To Ilisapeci Delai and Malakai Vakadewabuka, marriage is a sacred and ultimate commitment.
They believe it is a partnership that gets them through life, sharing happiness with each other and the family they have created.
The couple tied the knot recently and decided to share with The Sunday Times team how they met and manoeuvred through a long-distance relationship to finally say “I do”.
The couple first met on Facebook. They dated for four years and seven months before settling down.
Ilisapeci Delai, 27, who hails from Navukailagi Village in Gau, Lomaiviti has maternal links to Nailega, Verata in Tailevu.
“I was a bit sceptical about our relationship since we both lived in different countries at the time. He was in Scotland, and I was in New Zealand, but we put in a lot of effort, commitment, tears, laughter and trust to make our relationship work,” she said.
“A few years into our relationship we decided to meet face to face in December 2022. When we met, I took him home to meet my family.
“Seeing how well he fitted in and how well he treated me, made me realise he was the one.”
The stay-at-home mum describes her husband as a family man.
“He is dedicated, an intelligent individual, a logical thinker, has a great sense of humour, is an amazing husband and an incredible father,” she said.
“He prioritises my needs and makes an effort to make me happy. He shows vulnerability in our relationship, and takes responsibility for his actions. He is always trying to be a better man, and he makes me feel comfortable and safe around him.
“His committed to the relationship and is willing to work through challenges. He respects my opinions, boundaries and individuality.
Groom, Malakai,27, a British Army soldier, hails from Burerua, Sawakasa in Tailevu with maternal links to Biailoma, Nagigi in Savusavu.
Malakai said his wife was an amazing mother and partner.
“She is my best friend. She is very supportive, funny, forgiving, caring and loving. She is my home,” he said.
“I felt peace, comfort and happiness when I first met her – a feeling of belonging.”
Reminiscing their past, he said they would talk on the phone for hours just sharing their dreams, adventures, experiences in life and what they hoped for in the future.
“We did random date nights like watching movies together, playing 40 questions, quizzes and just connecting on a deeper level,” he said.
“I knew from the moment we started talking that she was the one for me.”
Malakai said he worked hard on trying to get her to like him. He flirted with her a lot and came up with the best sweet talking and pick-up lines he could think of. He was turned down a few times but that never stopped him.
“A few months into our dating stage, my mother passed away, and all throughout that mourning phase, she supported me well, and that is one of the reasons why I’m with her today. She’s a loving and supporting woman.”
The couple went for a holiday in Singapore for a month in 2023. On the night of December 22 they went on a date to watch the Wings of Time Firework Symphony – a breathtaking attraction combining fireworks, water display, laser, fire and music.
With the blessing of both of Ilisapeci’s parents, Malakai proposed to Ilisapeci during the show.
The couple dated for four years seven months and were engaged for one year before they tied the knot.
They said it was because of their love, companionship and commitment to one another and in providing stability and security for their son that made them decide to tie the knot.
Their son is now their top priority.
Ilisapeci had resigned from work to look after their son for two years while Malakai worked to support them.
“We now embark on a journey of shared life experience, responsibilities and mutual support,” they said.
The couple had a light blue and white wedding theme.
The bride wore a white dress and veil from Vinka Design NZ and the groom wore a blue suit.
Their wedding was held at the Evergreen AOG Church in Nasinu and the reception was held at the Suva Bowling Club.
The couple participated in the traditional ceremony of iTataunaki and kali ni sucu during the wedding.
Apart from the wedding, the couple also had a blessing service for their son.
“As first-time parents, we wanted to return God the glory and honour and to thank Him for our gift and blessings.”
The couple thanked people who helped with their wedding preparations.
“We both would like to thank Mrs Kaloucava Amelia for giving her time and support to help us with our wedding errands, not forgetting the Vakadewabuka family, the Delai and Kaitoga family,” the couple said.
Now the couple look forward to what’s ahead and building a strong family together.
The couple also had a blessing service for their son. Picture: SUPPLIED
The bride with her family. Picture: SUPPLIED
The couple dated for four years seven months before tying the knot. Picture: SUPPLIED
The groom (top right) and his family.
Picture: SUPPLIED
