FIVE years of love have blossomed into a lifetime commitment for Oliver Frank Turner and Bernadette Raewyn Elliot Turner.
The newlyweds tied the knot last week in Nakasi in front of close family and friends.
Oliver is from Wainunu, Bua, with maternal links to Mokani, Tailevu, while Bernadette hails from Vunavutu Village in Nadroga, with maternal links to Pepjei and Scotland.
The self-employed couple first met in 2019 at the Ebenezer Tabernacle Church in Nakasi.
There, they developed a relationship that helped them navigate through grief and geographical distance.
Five years later, the couple tied the knot at the very place where they first met, marking a full-circle moment in their lives.
Meeting for the first time
Bernadette said that meeting Oliver for the first time was nerve-wracking.
“I’m quiet and shy in nature so I was nervous to even talk to him,” Bernadette said.
“Surprisingly, we got along well after talking. It didn’t even take long for us to open up to each other.
In describing them, Bernadette said they were teenage sweethearts.
“I found love very young. He is my best friend; he holds a special place in my heart.
“I believe he is the one because I prayed about it and God chose him for me.”
When Bernadette lost her mother, Oliver was there, encouraging her every step of the way.
Overcoming grief
The couple grew close to each other through painful experiences. They had both lost oved ones.
“My husband lost his older brother in 2021, while I lost my mother that same year,” Bernadette said.
“In that time, we supported each other through our grief and tried to help each other heal from the loss.
“We held on tight to each other, not letting our grief or pain separate us. I’m glad we went through that phase together.
“We would check on each other every day and offered words of encouragement during those sad moments in our lives.”
She said those moments are engraved deep in her heart.
“I’m grateful that I had someone who understood me, loved me, and was gentle and patient with me.”
For Oliver, Raewyn is beautiful, kind, and caring.
“She has a big heart and she cares about me. She puts others first before herself,” he said.
“She stole my heart the first time I saw her and is the reason why I live and why I smile. She makes me happy.”
Like Bernadette, Oliver was also nervous when meeting her for the first time.
He knew little about her at the time, so he was interested in getting to know her more.
“We found out that we had a lot of things in common.
“She was the reason I kept going forward, especially after losing my brother. She understood me better than anyone.
“When she moved with her family to the West, I realised that I couldn’t live without her. I decided to marry her so we would never be apart again.”
Next step
The couple now look forward to starting their journey together as husband and wife.
“We’re young so we still have a lot to learn about this new journey.”
They now step into a new phase of life filled with hope and shared dreams, and they look forward to building a future together grounded in love and stability.
The couple thanked their parents and siblings for their love and support.
They also thanked their families in Fiji and abroad for taking the time to be part of their special day.
The couple’s wedding cake was done by Leila’s Sugar Bliss. Picture: SUPPLIED
The newly wedded couple, Oliver Frank Turner and Bernadette Raewyn Elliot Turner after their wedding in Nakasi. Picture: SUPPLIED
