The union of soulmates bound two faiths when Vaafusuaga Iole Sanerivi and Memea Leativaosalafai Sonya Okesene exchanged their vows last Friday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Letogo.

It is a match made in heaven, the lovebirds told the Samoa Observer during an interview on Sunday.

“We’re very blessed. We’re a match made by the heavens,” said Mr. and Mrs. Sanerivi who are both 29 years of age.

Hundreds gathered for a wedding that honoured both of their faiths.

The groom, Vaafusuaga, is the son of a Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) minister Rev. Vaueli Sanerivi and Mrs. Rosita Sanerivi and is the second child of six children.

The groom hails from Moata’a, Pata in Falelatai, Saipipi and Faletagaloa in Safune, Savai’i.

The bride is the daughter of Bishop Seiuli Faamanu and Mrs. Vaifaaee Okesene. In the Church of Jesus Christ, a Bishop is the equivalent of a high priest. 

The eldest of five children born to the Bishop and his wife, she is from Sapapali'i and Sasina in Savai’i and Letogo.

The newlyweds took their wedding vows at the Latter-day Saints Chapel in Letogo. The ceremony was followed by a reception that was held at the C.C.C.S. Hall in Sogi.

It was a “memorable” day indeed, the newlyweds said. 

“It was more than everything that we planned and dreamed of. There were quite a lot of interesting moments," they said.

"If I were to pick two interesting parts, these would be the entertaining dance performances and to finally be announced as husband and wife."

The bride works as Principal, Quality Assurance at the Samoa Qualifications Authority while the groom is a Principal Translator at the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly.

The couple began dating in 2017, got engaged two years later in 2019 and initially planned to marry in 2020. But their plans were delayed when the bride got stuck in Japan while studying for her master’s degree.

However, she returned in late 2020 and the date for their big day was set for 27 August, 2021.

Several hundred people witnessed the ceremony and joined the newlyweds for their reception. Bride and groom returned expressed their utmost gratitude to the Almighty God for his guidance and protection.

They thanked their spiritual parents for the unceasing prayers and all who have prayed for them; their families and friends near and far; each and everyone contributed to the success of their wedding day and their “work families”; their groomsmen and bridesmaids. 

Last but not least, they thanked their parents.

“[It’s] as if we always knew that we were made for each other. [We’re] God-sent soulmates,” the newlyweds told the Observer.