Couple Say ‘I Do’ Early Thanks to Visit
“I always told him (glancing at her husband), that we didn’t need to get married in a church, as long as we had a civil marriage.”
Thursday 12 September 2024 | 11:15
Newly-married Joseva Sokovagone Tuitubou and Letirina Lutu at Nasau Village in Mudu, Koro, on September 11, 2024. Photo: Wati Talebula-Nuku
Joseva Sokovagone Tuitubou and Letirina Lutu had planned to marry in December, but yesterday they wed before relatives and Government officials at the Nasau Village Hall on Koro Island.
This was made possible by the presence of the Deputy Registrar General and marriage officer Viliame Kubunameca, who was part of the team accompanying the Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, on his trip to Koro Island in the Lomaiviti Group.
Ms Lutu was emotional when asked if they had known they would marry yesterday.
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She is from Tuvuca Village in Vanuabalavu, Lau, with maternal links to Naceva Village in Cicia.
“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 (yesterday) is a dream come true for me,” Ms Lutu said.
“I always told him (glancing at her husband), that we didn’t need to get married in a church, as long as we had a civil marriage.”
Deputy Registrar General and marriage officer Viliame Kubunameca conducts the marriage ceremony of Joseva Sokovagone Tuitubou and Letirina Lutu at Nasau Village in Mudu, Koro, on September 11, 2024. Photo: Wati Talebula-Nuku
Mr Tuitubou smiled shyly and said: “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 reminded the couple the importance of their vows.
“Marriage is a voluntary union of one man and one woman with the total exclusion of others. Marriage is like sailing in an open sea, experiencing different weather patterns. There will be times when the sea will be rough, smooth, and sometimes you will love the sail; that is how marriage is,” Mr Kubunameca said.
“There are rules in a happy marriage; never yell at each other unless the house is on fire, never bring up past mistakes, never be angry at the same time, criticise each other lovingly, and never go to bed with an argument unsettled.”
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