A crucial aspect of relationships is knowing each other’s preferences. Such as a person’s favourite food, movie, pet, colour and dislikes.
For sweethearts, Lice Ragigia, 29, and her husband, Siveniasi Rasaqiwa, 31, it was a bit different. Siveniasi was more interested in knowing his partner’s mental wellbeing. This interest of the groom gave Lice the sign that Siveniasi was truly the one for her.
While Lice is from Nakoronawa, Nakasaleka, Kadavu, Siveniasi is from Navunimono, Verata, Tailevu. Lice works as an I.T technician on weekdays and a bakery chef on weekends while Siveniasi is an avid photographer.
The couple shares a common interest and love for photography. Lice especially loves object shadow and street photography. She said Siveniasi taught her a lot about his work and she loved how his eyes would light up when he explained about camera functionality.
“They say photographers pay attention to details, and I can confirm that 100 per cent,” she said.
The couple first met at Geralynes Restaurant, one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in Suva. Here their friendship blossomed, and the rest is now history. They had their first date at a local pizza joint singing “Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley cooper.
“Then, the NRL season had already started and we were boasting about our favourite NRL teams,” said Lice “Siveniasi is a huge Rabbitohs fan and Melbourne Storm is mine. We had so much fun and it was truly memorable.”
In March 2022, Siveniasi’s family went to Lice’s household and performed the traditional ilakovi ceremony, asking for her hand in marriage.
“Tevutevu u was done on the eve of our big day, where our families came with gifts especially mats, pillows, comforters and wooden chest. The itataunaki ceremony was performed at Sive’s family home after the reception.”
On December 9, 2022, the couple tied the knot at Faith Harvest Church in Nausori followed by a reception at Summer House.
“We performed a unity candle ceremony in church…and made a covenant in front of our pastor, families and friends. We loved every bit of it.”
The wedding theme was purple and white. The bride’s wedding gown was designed by the talented Vuya Ratabua of Tabuadrau Designs.
It was a customised attire incorporated with white Nayauprinted masi and embellished with shells. Siveniasi wore his ‘kuta’ attire which symbolised his maternal links to Cogea, Wainunu in Bua.
Their reception attires were tailored and designed by Helen Waterfield of Waterfield Creations, HMU by Unik Hair and Beauty Fiji, salusalu and iri by Jackie from The Journey and their wedding shots by FL Photography.
Graced by a four-tiered carrot cake with cheese filling and designs of purple ground orchid flowers done by Esita Nakavulevu, the celebration was sweet in every way imaginable.
“Moments before the big day I was a bit nervous but thank God for my family, maid of honour Diama Sivo and my awesome friends Rosie, Liana, Chris, Herbert & Jane who were there to ensure things were organized and ready before the big day.”
The couple believes that life is too short and one must do what brings happiness and wedding visions to life.
They said: “Follow the right protocols and get blessings from your families!”.
