Joseva Sokovagone Tuitubou and Letirina Lutu, who had intended to marry in December, tied the knot yesterday in a ceremony attended by family and government officials at the Nasau Village Hall on Koro Island.
The wedding was facilitated by Deputy Registrar General and marriage officer Viliame Kubunameca, who was visiting Koro Island alongside Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga.
Emotional when reflecting on the day, Ms. Lutu, originally from Tuvuca Village in Vanuabalavu, Lau, and with maternal ties to Naceva Village in Cicia, expressed her joy over their marriage. “When we began living together, I always reminded my now-husband that we needed to get married since we have two children and reside in the village. To be married today is a dream come true for me,” she remarked.
She added, “I always told him that we didn’t need a church ceremony, as long as we had a civil marriage.”
Her husband, Mr. Tuitubou, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am thankful that the Government brought the service to the people. It makes it easier for us, and we don’t have to pay for the fare to go to Suva to get married. I am happy this happened, and I will cherish my wife and our two children.”
Mr. Kubunameca emphasized the significance of the couple’s vows, likening marriage to navigating an open sea with its varying challenges. He reminded them of the foundational rules for a happy marriage: never yell at each other unless the house is on fire, refrain from bringing up past mistakes, ensure that only one partner is angry at a time, critique lovingly, and never go to bed with unresolved arguments.