For newlyweds Brigham Ah Loo and Sinavaiana Ah Loo, their journey to find each other began in 2019 as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, doing mission work in different parts of the world.

American Samoan national Ah Loo went to work in Africa as a missionary in early 2019 and his bride-to-be went in the other direction to the Philippines.

Following the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, all LDS missionaries throughout the world were recalled including those who were of Tongan and Samoan nationalities.

They both travelled separately back to Australia, unaware of the path that awaited them. 

Mr Ah Loo was able to continue his mission in Melbourne, Australia where Sinavaiana, who had just arrived from the Philippines, was also continuing her Mission. 

This is where the future bride and groom first met and worked in their respective missions for six months. When borders started to open, there was finally a flight for Mr. Ah Loo and other fellow missionaries for Samoa and American Samoa. 

But the distance didn't stand in the way of the future Groom and future Bride. They continued their courtship via phone communication and online voice call and video communication, until they decided to take their relationship to the next level. 

Mr. and Mrs Ah Loo courted for around 2 years before tying the knot on Saturday.

The bride and groom travelled from American Samoa and Australia respectively earlier in the year in April to prepare for their wedding, after agreeing to become lifelong partners. 

Mr Ah Loo is the son of Apo and Falaimo Ah Loo and Mrs Sinavaiana Ah Loo is the daughter of Faaloua and Tolauapi Leatuao of Lalovaea and Falelauniu. 

The newly wedded couple said that there have been many challenges along the way but working together as a team and communication enabled them to overcome those problems and to continue to grow their relationship strength to strength.

The couple said despite the distance and the challenges that came with it, they have kept their flame of love burning brightly and believe that communication was the key in building a fruitful relationship. 

Mr and Mrs Ah Loo are planning to move to New Zealand to begin their journey as a married couple.