After seven years of dating, Richard Ortega Marseu finally married his best friend and sweetheart, Leba Talei.
The couple tied the knot at the Wesley City Mission Church on Butt Street on December 12, 2024.
Richard, 38, who hails from Paptea, Rotuma, is a soldier while Leba, 36, is Samoan with maternal links to Bau, Tailevu. She works in the hospitality industry.
The pair met in church back in 2014. Little did they know that meeting would blossom into something amazing.
“He saw me but never remembered me, however, he got my attention because out of all the young men in church, he was so neatly dressed,” Leba said.
“It wasn’t love at first sight but I definitely admired how neatly dressed he was that lovely morning in church.”
Leba describes Richard as the total opposite of her.
“He is every quality I lack and I am the very qualities he lacks,” she said.
“He became the one because I’ve been praying for a husband ever since I was 16 years old. I prayed to marry a man who had all the quality I was looking for and did not have. Richard portrayed them all.”
Like any relationship, the initial stages of the Marseus’ love affair were challenging times, moments when their strange hearts were still getting used to each other.
“The first stage of our relationship wasn’t rainbows and sunshine. We both were young and still wanted to enjoy our young lives which caused a bit of a problem,” Leba said.
“However, our relationship definitely took a different turn for the good when we both finally decided to make a change for Jesus. We saw how our love grew deeper for each other when we decided to live for Him.”
Richard agrees that in the beginning they encountered many ‘ups and downs.’
“Two years into our relationship, I left to join the army. I could say that’s when we really got closer,” he said.
“I remember her telling me that she wanted to go to Bible school. I was a bit reluctant but I trusted that God a had better plan for her so I supported her.”
“I knew then that she was the person I would marry. In this time and age, a man needs a woman who is rooted in Jesus Christ, I’m blessed to have found one.”
The things that appealed the most to Richard about Leba was her heart and its purity.
Richard said she ‘always put others first before herself.’
“She is also a mighty woman of God, she would stop arguing with me and start praying over me, which is very rare nowadays,” Richard said.
“Leba is also a great mother. I watched my son as he picked up the empty cans and bottles then took them and put it in the bin without being told to soq, all because she taught him at home.
“These make her a rare gem in today’s age and I’m glad that I waited for her.”
Richard said he was in a difficult place and hurting when he met Leba.
“I was hurting and lost when I met her. She helped me heal by being patient and never giving up on me. Look where I am today, I am grateful for her standing by my side even when I hurt her. ”
As the two solidified their relationship, talks about a united future began. They did not have an engagement but the iTaukei tradition called ilakovi.
“I prepared myself with the tabua and yaqona and asked my father to present on my behalf. My father, brother, cousins and nephews accompanied me during the ilakovi. I was glad she said yes,” Richard said.
“After dating for seven years I finally said yes to her. We decided to get married because we felt it was time, God’s time, that’s why we waited.
“You see when you wait for God’s time, everything will run smoothly. Of course you will face obstacles leading up to the big day but trust His plans for it is always to prosper us.”
The couple’s wedding church service was held at the Wesley City Mission, at Butt Street in Suva.
The service was led by the groom’s nephew, Reverend Taukave.
“We grew up together in Rotuma and who knew he would be the one leading the service on our special day. ”
The wedding colour theme was white and gold.
Both parties’ wedding attire were designed and sewn by Lavalani Designs.
“I wore my military uniform known as the “Blues” because it’s the only time when my family and friends will get to see myself in uniform up close, plus I earned it,” said Richard.
The only traditional ceremony conducted was the Rotuman “‘ofiag sope”, a hair cutting ritual where the namesake of the groom cuts his hair. A “koua” (lovo) was made and presented as well.
“To me, marriage isn’t just a piece of paper but a promise to God that I will honour and love my wife the way God loves us. A marriage without God as the foundation will not be able to endure the rainy days, because that’s when it matters,” said Richard.
The couple believes it is always best to have God as the focus of a marriage plan.
“We have our plans but we need to submit it first to God and work towards it. If its according to God’s will then it shall happen but if not, we will trust God that He has something better for both of us, ” they shared.
“Of course, all honour and glory for His love and mercy upon our lives. We also would like to thank our parents for their prayers and sacrifices and the tears they have shed for us, our extended family for their continuous support leading to the wedding and being present also and our friends who gave their time to celebrate the joyous occasion with us.”
“We would also like to thank Asenaca Denawanawa. She was our wedding planner and she went above and beyond to ensure that we did not stress over the planning of our wedding. It wasn’t easy as I was in the UK and my wife was here so Asenaca made sure we were kept updated every week. ”
“We can’t thank her enough and we owe her a lot. So if you are looking for an event (any) planner please get in touch with her!”
The wedding reception was held at Central Cuisine Restaurant, Laucala Bay Road. The staff did a tremendous job of accommodating the couple’s requests.
Special wedding mention
Decorations: VSV Decorations
Rotuman tefuis: Esther Emose and Groom’s Aunties.
Wedding cake: Grace Donu
Band: Jonathan Aisake
Hair and makeup: Amber Linane Design Makeup, Australia.
Photography: Rawa Production
Wedding is a special time for every couple! If you would like to share your wedding story in The Sunday Times, contact jmitchell@fijitimes.com.fj
