"I really didn't like him," recalled the former Shellie Silva.

Silva and Moku Paiva met seven years ago when they were training to become police officers, in the same recruit class at the Honolulu police academy.

"He was our class leader, and he was very macho and confident, almost arrogant," Silva said. ... "He would always pick on me."

Like the time Silva wanted to take down the American and Hawaiian flags from the flagpole fronting the academy. As class leader, Paiva had a say whether or not she could do the honors.

He said "no." She was irritated.

A turning point came at a class outing, when the students took part in a dragon boat race at Ala Moana Park. It was a family affair, so Paiva brought his two daughters — then 6 and 2 years old — from a previous marriage.

The whole day, Silva marveled at the way Paiva interacted with his girls, laughing, playing and swimming with them.

"It was amazing," Silva said. "It opened my eyes to a different person."

Still, romance was the farthest thing from Silva and Paiva's minds. She was in a troubled 10-year relationship. He had just gotten a divorce.

But there was no denying the mutual attraction. After graduating from the academy and after Silva's relationship ended, they decided to give it a try.

Silva remembers the first time she went out with Paiva and his two girls. They went to a restaurant, and Silva sat in front of his eldest daughter, then 7 years old.

"I don't want you to be here," his daughter said, staring coldly at Silva. "I want mom."

The words stung. Silva knew immediately the relationship wouldn't be an easy one, but she was up for the challenge.

"I saw the situation through her eyes," Silva said. "I didn't take it personally because I knew (she) was hurt."

The next few years had their share of drama, as the blended family worked to adjust to a new situation.

"She was just really patient with my girls," Paiva said.

Silva's patience and Paiva's encouragement broke down the barriers. In time, Paiva's daughters grew to accept Silva.

"My younger daughter couldn't wait for us to get married," Paiva said.

He remembers the day his youngest came home from a day of shopping with a toy ring she had bought. She gave it to her dad and told him to propose to Silva.

The wheels in Paiva's head slowly started turning.

On Feb. 16, 2004, the couple went on a belated Valentine's dinner date at Orchids restaurant in Waikiki. As they watched the sun set, he slipped a ring — a real one — in her champagne glass.

She said "yes." He was elated.

Silva, 33, and Paiva, 34 — both police officers — tied the knot April 23 at Luana Hills Country Club in front of 600 friends and family, including Paiva's two girls, who were a bridesmaid and flower girl in the bridal party.

The reception was more like a bash, with a karaoke room, and Hawaiian and reggae bands performing on the lawn.

"It was one big party," Paiva said.

The celebration not only symbolized the love shared between the couple, but what they had overcome through the years.

"We showed everyone how hard we were willing to fight to stay together," Shellie Paiva said. ... "Fighting for (us) is proof of the love we have for each other."