A newly married wife says she was humbled by the presence of the Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and his wife Her Highness Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano at her wedding on Saturday.

The bride Leasi Misa Fa’amasino and the groom Peter Fa’amasino were united in the sacrament of marriage at the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in Matautu Falelatai where His Highness also serves as the lay preacher.

Speaking in a telephone interview with the Samoa Observer, Mrs. Fa’amasino said she looks forward to what lies ahead for her family.

“It’s all thanks to God first for his love and protection that we’ve made it this far,” she said.

Asked about the presence of the Head of State at her wedding, the bride said it is one occasion she will mark in her diary due to its significance.

“Of course I am proud! I’m proud because we don’t often have our special days spent with someone who is leading the country or as high ranked as His Highness the Head of State,” she added. “If it was anyone else they would have the same feeling of excitement and I will never forget this special day for me and my husband as well.”

The Head of State’s daughter was amongst Mrs. Fa’amasino’s bridesmaids.

Mrs. Fa’amasino said her and her husband are now looking forward to the future.

“Now, we’re just looking at what lies ahead in the future for us. Our dream now is to build a successful and a happy life with our future children, to have a family founded on God and live to serve what is good.”

The couple had spent five years courting and had planned their special day since the beginning of the year before the COVID-19 lockdown.Throughout the pandemic, challenges arose for the couple but they remained steadfast.

“There were some trying times thinking whether to postpone it because of the current state our country and the world is in, but we’re glad we didn’t and we’ve come a long way,” she added.

The groom hails from the village of Fuailalo. The wedding reception was held at Matautu after the ceremony.