BEAUTIFUL connections create a sense of peace in a relationship and can often lead to the horizons of marriage.
Michelle Adikoila Tamanikoula, 24, and George Joachim Versoni, 24, found this safe, comfortable, and healthy space with each other.
While Michelle is from the island of Yaqeta, Yasawa with maternal links to Nakavika, Seaqaqa, George is from Juju District in Rotuma with maternal links to Vunibau, Serua.
“We started as friends in tertiary. I was the shy one so I usually admired him from afar and couldn’t tell him I liked him until he made his first move on social media and I didn’t know he went abroad to work (British Army) until he told me,” Michelle shared with The Sunday Times.
“Our long chats turned into calls until we were comfortable face-timing each other. The more time we spent together, the more we longed for each other.”
Michelle said as a closed-book individual who hardly opened up about her life, with George it was the opposite, he made her open up more.
“As our relationship grew, we started to get to know about each other’s families and my little sisters regarded him as an elder brother, leaning on him for advice.
“I admire his love for Christ and how he’s bold to face any challenges that come his way.”
The distance was not easy and the pair hoped to finally meet each other after communicating online.
“Then one day he asked me to wait for him at the airport and I’m glad I did.
“I was so nervous, shy and excited; it was indescribable and as soon as I saw him it all stopped, everything around us just like the movies.
“The man I was once blushing for on-call was walking towards me now.”
Michelle shared that her encounter with George had felt different.
“He is my answered prayer and I thank God for blessing him into my life, he came at the right time.
“He is my soulmate. From food, taste of music, rugby, spending time with each other or spoiling our loved ones, we want to do everything and anything together.”
In December last year, while on their way to breakfast, George’s niece (Talei) ran up to Michelle and excitedly said: “Aunty Chelle, have you seen your ring? Uncle George has it.”
Michelle was startled and her mind blanked for awhile as she tried to recall George putting what she assumed were earpods in his pocket.
“I never would’ve guessed it could be a ring, my ring!
“Then everyone scolded Talei for spoiling the surprise but part of me was glad she did because she gave me time to prepare.
“She then came with a sorry face and flowers which was cute and I knew it was time.”
George apologised for the ‘spoiled surprise’ before he began his heartfelt speech.
“It was more intimate and special than what I had imagined our proposal would be and I loved it.”
Wedding preparations went abuzz as Michelle did the card designs with the help of her sister-in-law and sisters.
“It was a combination of masi prints and the tefui.
“Both our families often had Zoom sessions discussing the responsibilities. For us, the main thing was our sacrament, so the mass was our first priority.”
The couple who have been together for three and half years had their wedding ceremony at the St Agnes Church on April 5, 2024.
“So my father’s best man Fr Andrew our family friend (overseas-based) had celebrated our nuptial mass and Fr Willie Lee (who is also our uncle) signed our marriage certificate.
“After the mass, we headed over to George’s home for the tevutevu and the i-tautaunaki; that’s the traditional way of giving a bride to the groom’s family.”
Afterwards, the wedding party headed to the reception venue at the Saint John Boso Parish in Nakasi where the traditional Rotuman ceremony was carried out.
“As we sat on the paega (ceremonial seat of Rotuman mats), a couple of other women from the groom’s unfolded rolls of cloth, and mats and hung them around and danced.
“As we were sitting down, members of his family came to congratulate us one by one. Each would kneel or crouch in front of the päega to shake Georges’s hand and kiss me on the cheek.
“The twins (George’s niece) then draped and tied traditional Rotuman garlands (tefui) around our necks, then doused us with perfume and sprinkled us with sweet-smelling powder. Then we moved forward and as we sat on the new päega they had the hair-snipping ceremony and danced around us.”
The venue was decorated in a blend of white and gold, creating a contemporary look with their wedding cake as the centrepiece.
“People have asked what it’s worth was, but I’ll just say it was worth its charge and shoutout to Nina Doton for creating our cake, its taste took us out of here, as it melted into my mouth.
“And shoutout to our wonderful families for handling the catering. The food, especially the fikei was too good. There was grog and different kinds of beverages for everyone.
“Our live band did not disappoint, someone was always on the dance floor dancing especially the little kids.
“Our wedding was an unforgettable one, so many memories were made and we’re deeply grateful for all those who made it happen.” || Wedding Bells – || Michelle and George
