Distance and challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic were no obstacles for newly weds Lireina and Jerome who tied the knot on Saturday.

Lireina Poutalie Saio Ah Kuoi of Fagalii, Laulii, Vaivase, Fagamalo and Falealupo and Jerome Ah Kuoi of Tufuiopa and Savaia sealed their marriage at the Fagalii Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) on Saturday morning followed by a reception that was held at Manumailagi gardens at Siusega.

Lireina is the daughter of Togaga'e Toleafoa Saio and Tuivasa Melenaite Saio, and Joe is the son of Davy Francis Ah Kuoi and Christina Fatima Ah Kuoi.

The couple who are both 22 years of age had first met at Samoa College in 2014 started dating a year later in 2015 and have been together for 7 years prior to their nuptials on Saturday.

Lireina who is 22 years of age had studied in Wuhan, China at the Central China Normal University. Having been in Wuhan when the coronavirus first emerged, she said it was a terrifying experience. 

"We were scared, worried and all we wanted to do is come back home and spend a COVID free life with our families," she told the Samoa Observer on Sunday afternoon.

And it was not easy for the couple either, who faced challenges during their relationship, with the bride emphasising that one of the challenges was when she commenced her studies in China and left Jerome behind in Samoa.

"[There] was a five hour difference and we tried to manage our time so that we can talk to each other," she said.

She said there were other challenges that they both had to navigate, such as understanding each other's situation with one being busy with education and work, and Jerome being busy with his "beer group".

But the sacrifices they made over the 7-year period was worth it as the lovebirds were able to tie the knot on Saturday in front of family and friends on both sides of the groom and bride.