venueA modern, beautifully decorated 2-bedroom in the same leafy Nyarutarama neighborhood as Elizabeth Golf. Each apartment has a full kitchen, washing machine, balcony with city views, fitness-room access, and 24-hour front desk. Rates: 2 bedroom apartments starting at USD 100

Rose Garden Private Apartment by Link

~15–20 min to wedding venuePerched atop the Rebero hillside, Eagle View is a small African-bohemian boutique stay best known for what reviewers call "easily the most breathtaking views of Kigali". The property has a restaurant, bar, garden, grill, and terrace where the city sunset is the main show. Units come with A/C, private bathrooms, garden or mountain views, and modern amenities. Rates: Eagle View Lodge (1-bed): from USD 90 · Residence Gratia (2-bed): from USD $90

Eagle View Lodge Residence Gratia

Airbnb 

Airbnb is always a great option. Individual rentals come and go, so browse live options for your dates in these neighbourhoods (roughly USD 60 - USD 185 depending on number of bedrooms): Kibagabaga · Nyarutarama · Kimihurura · Gacuriro · Kagugu · Kiyovu Look for: within ~15–20 min of Serena · backup power/generator · fast wifi · secure, gated compound with parking · A/C or good ventilation · Superhost + recent reviews · free cancellation. here are a few examples:

Entire rental unit in Kigali, Rwanda4 guests2 bedrooms2 beds2 baths~ USD 90

Jabo Suites (Keza) : 2 Bedrooms Apartment

Entire rental unit in Kigali, Rwanda2 guests1 bedroom 1 bed1 bath~ USD 80

Luxury PentHouse Studio

Entire rental unit in Kigali, Rwanda2 guests1 bedroom1 bed1.5 baths~ USD 55

Elite Ridge Apartment 

Entire rental unit in Kigali, Rwanda6 guests3 bedrooms3 beds2 baths~ USD 100

Ikaze Apartments (3 Beds, 2 Baths)

Accommodation

While in Kigali

Kigali is clean, safe, green, and full of warmth. A few of our favorites: &gt; Kigali Genocide Memorial: moving and important; a meaningful few hours. &gt; Inema Arts Center: local contemporary art and a lovely garden bar. &gt; Kigali Car-Free Zones: Kigali is famous for being walkable and green. The city centre has a permanent pedestrian zone (the Imbuga City Walk), lined with cafés and greenery, lovely for a stroll. The city also hosts Car-Free Days (typically the first and third Sunday mornings of each month), when major roads close for walking, cycling, and fitness. A fun, very local way to experience Kigali.

Where We Love to Eat & Drink

Kigali's food and café scene is wonderful. Some of our favorites: &gt; Boho Eatery (relaxed, great for brunch and a casual bite)&gt; Pili Pili (lively spot famous for its panoramic city views and pool)&gt; Kultura&gt; Poivre Noir&gt; Le Petit Chalet&gt; Siloe Café Bistro (Also worth a visit: Question Coffee and Repub Lounge for Rwandan cuisine.)

Make a Trip of It (beyond Kigali)

Since you're traveling this far, consider extending your stay: &gt; Akagera National Park: Rwanda’s only savanna park, home to the Big Five — a great option for a classic African safari just a few hours from Kigali. &gt; Gorilla trekking : Volcanoes National Park; a once-in-a-lifetime experience. &gt; Lake Kivu : beaches, boat rides, and sunsets in Rubavu or Kibuye. &gt; Nyungwe Forest : a canopy walk high above the rainforest.

Things to Do

Coming Soon

The Days Around the Wedding (optional &amp; casual , details to come) Wed, Dec 23 – Sat, Dec 26 — welcome gatherings &amp; activities (to be announced) Christmas Day — Party info to be announced later... Mon, Dec 28 onward — relaxed hangouts; optional New Year's celebration

Events

A sneak peek into our life …

Photos

FAQs

Wedding Party

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

We kindly invite our guests to dress in formal attire for the ceremony and reception.As we celebrate in Rwanda, we warmly welcome and encourage guests who would like to wear traditional or cultural formal attire from their own background — please wear what makes you feel your best. We trust your good judgment.A few gentle guidelines:Gentlemen: suit and tie, tuxedo, or traditional formal dressLadies: floor-length or cocktail gown, or traditional formal attirePlease avoid white, ivory, or cream

Daisy & Roger

Daisy & Roger

D&R

Wedding Day

3:00 PM

Religious Ceremony

5:00 PM

Cocktail

6:00 PM

Reception

10:00 PM

Soirée