A love that only death can separate was the shared commitment on which the marriage of Debbie and Tuugamusu Alexander Brown was based as they were joined in holy matrimony last Saturday.

The church service was led by the Archbishop of the Catholic Church in Samoa, Alapati Lui Mataeliga, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Mulivai.

It was followed by a reception at the St. Don Bosco Hall, Alafua.

Mrs. Brown is the daughter of Notoa and Ruta Toni from Falelima, Aleisa, and Faleula.

Mr. Brown is the son of Sesilia Une and Deacon Su’a Siala Brown from Saleufi, Vaimoso, Nofoalii, and Lotofaga.

“I am so happy and thankful to God for making our special day possible,” he said.

The groom acknowledged both families in American Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, and especially his grandparents in America for support.

“We first met at the National University of Samoa; I was a camera man coming to cover a news item. She was sitting under a tree waiting for her next class, we talked and the rest was history," he said. 

“We have been together for more than a year. It may be a short amount of time to some people but for us that was all the time we needed to discover that we were meant to be.

“I chose her because in my eyes she stood out from the rest. I love everything about her, she was well-taught by her parents she has all the qualities of a Samoan young woman in terms of values.”

He added that in their Catholic religious beliefs the union of marriage will only be broken through death.

“I vowed to love her until death do we part. Nowadays there are so many temptations," he said. 

“It is also important to put God first and let Him be the foundation of our new family so that with whatever comes our way we can overcome all obstacles.

“Our relationship was never sunshine and rainbows because there is no such thing as a couple that will not face difficulties but I think that it was through these challenges that made our love stronger.”

He said that despite his wedding day being the happiest day of his life there was something missing.

“It does feel a bit incomplete because of the late Joseph Une ,who was selected as one of my groomsmen, before the accident that claimed his life [means he] is not here. 

“Joseph will always be remembered in our hearts, may he rest with love.

“I will always remember what the pastor said: ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.”