HEARTWARMING trip to the village catapulted Pauliasi Tasere Sirivalu and Jemima Nale’s relationship to a higher level, one which allowed them to develop a much deeper understanding of each other.
Pauliasi and Jemima have been together since university days, but there was a special moment that really solidified their bond.
Pauliasi 27, an airline pilot by profession hails from Naisaumua Village in Verata, Tailevu with maternal links to Naikawaga Village in Mali, Macuata.
The experience of taking Jemima to see his humble beginnings made Pauliasi realise that she was the love of his life.
The couple first met in 2017 during the Coca Cola Games. At the time Pauliasi was a student at flying school while Jemima was studying at USP.
“Early into our courtship I took Jemima to my village. We crossed flooded rivers and sat inside our old home that had a leaking roof. We shared meals together, basically experiencing my humble beginning,” Pauliasi said.
“Coming from America to Tailevu and drinking rainwater with us and eating rourou – I just knew she was the one.”
But it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Jemima exhibited the unparalleled virtues that hooked Pauliasi.
This was during a time when the whole world was shutting their borders and in chaos. Jemima caught the last Fiji Airways out of the US.
Her dad had to drive eight hours to drop her off at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
“When I asked her why she did that and why she came back when she had everything in America – a good job, good medical care and her whole family, she told me she came back because of me.
“She said if the world was ending, she would rather be with me. That’s when I knew, she was going to be the mother of my children and where home would be for me.”
Describing his wife, Pauliasi says Jemima is a giver, a great nurturer and a loving mother to their child.
“Most importantly she fits like a glove in areas that I lack in,” he said.
“Her smile made me daydream – just basically lost in thought over her beautiful smile.”
“The connection we shared was noticeable and as young as I was, I knew what I wanted, and I made sure she knew how I felt about her.
The couple dated for two years and it was mostly long distance as she was in the US while Pauliasi was flying for Fiji Link in Nadi.
Jemima 27, who hails from Vadravadra, Ba with maternal links to Wainunu, Bua describes her husband as loving, kind, generous and someone who always goes out of his way to spoil her.
“He was a charmer and still is — his my one and only,” she said.
“I knew he was the one when he took me to his home to meet his dad and his family for the first time.
“That day, I knew that Pauliasi was the one for me. Like many relationships there are challenges to overcome. At first it was not smooth sailing, we went through shared problems and troubles, but we held on to each other
“We reminded each other of our love, and I love that Pauliasi would go out of his way to get me what I need — that is one of the things I love about him.”
After years of being together Pauliasi knew it was time to pop the question. For the special proposal, it had to be done up in the sky – a fitting proposal by an avid pilot. On May 29, 2020, Pauliasi hired a Cessna 172 aircraft and took Jemima on a joyride.
But before taking her on the flight, Pauliasi had informed her father about his intentions and asked for his blessings.
“With his blessing I picked her up on the domestic terminal at Nadi airport and took her on a plane ride on a beautiful Thursday morning. She was thrilled about the experience,” Pauliasi said.
“We flew over Lautoka City and as I was showing her around from the cockpit, I intentionally failed the engine and acted like we had a problem.
“As panic slowly creeped in and before she could catch her breath or say anything I pulled out a ring and asked her to be my co-pilot for life. Of course, I had to reassure her that everything was under control and that I had planned it, she then said yes.
“After the proposal I waited for the border to open and for my in-laws to come over so I can do the i lakovi and bulubulutaki – it was a special occasion for our families.
The couple were together for seven years before making the decision to wed.
Their wedding was beautiful, basically knotting together traditional with modern style with a whimsical garden reception.
“Our matrimonial ceremony was held at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Nadera followed by the reception in the evening at the Air BnB in Lami (Uduya Point),” they said.
“We had a traditional ceremony in between which was the i tataunaki, where the bride’s family brought gifts to farewell the bride, and the groom’s family did a “kali ni sucu” where they offered a tabua, maqiti and mats to the mother of the bride for her upbringing.”
The couple made sure that every detail before and after the wedding was prefect before they took the next big step together.
“It has been a long time coming,” they said.
They said they had to wait for Pauliasi to get his permanent residency in the US and FAA Airline pilot licence before they could settle down.
He finished his pilot’s license conversion and permanent residency late last year and they finally were able to marry.
They said marriage to them meant commitment, respect, compromise, friendship, family, passion, trusting God together and with love being at the centre of it all.
“Love radiates in what we do individually, what we do as a couple and the love we have for our children.”
Now that the wedding is over, the couple now focuses on getting much closer to God.
They desire to grow strong together, achieve their goals together, motivate each other and expand their family and most importantly love each other more.
“We want to thank Jesus for blessing us with good health and opportunities. He has never failed us, Thank you Jesus!
“We would like to thank our parents for literally everything. We wouldn’t be here without our parents – we love you. Our siblings, our uncles and aunties, our grandmother (Bu) and last but not the least, we want to thank ourselves for trusting and loving each other.
“We have come a long way, and we deserve a thank you as well. Sometimes we get to focus on everyone else that we forget ourselves.”
“We are taking it slow now, appreciating everything along the way.”
The Sirivalus are expecting their second child and looking forward to what the future holds for them in their eternal journey together.
Pauliasi Tasere Sirivalu and Jemima Nale pose for a portrait after their wedding.
Picture: VIVID MEMORIES
The couple with their families after the wedding ceremony.
Picture: VIVID MEMORIES
Jemima in bridal finery, including a Tabuadrau wedding gown. Picture: VIVID MEMORIES
The couple enters the wedding reception venue, amid a bevy of admiring eyes. Picture: VIVID MEMORIES
The couple’s family during the wedding reception. Picture: VIVID MEMORIES
The bride before the iTataunaki ceremony. Picture: VIVID MEMORIES
The couple after they tied the knot saying “I do”. Picture: VIVID MEMORIES
