The money went on Application for a Marriage Visa, flights to and from Ghana, because the British Embassy in Cote d'Ivoire had moved to Accra due to the civil unrest at that time. My husband had to present his Application actually at the Embassy, and wait a few days (in hotel accommodation) for the result. I accompanied him, so my flights and hotel bill were added to the total. The Application was refused, and we therefore had to mount an Appeal, costing £1400, which was held in London. I had to attend, and the judge ruled the refusal an 'error', The doubt had been on my financial position, and my solicitor presented all my bank accounts and deeds of my house etc, plus proof of teacher's income. It was by far enough to support a husband with no recourse to public funds, so the judge overturned the refusal and the Marriage Visa was issued, meaning yet another flight for my husband to Ghana to receive it. Then the X-ray (they check for TB) fare to London for my fiance and the long road via Further Leave to Remain, Life in UK Test (two attempts) Indefinite Leave to Remain, Citizenship and the Ceremony (£100)
Every move and every Application cost money as there's a fee for everything. We never got any refund or compensation for the 'error' in Ghana which had cost us so much expense. My husband wasn't permitted to work until he had FLR. He's worked ever since and still does, so he hasn't cost the UK anything in Benefits.
It was a very long, expensive and difficult process, and took about two years to complete. The day his Passport arrived (the final achievement) by courier, we sat and sobbed together with relief and joy! That was many years ago now, and it was definitely worth it. But Phew!