They come from different cultural backgrounds but love united them as one. Tanyta Haseldine Ligadua is an Aboriginal woman from Ceduna, South Australia and her husband Josese Ligadua is from Fiji.
He moved to Australia when he was nine.
The lovely couple has been together for more than eight years and met in Ceduna in October 2015 during a local event called Oyster Fest Tanyta met her husband through a cousin of hers, who happened to be Josese’s friend.
“Josese was always kind, sweet and giving. After months of dating, I waited for our relationship to change, but he remained that sweet guy I first fell in love with,” Tanyta told The Sunday Times.
“What stood out was how well he blended in with my family and how his family grew to love me too.”
The pair got engaged in July 2021 after a dinner outing with Jeremiah their three-year-old at the time.
“It was a nice evening with yummy food when we got home that night and got ready for bed, our son walked in with Josese behind him.
“Jeremiah was holding a ring and asked me so sweetly ‘Can you please marry my dad,’ and I said ‘Yes, of course.’
“We all gave each other big hugs.”
The couple always knew their wedding would feature a unique blend of two strong cultures, and this was executed perfectly in the end.
“We agreed to have the wedding in Ceduna and to incorporate the Fijian culture,” Tanyta said.
“Josese’s mum, Inise and older sister, Ilisabeta helped us.
“They shared photos of traditional Fijian weddings and asked what we would like to include.”
Tanyta said she was drawn to the beautiful masi, iri (fans) and salusalu. “Ilisabeta knew people in Fiji who could create this vision, so we agreed on the dress, the attire and brought it to life.
“Back in Ceduna, my mum and sisters helped me with the venue, florist, photographer and decorator.
“I changed my mind so many times, but in the end, we knew we wanted tropical and bright colours.”
The couple’s wedding and reception was held on February 23 at the Ceduna Sailing Club.
“Ceduna is very dear to me as this is my traditional home and I grew up here.
“It’s where Joe and I met, had our first child, got engaged and bought our first home together.”
Josese’s family were in charge of the catering and prepared a great lovo feast the traditional way.
“The food was spectacular and my whole family enjoyed it very much.” For entertainment, the couple hired DJ Mozzie, an Aboriginal/Maori man, who made a nice mix of islander and Aboriginal music.
Tanyta said she looked forward to finally sharing the same last name as her husband and children.
“I love that he is the most caring, loving and giving man I have ever met.
“We stick together no matter the situation and always have each other’s back.”
