Joseva Sokovagone Tuitubou and Letirina Lutu, who had originally planned to tie the knot in December, surprised their family and friends by getting married yesterday at the Nasau Village Hall on Koro Island. This event was facilitated by Deputy Registrar General and marriage officer Viliame Kubunameca, who was part of a delegation with Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga visiting the Lomaiviti Group.
Ms. Lutu expressed her joy and emotions when asked if they had expected to marry on that day. Hailing from Tuvuca Village in Vanuabalavu, Lau, and with ties to Naceva Village in Cicia, she shared her aspirations for marriage, stating, “When we started living together, I always reminded my now-husband that we needed to get married because we have two children and we live in the village. To be married today is a dream come true for me.” She added that she believed a civil marriage was sufficient, regardless of the setting.
Mr. Tuitubou, with a shy smile, remarked on the convenience of the government providing marriage services in their community, eliminating the need for travel to Suva. He expressed gratitude for their marriage, emphasizing his commitment to his wife and their children.
During the ceremony, Mr. Kubunameca highlighted the significance of their vows and the nature of marriage. He likened marriage to sailing, stating, “There will be times when the sea will be rough, smooth, and sometimes you will love the sail; that is how marriage is.” He also shared essential rules for a happy marriage, advising couples to avoid yelling unless in emergencies, not to dwell on past mistakes, to refrain from being angry at the same time, to criticize lovingly, and to resolve arguments before going to bed.