Love and romance can spark virtually anywhere.
The trick is keeping the spark alive like Inoke Nabou and Kalesi lotawa.
The couple first met at a rugby competition in Suva during a match between the Police and Army teams.
While Inoke is a police officer, Kalesi is a secondary school teacher.
They were together for several years before deciding to tie the knot on August 31. During their first meet, nothing much happened and there were no real expectations from either party.
All they did was glance at each other from the sidelines but after finding each other on social media, they began to chat.
Their first date was at the Wish Bone Restaurant at Laucala Bay.
They ordered extra food for Kalesi to take back to the hostel as her midnight snack.
“For us, dating was just sharing of ideas and educating each other since I was still studying back then at USP and he was still going through recruitment at the Fiji Police Force,” Kalesi shared.
“Our relationship was more sharing love and taking good care of each other on a daily basis, reminding each other to seek God vividly and diligently.”
Inoke proposed to Kalesi after he moved in with her in 2020. After the traditional i lakovi and legal marriage, the pair finally got to have a traditional wedding last month.
“The wedding’s planning process was not an easy task due to financial constraints but we thank the lord for his provision and for guiding us through the wedding prep journey.”
The wedding was held at Yanuya Village, Malolo Island. Kalesi’s family were warmly welcomed upon their arrival which symbolised the unity and support for the special occasion.
On the sunny morning of wedding day, the kitchen bustled and came alive with excitement as family members gathered to prepare a hearty feast.
“We both wore exquisite Fijian wedding attire. Inoke looked dashing in a Fijian sulu, a traditional skirt made of finely woven mats, paired with a crisp white shirt.
“For myself, I radiated beauty and elegance, wearing a stunning masi dress adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colours which represented my cultural heritage. “My hair was adorned with Fijian sandalwood dusts and my look was completed with traditional jewellery.”
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a scrumscious meal which featured an array of fresh seafood, tropical fruits and other traditional dishes.
The celebration continued after the feast with pomp, dancing and singing. Everyone joined to celebrate and bless the union of two souls that were united in love.
As an advice to would-be couples, Kalesi said — “Be prepared for conflict and learn how to resolve disagreements in a healthy and respectful way.
Remember that marriage is a partnership and requires effort and compromise from both partners.”
