They met during a dance production at the University of the South Pacific (USP) five years ago.

On July 28, Nisimere Bola and Eroni Tawake tied the knot and sealed their love in front of family and friends.

Ms Bola is a familiar face in many local performing arts scenes having being part of the Oceania Dance Theatre at the University of South Pacific for the past 10 years.

She is originally from Nasinu Village in Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu and is the youngest of five sisters.

Mr Tawake is from Nawamagi village in Nadroga, is self-employed and has four siblings.

Ms Bola said her husband was part of the Heavy Metal crew (Qiri Kava) and they came to USP for a dance production.

“We started as friends meeting up during rehearsals and shows and later on he asked me out, and I said yes.

“That was on July 28, 2013. Since we were living together, Eroni later asked me about marriage and if I’m willing to settle down with him.

“I told him because you’re humble, loving, caring, hardworking, intelligent and have a beautiful heart, I will say yes.”

Earlier last year, Mr Tawake’s family performed all the traditional obligations for the marriage to go ahead.

“Then we decided on July this year to get married.

The date 28 is the same day that he first asked me out- five years ago,” Ms Bola said.

The build-up towards the big day was a hectic one.

Even on the wedding day the bride was an hour late to the ceremony.

“Despite all that it was the dream wedding I’ve always wanted and it was beyond my ownexpectation as well,” said Ms Bola.

The beautiful bride’s attire was a tapa gown and the groom’s attire was a traditional Tongan ta’ovala (he has links to Tonga as well).

They both had five bridesmaids and best men.

“The emotional moment for me was when we had the traditional Tataunaki (family of the bride asking the groom’s family to take good care of her) after the church ceremony.”

Mr Tawake’s emotional moment was in the church during his grandfather’s speech.

“The plan now is getting back to work and we’ll have a getaway at the end of this year,” Ms Bola added.

They are now looking forward to making their marriage life a happy one and having a baby is definitely in their plans.

The couple thanked God, their families and their friends for all their support in making their special day a memorable one.

Ms Bola said having her mother around to see her get married was an overwhelming moment since her father had died when she was young.

“My mum has been my greatest inspiration and to have her here on my big day was a great moment,” she said.

Their advice to other couples wishing to take their marriage vows soon is to respect, love and be patient with one another.

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