Two hearts beat as one
THE unique union of two cultures is always fascinating to document.
It takes a whole lot of courage and dedication for two lovers to commit, let alone having to sacrifice a lot just to ensure they end up perfect soul mates at the end of the day.
Monish Nand and Adi Matatai Colavanua summed up a perfect story of how love knows no boundary. It was a wedding that transcended the best of the iTaukei and the Indian culture.
Mr Nand, an information officer technical with the Department of Information married Ms Colavanua, an early childhood educator in Sydney, Australia. Their wedding brought together close family members and loved ones from Fiji and abroad to witness the blissful wedding ceremony held in Suva and Pacific Harbour.
Monish is from Barotu in Rakiraki while his wife hails from Mualevu, Vanuabalavu, Lau, but was brought up in Lami by her maternal grandparents from Keteira, Moala.
As a couple from two different cultures, it was important for them to acknowledge and appreciate both traditions and cultures through the celebrations of their union.
"With Monish being Fijian of Indian descent it was vital that an Indian traditional wedding was held," Mrs Nand said.
"Understanding the process of an Indian wedding and putting this together was done through working together with Monish and his family while also bringing in knowledge and understanding from my aunties who are married to Fijians of Indian descent.
"As an iTaukei, a Christian wedding was held where Monish with his family and friends were personally involved in the process of the Christian wedding."
Through the different celebrations, both families were part of a uniting experience of two different cultures and faiths.
The couple first met during their university days 10 years ago; however, they started dating early last year when their friendship blossomed.
Dima, as she is commonly known, said she was blown away by her husband's smile and height while Monish was enamored by her beauty and friendliness.
Like any other couple, favorite past memories of being together can ease the burden of whatever tough situation they face in life.
For Monish, it was his turning up to surprise Dima in Sydney for her birthday last year while his wife's favourite memory was of Monish feeding her hot and spicy chicken from McDonald's when Dima flew in from Sydney.
The Indian traditional wedding took place at Arya Samaj Hare Krishna Hall in Toorak while the Christian wedding was held at Pearl Resort in Pa