The adage “distance makes the heart grow fonder” is beautifully exemplified in the story of LaShauna Vontresa and Steven Paulo Domokamica. LaShauna lives in Virginia in the United States and Steven works and live in Kuwait.
Despite living apart, their love story culminated in a heartwarming union at the Pearl Resort on August 8, 2023, in Pacific Harbour.
The wedding was also a momentous occasion for the return of Veicorocoro, Tailevu, native, Steven, who has been away from home for a decade. Reuniting with his parents and family after such a prolonged period created cherished memories.
The wedding marked a significant milestone for Steven, a Veicorocoro, Tailevu native, who had been separated from his homeland for a decade. The reunion with his parents and extended family after such an extended absence forged unforgettable moments.
HOW OLD ARE YOU BOTH ?
LaShauna- 41 Steven- 34
NATIONALITY?
LaShauna is from North Carolina, USA. Steven is from Veicorocoro, Tailevu, Fiji
WHERE AND WHEN DID YOU FIRST MEET?
We met through a mutual friend who asked me to get to know her so that she wouldn’t feel uncomfortable when she arrived during her visit to Kuwait. Her intention was to meet her friend but that all changed with just a few sweet text messages from me..lol
WHAT FOSTERS YOUR CONNECTION?
I have to say it’s our love of Christ that connects us. Without him being the centre of our relationship, we wouldn’t have made it this far through trials and hardships. And we are even more blessed that we have people around us who continue to pray for us daily.
HOW WAS THE WEDDING PLAN LIKE?
Well, where do I start….it sure was a gruelling one as we started planning since 2019 to get married in 2020 but, COVID happened and we had to postpone it. When 2023 came we had to make it happen because we couldn’t wait for another year to pass us by again.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TOGETHER?
We have been together for 6 years and planning on being together till death do us part.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON YOUR FIJI WEDDING EXPERIENCE
It was a great experience to get married in Fiji after 10yrs of being away from home and to be among family and friends. Also, it was my wife’s first trip to Fiji. She had a great experience as she got to see how we Fijians get together for weddings and she even got to taste authentic Fijian food. Her favourite dish is “Kokoda”.
SHARE A MEMORABLE ROMANTIC OR AMUSING ANECDOTE FROM YOUR TIME TOGETHER.
It has to be the first text that I send her which reads, “Hi there my name is Steven but you can call me Steve, Stee or Stev but my friends call me Stee” to this day she still has the screenshot of that text and what makes it more funny is that she actually has the hardcopy. Yes, she printed it out.
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO CHOOSE FIJI AS YOUR WEDDING DESTINATION?
Because one it is my home country and also, I wanted to show my wife where I came from. Although traditionally we would have it where the bride is from, but I wanted my wife to see and experience Fiji for herself. I’m glad that she took that leap for me, and I am forever in love with her for that.
IF YOU HAD TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN, WOULD YOU?
We would but without the headache and the stress that came with it, mostly from me lol but definitely we would do it again because there is no place like Fiji honestly.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING IN FIJI?
The wedding is not for us men it’s our wife’s who the special day belongs to. So, if you want a smooth transition about the planning of the wedding just say “Yes” and comply.
WHERE ARE YOU BOTH CURRENTLY RESIDING?
LaShauna lives in Virginia in the US and I work and live in Kuwait.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?
Our plans for the future are simple, we plan on being in the same country under the same roof and no more of this longdistance life. Also, we have planned on having twins (even though my wife keeps saying triplets). And finally see what God has planned out for us moving forward.
YOU BEEN AWAY FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS HOW DID IT FEEL AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SEE YOUR PARENTS ESPECIALLY YOUR MUM ON YOUR RETURN?
Honestly it felt like tough being away from home for 10 years. Missing out on my only nephew, Michael Domokamica, many birthdays since birth and watching him grow up. It really meant a lot for me to see not only my parents but my siblings, Saula Domokamica and Rafaela Domokamica, as well with my nephew.
When the plane landed in Fiji all I could think of was seeing my parents faces when they see me. I was so overly excited that I forgot my luggage at the duty-free counter then I had to rush back in to retrieve it. That first hug from my mum, Litiana Domokamica, filled my heart with warmth that only a mother could fill and then to get a hug from my dad with words of thanks to the Almighty for bringing me home safely was the topping on the cake.
I cannot let you print this without a big shout out to my cousin, Ponijese Lomata, who made sure I was on the plane to Fiji every step of the way. So, Tukana thank you very much taciqu you made it happen for me and my family, you brought me home to them.
You asked me what it meant to my mother to see her first born in her arms again? Simple, it meant the world for her to see me again and I felt that from her tears, her big momma hug and kisses when she saw me.
Story By: leon.lord@fijisun.com.fj