Meant to be
led by his late father, the then Methodist Church in Fiji general secretary Reverend Iliesa Naivalu, sought Anasaini’s hand in marriage through the traditional ceremony of ilakovi.
A few months after that traditional betrothal, Rev Naivalu died leaving behind a heavy burden on his eldest son.
But that did not stop the Yalobi, Waya native from Yasawa from marrying his Nakelo, Tailevu sweetheart. True to the promises they made to each other, Maravu and Anasaini decided to seal their love on the first anniversary of Rev. Naivalu’s passing, making the union extra special and dignified.
Maravu works as a Media Officer with the Department of Information while his wife is an Accountant with Ernst & Young in Suva.
On December 17 last year, close family members, loved ones and friends converged at the Centenary Methodist Church located in the heart of Suva to celebrate the couple’s big day.
“Our favorite memory of each other is probably the first time we both went together to meet our in laws, we were excited and nervous at the same time that we had to park a few houses away and walked back to the family home because we knew everyone at home would be eagerly waiting for us...,” the couple told The Sunday Times.
“We believe the whole preparation prior to the wedding, our tevutevu and the wedding day was all special because all sides of both families made it happen.
What made it more special was the date of the wedding was also the first anniversary of the passing of the groom’s dad.
“We would like to thank God for his provision and guidance throughout the two days of celebrations, and we would like to thank everyone that made our wedding day special.”
Given the two different provinces the Naivalus hail from, various traditional protocols were observed to honor their different families right until the traditional handing over of the bride later in the evening of the wedding to her husband’s family (itautaunaki).
The Naivalus’ love story speaks volume of the beauty of founding the journey of life on strong Christian principles.
The couple believes that God was the anchor of their blessed union and everything happened according to his own timing and grace.