Sunday, 17 December 2023.
By: Loabay Staff Writer
Saturday, the 16th day of December 2023, as drizzly and overcast as it was, shall be entrenched in groom Adrian Simati and his bride Fuatino (Tino) Sheena Robertson’s memory banks as indeed the ‘day that the Lord has made’ for two special hearts to be united as one.
It was the perfect day for the couple, who had been planning their dream wedding for over a year. They had travelled from Melbourne, Australia, where they live, to celebrate their love in the land of their ancestors.
A day that culminated lots of sleepless nights as it drew nigh besides an abundance of financial astuteness to make it all happen.
Witnessed by more than 300 guests at the Matareva Beach Resort, Melbourne-based Adrian and Tino were each joined by 9 groomsmen and bridesmaids in their respective lines. Most of them, siblings and first cousins and close friends who flew all the way from Melbourne, Australia as well as New Zealand to render their support and presence.
Adrian and Tino’s exchange of vows included their adorable infant son, who received a special baptismal blessing from Rev Tafa Fa’amatala, the officiating presbyter.
For the New Zealand-raised bride and groom, the trip to tie the knot in the holy sacrament of marriage in the tropics, was a dream come true as they both wanted to honour their grandparents. “Both our grandparents live in Samoa and wouldn’t have been able to make the overseas trip to attend”, said Adrian and Tino.
For the New Zealand-raised bride and groom, the trip to tie the knot in the holy sacrament of marriage in the tropics, was a dream come true as they both wanted to honour their grandparents. “Both our grandparents live in Samoa and wouldn’t have been able to make the overseas trip to attend”, said Adrian and Tino.
So, it made more sense for their big day to take place in the home land.
“We wanted them to be part of our special day, and we also wanted to experience the culture and beauty of our heritage,” they said.
Undeterred by the rain, the vehicle entourage carrying the wedding party set off from Tino’s family home at Aufaga and Faofao Beach Fales at Lepa where Adrian and his groomsmen lodged. They were chauffeured by the members of Leai Sau Feau (LSF) Car Club, and various family members with the leading vehicle provided by Uhrle Auto Repairs, to Matareva Beach Resort where the ceremony and reception was held after 3.30pm.
The long list of guests also included other overseas-based family members as well as Tino and Adrian’s local pastors who made the long-distance dash abroad to partake especially as they played a crucial role in mentoring the newly-weds in their faith journey.
Adrian, 30, is the son of parents from Tuana’i and Sala’ilua villages. Tino, 25, is the daughter of Leituala and Segiali’i Fiao Robertson, from Aufaga and Safa’atoa, Lefaga villages. They met through mutual friends in New Zealand, where they were both raised and fell in love after a “long courtship”. Both now live in Melbourne where they work and raise their son.
Related video clips
Video 1of12 | Lauga a le uō sili a Adrian i le aso fiafia o Fuatino ma Adrian.
Video 2of12 | Pese a le aposetolo ma lona faletua mo le ulugalii fou ia Adrian ma Fuatino.
Video 3of12 | Nisi o vaega o le aso fiafia o Fuatino ma Adrian sa faatinoina i Matareva i Lefaga i Samoa.
Video 4of12 | Ua lata ina faaiuiu le aso fiafia o Fuatino ma Adrian i Matareva i Lefaga i Samoa.
Video 5of12 | Pese mulimuli a le faili e taualuga ai le aso fiafia o Fuatino ma Adrian ia manuia tele le aiga fou.
Video 6of12 | Siva Samoa a le ulugalii fou ia Adrian ma Fuatino ma le siva ma o la ua matua peleina.
Video 7of12 | Molimau a le uō sili a le teine faaipoipo ia Fuatino i lo la aso fiafia ma Adrian.
Video 8of12 | O nisi o a’u siva sa faafiafia i le aso fiafia o Fuatino ma Adrian i Matareva i Lefaga i Samoa
Video 9of12 | Faaiuina o le sauniga ma nisi o faafiafiaga i le aso fiafia o Fuatino ma Adrian.
Video 10of12 | Amatalia le sauniga i le tuufaatasia lea o Adrian ma Fuatino i le sakalameta o le faaipoipoga.
Video 11of12 | Taunuu le ulugalii fou ia Adrian ma Fuatino ma a la uō sili ma a la aumeamamae.
Video 12of12 | Faailoa le fiafia o le tinā o Adrian ma ana aumeamama i le aso fiafia o Fuatino ma Adrian.
Video 13 | Sauniuniga a le teine faaipoipo ia Fuatino ma lana laina, le alii faaipoipo ia Adrian ma lana laina.
