WEDDING BELLS – Pauliasi and Jemima’s perfect wedding - Voice of Asia

A heartwarming trip to the countryside elevated the relationship between Pauliasi Tasere Sirivalu and Jemima Nale to a deeper level, allowing them to understand each other more profoundly. Although Pauliasi and Jemima had known each other since their university days, it was a particular experience that truly solidified their bond.

Pauliasi, 27, is an airline pilot from Naisaumua village in the Verata district of Tailevu Province, whose mother has ties to Naikawaga village in the Mali district of Macuata Province. Bringing Jemima back to his humble hometown made Pauliasi realize that she was the love of his life.

The couple first met at the Coca-Cola Games in 2017. At the time, Pauliasi was studying at flight school, while Jemima was a student at the University of the South Pacific (USP). Pauliasi recalled, "Early in our relationship, I took Jemima to my village. We waded through flooded rivers, sat in leaky old houses, ate together, and experienced my simple childhood." He added, "She came all the way from America to Tailevu to drink rainwater and eat taro leaves (rourou) with us, and I knew then that she was the one."

However, what truly made Pauliasi certain was the extraordinary qualities Jemima displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst global border closures and chaos, Jemima took the last Fiji Airways flight out of the United States. Her father had to drive her eight hours to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Pauliasi said, "I asked her why she would do that, why she would come back when she had everything in America—a good job, good healthcare, and family—and she said she came back because of me. She said if the world was going to end, she would rather be with me. That's when I knew she would be the mother of my children and my forever home."

Pauliasi describes his wife, Jemima, as a devoted, caring, and loving mother to their child. "Most importantly, she complements my shortcomings," he said. "Her smile makes me swoon, immersing myself in her beautiful smile." They dated for two years, mostly long-distance, as Jemima was in the United States and Pauliasi was flying for Fiji Airways in Nadi. Jemima is from Vadravadra in Ba Province, and her mother has ties to Wainunu in Bua Province. She describes her husband as loving, kind, generous, and always finding ways to spoil her. "He was a charming man, and still is—he's my one and only," she said. "When he first took me to his home to meet his father and family, I knew he was the one. That day, I knew Pauliasi was my soulmate. Like many relationships, we experienced common problems and difficulties, but we always held on to each other tightly. We constantly remind each other of our love, and I love that Pauliasi always does his best to meet my needs—that's one of the reasons I love him."

After years together, Pauliasi knew it was time to propose. For this special moment, he decided to do it in the air—a very fitting proposal for an avid pilot. On May 29, 2020, Pauliasi rented a Cessna 172 and took Jemima for a ride. Before taking her flying, Pauliasi had informed her father of his intentions and obtained his consent. Pauliasi said, "After getting his blessing, I picked her up at the domestic terminal at Nadi Airport and took her for a ride on a beautiful Thursday morning. She was very excited about the experience." "We flew over Lautoka City, and as I showed her the surrounding scenery from the cockpit, I deliberately made the engine fail and pretended we were in trouble." "As panic slowly set in, before she could even catch her breath or say anything, I pulled out the ring and asked her if she would be my co-pilot for life. Of course, I had to reassure her that everything was under control and that it was all planned, and then she said yes." "After the proposal, I waited for the borders to open, and my in-laws came over so I could hold the i lakovi and bulubulutaki ceremonies—a special moment for our families."

After seven years together, the couple decided to tie the knot. Their wedding was beautiful, perfectly blending traditional and modern styles, and featured a whimsical garden reception. They said, "Our wedding ceremony was held at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Nadera, and the evening reception was held at an Air BnB in Lami (Uduya Point)." "We had a traditional ceremony in between, the i tataunaki, where the bride's family brings gifts to say goodbye to the bride, and the groom's family performed the 'kali ni sucu' ceremony, where they presented tabua, maqiti, and mats to the bride's mother to thank her for raising the bride." The couple ensured that every detail before and after the wedding was perfect before taking the next step together.

"We've been waiting for this for a long time," they said. They said they had to wait for Pauliasi to obtain his permanent residency in the United States and his FAA airline pilot license before settling down. He completed his pilot license conversion and permanent residency at the end of last year, and they were finally able to get married. They said that marriage to them means commitment, respect, compromise, friendship, family, passion, jointly trusting in God, and being centered on love. "Love is reflected in what we each do, in what we do as a couple, and in our love for our children."

Now that the wedding is over, the couple is now focused on growing closer to God. They aspire to grow together, achieve goals together, inspire each other, expand their family, and most importantly, love each other more. "We want to thank Jesus for giving us healthy bodies and opportunities. He has never let us down, thank you, Jesus!" "We want to thank our parents for everything they have done for us. We wouldn't be here without our parents—we love you. Our siblings, uncles, aunts, grandmother (Bu), and last but not least, we want to thank ourselves for trusting and loving each other." "We've come a long way, and we should thank ourselves too. Sometimes we focus too much on others and forget about ourselves." "We are slowing down now and cherishing everything along the way." The Sirivalu couple is expecting their second child and is looking forward to what the future holds on their journey of forever.