The magic of love

AN interracial marriage is a wonderful representation of unity.

It is a brand of wedded bliss epitomised by the union of Pritika Paayal from Suva and Lomani Antonio Vulisere from Vanuavatu, Totoya in Lau.

The Auckland couple got married in Fiji on November 30, 2024, witnessed by close family members and friends.

Pritika is an employment and training consultant while Lomani works as a professional tattoo artist.

So it comes as no surprise that the couple first saw each other inside a tattoo parlour. It was a moment time almost stood still for Lomani.

“I was working at a tattoo shop in Auckland when the love of my life walked in. It was an unforgettable moment that changed my life forever.” Lomani reminisced.

“From the moment I saw her, I knew I was going to marry her. There was no doubt in my mind. She had this incredible energy that made everything feel right.”

For Pritika, seeing Lomani for the first time gifted her with a peculiar sense of inner peace.

“I instantly felt my soul was at peace, a feeling that I’ve found my home,” she says.

“It felt like I had known Tony for years and I knew I was going to marry him from the very first day. Also, having our morals and values align confirmed that he was the one.

After the couple’s first chance meeting, moments of endearment ensued, eventually blossoming into something magical. It would only be a matter of time when their hearts would discover true love.

What convinced Pritika about Lomani was the fact that he made her “feel complete”.

“My husband has the biggest heart and will always put others before himself and he loves my family just like his own,” she says.

“He is extremely hardworking and strives to be the best at anything he does. I knew he was the one because he completes me — Lomani is simply my person.”

Lomani describes his sweetheart as an “extraordinary” woman.

“My wife is truly extraordinary—amazing, caring, supportive, and the most positive and loving person I’ve ever met. She is my rock and the reason I strive to be better every day,” he says.

“When I first met her, it felt like I had found the missing piece of a puzzle I had been searching for my whole life. She completed me in ways I didn’t even know I needed.”

Lomani proposed to Pritika on a beach, its unparalleled beauty matching the warmth of the pair’s genuine love for each other.

“I proposed to Tika on a beach—a place close to our hearts. The ilakovi was also part of the engagement, honouring our traditions and bringing our families together.”

The two tied the knot and said “I do” in front of close family members and friends. They had to do so in Suva, Fiji, to allow their families to be part of the auspicious occasion.

“We both knew that we were going to get married from the day we met and basically started planning very early on,” they say.

“Our wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and tradition. ”

It was held at the Jai Narayan College premises, on Rewa Street, Suva and included a tevutevu and henna night, which brought families together to honour the couple’s cultural roots.

“The day was filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt moments,” the couple agreed.

“It was the perfect time for us. We were financially stable and ready to take this next step together, and we wanted to lay the foundation for our future.”

Building a future together

Marriage is a divine commitment designed to last forever. To the Vuliseres, it should be pillared on the husband and wife team’s deep belief in God.

“Marriage, to us, is about laying a strong foundation with God at the centre to guide and protect our family and future generations,” they say.

“Our focus is on becoming the best versions of ourselves for the future, both as individuals and as a couple.”

Pritika and Lomani would like to thank all those who made their wedding a possibility and a day to remember, including all family members and friends who gave them their blessings and well wishes for the eternal journey ahead.

“The wedding reception was a beautiful affair. The decorations reflected a perfect blend of elegance and tradition, and the wedding cake was a stunning centrepiece that symbolised the sweetness of the couple’s union. It was a day filled with love, joy, and the promise of a lifetime together.”

“We want to thank our Bui, parents, siblings, cousins, and friends for their unwavering support and love throughout this journey.”

The couple resides in Auckland, New Zealand.