A love story: Johan and Franzine

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 29 August 2016, 12:00AM

Love was at the centre of everything that Johan Paepaega Fagasua saw in Franzine Maryann Ah Ben. 

And that love was sealed before God when Johan and Franzine exchanged their vows at the Immaculate Conception of Mary at Mulivai on Saturday afternoon. 

Father Fereti conducted the service.

Franzine is the eldest daughter of Anton and Clementina Ah Ben of Lalovaea and Moamoa.

Johan is the second son of three children of Rev. Fagasua and Tauvela of the Congregational Christian at Vaitele-Uta, Fasitoo-uta and Fasito’o-tai.  The couple’s love story began in their college years in Saint Josephs and Saint Mary’s Colleges, before Franzine was sent overseas. 

But Johan never gave up.

“I followed her to New Zealand, and I will follow you wherever you go,” said Johan in front of the invited guests during the wedding reception. 

“Even though you’ve chased me away a number of times, no one will ever take you from me again.”

“For now, you need to be prepared; we’ll go to Malua in 2050.”

Johan recalled their love story as tough one but being married to the woman he believes is everything - he simply said, “Feels great.” 

“To all my family and friends who have gathered here today, thank you all for coming,

“Your attendance at our wedding is what makes the day so special for us.

“It means more than we can ever express and for that we are forever grateful.

“Cheers!

As a dedicated sportsman, Johan said he is the only one in the family who didn’t get a scholarship because he was always his father’s driver. 

“He (father) would leave my sister, Dorothy and brother, Jedi home to do their homework, but I always drove him around,” Johan said with a smile. 

“I remember asking my dad if it was all right for me to have a girlfriend, but he told me if she’s beautiful then why not, but if she’s not good looking then it’s a waste of time.”  Johan called on his father, Rev. Muao Fagasua while his beautiful bride was standing at his side.

“Muao, what do you think? She’s an A isn’t she?” (o le ‘A’ a le mea…a?)

Laughter filled the room while his father giggled under the tree holding his Ipad and shook his head while looking up at his son. 

The groom’s father Rev. Fagasua highlighted his son’s life for everyone. 

He said Johan is the only person in their family who never took his studies seriously. 

“But he never took his hands off his rugby ball.” Rev. Fagasua.

“He went to New Zealand a numbers of years ago without us knowing that he was using that chance to follow Franzine.

“To the new journey of this young couple today, may your conjugal life be filled with joy and happiness.

The Maid of Honour was Liz Fidow and the best man was Johan’s oldest brother, Jedidiah  Fagasua. 

The bridesmaids were Teuila Fidow, Tanya West, Dorothy Fagasua and Theresa Fidow. 

And the groomsmen were Ringaoto Smith, Junior Sepigafa, Faitala Lima and Joseph Ah Ben. 

Both families joined together at a reception at the Saint Therese Samoa Retreat at Leauva’a.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 29 August 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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