WEDDING BELLS | Love bridges

A love rooted in mutual understanding and trust can withstand both distance and time.

For Tomasi Vulavula and Lusiana Tuilau-Vulavula, love proved to be exactly that — steady, patient and enduring.

Their story is a beautiful example of emotional maturity, balance and faith, nurtured across borders and strengthened by time apart.

After nearly four years in a long-distance relationship, the couple exchanged vows this month at the Pearl Resort chapel, surrounded by close family and friends.

As the first couple to feature in The Sunday Times 2026 Wedding Bells, they begin their new journey together as husband and wife with hearts full of gratitude and hope.

Making it work

Tomasi, 30, is a junior cabin crew member with Fiji Airways and the proud owner of Barber Brothers Fiji in Lautoka. His wife, Lusiana, also 30, works as a support worker in Brisbane, Australia.

Tomasi hails from Yanuca Island in Serua, with maternal links to Welagi, Taveuni, and close ties to Naviyago in Lautoka. Lusiana is from Tubalevu Village in Namara, Tailevu, with maternal links to Mavana in Lau.

Their love story began unexpectedly on social media. What started as simple conversations slowly blossomed into a connection neither anticipated would one day lead to marriage.

After almost a year of online communication, the couple finally met in person in 2022 at the Sydney Opera House.

That first meeting cemented the love they had already built — laying the foundation for a romance that would continue to grow across oceans.

In describing her husband, Lusiana said Tomasi is mature, kind, loving and caring.

“Not only that, he is also very handsome,” Lusiana said.

“He is the one because of his steady and confident love towards me despite our long-distance relationship,” she said.

“My heart feels at home with the way he treats not only me but my family as well. I’m blessed to have found such a trustworthy man who has the confidence in leading our future.”

Meeting for the first time

Meeting Tomasi for the first time left a lasting impression on Lusiana. Though shy, she was eager to know him more.

“Like many relationships, we had to build on communication and trust.

“At first, he had so much patience and passion to pursue me which I felt came with a lot of sincerity and genuine willingness. Gradually through that, I was convinced and finally decided to meet and the rest was history.”

For Tomasi, Lusiana embodies intelligence, compassion and warmth.

“I admire her because of that, she is genuine, pure and of course, God-fearing,” he said.

Recalling their first meeting, Tomasi said he was captivated by the way she spoke and smiled.

“Everything about her just makes me want to marry her straight away. She makes my heart melt like a hot knife through butter.

“From the moment I first laid my eyes on her, I knew in my heart that this woman was the one right from the get-go.”

Navigating a long-distance relationship required adjustment, sacrifice and deep mutual respect.

“We had to adjust and form mutual understandings and agreements to be better for each other, especially when dealing with our long-distance relationship,” Tomasi said.

“We had to cut certain habits with respect for one another.”

Working with an airline proved to be a blessing, allowing Tomasi to visit Lusiana during day-offs and layovers. Rather than weakening their bond, distance refined it — teaching them patience, trust and intentional love.

Marriage, for the couple, holds deep meaning.

“It means commitment, teamwork, family, understanding, forgiveness, biblical, unconditional love and so much more.”

Traditional protocols

Before tying the knot, the couple honoured tradition through their ilakovi at Naimalavau Village in Nakelo.

On December 29 last year, Tomasi formally asked for Lusiana’s hand in marriage in a heartfelt traditional ceremony that brought tears and joy to both families.

Their wedding date was carefully planned around Lusiana’s demanding schedule as she balanced work and studies overseas. The ceremony was held at the Pearl Resort wedding chapel in Pacific Harbour, followed by the traditional iTautaunaki. The reception was also hosted at the resort.

Looking ahead

Now married, the couple are embracing this new season together.

They say they are enjoying married life and learning to be the best partners for one another.

“We aim to grow in patience, love and mutual respect – strengthening our bond.

“We are also focusing on growing together spiritually, creating a peaceful and loving home first and trusting that children will follow in Gods time.

“And we’re engaging in strategic financial planning for the long term and lastly we seek to grow in our careers while also supporting each other’s goals.”

The couple expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who supported them on their special day.

“First and foremost, we thank God, our provider and we thank Reverend Jasa Tora for his special role in making us official.”

“We thank the Pearl Resort staff, especially their lovely wedding manager, Amelia Dibuna, our families for their tremendous support and contributions, our bride and groom teams, our family and friends who flew in from abroad and those who travelled from around Fiji and our employers as well.”

Tomasi also extended thanks to his barbers for keeping Barber Brothers Fiji running smoothly while he travelled to Suva for his wedding — a fitting reflection of teamwork, trust and support that mirrors the love story he now shares with his wife.

The couple’s family enjoy themselves at the wedding reception at the Pearl Resort. Picture: SCENIC WEDDINGS CINEMATOGRAPHY & PHOTOGRAPHY

The couple after their wedding ceremony. Picture: SCENIC WEDDINGS CINEMATOGRAPHY & PHOTOGRAPHY

Groom Tomasi Vulavula with his bride, Lusiana Tuilau-Vulavula share a moment together after tying-the-knot. Picture: SCENIC WEDDINGS CINEMATOGRAPHY & PHOTOGRAPHY