It was a long time coming for Aufa’i Li'amanaia Areta Ropeti Areta and Lillian Talalupelele Patricia Moananu Joe, who both met in college and sealed a lifetime of friendship by tying the knot last Saturday.

The newly-weds were blessed in holy matrimony at the Methodist Church in Faletagaloa Safune, Savai’i by Rev. Poloma Kuka.

Witnessed by close friends, family and relatives, the couple vowed to love one another through better or worse. A reception followed on the sandy beach of Manase, where invited guests celebrated the union of Mr and Mrs Areta.  

Aufa’i is the son of Rev. Samuelu and Pativaine Areta of Salamumu, Faleasiu, Satupa’itea and Vaiusu. He is a digital assistant and photographer for the Samoa Observer newspaper. 

The bride is the daughter of Faavaoa and Tugaga Tevesi. 

She is a Fisheries Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and is from the villages of Fogapoa, Manase and Faletagaloa Safune.

The best man was Tavita Tausili and maid of honour, Rezettakahealani Mulitalo. 

The couple met at Leififi College in 2003 where they eventually became good friends. It wasn’t until after 10 years that the pair started dating. 

Asked how it feels to be married, Aufa’i said, “It (feels) like what Asuelu said, I feel so happiness”.