Drew Afualo, a prominent influencer, has recently embarked on married life following her wedding to Pili Tanuvasa in August 2026 in Hawaii. The couple, who shared a nine-year relationship prior to tying the knot, have reminisced about their special day, with Afualo sharing candidly about the stresses involved in planning the event.
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During a conversation with PEOPLE at the Step Up 2026 Inspiration Awards held in Los Angeles on September 25, Afualo reflected on the challenges she faced while preparing for the ceremony. Despite the joyful memories created on the day, she admitted that the lead-up to the wedding was fraught with unexpected pressure. “It was lots of stress,” she remarked, revealing that the planning process took a toll on her physically, resulting in hair loss and eczema developing on her eyelids.
The wedding planning took an unexpected turn about a month before the ceremony when Afualo had to replace both her wedding planner and the venue. “Only four weeks before the celebration,” she recounted, highlighting the hurdles she overcame in order to ensure the day went smoothly. Fortunately, despite these last-minute changes and the overall stress involved, Afualo noted that the actual wedding day transpired without a hitch.
One of the most significant aspects of the event for Afualo was the opportunity to celebrate with her closest friends and family. She expressed that gathering all her loved ones in such a meaningful location was a highlight of the occasion. “All of my favourite people in one specific place that is so special to my heart,” she emphasised, adding that inviting many indigenous people to participate in the wedding was a point of pride for them.
After navigating the demanding wedding planning process, the influencer has now shifted her focus towards embracing married life. Afualo describes her early experiences as a newlywed as “amazing.” She stated, “Honestly, it feels great,” reflecting on how their bond remains strong even after transitioning into this new phase.
Afualo believes that the core of their relationship has remained consistent, which she views as a beautiful aspect of their connection. “I think it feels the same in a lot of ways,” she commented, highlighting the importance of maintaining their deep-seated bond.
Looking ahead, Afualo is eager to further develop her relationship with Tanuvasa. “I think just growing in my relationship. Growing in another level of it,” she shared. For her, this next chapter is filled with promise and the excitement of continuing to build a life together. “Both of us are so good-looking and successful; it’s just a win,” she added with a sense of enthusiasm.
As the couple settles into married life, Afualo’s journey serves as a reminder that even amidst the stresses of wedding planning, the joys of love and companionship prevail. With their strong foundation, the couple appears poised to create many more cherished memories together in the future.