I did the photos for the wedding and it made it fun to be there for all of Fatai's and Leti (her husband)'s special moments. They truly are such good people, both of them. I was so proud of Fatai and the person she is. She is the type of woman that is beautiful inside and out--someone that all the younger siblings and cousins can look up to.
She was such a thankful bride--truly appreciative of everything that people were doing to help her have a beautiful day. I am so proud of her. (and her Mum for making it look effortless)
Fatai also did her Tau'olunga (Tongan version of a Hula). Then several other cousins and siblings also danced. I have copied in a few of the photos here.
Look at the aunty pretending to be rich! HAHAHA
Such a beautiful couple! I hope they are always able to be best friends.
I was also proud of Koala Bear. As with tradition, one of younger sisters or cousins dances at the reception to earn money for the new couple. Leni (Lady Hiva's sister) had her girls dance for our wedding, so Lady Hiva had Koala Bear learn a Hula for Fatai's wedding. We are lucky we have a good Hawaiian friend in our congregation in DC that can Hula really well and was willing to teach Koala Bear.
Koala Bear practiced for weeks. She was annoyed with her self-appointed coaches (Lady Hiva and I) always telling her what to do while she was dancing. Lady Hiva constantly repeated "smile!" and "slow down." My lines were "bend your knees" and "graceful arms and hands." She assured us that she was ready and would smile and bend her knees. BUT...then she saw the room had 500 people in it and got stage fright. So the poor girl went out and did her Hula with tears streaming down her face.
I was so proud of her for still doing it. She was so brave. She did bend her knees and had graceful hands! YAY!
