Issue 23 march 2014
YOUR weddings & homeS magazine
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REAL COUPLES
Celebrating their big day
HOMES Transforming your living room
latest
WEDDING trends
amazing dresses
Church wedding or civil ceremony? Choosing your ideal path
Honeymoons Exploring the Far East, from Bangkok to Pangkor Laut
contents 6 bliss March 2014
ISSUE 23 · MARCH 2014
HOME DECOR page 57 REAL WEDDING page 31
Fashion and beauty 11 Bridal trends 37 Palatial beauty
Interviews
15 Church blessing or civil union? 66 From playmates to partners
Weddings and honeymoons 21 Wedding trends 23 Of splendour and simplicity 31 A contemporary affair 45 One month in paradise 63 Wedding directory
Homes
51 A bold luxury 57 Transform your living space
our cover
DRESS: A soft, low back glamorous gown with a beautifully beaded illusion neckline and bodice, and a flare cut skirt accented with ostrich feathers, Ivory & Co. Jewellery: 18ct earrings with diamonds with a total carat of 1.51ct and 18ct ring with diamonds with a total weight of 0.80ct, Classic Jewellers. Location: Xara Palace, Mdina Photographer: Valentina Lupo (www.facebook.com/ valentinalupophotography) Photo Shoot Coordinator: Sarah Micallef Hair: Gordon, Penelope and Christian – Toni & Guy Artistic Team Make-up: Caroline Bond (née Camilleri) using Make Up Store (7906 1197) Model: Kelsey May Connor at models.com.mt
8 bliss March 2014
Issue 23 Saturday, March 29, 2014 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
editor’s letter
I
f you’re noticing this issue of Bliss looks a little different – your eyes aren’t deceiving you. I’m very pleased to welcome you to this shiny new version of Bliss, not only packed with interesting features to inspire your big day, but also sporting a brand new design which I’m very excited about! New look aside, you’ll find our regular trend features, giving you tips on what’s hot and what’s not in the bridal world in 2014, as well as real couples’ stories that will not only give you ideas for your own wedding, but also in some cases – as is the case in Vintage Wedding, which happens to be a personal favourite – may teach you a thing or two about life and love. Meanwhile, if you’re planning your honeymoon or next big holiday, Lara and Josef’s honeymoon diary will have you yearning for the beaches of Thailand. Yet home will always be where the heart is, so this month we look into some great ways to revamp your living room, making it into a beautiful space you can truly enjoy with your nearest and dearest. We also have a nosey around a newly converted apartment in Swieqi, and discuss the owner’s choice of bright colours and bespoke design to create a truly luxurious feel. Enjoy the issue.
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Wedding Trends page 21 Home Ideas page 57 Bridal Shoot page 37
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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 21st April 2014. One entry per person. Terms and conditions apply. Last issue Cecilia Dalli won a Valentina Acqua Floreale perfume by Valentino, courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd.
Bridal
Bridal Trends § March 2014 bliss 11
trends
words by SARAH MICALLEF catwalk shots courtesy of Barcelona Bridal Week
drop waist A silhouette mostly associated with a ‘20s and ‘30s aesthetic, the drop waist gown is making waves in the bridal world. Exuding old world glamour and sophistication, this silhouette is definitely one to watch in 2014. Left to right: Raimon Bundo, Patricia Avendaño, Rosa Clara
long sleeve A long sleeved wedding gown possesses just the right measure of modesty and elegance. From clean lines at Rosa Clara to romantic lace and delicate mesh at Hannibal Laguna, this trend is as beautiful as it is versatile. Left to right: Rosa Clara, Hannibal Laguna, Hannibal Laguna
12 bliss March 2014 § Bridal Trends
one shoulder A graceful neckline that shows off a hint of the décolletage without revealing too much cleavage, a one shoulder dress works as well in bridal wear as it does in regular evening wear. Left to right: Franc Sarabia, Jesus Peiro, Patricia Avendaño, Hannibal Laguna
Cover Story § March 2014 bliss 15
Church blessing or civil union? Getting married in church has long been an automatic choice for local couples. While many base their decision on religion, various other elements play a part, including family values and tradition. Over time, however, civil weddings have also begun gaining ground. Martina Said meets two couples whose wedding celebrations couldn’t have been more different.
Statistics published in 2012 reveal that the number of church weddings halved since 1975, and that the number of civil marriages accounted for a fifth of the total number of marriages. But while the number of church marriages has steadily declined, there’s no denying that religious ceremonies are still a popular choice for couples seeking to tie the knot.
Daniel and Alison Bernard
F
or Daniel and Alison Bernard, the decision to get married in church was fairly obvious and seemed to be the more natural choice for both. The two met at a bar in 2007, and after almost four years of dating, got engaged and began planning their wedding for 2013. They both wanted a church ceremony, partly for tradition’s sake, but also because, in and of itself, there is meaning and significance to
being married in church. “I won’t exclude the religious element altogether but from both of our ends, it wasn’t the only reason for getting married in church,” says Alison. “We were very encouraged by the traditional aspect of it all, but then again, we both see nothing wrong with civil weddings.” Daniel is in agreement, and adds that certain aspects that are present Ò
Photo by Lionel Galea
For many a Maltese couple, deciding between a church and a civil marriage is a fairly straightforward affair. The decision is, in part, dictated by our largely Catholic background, although it is also influenced by custom and convention.
16 bliss March 2014 § Cover Story
“
People are used to the idea of getting married in church but I don’t think a civil wedding is taboo anymore.
”
Erik and Danielle van der Molen Photo by Lionel Galea | Make-up by Therese Farrugia at Essence of Beauty, Msida
during a church wedding seem to make it that much more special. “A church ceremony seems to put quite a lot of focus on the bride, walking down a long aisle with everyone looking on – it is something that the bride enjoys. There’s also the general rich atmosphere offered by a church, accentuated by the music. We had a children’s choir sing at our wedding, which filled up the ceremony nicely.” Alison says she has an affinity for grand, old churches, and the pair settled on the church of St Publius in Floriana for their wedding ceremony, which was also particularly significant for Alison as it is where her father was baptised as a child. “The part I was most excited about was walking down the aisle – I think this is a highlight for any bride. Would they ever have considered a civil wedding or were they always dead set on getting married in church? “It seemed like the more natural option for both of us,” says Daniel. “If we didn’t get married as we did, we probably would have gone the other extreme and had a ceremony on the beach for instance; either all in one way or the other.” Sharing their thoughts on civil weddings, the two agree that they are not as common yet in Malta as they are overseas, having only been invited to one such wedding themselves. “But I do believe it is just a matter of choice,” says Alison. “People are used to the idea of getting married in church but I don’t think a civil wedding is taboo anymore.”
F
or Erik and Danielle van der Molen, opting for a civil ceremony was equally natural and unquestionable and, as they think back to their wedding day, they admit they wouldn’t change a thing. The two met by a stroke of luck in 1997, when Erik travelled to Malta for a summer holiday with a few friends. On the first night of his trip, Erik stumbled upon a pub in Sliema that bore the same name as his father and, curious as he was to know what it looked like, he went in, shared a few beers with friends, and set his sights on a Maltese girl. “My group of friends casually got chatting with his and we hit it off,” says Danielle. “We met again at the same pub a few days later and before we knew it we began meeting every day until the end of his holiday.” It wasn’t long after Erik’s return to Holland that they both noticed they had started something special, and around a year and a half later, he moved to Malta permanently. “I was never the kind of person to nag about wanting to get married, we were very happy in our relationship and had never really felt the need to do so,” says Danielle, until she was completely taken by surprise Ò
18 bliss March 2014 § Cover Story
18 bliss March 2014 § Cover Story
Make-up by Therese Farrugia at Essence of Beauty, Msida
“
Erik is not Catholic, and it wouldn’t have felt right asking him to do something that meant nothing to him. I wanted the wedding ceremony to mean something to us both, so I immediately preferred a civil wedding.
”
during a trip to Barcelona for her birthday, when Erik proposed during a romantic picnic at Park Guell after 12 years together. Danielle explains that opting for a civil marriage simply felt like the right thing to do. “Erik is not Catholic, and it wouldn’t have felt right asking him to do something that meant nothing to him. I wanted the wedding ceremony to mean something to us both, so I immediately preferred a civil wedding. In my opinion, a marriage is between the couple first and foremost, and for us that worked best.” Erik agrees, adding that it would have been hypocritical on his part to participate in a church ceremony. Without any doubt in mind as to what they wanted, the couple personalised their marriage ceremony and reception down to the last detail, and enjoyed sharing their intimate set up with around 130 people. “The ceremony was held at the gardens of the InterContinental Hotel – it was the first wedding held there, as back in 2010 there were very few places permitted for a civil wedding besides the office in Valletta, but hotels were permissible. We wanted a beach wedding initially but it wasn’t legal yet.” Danielle adds that the biggest task was coming up with meaningful ideas for the ceremony as the legal service itself is a “boring 10-minute thing, but we wanted it to be special. We chose a woman to celebrate our marriage, as I believed she could make it more personal than a man, exchanged vows and heard some lovely speeches from family and friends. Erik was in charge of the music and the choice of songs was also perfect.” All in all, they agree the day went by without a hitch. Erik and Danielle add that, if they shared the same religion, they probably would have gone the traditional way and got married in church. “If you don’t have a reason to question it, you take that road. I think it might be a Maltese thing that civil weddings are looked at differently to church weddings, but things are changing.” n
Wedding Trends § March 2014 bliss 21
Metallic
Laser cut
ØGive your big day a touch of glamour with metallic details. What’s more, gold, silver and bronze work brilliantly with most colour combinations.
www.weddingrepublic.com
ÒCropping up on wedding inspiration boards everywhere, laser cut details look great on everything from souvenirs and invites to bridal accessories.
www.aliexpress.com
www.shopbop.com
Wedding trends
Dramatic veil
ÓThe wedding veil takes centre stage in 2014. Whether your choice is long, laced, birdcage or jewel-encrusted, make sure it makes a statement.
www.etsy.com
www.rosaclarabridal.com
With wedding season edging ever nearer, here’s Bliss’ pick of the latest trends to inspire and help you celebrate your big day in style.
Geometric
Rustic
ÒA rustic themed wedding is all about wild flowers, natural materials and DIY touches – the beauty here lies in the simplicity.
www.inspiredbythis.com
ÓGeometry brings order to the chaos, and geometric wedding decor and accessories will give your wedding a fresh and modern feel.
Grey
ÓOpting for grey as the main colour for your wedding will give proceedings an air of refinement and sophistication, as well as a little drama. www.rusticweddingchic.com
Real Wedding § March 2014 bliss 23
lle e t n a ch and brian location a ceremony lady, Mellieh ary of our venue u ct n sa wedding naxxar ina, villa md
Of splendour and simplicity
Since they first met over a decade ago, Brian and Chantelle Camilleri seem to have retained a youthful glow that is infectious and endearing. Martina Said catches up with the couple for a look back on their memorable wedding day. P h oto s by G e or g e S a g u n a
B
rian and Chantelle’s first encounter goes back a number of years, specifically to their Junior College days, when they met through mutual friends. However, it wasn’t until a year or two later that they began their journey together, when they bumped into each other while doing voluntary work. Meeting the couple, their laid-back and jovial manner makes them look as smitten with each other now as they were when they first met over 10 years ago. After three years of dating, Brian and Chantelle began toying with the idea of getting married, and bought a place together, but couldn’t begin planning a wedding until they finished doing up the house. That didn’t stop Brian from popping
the question in 2008 though, during an intimate set-up on their favourite beach. “We’re both rather shy and not really into fancy, elaborate things. One evening, Brian collected me and drove to Riviera beach. It was almost spring time and the beach was completely empty. He brought out a nice bottle of wine and after a short while, proposed. I knew he’d ask at some point but I wasn’t expecting it to be that night,” she says. “In my eyes, it was perfect and meaningful – it is one of our favourite beaches and we had gone many times during our first years so it was just the right place.” Following their engagement, Brian and Chantelle beganÒ
24 bliss March 2014 § Real Wedding
“
I got really stressed out but then once I arrived at the church, I relaxed.
”
discussing preparations for the wedding. They were sure they wanted it to be a small and private affair, but couldn’t decide how to go about it. “Our first idea involved a meal with family members, but we weren’t completely sure as we wanted to share the day with our friends too,” explains Chantelle. After giving it some thought, they decided to organise a small wedding of approximately 250 people. With that in mind, the two set a date and proceeded with the planning. Brian admits the year the wedding was being planned was tough for him, as he was working two jobs and studying for a Master’s degree, so he left most of the planning in Chantelle’s capable hands, while attending all the necessary appointments. In retrospect, he says he wishes he could have gotten more involved in the run up to the big day. The two were dead set on good catering, and both wanted to avoid overly traditional items, swiftly settling on Busy Bee for food and Antonio Piscopo Company Limited for beverages. They were also in total agreement about keeping things simple but fun, which is reflective of their personalities. Brian says he was also uncompromising about the church – he wanted it to be small and intimate, and the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Mellieha was perfect. Chantelle jokingly recalls how, on the day of their wedding, Brian and herself appear to have switched roles. “He was really nervous in the days before the wedding, but somehow, one day before, it all fell into place and he was as relaxed as ever. I was the opposite – I couldn’t sleep at night with excitement, woke up at 3am to do my hair and got nervous about the long drive from Rahal Gdid, which is where I lived, to Mellieha. I got really stressed out but then once I arrived at the church, I relaxed.” Brian says he was nervous at the thought of having many people there to see them – “you’re the centre of attraction and I’m a shy person. It’s also the knowledge that it’s a milestone in your life, but then I enjoyed the whole day and actually missed that it was all over,” he says. “I was also stressing about the first dance – I was dreading that actually.” Being a day wedding, they felt Villa Mdina was a perfect choice as it offered the right setting with its landscaped gardens. Chantelle admits that it was her wish to have a morning wedding: “I wanted the brightness of a morning wedding, which we got as it was a beautiful day, although it seems on the day of our wedding the season suddenly changed from spring to summer.” I ask Chantelle about the day she chose her wedding dress – a moment she describes as “beautiful” for any bride. “I went to Pronovias first because I felt their dresses were very Ò
Real Wedding Real Wedding § March 2014 bliss 27
details
Clean and classy In keeping with the overall feel of their wedding day, Brian and Chantelle opted for a plain yet effective wedding invitation. “After receiving a few options from a designer we approached to design our invitations, we settled on one which was pearly white, rectangular in shape, and decorated with white orchids at the bottom, which are symbolic of love. They were simple, but sweet.”
“
The dress I chose was very simple and plain, but very comfortable and easy to move in.
”
much my style. I tried on three different dresses and looked around a bit more, but ended up buying the first one I tried on,” she says. “I initially thought I would opt for lace but I then felt it made me look older, and I also didn’t want a bulky dress. The dress I chose was very simple and plain, but very comfortable and easy to move in. It’s strapless, with layers of criss-crossing fabric in the front and delicate beading. I also wanted a long veil, and borrowed my sister’s as it was
just what I was after, with some minor alterations.” Brian was rather easy about his outfit choice for the day, although he knew he wanted something plain and serious – just not too serious. “Our overall theme was simplicity – everything Chantelle and I chose was simple but with a special touch,” says Brian. Chantelle agrees, adding “I only had three children for bridesmaids, who were wearing white too with a touch of orange, as reflected in the cake, and my bouquet was all white.” They also opted for a donation instead of wedding souvenirs, giving Ò
The bridal entourage
Chantelle opted to do without an entourage of bridesmaids, instead having three of her young nieces as flower girls. “I wanted to keep their outfits as plain as possible – they wore white dresses, but we added a touch of orange to them which we felt was a colour that fit perfectly with that time of year.”
28 bliss March 2014 § Real Wedding
“
Our overall theme was simplicity everything Chantelle and I chose was simple but with a special touch.
”
the money to the SPCA, in keeping with their fondness of animals. The moment of their first dance was one the couple was not eagerly awaiting, although they revisit the memory with laughs – “it was awkward, never-ending,” says Brian, whose sentiments are echoed by Chantelle, “one minute felt like a whole hour.” They moved to a song by Creed, and were set on avoiding love songs throughout the entire day. “We’re both into alternative and rock music – we had a live band, The Mics, who sent us their list of songs and we added some of our favourites from Metallica and
Guns ‘n Roses to that list. They were very accommodating.” The day went off without a glitch, and the newlyweds went on to celebrate with a week-long honeymoon in Paris, which they express was an incredible journey from beginning to end. Approaching their second anniversary, they look back on their big day fondly, and consider it the most wonderful day of their lives. n
Real Wedding § March 2014 bliss 31
Ilona and ryan ceremony location Capuch in Churc wedding h, Floriana venue Tempta sian, Th e palac e, Sliem a
A contemporary affair
From the moment they first met, Ilona Zammit Marmara always knew Ryan Debattista was the man she wanted to marry, despite not acting on it right away. Sarah Micallef talks to the couple about their big day. P h oto s by m e lv i n m i f s u d
R
yan and Ilona first met at Junior College, or more precisely, the bar just outside it, which most students and ex-students know affectionately as Blue Bar. They started out as friends, and proved their friends right when they began dating a little under five years ago. Despite Ryan always being interested in her, Ilona explains, “it seems like for as long as we’d been friends, everyone used to say that we were meant to be together, but I always used to tell my friends, if I go out with Ryan, it’s to marry him. That is why I never wanted to date him earlier. We both weren’t ready for the commitment.” Having finally decided to take the step, Ilona was sure about marrying Ryan from the moment they started dating. This time, it was Ryan who needed time. He recalls, “it was my turn to take a bit longer. Then Ilona told me, ‘it’s time to buy me that ring!’” Ilona recounts the eventful proposal: “Ryan took me to Paris for the proposal. The trip had been planned for a while but the destination was a surprise. During the last week, I found out where we were going, and my friends were convinced he was going to propose – there was quite a lot of pressure should it not have been the case!”
Luckily for Ryan, it was the case, despite the night itself not going perfectly to plan. “He proposed on the second night of our holiday, and unfortunately I wasn’t feeling too well. Right after dinner I asked him if we could go straight back to the hotel, but he kept insisting a walk would make me feel better. The destination was one of Paris’s beautiful bridges. It was freezing, and while we enjoyed the view, he got down on one knee.” When it came to wedding preparations, Ryan took care of the bars while Ilona was in charge of the rest. He jokes, “Ilona planned everything but I took care of one of the most important tasks of all: making sure there was enough alcohol to satisfy at least twice the amount of people invited.” Asked about how she handled the stresses of wedding planning, Ilona admits, “I overcame it by throwing a tantrum a couple of times and crying it off!” When it came to choosing her dress, Ilona had some help: “I always knew my dress would be simple, but I had another style in mind until I tried this one on at Camilleri Paris Mode. I had a number of people coming to my fittings including my bridesmaids, parents, nanna and mother–in-law.” Before Ò
32 bliss March 2014 § Real Wedding
“
It couldn’t have been more amazing, with Anime’s voices filling the church whilst we all danced to their gospel music.
”
making the final decision, however, Ilona needed one rather unconventional opinion. She explains, “to actually help pick it, I had my mum and my maid of honour Denise, then later my dad came over to give the final go ahead. I couldn’t buy it without my dad’s approval as I value his opinion a lot when it comes to fashion, since he works in the industry.” When their big day arrived, Ryan was calm while Ilona experienced quite
the range of emotions. She explains, “in the morning I was calm, but by the time I left the house I was a nervous wreck. I remember saying to a friend at the end of the night that in one day I went through all the possible emotions you can experience: excited, happy, scared, emotional, calm, worried, sad, nervous, relieved, tired and more!” The couple describes the ceremony as fun, and says it was the best part of the day from start to finish. “The priest’s words were touching and we had our closest friends and families by our sides.
It couldn’t have been more amazing, with Anime’s voices filling the church whilst we all danced to their gospel music,” they recount. For Ilona, the moment she reached Ryan at the end of the aisle was touching, albeit humorous. She recalls, “his first words were, ‘you’re late! You’re beautiful, but you’re late!’” As for the reception, the couple maintains that the choice of venue was obvious. “Most wedding locations are known for their gardens or beaches,Ò
Real Wedding § March 2014 bliss 35
but a winter wedding venue needs to be beautiful inside and out. TemptAsian ticks both boxes – not to mention the service is immaculate, the food is delicious and the views are magnificent,” they say. Another highlight of the night was half an hour they got to spend to themselves, away from their 350 guests. Ilona explains, “Claire Zammit Xuereb, who is the Director of Hospitality at AX Hotels, has been a family friend for years, and as a gift, she offered us the Flavours Suite for our wedding night – it is the latest addition to the Designer Suite Collection at The Palace Hotel, launched a few days prior to our stay. Joined by our best man, Kurt Azzopardi and our maid of honour Denise Xuereb, we escaped the reception and spent a good half hour in our fabulous suite, where we took a few fun photos and had some drinks. It was perfect – intimate and relaxing in the midst of all the craziness.” Looking back, the pair maintains that their big day was just right for them, and there’s nothing they’d do differently save one thing, Ilona laughs: “I’d keep more calm!” n
details
Contemporary touches
ÑThe colours the couple chose for their big day were black and ivory to reflect their contemporary theme. Veering away from the traditional, they opted for unique touches: “we had specific ideas on certain details which we customised ourselves – particularly the invites, thank you tags for the favours, the cake toppers and the wishing tree table.”
Black beauties
ÒAn unconventional detail the couple was dead set on was the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses: black. Tying in with their black and ivory theme, they worked beautifully alongside the flowers by Qronfla, and set off the bride’s dress to perfection.
Custom cake
ÑThe cake the couple chose was a unique feature of the day, comprising black and ivory cupcakes with a cake on the top tier. Atop the cake, the couple had fun customised cake toppers made out of clay.
Fashion § March 2014 bliss 37
PALATIAL
BEAUTY Location: Xara Palace, Mdina Photographer: Valentina Lupo (www.facebook.com/valentinalupophotography) Photo Shoot Coordinator: Sarah Micallef Hair: Gordon, Penelope and Christian – Toni & Guy Artistic Team Make-up: Caroline Bond (née Camilleri) using Make Up Store (7906 1197) Model: Kelsey May Connor at models.com.mt
DRESS: An asymmetric pleated one shoulder gown with soft silky tulle and fine French lace details on bodice and skirt, Ivory & Co. JEWELLERY: 18ct earrings with 11mm South Sea pearls and bracelet with South Sea Pearls, Classic Jewellers.
38 bliss March 2014 ยง Fashion
DRESS: Olmos brings glamour and classiness to the day that will make everything more special. Highlights of this gown include an illusion neckline upper bodice and back as well as detailing of pearly and silver beads. Other great things to love about this gown include a fitted waist and a flared skirt with pleating that flows beautifully to a chapel length train. Olmos, Pronovias. JEWELLERY: Ziio silver earrings with mother of pearl and Ziio silver pendant with mother of pearl, Gaba Gioielli.
Fashion ยง March 2014 bliss 39
DRESS: A dazzling Swarovski crystal jacket lies atop a sweetheart lace ivory gown - a classic silhouette with dramatic flair. Finished with zipper over inner corset with crystal button closure. Dress and headdress available at Alamango Bridal. JEWELLERY: Fresh water pearl cuff bracelet and South Sea pearl and diamond earrings, Vascas Jewellers.
40 bliss March 2014 ยง Fashion
DRESS: A strapless tulle wedding gown delicately hand embroidered with sequins, beads and pearls which tightens at the waist with a Swarovski embellished belt featuring tulle details. A statement Jenny Packham headpiece featuring Swarovski elements adds the perfect amount of glamour to finish off this timeless bridal look, Camilleri Paris Mode. JEWELLERY: Valenti silver 925 ring with pearl and white zircons, Gaba Gioielli.
Fashion ยง March 2014 bliss 41
DRESS: Romantic lace and tulle gown by Justin Alexander with matching poncho and floral headpiece only available at WEDDINGBELLS. JEWELLERY: Akoya pearl bracelet with 18ct white gold clasp, Akoya pearl and diamond earrings and Anteo two tone 18ct diamond wedding band, Vascas Jewellers.
42 bliss March 2014 ยง Fashion
DRESS: Tania cocktail dress from the 2014 Pronovias Cocktail Collection. Stunning fully embroidered tulle dress with mermaid bodice and fishtail, Pronovias. JEWELLERY: Ti Sento silver 925 bangle with white zircons, Ti Sento silver 925 pendant with green zircon, Ti Sento silver 925 chain, Ti Sento silver 925 bracelet with green zircons, Ti Sento silver 925 earrings with green zircons and Ti Sento silver 925 ring with green zircon, Gaba Gioielli.
Honeymoon § March 2014 bliss 45
One month in
Paradise
From the bright lights of Bangkok to the turquoise waters of Pangkor Laut, Josef Debono and Lara Steer tell Jo Caruana all about their incredible honeymoon in the Far East.
Us cehnjoinyiTnhgatihlae nd... bea elaxing! so r
L
ara Steer laughs as she remembers her first meeting with now-husband Josef Debono – back when they were 15 and hanging out in Paceville. “I was actually dating a friend of his at the time but quickly struck up a really close friendship with Josef,” Lara smiles. “It wasn’t long before we couldn’t bear to be apart. I was drawn to him immediately as he was always so sincere and patient.” The years flew by for the couple, punctuated by highs, lows and even one ‘dramatic’ break-up. But, when they were 26, Josef proposed while they were on holiday in Paris, and they planned their wedding – finally walking down the aisle together on 16th June 2012. With a shared passion for travel, their honeymoon was high on their agenda and the couple soon started planning it in detail. “Josef and I love to travel and discover the world together,” says Lara. “New destinations pose all sorts of exciting prospects, including new cultures, new flavours and nice wine. We immediately knew we wanted to go somewhere we had never been before and wanted to take a month off work so we could really enjoy our honeymoon to the hilt.”
That said, as an award-winning hairstylist and the partowner of DSalon in Ibragg, Lara was nervous about being away from work for such a long stretch. Meanwhile, Josef, an accountant, was very busy too. “The months around our wedding date were too jam-packed, so we actually put off our honeymoon until the following January. It was a long wait but completely worth it!” Lara continues. With their hearts set on a long-haul destination that promised a whole host of new experiences, the couple soon selected Thailand as their ideal destination. “We wanted to discover the beautiful beaches of Thailand as well as enjoy the pad Thai noodles – a favourite dish of ours,” Lara giggles. “Josef wanted to inject some city life into the honeymoon, while I wanted to get straight to the islands so we could enjoy the beaches. I absolutely adore summer, and couldn’t wait to experience the white sandy stretches and turquoise seas that I had read so much about. I knew it would be the best way for us to relax and de-stress after all the madness of planning the wedding.” To bridge the gap between what they both had in mind, Josef and Lara sought the expertise of Royal Travel, a company that specialises in honeymoon planning. Everything was organised and booked for them, so all they had to do was turn up and look forward to what was in store. Ò
“
The months around our wedding date were too jam-packed, so we actually put off our honeymoon until the following January. It was a long wait but completely worth it!
”
46 bliss March 2014 § Honeymoon
“
The wildlife was incredible, with monkeys playing in the gardens and big, beautiful birds flying all around.
” Bangkok and Beyond
Their honeymoon finally started on 1st January 2013 with a three-night stay in Bangkok. “I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it there,” continues Lara. “We found the night street-food market to be really interesting and the food was fantastic, while the Chaopraya river long tail boat ride along the floating markets was brilliant too. “By day we visited some of the temples so that we could appreciate the religious side of Thai culture, while at night we enjoyed spending time at the famous Sky Bar, sipping cocktails and taking in the stunning view below us.” From Bangkok, Josef and Lara started their trip to the islands that the country is so famous for, starting in Koh Samui. “I really loved it there,” Lara says wistfully. “It was so quiet and peaceful, and our resort, the Sarann, was just lovely. The minimal Thai décor wowed me and I was bowled over by the beautiful view of the renowned Chaweng beach from our serenity pool. We’d start the morning with a heavenly breakfast and then spend the day enjoying romantic walks on the beach and chats by the water, following by candle-lit BBQs at night. “We also took day trips to the stunning Ko Tao and Ang Thong Marine National Park, where we hired canoes and snorkelled around the beautiful coral islands. It was like a dream!” As if all that weren’t enough, the couple then flew to the ‘funky’ island of Phuket, where they spent five nights exploring the picturesque beaches and lively nightlife scene.
“We chose to stay on the quieter part of the island in Chalong, which gave us plenty of time for sun-soaking and swimming around Ko Phi Phi Island. On one particular day we were out swimming when it suddenly started raining really hard, which was such a nice feeling! Then, as quickly as it had started, the rain stopped; the storm disappeared and the sun came out.”
City Life in Singapore After spending 10 nights on the stunning beaches of Thailand, the couple flew to Singapore to discover the incredible cities there. “We stayed at the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel, which is known for its incredible design, three tall towers and an infinity pool that stretches across them,” continues Lara, clearly impressed. “It was fantastic; the city was wonderful and our memories of our hotel will stay with me forever – not least because we were staying in a suite on the 46th floor!” Singapore also promised some exciting options for wining, dining and shopping. “The city reminded us of an Asian New York; there was a never-ending list of things to do and so much to discover. That included a dish called ‘black pepper crab’… it was to-die-for and we couldn’t get enough of it. That said, our tip would definitely be to get the waiter to crack it open for you – otherwise you have to be prepared to head back to your room to change clothes!”Ò
48 bliss March 2014 § Honeymoon
rquotisseon u t f o w e i v g n i z Amear and long tail boand wat boo Island, Thaila Bam
The Final Stretch Home With the buzz of Singapore’s cities still pulsing through their veins, it was time for another resort destination – this time Kuala Lumpur for a couple of days, followed by a stay in west Malaysia. “We chose the islands of Pangkor Laut and it was just like heaven on earth,” Lara says. “We stayed in a water spa villa and it all felt as though it was part of the natural environment there. We had outdoor massages, body scrub rituals and spent time just taking in our surroundings. The wildlife was incredible, with monkeys playing in the gardens and big, beautiful birds flying all around. It was definitely one of the highlights and we felt so at peace there.” Finally, though, after six days on the island they called ‘paradise’, it was time to pack up and start their journey home. “After a 15 hour journey we found ourselves back in Malta and back to our hectic routines,” laughs Lara, admitting that it
was a little hard to accept – especially as she spent 10 hours in the salon on her first day back. “But we have our beautiful memories and that’s all that matters." “Now we are thinking of returning to the Far East. I’ve already started daydreaming about it, and Josef and I have a couple of destinations in mind, including the Perhentian Islands off the east of Malaysia and the Surin and Similan Islands in Thailand. After a honeymoon like that there is no doubt that we’re hooked, so we can’t wait to see more of what this beautiful part of the world has to offer. And best of all? We get to keep on discovering it all together.” n
Home § March 2014 bliss 51
A bold luxury
The demand for luxury rental properties in Malta is high, and this is what one local investor had in mind when buying and converting this sizeable apartment in Swieqi as a rental investment. Sarah Micallef discovers what went into the making of this impressive space. P h oto s by Al a n c a rv i ll e
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fter purchasing it in August 2012, works on an ample conversion of this top floor apartment in Swieqi began in March and were finished just six months later. Upon visiting for the first time, the owner of the apartment saw a lot of potential, although significant structural alternations were necessary, resulting in what he terms “a massive conversion”. The transformation began even before entering the front door. “The two apartments within the block are on the same level, with the bottom floor being a maisonette,” the owner explains. As a result, the front doors to both apartments were very close to each other, and when you entered the apartment before the conversion, you’d find yourself in a little corridor before reaching the main area. He explains how he overcame this, stating, “in order to give it an air of exclusivity and a more luxurious feel, I decided to move the front door to the end of this little hallway and clad the entrance entirely in wood – including the walls, floor and ceiling.” The new front door runs all the way up to the ceiling, creating a playful optical illusion. In order to add to the element of sophistication, sensor lights were installed at the entry, which switch on upon approach: “it makes an impact on whoever is walking in before they even enter, setting the tone.”
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It makes an impact on whoever is walking in before they even enter, setting the tone.
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The apartment also has its own private roof, which was previously only accessible from the common area. This, the new owner wanted to convert into a terrace, in so doing adding tremendous value to the property. He explains, “I blocked the old entrance and created a large opening over two storeys for the stairs which lead up to where there was the washroom. This brought in a lot of light and gave a sensation of height.” This way, the roof is no longer
accessible through the common area, but became a private terrace and chill out area you can access from inside the apartment. Effectively, the property turned into a duplex. “I wanted to take advantage of the roof, and instead of leaving it as it was, make it an integral part of the house as a whole. Now there is a private terrace with far reaching views of Swieqi – you can even see the sea,” he says. Another substantial part of theÒ
52 bliss March 2014 § Home
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We designed it in such a way as to make it a statement piece within the room.
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conversion comprised the creation of a large, open plan living area. The owner recalls that the space that makes up this area was previously underutilised, stating, “the living quarters were split up into a number of small rooms separated by arches. Despite the fact that the apartment is big – over 180 square metres of interior space and an additional 150 square metres of terraces – it didn’t look that way before.” He goes on to explain, “I wanted to create a very large open space first and foremost,
which is not easy to find in an apartment in Malta. Even in high-end apartments in Portomaso or Tower Road, you will struggle to find one of this size in terms of living and dining quarters.” Together with the architect, we designed a new layout and knocked down all the rooms which made up the main living area. Now, upon entering, you are met with a large kitchen/living/dining space measuring 90 square metres. In order to make the open plan doable, a physical reinforcement had to
be created, which he chose to do via a feature wall. The owner of the apartment however was adamant that this wall not be purely functional. He states, “we designed it in such a way as to make it a statement piece within the room. Columns could have done the job, but we created an interesting wall featuring a slit with light within it, and cladded it with particular bronze wallpaper from Camilleri Paris Mode. In so doing, we created a statement feature.” Another interesting feature of the conversion is a concealed box room within a bespoke semi-circular partition, which houses camouflaged door. The owner states, “we took part of the large living area to create a box room, and created a semicircular wall featuring a chunky, hidden door that runs all the way up to the ceiling – it gives you the sense of almost being in a boat.” Aside from working as a design feature, thisÒ
Home § March 2014 bliss 55
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Added interest comes in the form of designer pieces and bold colour choices. separates the living quarters from the sleeping quarters, adding an element of privacy while also aiding energy efficiency in terms of heating and cooling the separate areas. Created as an upmarket apartment for foreigners, the owner maintains that when doing it up, he took feedback received from other leased properties on board. He explains, “the decision to use parquet on the floor and construct the stairs out of wood and steel came about as a result of this feedback – foreigners coming from Nordic countries are accustomed to wood flooring, and in Malta the majority of flooring is tile.” Furthermore, a lot of the target market for upscale rental properties at the moment comprises young businesspeople, so privacy is important, and separate double bedrooms were a must. “In fact,” he maintains, “the guys renting the apartment at the moment run their international business from home. Given this target market, I wanted to create space and comfort in order for them to be able to do that.”
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By the owner’s own admission, the sleeping quarters play second fiddle to the vast and luxurious living quarters, comprising three bedrooms with a balcony and terrace, the main with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, as well as a main bathroom. He explains, “clearly the focus of the apartment is its living quarters but we still worked on creating the right balance between simplicity and functionality in the sleeping quarters. We were careful to take care of storage – the bedrooms all have large wardrobes.” The style throughout the apartment is modern, and can also be described as minimalist with a touch of marine elements in the use of natural materials and chunky doors. Despite the overall modern aesthetic, however, the space is also punctuated with more traditional pieces of furniture, such as one particular cabinet in the kitchen area, which was painted to match the colours of the wallpaper on the feature wall and the brown tones of the parquet. Aside from bespoke constructions, designer elements that elevate the
luxurious feel of the apartment include a designer white lampshade in the living area and a Philippe Starck clock, as well as a large white kitchen with concrete style counter tops and a 70kg concrete sink in the main bathroom. The owner maintains, “we used these special pieces to elevate and boost the space, bolstering the modern and sophisticated effect we were after.” Added interest comes in the form of designer pieces and bold colour choices. Speaking of the striking colour palette, the owner asserts, “I didn’t shy away from making bold choices when it came to wallpaper and colour scheme. It was risky, but I wanted to create a bold environment. I didn’t want a conventionallooking space but rather something different, with the risk involved.” n
r u o y m r o f s Tran Living Space
Home § March 2014 bliss 57
Spring brings with it the desire to throw open the windows and embrace space and light. And what better place than your living room to add a few new season touches? Here Jo Caruana explores the must-have living room updates for spring 2014.
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very home has a ‘heart’. For some it’s the kitchen, where family members pile around the dinner table to eat, chat and catch up. For others it’s a playroom, or even a terrace or garden. But for most it’s the living room – the place to curl up by the fireplace, watch films, read books and just relax together. As a result, your living room will quickly become one of the most ‘lived-in’ parts of your home. From pet hair on the sofa to crayons on the carpet, it will probably become the sort of room that evolves at its own rate, rather than is transformed to suit your changing needs. So, this season, why not consider injecting a little inspiration and investment into this most-loved room? It will definitely prove worth it! Achieving this could actually be much easier than you imagine. For instance, simply replacing one or two items you already have, or picking up a few new accessories, can completely change the look of your space. Begin with a good spring clean to rid your room of clutter. Empty all the cupboards and drawers so that you know exactly what is in them, and chuck out or give away anything that is no longer in use. Ò
Ó Reclaimed wood coffee table by Rotsen Furniture
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Bright white is always a great base, though a feature wall could also be fun, perhaps in a strong block colour or using wallpaper.
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58 bliss March 2014 § Home
Thinking of updating your living room? There are a few key trends that will really bring your space up to date for 2014. Here, we’ve chosen our favourites.
Hollywood glamour Inspired by the Art Deco era and cutting-edge American designers like Jonathan Adler, there’s a lot to love about this decadent trend. Key colours include grey, mustard yellow or turquoise blue, while you should shop for high-shine metallic side tables, wall art and quirky accessories.
Pretty pastels Much like the catwalks, the home trends of this season embrace pastel colours. However it’s not so much the powder blues, pistachio greens and baby pinks of last year that have stuck around, but very, very soft blush pink hues, pale petrol blues and copper touches. If you’re updating ÓMillenium floor lamp by Arteriors your space, start by painting walls an icy, powder blue or sugary pink. Warm it all up with natural oak furniture and minimal accessories – and let light flood in through the windows.
Bright brights
Living Room by Noelle Wright
Once that’s done, take a good look around the room in ‘shell’ form. Do any pieces of furniture jar with the ÓInsect de sign wall ha ngings by Pa rest of the space? Do any stel Lane parts of the room look empty? Is any of the furniture starting to look old, damaged or threadbare? Either way, this is an excellent opportunity to make some changes. Next consider giving your room a lick of paint to instantly give it a fresher feel. Bright-white is always a great base, though a feature wall could also be fun – perhaps in a strong block colour or using wallpaper. Once this is done you may also feel that your soft furnishings need some work to match – so have new curtains or blinds made (or at least send yours to the dry cleaners to be freshened up), get a new rug in one of this season’s key colours, and pick cushions and light throws that evoke the feeling of spring. Ò
Quite the opposite of the pastel look comes ‘urban brights’ – and it’s not for the faint-hearted! Along with stark white walls and floors, you could introduce a hot pink sofa, bright yellow floor lamp or orange rug.
Industrial revolution Our final trend of choice brings a touch of the industrial to your home – but not in the way you may imagine it. This refreshed trend keeps floors simple – concrete or stone is ideal – but adds splashes of colour. You could go DIY by crafting a pallet coffee table, for instance, or shop for boxy furniture made of bare wood and metal. Keep soft furnishings such as curtains, rugs and cushions to a minimum to complete this look. Living Room by Timticks Interior Design Ideas
60 bliss March 2014 § Home
ÓCoco sofa by Kim Salmela
Finally, focus on accessories and on adding personality to your space. Choose two or three of your favourite ornaments and banish the rest to another room (or to a jumble sale). Streamline and update photography too, by taking new photos of your family (possibly in black and white) to add to frames or canvases; old photos are lovely too so long as there aren’t too many of them. And that’s it! Trust us, once all that is done you’ll have the perfect ‘new’ living room – and all the more reason for it to be the very heart of your home! n Living Room by Your Home Design Ideas (www.mrpri.com)
Top Tip
Are you looking for some new furniture but don’t want to break the bank? You could ‘upcycle’ some! A major international DIY trend, upcycling is all about finding old pieces of furniture that simply need a bit of TLC. We suggest looking through charity shops, auction sales, jumble sales and car boot sales, as well as at the Birgu flea market, which is held every Sunday.
Living Room by Pottery Barn
Wedding Directory § March 2014 bliss 63
wedding directory
Classic Jewellers c
ÔClassic Jewellers hear wedding bells! Preview our exquisite collection of over 1,000 wedding rings that is the epitome of class and elegance. 18-carat white and rose gold rings with satin finish and 11 diamonds for ladies and 18-carat white and rose gold rings with satin finish for gents, for only €965 and €685, respectively. Each ring is especially made for each individual, with customisable width, colour, finish and diamond quantity. Visit our store in Valletta or Sliema today!
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GABA Gioielli
ÓGABA Gioielli are suppliers of some of the most breathtaking pearl collections around. A unique selection of Akoya, Tahiti, Freshwater and South Sea Pearls are on view in the pearl room at GABA Gioielli in Naxxar Road, Iklin. For more information call on T: 2210 5201.
Alamango
ÓBesides the vast range of ready-made bridal gowns we offer, a team of qualified designers and tailors is at your service to help you create your dream dress, whilst guiding you to choose the right material from our textiles department. A custom-made dress offers the guarantee of uniqueness. For further information call us on T: 2131 4331/2133 6427; www.alamango.com.mt
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ECCO
ÔThis wedding season, ECCO introduces the Edinburgh range of men’s smart shoes. A modern, comfortable shoe with clean upper styling, made of full grain leather. It features highly breathable and moisture-absorbent lining with a light and flexible sole and slim profile. View the full collection online at www.ecco-shoes.com.mt
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BUBBLES
ÓBubbles shoe shop is a family-run boutique, with over 40 years of experience in shoes and bags. The family’s love and passion is evident in their collection of chosen shoes and bags, some of which are designed by the family, giving the collection that uniqueness and exclusivity. All brands are exclusive to Bubbles Valletta.
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Hotel Phoenicia
ÓTradition coupled with constant innovation keeps the Hotel Phoenicia at the forefront of the weddings scene on the island. The hotel offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, and caters for all your needs whether you are planning an extravagant, large wedding or a small, intimate wedding with family and close friends. At Hotel Phoenicia each wedding reception is specially organised to suit your individual preferences. Your dream wedding starts here! Contact Rachel, the Weddings Executive, on T: 2291 1061 or E: weddings@phoeniciamalta. com for more information about wedding venues and packages. Hotel Phoenicia Malta, The Mall, Floriana.
64 bliss March 2014 § Wedding Directory
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Plethora Dance
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ÔYou may want to dance, but does your partner want to dance with you? At Plethora Dance, we will create the perfect dance just for you, even if you have two left feet! We provide guidance with basic movements to make sure you are comfortable and confident. Group and private classes available. M: 9949 0896; E: plethoradance@gmail.com; www.danceclassesmalta.com; facebook.com/PlethoraDance
The Villa
ÔThe 19th-century tastefully renovated Villa is centrally located, overlooking the beautiful Balluta Bay. At The Villa, we can cater for small, intimate events as well as larger, full scale events and of course bespoke weddings. When it comes to food, The Villa has an award-winning restaurant with a team of experts at the ready to create any event or celebration. All our events and bespoke weddings are unique as every detail can be tailored to your specific wishes. Whatever your event or budget, we invite you to make The Villa yours to enjoy for any occasion. For more information contact us at E: info@thevillamalta.com
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Pronovias
ÓA Pronovias wedding dress means living the most important day of your life looking sublime, special and unforgettable. Whatever the style you opt for, you will leave all your guests speechless and your new husband breathless. Pronovias in The Srand, Gzira, is reached on T: 2388 9380 or on E: pronovias@bridemalta.com
66 bliss March 2014 § Vintage wedding
From
playmates to partners
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tarting out as neighbours, Joseph and Maria Vella never imagined they’d end up together as children. Joseph explains, “it’s a bit of a funny story. We became playmates because we lived round the corner from each other when we were children.” That all changed some years later, when Maria was 29 and Joseph was 31. Maria recalls bemusedly, “I was going to church and he was on his way home from work. He asked me if I wanted to go to the pictures with him. I had nothing to do, so I went.” “It was a whirlwind,” Joseph declares, “we went out for about two years and decided to get married.” Planning was left in Maria’s hands. “I was a teacher, and after school I’d go round Valletta buying everything,” she says. They decided to hold the reception at Maria’s parents’ house to save money, as they were in the process of building their house. When the day arrived, Joseph recalls, “Maria was exhausted. Apart from preparing for the wedding, she also used to come to the house to help me paint and get things ready.” That wasn’t all however, as Maria adds, “the veil was still not finished... we had to do that in the morning. The waiters were surprised to
Having celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary last year, Joseph and Maria Vella have come a long way since their wedding on 11th September 1961. Sarah Micallef sits down with the couple to relive memories from their big day.
discover I was the bride, because I was still not dressed!” Maria’s sister Pauline designed and made her dress from scratch, along with the bridesmaids’ dresses and even some of the guests’ outfits. “When I got married, she had bookings! She made all my cousins’ dresses, and didn’t ask them to pay anything. She was a saint,” she recalls fondly. Joseph’s favourite part of the day was the ceremony, in particular “the moment it was announced that we were joined as one. We knew our lives would change forever.” Once at the reception, the couple was able to enjoy the party, where they had a small quartet playing. Whereas the choice of songs was left in the hands of the quartet, Joseph states that when it was time for the first dance, he had a simple request: “I said, ‘One slow, please’!” The reception also had a very personal touch: “we decided to have a
different cake. We took a picture of our new house to Dolceria Croce Bonaci, and asked them to make the cake in the shape of the house. It was unique.” After 52 years, three children and six grandchildren, the twosome is sure to have plenty of wise words for young couples. Asked what the secret to a happy life together is, Joseph maintains, “tolerance is essential. There must be no difference between giving and taking. Two people become one. You may think apart, but finally you must come together.” Maria chips in, giggling, “you have to say ‘yes’ when you want to say ‘no’!” n
Do you know a couple who’s been married a long time and still going strong? Send an email with photos to info@contenthouse.com.mt if you’d like to see them on this page!