Bliss Magazine November 2013 Issue by Content House

Issue 22 | November 2013

WEDDINGS AND HOMES

To marry or move in? DIFFERENT PATHS TOWARD COMMITMENT

BOLD

& beautiful THE LATEST LOOKS IN BRIDALWEAR

True romance GORGEOUS GOWNS AVAILABLE LOCALLY

Homes

A STYLISH ABODE IN THE CAPITAL CITY

THE LATEST WEDDING TRENDS

Wonderful

weddings CELEBRATIONS THAT STAND OUT

HONEYMOONS

TOURING ALASKA, VANCOUVER AND THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

Your bedroom

ACHIEVING THE BEDROOM OF YOUR DREAMS

contents 6

inside... FASHION & BEAUTY 11 .... BOLD & BEAUTIFUL DRESSES 51 .... TRUE ROMANCE To Marry or Move in? PAGE 15

INTERVIEWS 15 .... TO MARRY OR MOVE IN? 90 .... A LIFE OF LAUGHTER

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS 21 .... Wedding Trends 23 .... A TALE OF TWO COUNTRIES 33 .... A STORYBOOK ROMANCE 41 .... FROM THIS DAY FORWARD A Tale of Two Countries PAGE 23

59 .... FABULOUS WEDDING FAVOURS 63 .... HIGH SEAS & LAND ADVENTURES 87 .... Wedding Directory

HOMES 71 .... THE FEEL GOOD HOUSE 81 .... THE BEDROOM OF YOUR DREAMS

The Feel Good House

On the cover

PAGE 71

Dress: A sophisticated gown adorned with French lace and soft tulle, Ivory & Co. Jewellery: Stroili silver 925 earrings with zircons, Stroili silver 925 bangle with zircons and Stroili silver 925 ring with zircons, all from the Silver Romance Collection, Gaba Gioielli.

Location: Palazzo Vittoriosa, Vittoriosa Photographer: Valentina Lupo (www.facebook.com/ valentinalupophotography) Photo Shoot Coordinator: Sarah Micallef Hair: Ritianne Borg, Privé Make-up: Caroline Bond (née Camilleri) using Make Up Store (7906 1197) Model: Beverly Tonna at Supernova Model

welcome 8

Editor’s letter Whether you’ve dreamt about what your wedding will be like since you were little or have only just started your research after getting engaged, your wedding day is likely to be one of the most important days of your life. As magical as the day itself should be however, planning a wedding involves a great deal of work, and headaches and stress are often part and parcel of the experience.

sarah micallef editor

JOIN US ON Visit BlissMagazineMalta

Here at Bliss we aim to bring together ideas and inspiration for your big day, to help you make the right decisions for a memorable wedding and focus on what is most important – celebrating the beginning of your wedded life. From sharing real couple’s experiences of their special day to what’s big in bridal fashion and the latest wedding trends, we’ve got your wedding covered to the last detail. Read about one couple’s destination wedding in Malta and the admirable way they overcame a double booking that could have jeopardised their ceremony; a true tale of romance that started on stage; and a vintage-themed affair rife with great decor ideas that could give you some ideas for your own big day. In this issue we also

turn our attention to some great souvenir options available on the market today, helping you choose a wedding favour that will serve as a perfect reminder of your wedding. For some, getting married is not so much a priority as moving in together and setting up a shared home. In this issue’s Cover Story, we meet two couples with different takes on commitment – a pair who are looking forward to sharing a home as husband and wife, and another who consider buying their home together as a sign of their commitment to each other. When it comes to home decorating, we all have different tastes and styles, and it is important for our homes to reflect our personalities. In this issue, we bring you the latest trends in bedroom decor for some tips and inspiration to help you achieve the boudoir you’ve always wanted. We also take a peek into a wonderfully restored Valletta townhouse that, through intelligent design solutions paired with its owners’ impressive taste, has been transformed into a truly impressive space that will have you thinking twice before judging a book by its cover. Enjoy the issue.

Win with Bliss Participate in our competition and you may win the elegant, floral and sensous fragrance inspired by Valentina, Acqua Floreale by Valentino, courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd. To enter the competition all you have to do is answer the following question:

Which article or feature did you most enjoy in this issue, and why? Send your answers, as well as your telephone number, to media@contenthouse.com.mt or in writing to: Bliss Magazine, Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel, QRM3000. Competition closes 29 November 2013. One entry per person. Terms and conditions apply.

Last issue Rita Lia won a Nina L’Eau Gift Set (EDT 50ml and Body Lotion 100ml) by Nina Ricci, courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd.

Issue 22 Saturday, November 2, 2013 Bliss is a weddings and homes magazine distributed with The Times. It has a distribution of 25,000 copies – making it the largest weddings and homes magazine in Malta. Editor: Sarah Micallef Publisher:

Content House Group Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel QRM3000 Tel: 2132 0713 Fax: 2132 0714 info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt Distribution:

Design: Switch Design & Brand Strategy Tel: 2131 6770 www.switch.com.mt Printer: Progress Press Ltd. Contributors: Caroline Bond Ritianne Borg Jo Caruana Martina Said Photography: Lionel Galea Aleksey Leonovs Valentina Lupo Andy Stevens Advertising: Content House Ltd Tel: 2132 0713 Advertising sales executive: Diane Scerri Advertising sales coordinator: Lindsey Ciantar

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written authorisation of Content House Ltd. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in the magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors it may contain.

bridal trends 11

Bold& beautiful dresses From pops of strong colour to delicate details, this season’s bridal trends are daring and striking. Bliss takes a look at the ones making the most powerful impression. words by: Martina Said | Catwalk shots courtesy of Barcelona Bridal Week

Matilde Cano

Jordi Dalmau

Jesus Peiro

Inmaculada Garcia

Drops of colour Fashion designers are making the brave move of cracking the ‘white wedding gown’ tradition. Numerous designers are showcasing coloured dresses, ranging from soft, pastel blues and pinks to daring reds and even black. White and ivory gowns will always be the mainstays, but you could give in to your more adventurous side by opting for a gown with coloured accents, be it in the form of appliqué, bows or waist sashes.

Raimon Bundo

Showing a little extra skin might not be what you’re after on your wedding day, but off-the-shoulder gowns made it big this season. Slightly revealed shoulders are a classy combination of sexy and demure, as well as a compromise between strapless dresses and fullon sleeves. You could also opt to add sleeves to the draped shoulder, or make it a one-shoulder gown altogether, all the while keeping the silhouette stylish and chic.

Patricia Avendaño

Miquel Suay

Hannibal Laguna

Sensual shoulders

See through the detail Panels of see-through fabric in dresses, tops and skirts have been making waves for a few seasons now. The trend – or a more toned-down version of it – has also spilled over into bridal designs. See-through inserts at the neckline add an interesting twist to a gown: when detailed with lace or appliqué, they offer the illusion of detail applied almost directly onto the skin, and can take the place of beautiful jewellery.

Rosa Clara

Miquel Suay

Jordi Dalmau

Franc Sarabia

Bridal Trends

cover story

To marry or move in? Every couple has a unique path. For some, sharing a home is the natural next step in their relationship before any mention of walking down the aisle. For others, living together is something they look forward to doing as husband and wife. Sarah Micallef talks to two couples on different journeys toward commitment.

Daniela Vella & Marc Von Brockdorff Daniela Vella, 25, works in digital marketing and is currently studying for her Master’s degree. Marc Von Brockdorff, 26, is a freelance web developer. They have been together for seven years, and moved into their apartment almost two years ago. Although they plan on getting married one day, they consider buying their home and moving in together as a sign of their commitment to one another. Marc and Dani, by their own admission, have very different personalities. Marc is quiet, patient and logical, while Dani is more spontaneous and creative. Despite these differences, the pair shares similar beliefs, principles and priorities. “We're both hard working and ambitious, and that makes us get on really well. Oh, and we both really love animals – we both agree that it would be hard to live with someone if they didn't want any pets!” They first decided to move in together while Dani was in her final year at university in the UK. They recall, “around three months before the course ended, we were chatting on Skype and decided to start looking for properties online. There wasn't much of a discussion; it just seemed like the logical next step in our relationship and the right thing to do.” Three months later they bought their apartment and moved in some months after that. Asked about their beliefs in relation to living together before getting married, they state that while it may not be for everyone, it was the right step for them. “We felt as if it was the best decision for us and it is

“ One day we will get married, and that will be a celebration of our relationship with our friends and family, but not as the starting point of something new, rather, a celebration of something that we already have.” – Dani & Marc

working out really well. Our advice would just be to follow your instincts.” The couple’s families were supportive of their decision and helped them along the

process of buying and setting up their new home. Looking back, Dani and Marc describe the experience as stressful, but rewarding at the same time. “There is far more paperwork and stress than we would have liked to imagine. But it was also extremely rewarding and we're both very happy with the result,” they ascertain. “It has brought us closer together in a way, because we invested loads of time and energy into making our home unique and a reflection of the things that we both love.” Whereas some may view living together before getting married as testing the waters before taking the plunge, this was not so for Dani and Marc. They explain, “living together helps you get to know each other better and be more patient with one

cover story

another, but we have never really seen it as 'testing each other out' before getting married. We both believe that marriage won't really change things all that much. Buying a place together and living together involves a huge amount of commitment and a lot of trust in one another, so we don't really see how marriage will change things.” Having said that, they are quick to point out that they don’t consider marriage to be unimportant, and do want to get married one day. “Some couples see marriage and the wedding itself as the ultimate goal of their relationship, and don't think much about what it will be like after they get married. They put too much emphasis on the wedding instead of focusing on the here and now of their relationships.

One day we will get married, and that will be a celebration of our relationship with our friends and family, but not as the starting point of something new, rather, a celebration of something that we already have.” Looking to the future, the couple maintain that for the time being, getting married is not their main priority. While work and studies are keeping them busy, they look forward to planning some interesting trips in the near future, explaining that they like to live day by day rather than to make longterm plans. “There will be marriage and kids somewhere along the line – but there is no particular rush. It might be in a few months’ time, a couple of years, or even a decade – whenever it feels like the right thing to do.”

Consuela Vassallo & Mark Barbara Mark Barbara, 27, an advertising sales executive, has been with his fiancée Consuela Vassallo, 24, a payroll and HR executive, for seven years. They are currently busy planning their wedding and decorating their new home, which they will move into once they are married. Despite attending the same school as Consuela, Mark jokes that he never had the courage to ask her out, so the internet was a godsend. “I added her to what was the ‘Facebook’ of the time, Hi5, and the rest is history. It was the perfect timing – summer was just starting, exams were over and we spent every single day together.”

cover story

“ There is no rush to live together – we want to take everything step by step. Apart from that, we look forward to starting a new life after marriage, out of the proverbial ‘nest’.” – Mark & Consuela

“We felt that after six years we could pass a safe judgment that we were right for each other.”

The old adage that opposites attract seems to be true for them too, with Consuela being more of a bubbly person and Mark rather more reserved, but it is these differences that make them get along so well, they say. In fact, they believe that they have found their soul mate in one another. “It sounds like a cliché, but we knew we were meant for each other. Obviously, marriage is not easy, and we both know that we have to work hard to keep our relationship strong.” Mark explains that for him and Consuela, deciding that it was time to get married was a mutual decision. “After some years into our relationship, we felt it was time to take it to the next level, so we decided to plan our next step – a married life. Being the romantic type, I would have liked to

propose the old-fashioned way, but since Consuela is not very romantic, getting down on one knee and proposing to her would have probably been met with an awkward look, so I avoided it!” As for moving in together, the couple state that they never really considered doing so before marriage, explaining, “there is no rush to live together – we want to take everything step by step. Apart from that, we look forward to starting a new life after marriage, out of the proverbial ‘nest’.” Mark and Consuela go on to maintain that while nowadays many couples move in together before they get married to make sure they are compatible before committing themselves to marriage, in their case it wasn’t necessary.

Once they are married, the couple acknowledge that their relationship will change, but believe that it will be for the better. “We are not in denial over the challenges married life brings with it, but we believe that if we work as a team and look out for each other, there is no reason we shouldn’t happily spend the rest of our lives together. There is a lot of hard work involved and we are just at the tip of the iceberg, but as our usual mantra goes, we take things step by step. After all, it is one big adventure!” Apart from that, they have no regrets, and are both excited about what the future holds, maintaining, “living together is something that we are both very much looking forward to. The fact that you are about to embark on a new journey and a new adventure to start your very own family is something we treasure very fondly.” ∞ Photos By: Lionel galea

trends

Wedding Trends

glamour.com

With the start of the new year just around the corner, Bliss takes a look at the exciting new trends that will be taking the bridal world by storm. All the dresses keyemgiweds.wordpress.com

Themed weddings We live in an age where anything can be personalised, including your wedding. Create your big day around a theme of your choice, having a great deal of fun in the process. From personalised invitations to monograms and photos, a themed wedding guarantees a fabulous result.

This might not be a feasible option for all brides – for budgetary reasons – but an outfit change half way through the wedding is emerging as a new trend. It’s a way of getting the best of both worlds, wearing not one but two gowns in one night.

Move to the music We’ve listened to the same love songs wedding after wedding. It’s time to create a new playlist, with songs that are in tune with your tastes. If you love hip hop, there is no reason you shouldn’t be dropping it like it’s hot at your reception.

eweddinginspiration.com

etsy.com heavenlybloomsblog.com

weddingwire.com

A blush wedding Shades of blush pink are making it big as the colour of choice for wedding and bridesmaid dresses. Timeless and romantic, blush can be incorporated into different details of the wedding – be it invitations, flowers and table decorations or even pink champagne.

Old school glamour

Bold invitations idealbridemagazine.co.uk

Movies like The Great Gatsby may have a lot to do with this theme, but old-school glamour is emerging as a popular style, which means anything from classic garden receptions to theatrical affairs, including art deco, silverware and crystal, mirrors and cocktails.

Rich patterns, prints and fonts in bright colours are gaining popularity for wedding invitations, all the while retaining a touch of class. From copper or bronze hues to deep purples and reds, don’t hesitate to choose colours that are somewhat unconventional.

real wedding

Name of Bride: Frankie

Cefai Profession: Accountant Name of Groom: Steven Profession: Police Date of Wedding: 5

I Age: 26

Edwards Officer

I Age: 30

July 2013

Ceremony Location:

Mellieha Parish Church and the Sanctuary of Our Lady, Mellieha Wedding Venue: Grand Ballroom Terrace, Radisson Golden Sands

A tale of two countries For Steven Edwards and Frankie Cefai, the choice to get married in Malta meant a British wedding with a Maltese twist. Through the laughter and tears, they relive the highs and hiccups of their destination wedding with Sarah Micallef.

Frankie and Steven first met seven years ago, at quite a prominent location. On spotting Steven at Faces nightclub in Essex, the same nightclub that has frequently featured on BAFTA award-winning reality TV show The Only Way is Essex, Frankie recalls with a laugh, “he was drunk and I didn't fancy him at all at first. He says that he fancied me from the moment he saw me, but men are superficial!” A few years on, Steven decided that the beautiful Lake District would be the perfect place to propose to Frankie. She relives the magical experience, maintaining “he hired a private boat and took me into the middle of the lake, with nothing but rolling hills as a backdrop. We were the only people there and it was very quiet and romantic. He turned the engine off, gave me a big cuddle and told me he loved me. Eventually he looked at me and asked, ‘should I get down on one knee?’ I burst into tears, and we were engaged.” And that wasn’t all Steven had up his sleeve, she recalls, “he then took me back to Manchester where we stayed in an incredible suite with champagne and flowers, then headed to a beautiful French restaurant for dinner. Perfect.”

real wedding

“ After introducing Steven to Malta and going to see my family every year, it felt like the perfect place. The food and weather are great, and it meant our guests got a holiday too.”

to see my family every year, it felt like the perfect place. The food and weather are great, and it meant our guests got a holiday too.”

Living in the UK but wanting to get married in Malta, where her father is originally from, Frankie explains why Malta was the perfect location for them, stating, “after introducing Steven to Malta and going

Admitting that planning a wedding overseas is difficult, Frankie enlisted the help of a wedding planner to help with the preparations. She explains, “our wedding planner Martina Selvagi helped with all the prep for the wedding and recommended

the best vendors, and my family in Malta helped find a nice priest and came with me to visit venues on my trips to Malta.” Despite Frankie’s wishes, a church wedding was not quite what Steven had in mind at first, however. “Initially Steven didn't want to get married in a church as he isn't Catholic, so we were going to go for a civil ceremony. He eventually realised it was important to me though, so we

real wedding

decided to get married in the church where my dad attended mass every Sunday as a child.” In the week leading up to the big day however, a mix-up in bookings could have spelled disaster for the couple, and jeopardised Frankie’s wish to get married at the Mellieha parish. She describes the experience as a nightmare, explaining “the priest double booked our time for the ceremony, and we didn't find out until it was too late to change venue. In order to avoid mass being incredibly late, we got married in two churches – which is very original to say the least! We had mass in the parish church which was incredible, and then the marriage ceremony was held in the sanctuary, which is only separated

by a few stairs, so it made the ceremony seem even more unique.” To this end, Frankie credits Father Joe Abela, who celebrated mass, with providing invaluable help to rectify the situation, explaining, “he was very kind and understanding, and helped us get everything sorted when things looked a bit up in the air.” As a result, the pair describes the ceremony as beautiful,

personal and very special. “We had friends and cousins doing the bidding prayers and readings, and a string quartet when I walked down the aisle, which I had wanted ever since I was a bridesmaid at my aunt’s wedding, where she had Canon by Pachelbel played,” Frankie says with a smile. Frankie looked stunning as she walked down the aisle in a fitted fishtail dress from

real wedding

Pronovias, featuring a detachable tulle overlay that looked impressive in church and came off to reveal a sexy fishtail look for the evening. Frankie excitedly recalls how much she loved it and how good it made her feel, not to mention the groom’s reaction. “Steven said it was the best wedding dress he had ever seen, though he might be biased!” she enthuses. Once the ceremony was over, it was time to hit the beach. Coming from England, beaches are a novelty, so a beach view was high up on the couple’s list of priorities when looking for a reception venue. This led to the couple’s decision to settle on the Grand Ballroom Terrace of the Radisson Golden Sands for a lavish five-course barbeque dinner by Island Caterers. “It was important to us that our guests got to see the sun set. As it happened, it was probably the only overcast 5th July in Malta ever, but it still made for better photos!”

“ It was important to us that our guests got to see the sun set. As it happened, it was probably the only overcast 5th July in Malta ever, but it still made for better photos!”

What the couple wanted most of all from their wedding, they maintain, was for it to be classic with a personal twist, incorporating their families – a wish that became a reality. Frankie explains, “we went the traditional British route with a Maltese twist.”

Indeed, more help from friends and family came by way of invites and souvenirs, with Frankie’s best friend designing the invites and place names, and Steven’s mother taking care of some very unique souvenirs. “Steven’s mum got everyone fans with their names on them as a souvenir. Given

real wedding

the heat, we thought this was perfect and they were an absolute godsend in the end.” Steven’s cousin Sam Tier performed the first dance – Better Man by James Morrison mixed with We Are Young by F.U.N., which he put together especially for the couple. Frankie recalls the sweet story behind the choice of song, explaining, “when Steven was in Thailand, right at the beginning of our relationship, the former was the song that he kept hearing and it reminded him of me. Since then, we always knew it would be our song. Sam sang We Are Young in a singing contest in which he reached the final, and we loved it so much we asked if he could incorporate it.”

Besides their first dance, as Frankie reflects on the most memorable parts of their special day, she cites the moment she first walked into the church and spotted Steven with tears in his eyes to be high up on her list, “closely followed by the speeches and our cousin Frank’s mental MCing later on in the night!” Looking back on their magical wedding in Malta, Frankie and Steven share that it was perfect for them, and would do it all over again if they could. “It was everything we imagined and more. We loved that most of our guests were relaxed and on holiday – it meant that there was a fabulous vibe to the whole day.”

royal blue

Photos By: Aleksey ieonovs | www.onespecialday.eu

Frankie and Steven chose to focus on a colour in particular for their wedding decor and bridal party – royal blue. Frankie explains that the choice reflects their roots, stating “it is both British and has a Mediterranean feel. I also knew this colour would suit every one of my bridesmaids and look fabulous as part of the flower arrangements.”

FRESH FLOWERS The cake was made up of three tiers, one layer of chocolate and biscuit, one of vanilla and a more traditionally Maltese almond layer. It was covered in fresh flowers, which featured throughout the wedding decor. “Alistair, our florist, was amazing. He incorporated the same flowers into the table designs with lanterns,” Frankie says.

LACE TOUCHES To complement the lace and tulle overlay on her fishtail style wedding dress, Frankie finished off her bridal look in style, with a pair of peep-toe lace-covered heels. What’s more, she laughs, they were also a real bargain, which made sense as they left room for her beautiful gown to take centre stage. ∞

real wedding

Name of Bride: Maxine

Calleja Urry Profession: Content Writer

I Age: 25

Brimmer I Age: 25 Development Executive

Name of Groom: Nathan Profession: Business Date of Wedding: 25

May 2013 Ceremony Location: Castello Zamitello, Mgarr Wedding Venue: Castello Zamitello, Mgarr

A storybook romance Nathan Brimmer and Maxine Calleja Urry wanted their wedding to reflect the fun and romance of their relationship. The newlyweds relive their special day with Sarah Micallef, from the romantic proposal through to an impromptu performance by their friends. Six years ago, Nathan and Maxine’s eyes met across a crowded dance floor, but it wasn’t in a usual setting. They were dance partners on stage in the MADC pantomime Pirates of the Mediterranean, yet it wasn’t so much love at first sight (or dance!) as love at first conversation. They recall that first night, explaining, “we sat around talking one night and found out we had so much in common.” Maxine, known to her friends as Max, says that she knew Nathan was the one for her right away, maintaining, “my mother always said that when I met the man I wanted to marry, I'd feel it in my bones. I never believed her, till I met Nathan.” It wasn’t until two years later however, on holiday in Venice for their anniversary that Nathan got down on bended knee. He looks back at how just before they set off, his brother half-joked about him proposing while there. “After a moment's contemplation, I realised that it made sense. This is the woman I wanted to marry.” The proposal, Max recalls with a smile, is one fit for a romance novel. “We were trailing through the gardens at the Guggenheim Museum when we stopped in front of an old olive tree which people hang written wishes from. He asked me what I wished for, and I said that I wished we'd be happy together. He said he wished for the same thing before getting down

real wedding

“Stress was around every corner but I got around it by thinking everyday that even if something does go wrong, it's the marriage, not the wedding that's important.”

on one knee and popping the question. It was spontaneous and unplanned, and so romantic. I have to admit I cried a little. Then I obviously said yes!”

that's important.” In fact, they both admit they didn’t really have any disagreements about anything, “apart from Nathan's input, or lack thereof,” Max jokes.

Nathan shrugs, “I put the ‘hopeless’ in ‘hopeless romantic’.”

The theme and colour scheme of the wedding was the one aspect they were both dead set on from the start. Opting to go for what they call a vintage electroswing theme, they explain that it was perfect for them, because “it happily marries old style with new sounds to appeal to all age groups. Plus, we absolutely love it!”

Once it came to the wedding preparations, Max took centre stage, taking care of every last detail. They opted not to go with a wedding planner, deciding on a day organiser, just to take the stress off on the big day. She recalls, “stress was around every corner but I got around it by thinking everyday that even if something does go wrong, it's the marriage, not the wedding

Asked whether they had an image of what it would all look like in their heads

beforehand, Max maintains that she wanted it “to not be over the top, modern and still a bit classical, but mostly fun. And I'd like to think we pulled it off!” Ever the romantic, Nathan chips in, “Max was there. That's all that really counts.” Once the big day arrived, Nathan was calm, although Max recalls it being a surreal feeling. “I couldn't believe it was finally here and I had actually slept the night before!” They opted for a civil service, so the ceremony was performed at the wedding venue itself – Castello Zamitello, in Mgarr. “We chose the place because if love at first sight could apply to venues, that was it,” they gush. As for the ceremony itself, they describe it as mercifully brief with no frills, though they did write their own vows. “I was up until midnight the day before trying to finalise them!” Max laughs.

real wedding

Maxine glowed on the day, in a custom gown designed to her exact specifications in keeping with the wedding’s vintage theme. She explains, “the dress was designed by Lara Spiteri, and it was exactly what I wanted. The bodice was lace from Camilleri Paris Mode, with three quarter sleeves and a scalloped boat neckline. I opted not to go for a floor-length skirt, but emphasized the vintage theme with an ankle-length swing skirt.” Beside her, Nathan beamed at his wife-to-be in a grey three-piece suit from The Knot. The couple were joined by 350 guests on the day, including visitors from overseas, who flew over just for their special day. The pair recalls how touched they were by the multicultural attendance, explaining “we felt so blessed and flattered to have so many friends fly down from abroad. We had friends and relatives travelling from Canada, England, Scotland and Germany, and it meant the world to us to have them there.” There was, however,

one face missing in the crowd. “Due to very unfortunate circumstances, one of our groomsmen got stuck overseas the day before the wedding and had to be replaced at the last minute,” they admit. When it was time to hit the dance floor for their first dance, the newlyweds opted for L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole, explaining “it tied in with our vintage theme; we both love that kind of music, and it just felt right.” But that was not the only musical highlight. Max fondly recalls getting a little emotional when it was time to cut the cake, and her friends had a surprise in store. “After we cut the cake, a large group of our friends burst into rehearsed song. They sang Seasons of Love from the musical Rent and I was so touched that they all wanted to be part of this and send us off so well.”

Looking back, they relive their favourite parts of their special day. For Max, it was when she reached the venue and finally laid eyes upon her husband-to-be. She says affectionately, “I have so much fun with Nate that spending the first part of the day without him felt like something was missing.” As for Nathan, the best part came when it was all over, and he could finally be alone with his new bride. He confides, “everything was done and dusted, and we could sneak away and enjoy our time together.” All in all, the happy couple describe their wedding day as an amazing experience, stating, “all the clichés are true: you will never forget it, it will be one of the greatest days of your life, and everyone will get hilariously drunk.”

real wedding

FLORAL FEATURES The bride carried an elegant and sophisticated bouquet of longstemmed white roses, small variants of which adorned the groom and groomsmen’s lapels. The same white roses accented the venue and cake table, bringing a vintage touch to proceedings that echoed the wedding’s theme.

FLAVOURFUL CAKE

STORYBOOK INVITES “The invites were designed by my amazing best friend and maid of honour, Jenny Cefai. She created these beautiful little leaflet invitations to look like old Penguin storybooks,” Max explains. The storybook invites featured chapters detailing snippets of the couple’s romance as well as a personalised epilogue and even a blurb on the back. “I'm still in love with them,” she says with a smile.

Photos By: Andy stevens

The wedding cake was made up of three tiers, comprising baci cake on the bottom, and chocolate on the top two tiers. It was covered in plain white icing with delicately made white sugar roses cascading from the top tier, and green ribbon around the base. The cake also had a homemade touch, Max adds, “the sugar flowers were made by my extremely talented aunt, Jane Calleja Urry.” ∞

real wedding

Farrugia I Age: 29 Profession: Compliance Officer Name of Bride: Lisa

Name of Groom: Steve Profession: Fraud

Downs Analyst

I Age: 35

Date of Wedding: 15

June 2013 Ceremony Location: The Sanctuary of Our Lady, Mellieha Wedding Venue: Maritim Hotel, Mellieha

From this day forward For Lisa Farrugia and Steve Downs, what started as an office romance quickly blossomed into something very special. Here they share their favourite moments from their intimate summer wedding with Jo Caruana.

The planets definitely aligned when Lisa and Steve met for the first time. After all, it may have seemed unlikely that this Maltese girl and British guy would meet and fall in love – but they did. The couple explain that they first got to know each other while working together, when Steve had moved to Malta to further his career. “As things progressed,” Lisa puts in, “it became more and more awkward being around each other in the office so, when Steve took the plunge and decided to look for a different job, our relationship really took off. We rented a place together at the time, and jumped on the property ladder a couple of years later.” Steve proposed in August 2012. “He came in from work one day and suggested we go for a walk,” Lisa says, smiling at the memory. “We headed up to the Red Tower in Mellieha with the understanding that he wanted to show me a secluded beach around there. Steve spent summers in Mellieha as a child so he knows the area quite well. “We got to the cliff edge with the sunset in front of us and swallows swooping and roosting in the cliffs below. I looked over the edge and then turned back to him – at which point he was down on one knee with an open ring box in his hand! He asked if I would marry him and I was over the moon and immediately hugged and kissed him,

real wedding

“ From the start, we both knew we wanted a small and intimate wedding with just our families and closest friends, so the tiny, wellknown chapel was perfect.”

married there and had nothing but great things to say about it; then, when we went to see it, we both made our minds up right away. It was one of the first things we booked with regards to the wedding.

and told him nothing would make me happier.”

although there were the odd stressful and testing moments all the same!” Lisa grins.

After that, the happy couple set the date for eight months down the line, giving themselves enough time to plan the wonderful wedding they had in mind.

Lisa and Steve chose to get married at The Sanctuary of Our Lady in Mellieha and held their reception just across the road at the Maritim Hotel.

“As for the reception, we really liked the idea of it being a stone's throw away so our guests could just walk over instead of having to drive around and park twice. We loved their garden pool area and could really picture our reception being held there. The staff were very friendly and helpful, so our decision was made easy. The fact that everything was to be held in Mellieha felt homely and significant to us too, as we both consider it to be our hometown now, since moving there a couple of years ago.”

“We both decided we didn't want a long engagement period and, since neither of us was very fussy about certain details, we just enjoyed the preparation process. It was quite enjoyable and smooth really,

“From the start, we both knew we wanted a small and intimate wedding with just our families and closest friends, so the tiny, well-known chapel was perfect,” Steve explains. “Some of our friends had got

Choosing the right dress was also a priority for Lisa, and she knew exactly what she wanted – a simple-yet-elegant design that really reflects her style. “A few weeks after Steve proposed, I was looking through

real wedding

a wedding magazine when I saw the most beautiful dress,” she recalls.

while the ceremony was very intimate and didn't drag on.

“It was all lace, with a heart-shaped neckline, very tight, and then with a slight flare just below the knees. It also had a bow belt around the waist. Seeing that gave me a shape and style to target and, in the end, I ordered one that I spotted in a catalogue, not knowing what it would be like in real life or if it would suit me. Thankfully, when it got here, I felt so elegant and comfortable in it that I knew it was ‘the one’. In the end, it was the moment I put on the shoes and veil that I felt like a real bride. I loved it!”

“The food at the reception was another highlight, as was the décor, which my cousins and other family members helped to set up the day before.”

When it comes to the day itself, both Steve and Lisa enthuse that it was better than they could have ever expected. “The fact that all the people who cared for us most were there felt amazing. The weather was absolutely beautiful – sunny and warm –

For Lisa, one special moment came when her dad, Steve and Steve’s best man made their speeches. “As it’s not really normal for there to be so many speeches at a Maltese wedding, I think it was a little different and people seemed to enjoy them,” she says. “We were especially touched by my dad's speech as, until the very day of the wedding, he was refusing to give one! We were both very surprised when he pulled some notes out of his pocket and was the first to give his speech on the day. Steve’s speech was also wonderful, and I cried like a baby throughout it!”

A few months on, the couple look back on their day with the belief that it absolutely couldn’t have gone any better than it did. “Aside from the church and venue, it was all the people who made it so special for us. Everyone made such an incredible effort – from our parents and families who were a constant support, to the whole bridal party who did so much for us. Looking around the room, it was incredible to see so many happy faces smiling back at us, and we’re so grateful to the friends and family who made that extra effort and flew over from the UK or Canada. Nothing beats being able to share the best day of your lives with the people who you love the most!” >

real wedding

VINTAGE CHIC Both Lisa and Steve love vintage-themed items, and Steve also wanted to add a ‘touch of home’ with elements of an English village and countryside. “Months before the wedding we started collecting mason jars, which we later decorated with lace, pearls and blue ribbon (to match the maid of honour's dress, which we got from Wedding Bells in a lovely vintage hue). “On the day we filled the jars with flowers, and they looked just like they’d been picked from a field. Steve also made vintage-effect signs from pallets of wood (which are now hanging in our kitchen). On our guest table we also placed a large heart-shaped frame, displaying photos of our parents when they were younger. We also had two washing lines put up with a selection of photos of us, our hobbies and our pets.”

So sweet

THE PERFECT SOUNDTRACK The choice of music also added to the originality of the day. Instead of hiring a band, Lisa and Steve came up with their own playlist and chose a DJ for the reception, with instructions for him to only play what was on the list. “We took that part quite seriously and only selected the songs that we thought would add to the evening; we were thrilled with the end result as lots of people complimented us on it.”

Top Tips: Lisa and Steve share their top tips for organising a wedding: Lisa: “Six months is ample time to plan a wedding, despite what people say. Be flexible and adapt to what’s feasible and available, and always be ready to listen to each other’s opinions and wishes. Don’t lose sight of what you’re actually celebrating – committing to a lifetime with the love of your life. It’s all too easy to end up arguing unnecessarily because of all the stress and thoughts running through your head. That's why it’s sometimes

important to sit back and relax, and do something different.” Steve: “A couple of weeks before the wedding, Lisa and I went rock climbing. It felt liberating to relax and release the pressure for a bit, and to commit to something non-wedding related! Also, remember that you can’t please everyone all the time – it is your wedding after all.” ∞

Photos By: valentina lupo | www.facebook.com/valentinalupophotography

Another main attraction was the tower of cupcakes (which were made with extra care, detail and love by Lisa’s cousin) on the cake table. Another ‘sweet’ touch was the vintage-style glass containers filled with candy and finished with vintage labels made out of cardboard and lace. “They were just like the ones the old village sweet shops used to sell!” Lisa grins.

photography

Pinkish Line Wedding Services – Malta’s first wedding photography agency Pinkish Line Ltd and KA Photography and Video Services, two professional photographic studios with more than 20 years’ experience specialising in wedding photography, joined forces to combine both their energy and synergy in Pinkish Line Wedding Services, thus founding the very first professional wedding photography agency based in Malta.

Throughout the years both teams have built a respectable reputation in the field of wedding photography. As a result, this agency is able to guarantee both professionalism and quality.

Why an agency? One of the main reasons behind the foundation of this agency is to ensure that the service is carried out by professional photographers, photo editors and designers in all eventualities, all of whom undergo constant courses and tuition to keep up-todate with new and innovative trends. This agency is now also offering a variety of packages to suit any budget and custom made financial plans. Pinkish Line Wedding Services strives to excel in customer service through consultation meetings, the sharing of ideas, online services and on-schedule deliveries. Couples will also have the opportunity to discuss the details and plan the decor for their sessions (be it pre-wedding sessions, wedding day photography and/ or post wedding sessions) with both their designated photographer and their planner to ensure the outcome is to their satisfaction. Being an agency, we are able to offer different styles of photography including, but not limited to, contemporary, photojournalistic, candid and portrait photography. We are renowned for our innovative ideas particularly themed pre/ post photo sessions, print on location, printing on different materials (glass, wood, canvas) and photo souvenirs. Our vast range of products varies from guest books to traditional albums and coffee table books including parents’ books with exclusive personalised covers and cases. We are aware of the huge effort couples put into their wedding preparations, among which are the planning of themes and the purchasing of accessories. Therefore, we

make sure that every detail is captured by our professional photographers and record each moment of your unique day for many years to come. Quality is something we strongly believe in. We strive to deliver the best product and service to our esteemed clients. If you want to know more about us feel free to look for us on Facebook (www. facebook.com/Pinkishline) and take a look at our latest work. We post and upload images daily to keep you informed and updated. We are also going to participate in the annual MFCC weddings expo this November.

Pinkish Line Wedding Services Pietru Xuereb Street, Pietà. T: 2767 7212; M: 9944 2879; E: info@pinkishline.com; W: www.pinkishline.com; F: Pinkish Line. Photos By: Kenneth Azzopardi & roderick cachia

FASHION

True romance Location: Palazzo Vittoriosa, Vittoriosa Photographer: Valentina Lupo (www.facebook.com/ valentinalupophotography) Photo Shoot Coordinator: Sarah Micallef Hair: Ritianne Borg, PrivĂŠ Make-up: Caroline Bond (nĂŠe Camilleri) using Make Up Store (7906 1197) Model: Beverly Tonna at Supernova Model DRESS: A beautiful figure-hugging mermaid style dress embellished with lace motifs and Swarovski crystals, complemented by a matching bolero. By True Bride at Alamango Bridal. JEWELLERY: 18kt white and rose gold Anteo wedding ring set with 0.06ct diamonds, 0.57ct diamond earrings set on 18kt white gold, 0.75ct solitaire diamond ring set on 18kt white gold ring and 18kt white gold collier set with 2.29ct natural round brilliant cut diamonds, Vascas Jewellers.

fashion

DRESS: Featuring beautiful French lace, this Jesus Peiro fish-tail gown exudes bridal elegance. The off-shoulder long sleeves are embellished by pearl sequins, adding a delicate shimmer to the wrists. Worn with a Vera Wang silk-chorded belt accented with hand-embroidered Swarovski crystals and silk organza, Camilleri Paris Mode. JEWELLERY: 18ct diamond earrings, 18ct white gold wedding ring with diamonds, and solitaire diamond ring with a 1.5 cushion cut diamond, all designed exclusively for Classic Jewellers.

DRESS: Real satin dress with off-the-shoulder bodice embroidered with silver and mother-of-pearl gemstone embroidery with tulle bateau camisole embroidered on the shoulders. Bias-cut sash at the waist. A-line skirt with frilled pleats at the sides. Oderi, Pronovias. JEWELLERY: 18ct diamond earrings, 18ct gold two tone wedding ring and solitaire diamond ring with a 1.25 round brilliant cut diamond, all designed exclusively for Classic Jewellers.

fashion

DRESS: A chic and classy gown with rhinestone beading and laser cut silk edges, Ivory & Co. JEWELLERY: Stroili silver 925 loop earrings with zircons and Valenti silver 925 bracelet with zircons, Gaba Gioielli.

DRESS: Sweetheart ruched bust with beaded lace and a chapel train.Complementing the dress is a Spanish veil in lace, Natashaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s His and Hers. JEWELLERY: Fresh water pearl pendant with a 0.02ct diamond and pink sapphire with 18kt white and yellow gold chain, fresh water pearl earrings with 0.04ct diamonds and pink sapphires set on 18kt white and yellow gold, an 18kt white and yellow gold Anteo wedding ring set with 0.08ct diamonds, and a 0.58ct Leo cut solitaire diamond ring set on 18kt white gold, Vascas Jewellers.

fashion

DRESS: Lovely short bridal gown in French lace and tulle with matching retro-inspired accessories. All available at WEDDINGBELLS.

trends

fabulous

wedding favours

It’s always a good idea to send guests away with a wedding souvenir that they can use rather than shelve and forget. From music-themed keepsakes to personalised coasters, here are a few ideas that might come in handy for your wedding souvenirs.

Custom creations

Musical inspirations

Gifts for all occasions

Once Upon a Wedding creates souvenirs which are unique, customand hand-made. They are available in a wide range of themes including elegant, modern, glitz, lace, butterfly and vintage, and are guaranteed to wow your guests. Prices start at €0.75.

There’ll be a song in their hearts when your guests receive these musical note bottle opener favours from Tie The Knot. Whether it’s about bringing people together on the dance floor or just adding atmosphere to the room, music is a central ‘note’ at any occasion, and a perfect souvenir for a musical wedding.

Couples on the hunt for wedding souvenirs can head to Kudos, which offers weddings favours, accessories, invitations, giftware and more. At Kudos, you will find the widest selection of unique and quality party favours, as well as gifts for all of life’s special occasions.

Once Upon a Wedding; www.onceuponawedding.com.mt; Facebook: Once upon a Wedding

Tie The Knot; mob: 9987 6544; email: tietheknot@melita.com

Kudos, Vjal il-Qalbiena Mostin, Mosta. Tel: 2141 6139; mob: 7930 0023; email: info@kudos.com.mt; www.kudos.com.mt

trends

A soap for every occasion For those seeking quality, and locally hand-crafted souvenirs with a unique twist, natural soaps that can be customised and tailor-made according to your theme are the perfect choice. Give something beautiful, original, useful and above all, proudly made in Malta. Soap Cafe Malta, 46, St Mary Street, Sliema. Mob: 9988 3675; www.SoapCafeMalta.com; Facebook: Soap Cafe Malta

Charming gifts

Charming Diva offers all the accessories and party ware you need for your wedding day, including souvenirs and invitations, guest books and pens, champagne glasses, ring pillows, celebration confetti and more. Rental of baskets, envelope holders and venue decorations are also available.

Quality favours

Charming Diva. 193, Constitution Street, Mosta. Tel: 2142 3634; mob: 9942 3634; www.charmingdiva.com; Find us on Facebook.

La Bomboniera, 25, High Street, Sliema. Tel: 2131 2503; mob: 7970 5819; email: william2@melita.com

Stylish coasters Cute DIY coasters are simple to make and easy on the pocket. Made from small tiles decorated with pens, markers, ribbon or rope, create a set of coasters for guests to take home with them, which they can use in turn for when their guests are over. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an innovative gift, useful and very pretty.

At La Bomboniera, one can choose from a vast array of souvenirs, ranging from beautiful small bags made of the finest Italian fabrics filled with sugared almonds, to exquisite lace work. La Bomboniera stocks souvenirs and gifts for all occasions.

honeymoon

High seas & land adventures Newlyweds Cristian and Vanessa Farrugia knew they wanted something a little different for their first holiday as Mr and Mrs – and they got it! Here they tell Jo Caruana about their wonderful memories of Alaska, Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies.

Names: Cristian

and Vanessa Farrugia and 32 Occupations: Bankers Ages: 33

Why they picked it For some couples, choosing the right honeymoon destination can mean long hours of debates as compromises are reached and dream destinations discussed. However, for Cristian and Vanessa Farrugia, both of whom consider themselves to be easy-going, choosing the perfect place to go does not seem to have fazed them at all. “We considered all sorts of options with our helpful travel agents the Cruise and Travel Group before making our choice, but were always sure that we wanted to get away from it all and chill out,” smiles Cristian. “After all, organising a wedding can be pretty stressful! “Among our top choices were a road trip through England and Scotland with a hop-over to the Norwegian Fjords, as well as a Caribbean cruise. In the end, we eliminated our first option because we wanted to venture outside of Europe, and our second because it was not the right season. An Alaska cruise and some time spent in Canada seemed to offer everything we wanted!”

The first leg: a seven-day Alaskan cruise “Kick-starting our journey, we flew to Anchorage in Alaska, and then took a coach to Whittier, where we embarked the Princess Sapphire cruise ship,” says

Athabasca Falls

honeymoon 64

Margerie Glacier

Walking on Columbia Icefield

“We spotted the Margerie Glacier and Hubbard Glacier. And we were so close to them that we could actually hear the ice cracking and watch it fall before our very eyes. It was so beautiful and peaceful that it’s hard to describe”

Cruising in Habbard Bay

Vanessa. “Getting there proved to be quite a long journey – almost 24 hours from Malta in total – so we were naturally quite tired. That said, as soon as we saw the boat docked in the bay we knew our long trip had been worth it!” Both Cristian and Vanessa agree that Alaska is magnificent. “It’s a unique place with amazing scenery,” Cristian says, clearly in awe. “We saw nature at its best – completely undisturbed. We found that being aboard the ship gave us great options for exploring it, up close and personal. Add to that that we were treated like royalty, spoilt for choice with delicious food and entertainment, and surrounded by facilities, and it all proved to be completely unforgettable.” Among the many highlights of this part of the trip, Vanessa recalls seeing the glaciers. “We spotted the Margerie Glacier and Hubbard Glacier,” she says. “And we were so close to them that we could actually hear the ice cracking and watch it fall before our very eyes. It was so beautiful and peaceful that it’s hard to describe.” Another high point for the duo was a husky-dog excursion, involving a helicopter ride that took them to one of the dog camps up on a mountain in Skagway, followed by a thrilling sledge ride. On another day, the couple signed up for zip-lining without actually knowing what the activity entailed.

honeymoon

Mount Robson

“ I was close to being petrified at the beginning but I got the hang of it in the end. I guess it’s safe to say I’m definitely not scared of heights!”

“To us it just sounded cool and adventurous,” the pair giggles. “But it was actually quite scary! As it turned out, zip-lining consisted of us being harnessed and gliding from one tree to another on a cable wire at incredible heights (far higher than we could have imagined). One cable was more than 750 feet long. I was close to being petrified at the beginning but I got the hang of it in the end. I guess it’s safe to say I’m definitely not scared of heights!” quips Vanessa.

Onwards march! To Canada After seven days aboard the cruise, the couple moved on to their next stop: Vancouver. “As a city it really does have a fantastic feel to it,” Cristian says. “It’s great for shopping sprees, plus there are plenty of places of interest to visit. We tandem cycled through Stanley Park, and it was actually Vanessa’s first time on a bike, so that was lots of fun. Having said that, we quickly realised that the bike didn’t have a bell, so I had to imitate the sound of it so as to avoid head-on collisions,” he laughs.

Ziplining

Sealions at Juneau

Ferry ride to Granville Island

While in Vancouver the couple also visited Granville Island, the highlight of which was a massive market right by the sea. “You can find everything there,” says Vanessa, “from clothes to paintings and jewellery to really good food. Funnily enough it was the only place on the holiday where we met other Maltese people. It was quite a surprise.”

The final stretch: The Canadian Rockies To complete their holiday, the couple then travelled through the Canadian Rockies – and loved every minute of it. “We were so well taken care of by our tour operator and were travelling with a brilliant mix of people from all over the world. The scenery was amazing and there

were so many incredible spots – Mount Robson (the highest peak of the Rockies), Peyto Lake, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Our only regret was that we did not manage to see any bears,” adds Vanessa.

Back to the real world Two weeks after heading off on their dream honeymoon, Vanessa and Cristian returned home – admittedly suffering a bout of the post-holiday blues. “It did take us a few weeks to readjust to our routine after visiting such incredible countries – in fact we wished we could have stayed for longer. It really was incredible… so much so that we were tempted to emigrate!” they laugh.

honeymoon 68

Colourful stall at Granville Market

Vanessa & Cristian’s Top Tip: “We found that a mixture of both relaxation and adventurous activities was the perfect honeymoon balance. We strongly advise it!”

The honeymoon highlight On top of all the other exciting things they did, Vanessa and Cristian enjoyed one undeniably incredible experience – whale watching in Juneau, where they were very lucky to sight sea lions, orcas and humpback whales just a stone’s throw away from them.

“We were all out on this boat and everyone was waiting to see where the whales would surface next, when suddenly they reappeared right in front of us and passed underneath our boat!” Vanessa says excitedly. “You could hear practically everyone gasping in awe every time one of them flipped a tail – they were

so graceful. It made us feel so small and helpless to be sitting next to these 50+ foot long creatures, but we loved every second of it. It was a unique experience, and we know we were lucky to see them.” ∞

home life

The

feel good house

With light streaming through the glass ceiling and unique features round every corner, Jo Caruana chats to aesthetic physician Joanna Delia of the Smart Skin Clinic, about the stunning house she shares with partner Henry and their two young children, Peppi, one, and newborn Leila.

Dr Joanna Delia cradles little Leila as we wander through their house, while dad Henry and little Peppi play upstairs. Considering her daughter was only born a couple of days previous, Joanna is wonderfully calm – perhaps partly thanks to the atmosphere of the house, which she says relaxes her completely. “I call it our ‘feel good’ home,” she smiles. “It’s not made for anyone except us. It’s

even impossible for me to pick a favourite corner or room because I love it all so much. Doing it up has been a real passion of mine, and the result is just what we wanted. “It feels like a vertical open space – which is something quite unique for a Valletta townhouse. You can communicate throughout the house from wherever you are in it because it feels so open, yet at the

same time it also has great spots to escape into. It works for us all on so many levels.” Joanna bought the house five years ago and Henry moved in shortly afterwards, at which point it became a joint project. “I absolutely adore Valletta,” Joanna enthuses, “I think everyone should live here! When I was looking for this place I had three main criteria – that it be in this

home life

“ I saw 24 properties before I was brought to this one, and I instantly knew it was special. Initially I didn’t think it was right, as it is quite narrow and was very dark; but after a few discussions with my architect I decided to go for it.”

city, have its own door, and have a little outdoor space. I saw 24 properties before I was brought to this one, and I instantly knew it was special. Initially I didn’t think it was right, as it is quite narrow and was very dark; but after a few discussions with my architect I decided to go for it.” Her architect, Simon Grech, quickly came up with ideas that would literally transform the whole house. To combat the darkness, he suggested a massive skylight, with glass floors going down through the house. Transverse lines were also added to create an optical illusion that made the house feel wider in certain parts, particularly upstairs in the living area. “At the time I really didn’t believe that all of this would make much of a difference

to the feel of the place, but it did; it completely transformed it. I was thrilled with the way it developed and was there at every step of the journey – through the laughter, tears and swearing sessions! If we ever had to do this again, I think I would engage the services of a project manager, but at the time I was eager to do as much of it myself as possible.” Joanna recalls how some parts of the project went perfectly to plan, while others (such as the electricity and plumbing of the whole house) proved to be a bit of a nightmare. “Nevertheless it was great watching it all come together. As Henry is from the Faroe Islands, he’s brought a touch of Scandinavian style to the house, whereas I have always gone for a mix of luxury (such as with the marble) and rawness (as with the concrete ceilings). The results are great, and just what we wanted.”

home life

Joanna and Henry were also careful to assess the practical aspects of the house. “I remember that storage was a big discussion,” Joanna smiles. “Like most men, Henry has a bit of trouble putting his socks away sometimes, so I asked what would encourage him to do so, and he said ‘tiny drawers’. So that’s what we got – and lots of them! We have 30 little drawers in the bedroom and 36 in the bathroom. They’re shallow, which means you can see everything in them at a glance, you don’t have to keep rooting about. “Practicality is definitely a benefit of doing up a project over time, and living in it while you do. We got to know the requirements of each space and customised each to work perfectly. I’m a big believer that spaces dictate your life – whether that’s your street, your village or your house. Each space has been designed with us in mind – from the space and light in the living room, to the cocoon-feel of the bedroom.

people to like, but to us it’s the most wonderful home and we simply adore living here.”

“ Henry and I both love to cook, so we wanted a space that suited us both – and it does. It’s quite unusual and a little like a lab! Everything is completely within sight, so you can pretty much stand in one spot and cook up a storm without having to move."

The Kitchen “Henry and I both love to cook, so we wanted a space that suited us both – and it does. It’s quite unusual and a little like a lab! Everything is completely within sight, so you can pretty much stand in one spot and cook up a storm without having to move. It’s organised, but not clinical – it’s a family kitchen after all. We also have these massive drawers – they’re one-and-a-half metres long. They’re so useful as you can see everything laid out conveniently.”

The Dining Area “At the end of the day, this is a 400-yearold house and it has a character of its own – some of the walls aren’t straight for instance, but that all adds to the charm. It may be a difficult house for traditional

“Our house is a very social space, and we have friends and family over all the time – in fact it’s a little like an open house. As a result, we wanted a monstrous dining table, and needed to

home life

“ As with the large dining area, we wanted a bright and comfortable living space for us to enjoy, as well as for guests to spend time in. Just like throughout most of the house, it’s a blend of rawness and luxury." work out a way to fit it into the space. After much deliberation about how to work it out, Simon, our architect, suggested we lower part of the floor by table height, and keep the table stowed away under the living room floor when it’s not in use. So that’s what we did, and it’s perfect. I remember I burst out crying when I saw it for the first time! Now we can comfortably seat 18 people round it.”

The Living Space “As with the large dining area, we wanted a bright and comfortable living space for us to enjoy, as well as for guests to spend time in. Just like throughout most of the house, it’s a blend of rawness and luxury, with marble and concrete juxtaposing each

other. Light streams through the windows and ceiling here, and the space is split in two with another small seating area overlooking our terrace and the sea view. Our guests sometimes sleep up here and they love waking up to that vista!”

home life

SPACE SAVING IDEAS

AIRY & BRIGHT When Joanna first viewed the Valletta house, she was almost put off because it was too dark. Smart solutions like a large skylight and glass floors going through the house brought light in to create an airy and bright ambience that transformed the look and feel of the house completely.

Photos By: lionel Galea

Intelligent design enabled Joanna and Henry to have the best of both worlds – a table large enough to accommodate 18 guests and the luxury of putting it away when not in use. They achieved this by lowering part of the floor by table height, and keeping the table stowed away under the living room floor when they don’t need it. ∞

home life

The bedroom of your dreams Aside from appealing to your personal taste and style, when it comes to decorating your bedroom, some of the latest top design trends can give you some fresh ideas. Sarah Micallef looks into a selection of the best design ideas around to help you make the bedroom of your dreams a reality.

Donna Karan Home Essentials bed linen

Whereas the majority of the other rooms within your home are ones you are likely to receive guests in, your bedroom is one place that is relatively private, and should truly be ‘you’. For this reason, bedroom design tends to be very personal. This is not to say that design trends can’t play a part in your choice of bedroom decor however, with specific styles, ideas and colours proving more popular than others. This year, there are various design ideas to look out for, ranging from hotel-inspired spaces to an emphasis on textures and a renewed interest in wallpaper and gold accents. Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re decorating (or redecorating) your bedroom.

First class Who doesn’t love lazing around in a comfortable hotel room when on holiday? If your space can afford it, a hotel-inspired bedroom is all the rage among modern homeowners. Give your sleeping quarters an air of luxury and don’t limit them to just sleeping. Special features such as walk-in wardrobe, en suite bathrooms, fireplaces, mini refrigerators and pop-up TV cabinets can give your master bedroom the sense of a home within a home, and are guaranteed to make leaving harder than ever come the morning light!

Lime green bed linen by Housearquitectura

John Rocha shell candles

Green with envy Resonating with a calm and tranquil atmosphere, this year’s bedroom hue of choice is green. The right shade of green as an accent colour on walls, textiles and furniture can work in myriad ways – soothing if you opt for a darker or muted tone, and fresh and energising if you choose brighter variants like lime or apple green. You can also add a touch of green to your bedroom courtesy of Mother Nature

Modern planters by Simply Planters

home life

Wooden Estelle bedroom by FXB

– plants not only look pretty and add life (literally) to your space, but also cleanse the air for a fresher environment.

Touchable textures The right soft furnishings are key in every bedroom, and mixing up your textures will give your space an interesting, on-trend look. Textures that call out to be touched such as suede, faux fur, velvet, silk, linen and lace look gorgeous set alongside harder textures like wood and brass furniture and accessories. The differences of look and feel make for added depth within your space, and give a visibly fine touch. What’s more, while touchable textures lend your space a luxurious feel, they’re also difficult to beat when it comes to comfort!

Give your bedroom a well-travelled feel by infusing it with ethnic touches. In good measure, wooden furniture and carvings, wrought iron, ethnic style sculptures and hand-woven textiles can bring cosiness and warmth to a room as well as a decidedly globetrotting vibe. Throw down an ethnic style rug or decorate your wall with finely crafted sculptural art to achieve the ultimate in ethnic styling. African touches are also having a moment, with animal print and faux fur used on

Wall decal by Wondrous Wall Art

statement pieces adding impact, without going overboard.

Statement walls If you find painting your walls one colour is boring, you’re in luck. A wide variety of wallpaper, decals and murals are experiencing a comeback and are seriously on-trend at the moment, and can be just

John Lewis Belle Flower cushion

Ethnic influences

Serene space Your bedroom is the space you go to relax and retreat from the world outside, so a retreat-like atmosphere, making use of soothing colours like cream, lilac and soft green can create the perfect setting for the relaxation you’re after. Fabrics within your serene bedroom should be kept soft and comfortable, such as silks, cottons and natural fibres. Adding a few candles and a couple of vases of freshly cut flowers can also help set the mood and ease your mind after a long day.

Custom headboard Without a doubt, the bed is the centrepiece of any bedroom. A custom, one-of-a-kind headboard can be just the statement you need to take your bedroom from drab to fab in one fell swoop. Besides adding

Bedroom by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

what the doctor ordered to make a style statement in your bedroom. What bigger canvas is there for expressing yourself than your wall? It’s time to embrace this previously ignored area and really make your bedroom pop. Explore the myriad options available on the market today and you’re sure to find something to catch your eye.

Archer gold leaf lamp by Laura Ashley

Jessica McClintock Couture silver leaf leather headboard

home life

Gold star

some serious style points to your boudoir, a custom headboard often works out cheaper than purchasing a ready-made one, so it’s a win-win all round. Keep material, texture, shape and colour in mind when it comes to picking out or designing your headboard, as well as whether you want it to complement the wall behind it or really contrast with the rest of the space for a memorable statement.

After years of being shunned to the background in favour of silver and bronze, gold is experiencing a comeback as an accent colour within the home, and particularly within bedrooms. Gold touches on furniture handles, frames and lamps add a hint of grandeur and a rich tone to a space, and really work well against warm colours like reds and oranges or contrasting with blues and purples for a comfy environment now that winter is approaching. Gold can also be ideal for soft furnishings like your duvet or curtains, or added in accents on sumptuous pillows for a perfectly palatial feel. ∞