When Charlie Wilson Ah Kuoi and Claudia Muagututia first met in college, neither knew that they would end up spending the rest of their lives together.

She says she kept her distance from him initially because he was a heartbreaker. Over the years, however, things changed. Charlie matured into a man Claudia could see herself be with.

Charlie works at the Legislative Assembly Office while Claudia is with Vodafone Samoa. Both are 24-years-old. The couple were given the same set of questions and asked to respond.

How did you meet?

Charlie: We met at school, Church College Vaiola in Year 9, 2014.

Claudia: We met in High School at Church College Vaiola when Charlie was new in Year 9 and we became friends ever since. He loves to mingle/befriends with the girls so he was always around our circle.

Was it love at first sight?

Charlie: Not really. Claudia was one of my best friends back then, not until 2018. I fell in love with her during our Culture Day at school.

Claudia: It wasn't love at first sight but love cultivated over time. Like he said, he was among my good friends in class back in high school. I learnt who he was and what he was like and at first, he wasn't the type I would want to date or see a future with because he was quite popular with breaking hearts. After high school going into foundation year, our love was tried and we didn't survive the first half of the year in 2019. From then we were separated for a little over four years and when I came back from Australia he was back in my life again making the first move again but this time he was changed and more mature. A man whom I fell in love with more than the Charlie from high school.

Who made the first move?

Charlie: I did. We were just chilling on Messenger, and led her to play a game with me called 10 Questions. We asked each other 10 questions but we had to answer them with honesty. After the game, she was speechless when I asked her out. It took her three months to answer me. And it was worth the wait.

Claudia: He did. Nearing the end of our final year of high school which was pretty surprising out of nowhere but knowing Charlie and how he was with girls, I knew he was playing games. Hence, why I didn't give in immediately. I gave him a few NOs but the guy was persistent in getting me to give him a yes. I didn't know if he actually had genuine feelings or just wanted something to brag about. After several failed attempts, he never gave up so I had to give up and gave him a chance.

Who proposed? How?

Charlie: I did, I had her siblings help me organise the proposal at her home here in Savaii Salelologa. All her siblings loved the idea and she cried at the end.

Claudia: He proposed to me at my house in Salelologa. I had come back from the hospital in the evening visiting and caring for my dad the whole day, when he came and took me for an evening ride to clear my head and cheer me up. Little did I know, he had my siblings prepare a simple proposal surprise in our living room with minimal decorations, music and a cute teddy bear with the ring.

What was the family's response from each of your sides?

Charlie: My family loved the idea and they all supported our marriage.

Claudia: My family has always loved and favoured Charlie for his efforts in loving and caring for me so they were all happy to support us in our preparations and journey.

What quality do you two like about each other the most? 

Charlie: Claudia’s beautiful personality shines in the way she carries herself, thoughtful, kind, and genuine even without speaking much. Sometimes, her presence alone feels calming and grounding, and that’s a rare quality to have.

Claudia: I love Charlie's persistence in everything he does, whether it be his career, family and even love, failure only makes him stronger and pushes even more further. No matter the situation he will always find a way to make it work and I admire him for that. He also never fails to support me and consistently shows his love and appreciation which makes me feel more secure and valued.

What are your future plans?

Charlie: We are looking to get a new car and await our little angel's arrival.

Claudia: Long term is to build our home grounded in God's love and faith, and to gradually build a business of our own (Charlie's dream).