Couple comes "home" for wedding
Samoa's attraction as a wedding destination is often attributed to its natural beauty.
But for Australian-based newlyweds, Liuauvai Ropi Masoe, 32, and Mina Aia, 26, it was the sense of home and family.
The couple were married at the Orator Hotel on Friday, and said it felt great to tie the knot at "home".
"We have heaps of family here and it's best for us to [get married] here, because we wanted our families to be included and that was the main thing for us," said Mrs. Masoe.
"It's always good to come back to our homeland. There's no other place like home."
The couple's three-year courtship started in New Zealand, when Liuauvai was still living in New Zealand.
Both were born and raised in Samoa but migrated overseas while still very young.
"She came over for a wedding, and I caught her eye there," Liuauvai said, smiling.
The couple said being joined in holy matrimony before starting a family was a dream come true. But Mr. and Mrs. Masoe said they are in no rush to begin starting a family and are currently focused on enjoying each other's company.
"First things first, we have to look for the house," said Liuauvai as they both laughed.
Liuauvai is the son of Ioka Suisala and Masoe Avealalo Masoe from Asau while Mina is the daughter of Leota Matauaina Pula and Ti'a Vilai Aia from Nofoali'i Fasito'o Uta and Saleimoa.