Bliss Weddings & Homes - Spring 2020

weddings & homes

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issue no. 41

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Dresses and more

LATEST WEDDING TRENDS | maltese COUPLES’ STORIES | A TIMELESS APARTMENT

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Issue 41 | SPRING 2020 Bliss Magazine is Malta’s leading weddings and homes magazine. Bliss is distributed exclusively to each and every couple attending the Cana Wedding Courses, and is available from a select list of bridal and wedding-related outlets in Malta. The publication is also found in all leading hairdressers, beauty salons, cafés, dental clinics, hospitals and medical clinics across the island, as part of our premier distribution network. Bliss is also sold at leading stationers in Malta.

ISSUE 41 | SPRING 2020

contents

Editor Sarah Micallef Publisher

Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Zone 3, Central Business District Birkirkara CBD3010 Tel: 2132 0713 info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt Design Box Design – Antoinette Micallef ant@box-design.net Contributors Caroline Curmi; Francesca Scerri Rizzo; Jillian Mallia; Jo Caruana; Lorraine Cilia; Martina Said; Rebecca Anastasi Photography Alan Carville; Brian Grech; Caroline Segre; Kris Micallef; One Special Day; Tyler Calleja Jackson

page 18 REAL WEDDING

page 92 HONEYMOON

FASHION & BEAUTY 16 BRIDAL TRENDS 74 MODERN MYSTIC

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS 18 OLD WORLD CHARM & YOUNG LOVE 28 A RADIANT CELEBRATION OF LONG-LASTING LOVE 38 A FAIRY GARDEN WEDDING 48 DANCING ALL NIGHT LONG 60 LOVE ACROSS THE CHANNEL 90 WEDDING TRENDS 92 FROM CAPE TO CAPE

INTERVIEW

Advertising Content House Ltd – Tel: 2132 0713

84 A FAMILY AFFAIR 119 A GREAT LOVE

Deputy head of sales Jessica Spiteri Catania Operations & Client relationship manager Elena Dimech 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.

We care about the environment Because we care about the environment, Bliss is printed on FSC-certified paper, a certification which provides assurance that the paper is from sustainable and well-managed sources, thereby minimising its environmental impacts.

HOMES 102 A TIMELESS HAVEN 115 TOP KITCHEN TRENDS FOR THE HEART OF YOUR HOME

Wedding shoot page 74

wedding trends page 90

real home page 102

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our cover

DRESS Glorious gown by The Atelier designed by the one and only Prof. Jimmy Choo. It comes with a beautiful matching veil.

This masterpiece is a true show stopper. Dress exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. Location Palais Le Brun, Valletta Photographer Kris Micallef Photo Shoot Coordinator Sarah Micallef Hair & Make-up Francesca & Lorraine, Alfie’s Hair & Beauty Model Amy, Supernova Model Management

Editor’s letter

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he world of weddings is constantly brimming with incredible ideas and awe-inducing inspiration, and as the flowers blossom to welcome spring, wedding season on the Maltese islands is fast approaching!

This issue of Bliss Weddings & Homes provides ample inspiration for the modern couple, from the latest bridal styles to all the trends to look out for, including a selection of magical local weddings from our wonderful real couples. Check out their beautiful celebrations of love, discover how one bride’s dress journey became a true family affair, and reminisce with the extraordinary Helga and Joe Ellul as they look back on their big day in 1977, and their life together since then.

Our incredible bridal shoot this issue took us to the luxurious Palais Le Brun in Valletta, where stunning model Amy and talented photographer Kris Micallef joined forces to make a special kind of magic. Meanwhile, in the homes section, discover the latest in kitchen trends that are sure to transform the heart of your home, and have a nosey around an expertly put together apartment in Madliena Village.

Enjoy the issue.

Wedding shoot – page 74

Sarah bliss

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BRIDAL TRENDS

BRIDAL TRENDS

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Jillian Mallia Barcelona Bridal Week

catwalk shots courtesy of

Puffy Dresses

Relaxed Tee

Corsets

If you’ve always wanted to look like a princess on your wedding day, this trend is for you. Puffy skirts are back in vogue and are stylish and elegant to boot. This look will definitely have you looking regal on your big day.

A subtle and chilled vibe has made its way into the wedding department.

The relaxed tee look is perfect for the laidback bride and is a great choice for an outdoor wedding in the spring.

An interesting touch to your wedding ensemble could be a corset. Designers have showcased chic and detailed corsets accompanied by spaghetti straps as opposed to strapless options, if you’re looking for some additional support.

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DESIGNER

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

Cristina Tamborero

Aire Barcelona

Aire Barcelona

BRIDAL TRENDS

Detailed Pantsuit

Two-Pieces

Lace Bodice

Another trend in the wedding dress department is the detailed pantsuit.

This look is stylish and chic, and is also a comfortable option. Whether detailed with feathers, lace or beading, it’s certainly one to consider.

Two-piece wedding ensembles are becoming a hit in the bridal world, with more brides seeking a laidback yet stylish approach for their outfit.

We’re also seeing detailed bodices featuring gorgeous lace on bridal runways. Whether your heart is set on straps or you’ve decided to opt for long sleeves, a lace bodice is always an elegant option.

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

Pronovias

Marylise & Rembo Styling

Aire Barcelona

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Tiziana

and

Christian ceremony location

Church of St Gregory, Zejtun

wedding venue

Villa Bologna, Attard

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Old world charm and young love

The union of Tiziana and Christian Spiteri Gauci was a celebration of love, shared passions and an appreciation for beautiful things. Martina Said catches up with the newlyweds to find out all about their magical spring wedding.

P h ot o s b y K r i s M i c a l l e F

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he remarkable wedding day of Tiziana and Christian Spiteri Gauci was as unique as the couple at the centre of it all – beginning with the inspiration behind the aesthetic of their day, right down to the acute attention to detail in every aspect of the planning process.

Long before their stunning spring wedding last year, however, the pair first laid eyes on each other in their teens and were introduced through Tiziana’s cousin, who is friends with Christian. After years of dating, things took a serious turn when they began house-hunting together, leading to an incredibly well-thought out and touching proposal.

In August 2017, on the couple’s 10-year anniversary, Christian took Tiziana to the place they met, a youth centre in Zabbar, the town they’re both from. This initiated a day-long event whizzing around on his Vespa which ended in the best way imaginable. At each of the four stops, which included the public library in Floriana and a spiritual centre in Dingli, Christian handed Tiziana an envelope, each addressed with one word from that all-important question, ‘will you marry me?’.

“Each envelope contained a message that reflected the word written on it. The last stop was our new home in Zabbar, which at the time, around three years ago, was still in the early stages of renovation,” says Tiziana. “He decorated the stairs leading to the roof with photos of our journey together, and by the end of it, we were both so happy and emotional – there were lots of tears!”

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With a specific venue in mind, the couple began by booking that first. “We knew that we wanted our wedding to be at Villa Bologna in springtime, so we checked for available dates and settled on 8th June 2019,” she says. A graphic designer by profession, Tiziana was the creative force behind their wedding day, while Christian, an engineer, had his hands full working on their new home.

Rather than adopting a rigid theme, Tiziana explains that the couple drew on their love for art, history and heritage for the overall look and feel of their wedding.

“My inspiration came from Botticelli’s Primavera and Midsummer Night’s Dream, after the big impression Botticelli's Primavera left on me when we saw it at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. These tied in with the Medieval to Renaissance feel that we wanted the wedding to have. My favourite compliment was that I looked like an elven queen – which perfectly summed up the look I wanted to achieve.”

Tiziana’s precision and attention to detail are perfectly encapsulated in their invitations, which she designed to great effect. They chose letterpress on handmade paper, part of which featured an outlined map of Malta, and, within it, illustrations of places that have defined their relationship, such as their hometown and wedding venue. “The invites were a lovely, although sometimes stressful, process. I believe invites set the tone for the wedding and are an opportunity to showcase who you are as a couple.” A calligraphy enthusiast, Tiziana penned the invitations, while her brother and maid of honour sorted and sealed them, and Christian put the finishing touch on with a personalised wax seal.

The palette of muted tones also complemented the oldworld feel of their wedding day. Tiziana says that although she didn’t have a clear set of colours in mind, she was sure of muted tones. “Although we were planning a spring wedding, I didn’t want the usual pastel colours. This also came through in the bridal party’s dresses. They were designed by Luke

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DETAILS

Photo by Tiziana Spiteri Gauci

Antique accessories “I was after an antique tiara as a headpiece and sourced one made of myrtle dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries,” says Tiziana. “It was designed in Germany and, at that time, it was made as a set – a myrtle tiara for the bride and matching boutonniere for the groom, which Christian wore with his suit.”

“We used the fabric scraps from the bridesmaids’ dresses to tie the mass booklets, which I designed and featured a Renaissance monogram inspired by illuminated manuscripts.”

Azzopardi in a range of colours I liked, such as mustard, sage green and greyish blue,” she explains. “We then used the fabric scraps from their dresses to tie the mass booklets, which I designed and featured a Renaissance monogram inspired by illuminated manuscripts. I enjoyed putting these together with my Nanna Katie, days before the wedding!”

Photo by Tiziana Spiteri Gauci

Going-away style Equally stunning as her dress was the bride’s goingaway outfit – an off-shoulder two-piece inspired by Bianca Jagger’s iconic wedding outfit. “I often envisioned myself getting married in a trouser suit, so for my second look, I had a custom two-piece designed by the atelier at camilleriparismode, which I was really pleased with.”

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“When we got to the church and started walking up the aisle, my husband was crying and emotional, and I was in a daze!”

Tiziana also had a hand in the cocktails offered to guests, where she curated a selection of refreshing beverages using fresh herbs, inspired by some of the couple’s favourite literary figures or which alluded to some of their favourite fandoms, such as Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes. For the guest book table – which consisted of building blocks for guests to scribble their well-wishes onto, hinting at the

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couple’s love for boardgames – antique books Tiziana collected over the years were used as décor, including an antique copy of Grimms’ Fairy Tales from her parents’ library.

For her wedding dress, the bride didn’t have a clear vision in mind, but she did know she wanted to collaborate with couturier Luke Azzopardi.

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“I didn’t know him personally, but I liked his approach and I know he values history and art, and I wanted that to be part of the creative process,” she explains. “I went with a lot of ideas, but more of a feel than a silhouette. I knew I wanted velvet in my dress, but I didn’t want it to be too heavy for a June wedding, so we used velvet for the top and an elegant moiré fabric for the skirt. The look was complete with long flowy sleeves in crepe silk.”

On the day, Tiziana felt completely calm, contrary to the day before, which was filled with last-minute preparations.

“I think I was fighting the butterflies and had my head in the clouds most of the time. When we got to the church and started walking up the aisle, my husband was crying and emotional, and I was in a daze!” she jokes – and thanks to expert videographer Mauro D’Amato who captured all the best bits, the newlyweds could revisit the emotional memories of the day time and again.

Tiziana and Christian exchanged vows at the church of St Gregory in Zejtun, with mass celebrated by Fr Louis Grech, who has known the couple since they were young. “He’s seen us grow up, so to have him celebrate our marriage, while surrounded by so many people we love, meant a lot to us.”

“My favourite compliment was that I looked like an elven queen – which perfectly summed up the look I wanted to achieve.”

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“All in all, the wedding was a celebration of us and what brings us together.”

For their first dance, the couple opted for a song that resonated with them in the months leading to their wedding day, titled Sunny, by Bobby Hebb. “It took us a while to decide, because we’re into alternative music, which is why we chose No Snow/No Alps as our wedding band, but we thought this song, which was originally released in the 1960s, had a catchy, jazzy tune and summery vibe.”

Every detail, no matter how big or small, was meticulously chosen or created to reflect Tiziana and Christian, and they left no stone unturned. The groom completed his look with a vintage pocket square and a vest made of the same velvet fabric as the bride’s bodice. For souvenirs, they gave out Italian antique, post-war pen nibs, reflecting her passion for calligraphy, as well as packets of herb and flower seeds, reflecting his love for gardening and cooking. Their reception was plastic-free, and the caterers used reusable bamboo cups and paper straws for cocktails.

“All in all, the wedding was a celebration of us and what brings us together; exploring new places, spending

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afternoons playing boardgames, thrift shopping (more like treasure hunting), reading a book or two, and Maltese heritage and literature,” says Tiziana. “Although many would suggest spending the day before relaxing, it was not the case for us. We were busy finishing off last minute details – painting our welcome sign, filling the confetti basket, practising our first dance in my under skirt and heels! It was stressful, but I wouldn’t change a thing. In a way, even the worrying is fun. It’s a run up to a day that we’ll never experience anything like, so I would really encourage other couples to enjoy it and follow their own rules.”

Their wedding day flew by without a hitch, and Tiziana is quick to admit that choosing a favourite part of the day is tough – “a day is too short! When the mass ended, we both wished it could start all over again – it was magical. At the reception, my favourite moment was towards the end. The reception was winding down and we were basically on cloud nine, enjoying an ice-cream together. It was a moment in which we could really relax, just the two of us.”

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Rebecca

and

Warren ceremony location

Zurrieq Parish Church

wedding venue

Hastings Garden, Valletta

A radiant celebration of long-lasting love

Rebecca Vella and Warren Griscti met when they were still on the cusp of adulthood, and as time went by, their deep bonds matured, with the couple tying the knot nine years after they first set eyes on each other. Here, they tell Rebecca Anastasi all about their love and big day.

P h ot o s b y Ca r o l i n a S e g r e

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ore than nine years ago, Rebecca, 26, and Warren, 30, were set up on a date by a mutual friend – and the attraction was immediate. “My first impressions were that he was very good looking and had a sort of smile in his eyes,” Rebecca says, recalling those initial moments together, and their evening out at the movies. Warren was likewise smitten. “My first impressions were that she was beautiful,” he laughs. “We also both liked the fact that we were quite shy and reserved – and this was something we both noticed in each other,” he adds.

Even in those early days of their relationship, the young couple realised they were a great fit. “We felt very comfortable together, and as the years went by, we developed similar tastes,” Rebecca

explains, describing the ways in which they both helped each other with the challenges life presented. “Warren always brought out the best in me and I always found his support,” she attests, with Warren concurring, adding that his new wife was constantly ready to “encourage me to try new things and get out of my comfort zone.”

These tightly knit bonds pointed to many years together, and marriage always seemed to be on the horizon. “We talked about our future from very early on. And even though we were still quite young when we first started going out, we always knew that we would be together,” Rebecca smiles, describing their conversations on the topic as always being free and open.

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Five years after their first date, Warren decided to pop the question. “I was still completing my studies and we were together in New York,” Rebecca recalls. “He proposed to me after a lovely dinner, while we were admiring a beautiful view of the city at night. I have probably never seen him that nervous,” she laughs. And unbeknownst to Rebecca, Warren had actually planned to propose earlier that morning in the iconic Central Park, but rain had forced them to change their plans for the day, pulling them away from the iconic site. “I could see he was quite disappointed, and at the time I didn’t understand why. Little did I know that he had it all planned out,” Rebecca says.

In fact, Warren – in the run up to the highly-anticipated trip – had even asked Rebecca’s parents for their blessing.

“Our families back in Malta also knew,” Rebecca says.

“He was very traditional about it, asking for my parents’ blessing, and this was something I found quite romantic,” she continues. And even though the final proposal didn’t go according to plan, that had no effect on the emotions felt during that unforgettable dinner. “I said yes instantly and burst into tears,” Rebecca reveals.

“Even though we were still young when we first started going out, we always knew that we would be together.”

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DETAILS An updated vintage feel Rebecca’s wedding dress was inspired by the one her grandmother wore for her own wedding day, with intricate details – such as these removable sleeves – imbuing a 21st century vintage charm to the bride’s look.

Back in Malta, the wedding preparations kicked into gear, with Rebecca and Warren equally involved in the process. From the get-go, they decided they wanted “a romantic outdoor garden setting” the bride says, underlining that simplicity was key, though they were also keen to enrich the day with striking details which would reflect their personalities.

They settled on the venue of Hastings Garden quite early on in the process, but the stunning outdoor public space needed to be transformed – by the couple themselves – into the wedding location of their dreams. “We were adamant on certain details. I even drew out a venue plan with everything mapped out, to be sure that there would be no confusion on the day,” Rebecca states.

Blush, rustic fare The couple’s four-tier wedding cake turned heads. Its simple design, topped off with soft pink and coral blooms, was enhanced by the bucolic surroundings of Hastings Garden.

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“I was inspired by a dress my grandma had – it was intricately beaded, and I remember looking at photos of it and thinking how elegant it looked.”

The dress was also tailor-made, Rebecca says, as she fondly explains how her mother took the time to make her a bespoke piece. “I had been researching styles that I like for quite a while and knew that I wanted something different. I was inspired by a dress my grandma had – it was intricately beaded, and I remember looking at photos of it and thinking how elegant it looked. I wanted something which was timeless, just like that,” she says.

Rebecca bought the fabric from the UK – after “asking for way too many samples” – and gave it to her mother to work her magic. “It was extra special that my mum got to do it,” she smiles, saying that this also proved of great benefit in helping her decide on the details of the dress, like the sleeves. “I couldn’t decide on whether I wanted them or not, but my mum managed to convince me that she could remove the sleeves during the wedding. So, I had sleeves on for church and photos, and removed them just before the first dance,” Rebecca laughs.

Finally, in June of last year, all the preparations were ready for the couple’s ‘I dos’. The 300-guest wedding was a traditional one, the bride recounts, with family at centre stage. “I had two bridesmaids: my sister was my maid of honour and I also had my best friend right beside me, with two flower girls – both my cousins. Warren’s best man was his brother, with his sister as witness,” Rebecca continues.

Rebecca will forever remember her favourite moment of the day, when she walked into the Zurrieq parish church, after a ride in her bridal car from Dalton’s Chauffeur Services, and saw Warren waiting for her in front of the alter. “I was trembling as I made my way down the aisle, but I fixed my eyes on him to try and keep my cool. Later, people told us that it was very emotional,” she recalls.

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“I even drew out a venue plan with everything mapped out, to be sure that there would be no confusion on the day.”

Warren also looks back fondly at that moment, saying he can still picture “the moment Rebecca walked towards me and then I lifted her veil so I could look her in the eyes.” The excitement felt by the couple was also punctuated by some laughter, as the pair came to exchange their wedding bands.

“Warren’s ring couldn’t fit even though we had practised just the day before! And the priest actually passed a comment about it, making everyone laugh,” Rebecca says.

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“I was trembling as I made my way down the aisle, but I fixed my eyes on him to try and keep my cool.”

Later on, the party – headlined by the Brass House Unit and immortalised on video by Mauro D’Amato – moved to Hastings Garden in Valletta, which had been festooned with hundreds of fairy lights that lit up as the sun went down. “We wanted to make best use of the trees, to create a romantic setting, particularly as it got dark,” Rebecca explains. “Looking back, we risked a lot since we didn’t really have a back-up plan in case of bad weather, and our families were rather worried. But we persevered and held on to positive thoughts,” she smiles.

This sense of determination and practicality is central to a successful – and stress-free – occasion, according to Rebecca, who advises engaged couples “not to focus on stuff that cannot really be controlled, and try to enjoy the process as much as possible since you will only get to do it once.”

Indeed, not a drop of rain fell on that special day, and the couple – together with their guests – were able to eat, drink and dance for hours. “The day was dreamy for the both of us,” Rebecca smiles. “The only pity is it went by really quickly!”

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Emma

and

Matthew ceremony location

Palazzo Palina, Ta’ Cenc, Gozo

wedding venue

Ta’ Frenc Restaurant, Xaghra, Gozo

A fairy garden wedding

Emma Warrington and Matthew Demarco shared a vision for their big day – that of a tasteful and personal celebration of their love, within a stunning garden setting. Sarah Micallef discovers how they put it all together.

P h ot o s b y B r ia n G r e c h

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t’s coming up to 12 years ago that Emma Warrington and Matthew Demarco first got together. “We were acquaintances back when we were students at Junior College,” says Emma, recalling that Matt lived down the street from her best friend. “We eventually hooked up at a mutual friend’s birthday party, and Matt asked me out for a date after that.”

Yet while the pair have known for some time that marriage would eventually be on the cards, they chose to prioritise setting up their businesses and creating a home together before saying their ‘I dos’.

“Emma wanted to open Emma’s Kitchen, and I wanted to set up Bloom. They were priorities to get going, as it would have been difficult to take that financial risk at a later stage. So, it was a bit of an unspoken agreement,” Matthew explains. “When you both have start-ups, it’s not just financially but also mentally draining – you don’t have much space for anything else, and we wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much,” Emma agrees, affirming that they both wanted it to be a process they enjoyed.

And when the time was right for the proposal, the couple, as ever, was in sync. “I had it all planned out in my head,” Matt laments, teasing Emma about how she foiled his plans. She chimes in, “he had planned to propose during dinner at home, but we were both off work that morning, and were chilling in bed when we started discussing future plans. At that point we had been together for 10 years, but getting married wasn’t something we had actively discussed.”

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As luck would have it, Emma chose that moment to bring it up. “It was such a coincidence – he brought out the ring and I thought it was a joke! It was the biggest surprise of my life. I actually felt bad later that I spoiled his dinner plans,” Emma chuckles.

From then on, the creative couple threw themselves into wedding prep, collaborating on the style they wanted to achieve, while Emma led the way in terms of planning.

“It was so much fun! I’d run everything by Matt, but I’m more of a planner, and I really enjoyed it. I’d think about it constantly,” she recalls fondly.

They chose 26th October 2019 as their date, and had their hearts set on a garden wedding. “We really wanted to get married in a garden, and the original idea was to have the wedding in a public garden, but it was going to be tough logistically,” explains Matt, before the pair found their dream ceremony venue – Ta’ Cenc in Gozo. “Apart from

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the hotel, they have a small palazzo with its own garden, which we didn’t know about before going to visit,” says Emma, looking back on the discovery. “Part of the garden wasn’t really used until recently, so it was overgrown, and they hadn’t gotten down to making it a presentable space, but that’s exactly what we liked about it!”

Speaking of their decision to get married on the sister isle, the couple admit to considering Sicily first, before settling on Gozo. “Some friends of ours had gotten married in Sicily a few years ago, and we really liked the fact that everyone was gathered there and made a weekend of fun out of it. But Sicily would have been a lot more difficult to plan, seeing as we have businesses to run,” explains Matt, adding that the pair have always loved Gozo.

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DETAILS “We hadn’t seen either of the venues in Gozo before, but fell in love with them when we visited, so it was pretty easy to decide.”

Personal invitations “The invitations by Signature Weddings by BloomCreative were Matt’s doing. It wasn’t actually the initial direction we were going in – he had been working on them for a while but couldn’t get it right. Then at one point he said, ‘I’m going to try something’, and in five minutes we knew it was right! They were simple, with black ink on good quality card. We also had a map, since the wedding was in Gozo.”

Garden-themed cake The cake was a simple semi-naked cake, with fresh flowers to match the bouquet. It fit in perfectly with the garden theme.

“We chose an almond flavour and it was honestly one of the best wedding cakes I’ve ever tasted,” recalls Emma, gushing about how amazing all the food created by Ta’ Frenc was.

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“I didn’t cry, and it was really strange as I’m the person that’s always sobbing at everyone else’s wedding. But I was just too excited – it’s different when it’s happening to you!”

“We liked the idea that, after all that planning, we could extend the celebration beyond the event itself. We hadn’t seen either of the venues in Gozo before, but fell in love with them when we visited, so it was pretty easy to decide,” Emma continues, explaining that they chose the beautiful Ta’ Frenc Restaurant for their reception. The couple also booked out a complex of bungalows for their guests, so they could celebrate with dinner together the night before, and even had an afterparty there, making the most out of the weekend.

Apart from the garden setting, the most important element of their big day was that it was personal, Emma and Matt maintain, and they asked one of their best friends, actor Tom Camilleri, to officiate. “We actually wrote the ceremony with him, which was really fun, and we also asked different family members to say a few words,” adds Emma. “We got involved with all the different parts of it too, with personalising certain things and the design of everything. My mum even put together the souvenirs, so it was all very personal,” says Matthew.

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And while the organised bride-to-be never considered a long-term wedding planner, she admits that in hindsight, having someone to help on the day would probably have been a good idea. “The girls were really helpful, and Luana from Balistuff, who was responsible for the décor for the venue, also took care of a lot for me,” she affirms.

When the big day arrived, Emma was calm, admitting to having been a little nervous in the days leading up to it. “A lot of things have to come together, and you do need a lot of help from other people. But on the morning, I just felt like it was all done. I enjoyed the morning getting pampered with the girls and having my make-up done by Alexia Kind and hair by Nicole Gera. It was really nice and chilled.” And while Matt did have some last-minute things to oversee in the morning, he recalls feeling chilled out too. “My best men and I went to have a coffee before returning to the flat to get ready.”

It was soon time for the bride to make her way to the groom. “The car ride to the venue was great,” Emma recalls. “It had rained the day before, and the sky was so clear. It was incredible driving through the hills in Gozo.

When we arrived, seeing Matt cry his eyes out at the end of the aisle was also really nice,” she laughs, poking fun at her husband. “As expected,” he admits, sheepishly.

“All of it was so surreal,” Emma continues. “When I sat down and looked at Matt, it all hit me. I didn’t cry, and it was really strange as I’m the person that’s always sobbing at everyone else’s wedding. But I was just too excited – it’s different when it’s happening to you!”

And the long-awaited ceremony turned out to be just as personal as the couple had intended. “For many of our guests, it was one of their first civil ceremonies, and Tom really made everyone feel relaxed,” Emma explains, as Matt adds, “our families are quite religious, so even though it was civil, we still wanted it to feel like a ceremony rather than just a formality.” The pair wrote their own vows, and both look back on them as one of their favourite aspects of the day. “Our mothers also did a reading each, and we asked three couples who we feel are doing it right to stand up and

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“It had rained the day before, and the sky was so clear. It was incredible driving through the hills in Gozo.” give us some words of advice. We didn’t know what they were going to say before, so it was really nice. Finally, I wrote a funny poem about how we met and everything that’s happened since then, which our sisters read out together,” Emma continues.

Apart from all the happy tears, the pair recall a few funny moments too, when things didn’t quite go to plan.

“One of the ushers took my mother down the wrong aisle, which was very funny,” laughs Emma, admitting that it was no big deal. “And the singer started before you got out of the car,” Matt reminds her. “Yes,” Emma smiles, “she started singing as soon as she saw my mother, but she had arrived in a different car!”

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“Don’t let the process stress you out! And when the day comes, just relax. Do it for your fiancé, not for other people.”

And when it came time to hit the dancefloor, despite Matt’s insistence on not having a first dance, he wasn’t given much of a choice. “At one point everyone created a circle on the dancefloor and threw us in the middle. They basically made us do it! Matt was quick to grab other people to join in though,” Emma laughs.

It was there that the greatest memories were made. “The realisation at the party, after a lot of the wedding had passed, that everyone was chilled and having fun around us. I recall

that point very clearly,” Matt fondly recalls, looking back. It’s certainly clear that the couple achieved their goal – crafting a personal wedding which they could enjoy, surrounded by those they care about. And their advice would be to do just that, enjoy it. “Don’t let the process stress you out! And when the day comes, just relax. Do it for your fiancé, not for other people. It’s too much pressure, and you have to enjoy it.

People worry too much, and there’s no reason to. Ultimately it’s about your relationship and the vows you’re making.”

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Nicola

and

Glenn ceremony location

St Theresa Church, Basilica Minor, Cospicua

wedding venue

The Sheer Bastion, Isla

Dancing all night long

While planning their October wedding, fun-loving couple Nicola Lapira and Glenn Grech had one goal: to create a special day for themselves, their family and friends. Here, they share how they pulled off the wedding of their dreams with Sarah Micallef.

P h ot o s b y www.w e ddi n g p h ot o g r ap h y ma lta . c o m

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hen Glenn Grech, Head of UX/UI Design at a local design agency, and Nicola Lapira, a lawyer and partner at a boutique law firm, first met, it was “completely random.”

Nicola’s best friend had invited them both to a boozy dinner, and they ended up heading out together afterwards.

Glenn offered to take Nicola home, except they ended up talking till sunrise. “We went out on our first date a couple of weeks later and immediately started planning trips abroad, as we both love travelling and adventure,” they say.

And it didn’t take long for them to start thinking about marriage too. “My friends used to tease me that Glenn and I would get married because we were ‘made for each other’, and though I wouldn’t say much, I secretly hoped so,” Nicola smiles.

Glenn also thought about it early on. “On our first trip together, we were enjoying the El Nicho Springs in Cuba, and had climbed through the dense hills to take in the breath-taking view. We were alone in the hills overlooking the waterfalls when I thought to myself, it would be cool to be married one day,” recalls Glenn.

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The proposal came a little later, after the pair began renovating an old townhouse. “I thought it would be memorable to propose in our future home,” says Glenn. “I wanted to do it in the evening, so I could light the house up in candlelight. But, in spite of making many requests for Nic to take it easy and refrain from coming home early, she showed up and we couldn’t get her out of the house!” he laughs.

“That day, I was out and about all morning while Glenn was working on the house. He told me that I didn’t need to help, but I decided to take him coffee, and as I was parking, his father caught a glimpse of me and ran inside, which I found odd,” Nicola says.

That evening, the pair returned to the house to check on progress, only to find it full of candles and twinkling fairy lights. “My father and Nicola’s mum helped put the many, many candles in place until we got ready to go out,” smiles Glenn, but Nicola had yet to catch on! “It was beautiful, and at first I thought that Glenn was surprising me with a Christmas present, since Christmas was a few days away.

When he proposed, I could hardly believe it,” she laughs.

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DETAILS Neon love “We had our hearts set on designing a custom neon sign to feature at the reception, and we got started on it practically one week after setting the date!”

The pair went on to tackle wedding planning together, with the help of “lists upon lists upon more lists.” Still, the experience wasn’t completely stress-free. “We did stress, especially one month from the wedding date, because we didn’t have our invitations ready (let alone sent out) and hadn’t started our wedding favours either,” they explain, having chosen to make personalised invitations sealed with wax, as well as their own wedding favours. “We both like to be hands on but planning the wedding while trying to finish a house renovation was a balancing act and the days were flying past!”

Doing it themselves “We chose to have personalised wedding favours and made our own mini olive oil bottles with rosemary.

The minimalist bottle had our names and wedding date written on it, using branding that Glenn created.

Preparing the invitations and olive oil bottles required a large table, a mini workforce, division of labour and a lot of patience at the Grech household!”

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While the couple admit to not having a particular preference in terms of wedding date, the date they chose – 26th October 2019 – based on the availability of their venue and photographer, ended up being close to the anniversary of when they started dating. Speaking of their venue – The Sheer Bastion at the Gran Cugó Macina Grand Harbour – the couple muse that it was probably decided over breakfast.

“We think that the idea of having our reception there came about after having breakfast in Birgu on a Sunday morning.

We both admired the restoration that was carried out on the Macina building, and we didn’t even go to see any other

“My mum and I took flowers to my dad’s grave and said some prayers there. We cried because it shouldn’t have been this way, but we felt he was with us.” venues! We also really love the view, which is special both in daylight and at night,” they say. The stunning venue also provided delectable food and drinks.

And while they didn’t have a particular theme in mind, their main wish was to host (and enjoy) a good party. “We both love music and meeting family and friends, and a wedding is the perfect setting to have all the people you love, care and know around you celebrating a special day in your life,” they share, adding that they also decided to cut the cake before the first dance, “so that once we started dancing we wouldn’t stop!”

Soon enough, the long-awaited day rolled around.

Summing up her feelings that morning, Nicola admits not getting much sleep. “I had been nervous because the weather forecast was not great. That morning, I looked outside and saw blue skies, and immediately felt like it was going to be a really good day,” she says.

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“I was so touched to see the church full of family and friends. So many had made an effort to see us celebrate our marriage, and I couldn’t stop smiling.”

But preparations couldn’t commence before the bride-tobe paid a special visit. “My mum and I took flowers to my dad’s grave and said some prayers there. We cried because it shouldn’t have been this way, but felt he was with us.”

They arrived home in time to greet their hairdresser, from Hair by Marie in Naxxar, who is a long-time family friend and would go on to craft the bride’s beautiful waves, just as the first of the bridesmaids began to arrive, “already more jittery than me,” laughs Nicola, who remained calm as she prepared to meet Glenn at the church.

The groom, meanwhile, was also running on little sleep. “I kept hearing thunder and the lightning lit up my bedroom at night. I was concerned that the marquees we rented wouldn’t be sufficient and kept imagining people getting soaked,” he laments. Needless to say, Glenn was equally relieved in the morning, and also physically better – having been sick with tonsillitis a few days before. “I was pumped to meet the groomsmen, get the venue set up and gear up with a couple of whiskeys for the great day ahead!”

The celebration kicked off with the wedding ceremony at St Theresa’s Church, with mass celebrated by Father Giovann Tabone. The groom admits to fighting back tears as he saw his bride walking down the aisle, calling it “a special and surreal moment”, but Nicola was beaming from ear to ear.

“I was so happy and excited to see Glenn. As I walked down the aisle, I saw people in the pews with watery eyes and thought to myself, perhaps this is what I’m meant to do as the bride? Instead I was beaming. I was so touched to see the church full of family and friends. So many had made an effort to see us celebrate our marriage, and I couldn’t stop smiling. It was also special to me that we took a moment to think of my father. He was so very badly missed but we made sure he was part of our day, and I know in my heart that he was celebrating with us too.”

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The bride wore a stunning Aire Barcelona Atelier gown from Ivory & Co, which happened to be the second dress she tried on. “I had never imagined myself in a wedding dress so I was unsure what I would like,” she admits, adding that when she started looking for ideas online, she was drawn to an old-Hollywood look. The dress she chose was embellished with beads, yet still light enough to wear all day.

“It was tailored to fit perfectly, and I loved the feel of it,” she says, adding that she did ask for one tweak.

“I had my heart set on an overskirt I could remove during the afterparty, but it was proving complicated to find the right colour and fabric. We finally found a silk organza overskirt and the seamstress worked her magic to have it done flawlessly. I was very happy with the outcome and even happier to know that Glenn really liked it too.”

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“I was concerned that the marquees we rented wouldn’t be sufficient and kept imagining people getting soaked!”

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“Our first dance, Daft Punk’s ‘Digital Love’, pretty much set the tone for the rest of the evening!”

Meanwhile, the bridesmaids’ outfits were the result of a special collaboration between the bridal party and fashion designer Saz Mifsud, who’s a close friend of the bride and was herself a bridesmaid. “It was so special having Saz design the bridesmaids’ dresses in one of her signature fabrics,” Nicola says. “Saz examined the bridal fabric and used it as inspiration for the print. I asked each of the girls to choose a style and the dresses were tailored to each of their wishes. The end result incorporated a contemporary look with traditional style, and I couldn’t be happier to see them so comfortable and so beautiful in their dresses on the day.”

And while there were certainly some traditional elements to the wedding, the couple agree that their techno afterparty was definitely out of the ordinary! “Junior B played at our wedding and we had people texting us for weeks afterwards telling us that they had so much fun. We felt exactly the same way (and still do)!”

It all kicked off with their first dance, Daft Punk’s Digital Love, which was a sign of things to come. “It was an odd choice, but we’re both into electronic music and big Daft Punk fans.” The pair also feel that the lyrics are special, referencing dancing all night and having fun, which is what they wanted out of their wedding. “It pretty much set the tone for the rest of the evening.”

Still, the day wasn’t immune to mishaps, they recall good naturedly. There were too many to remember, but all quite funny,” they laugh, looking back on how Glenn had to call around the village salons after missing his hairdresser appointment, and Nicola’s wardrobe mishap when she ripped her overskirt after stepping on it during the ceremony.

The worst one, however, was a malfunctioning music player.

“When the New Victorians finished their set, the first DJ was about to start playing, only to realise that one of the CDJs wasn’t working. We were quite panicked at that point, but luckily, after several calls and a lot of insistence, a friend sped across the island on a motorino to bring another one!”

Looking back on it all, the newlyweds share their favourite parts of the day. Glenn mentions two, “when I saw Nic entering the church and our first dance, because it was the first time Nic wanted to dance with me voluntarily,” he laughs.

“I was super nervous to dance in front of everyone, and since we chose not to practice the dance, I was sure I’d be shy and nervous,” she explains, but when the song started, Glenn led the way. “He’s a great dancer, unlike me, and it felt like we were in our own world. It came so naturally, and I still can’t believe we danced together like that. It’s such a special memory and I would totally dance with Glenn again now!”

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Love across the Channel

Little did Nicole Caruana and Kristian D’Amato know that such a happy outcome would come from coincidentally joining the same company at the same time. The bride shares details of their intimate and highly symbolic wedding day with Caroline Curmi.

P h ot o s b y O n e Sp e c ia l Day

N

icole and Kristian first clapped eyes on each other at their workplace. Both employed by the same start-up company, they admit their attraction was instant. “There was a bit of hesitation there since we worked together and it would have been awkward if things didn’t work out, but it only took a few months for us to get together,” Nicole reveals.

The couple first broached the topic of marriage a couple of years into their relationship: “although there hadn’t been an official proposal, we had set a rough date and were looking at venues,” Nicole explains. Kris’s proposal came some time later during a holiday with friends in Lebanon. “We were in this beautiful place with a waterfall in the background, and I told him: this would have been a really nice place for a proposal,” Nicole narrates. Kris responded by proposing on the spot. “It wasn’t planned but it was a really sweet, raw moment,” his wife comments, a moment which was forever immortalised by their friends taking photos of the happy event.

The church venue and caterers had long been secured when Nicole came up with an idea that perfectly encapsulated the couple’s aspiration for their big day. “My parents have got a consecrated chapel in their garden which we regularly celebrate mass in,” Nicole explains, adding that although limited in size, it promised a very intimate setting. The couple contacted the Bishop of Gozo, who in turn liaised with the Archbishop of Malta, and after months of deliberation, permission to officiate the wedding there finally came through. “Once it was accepted, our attention turned to the reception, and we thought we might as well hold it at the house too since there was enough space,” the couple reveals. The couple’s caterers, Ta’ Frenc Restaurant, agreed to accommodate their change in plans.

Nicole and Kristian’s personal style shines through the way they carefully curated their wedding experience. “We didn’t want anything fussy or over-the-top… we were more interested in creating a relaxed, intimate, fun and rustic vibe which our family and friends could partake in,” they explain.

Her choice of custom wedding dress by Luke Azzopardi, and flowers provided by Alistair, also accentuated this style. “I opted for loose, wildflowers,” Nicole says. While Kristian’s sartorial choice followed along the same lines, the groomsmen’s experience proved more straightforward, with their suits sourced from Cefai Formal Wear in Gozo.

The couple’s intimate and relaxed theme extended to all aspects of wedding planning, which they oversaw themselves: Nicole’s father provided the wood signage, the couple created the decorations from scratch and a mutual friend designed the invitations. Even the souvenirs were hand-made by them. “We crafted a home-made mulled wine spice kit, and all my cousins and aunts helped out,” Nicole says, adding that their choice was inspired by the wedding’s proximity to the Christmas period.

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Nicole

and

Kristian ceremony location Private chapel wedding venue

The bride’s parents’ home, Gozo

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DETAILS A specially designed wedding dress “I wanted a simple slip dress, but local retailers do not often carry such styles,” she reveals. Close friend and wedding dress designer Luke Azzopardi came to the rescue: “the first time I tried the dress on was actually one of the happiest moments from the wedding preparations,” Nicole divulges, before continuing, “it wasn’t even done yet, it was held together with pins, yet it really, really felt like my dress.”

With both Nicole and Kristian having studied abroad, several foreign guests were invited to join in the celebrations too. Many had never been to the Maltese islands before, and the couple eagerly took it upon themselves to show their friends around. In fact, they all spent the eve of the wedding sharing drinks together, and the groom himself was giving a tour of Gozo’s Cittadella to their foreign guests the following morning.

Having meticulously planned out their wedding day, the couple reveal it was a relaxed and smooth-sailing celebration.

“We had everything ready so it was bound to be simple and straightforward,” they explain. Indeed, they had specifically selected a team they had worked with previously: “they were all people I knew and felt really comfortable with,” Nicole says, adding that her day was rendered even more memorable by being able to witness her guests arrive from the room she was getting ready in.

A happy coincidence The couple had already carried out an extensive search in Malta for the perfect wedding ring but hadn’t quite found the option that best represented them. Their search in Lebanon was instantly more fruitful: “the shop owner showed us one ring and told us: this is going to be your ring. And he was right... we loved it!” they reveal, adding that, to this day, they remain Facebook friends with him.

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Despite all the preparations, there was one last-minute hiccup. “As we were about to walk down the stairs and into the garden, my dad broke his glasses,” Nicole says. A frantic rush ensued, but luckily, the bride’s mother sourced a spare pair for her husband to use. “I don’t know where they came from, but it’s lucky that she found them because he cannot see without his glasses,” the bride laughs in hindsight.

After bidding her parents and Kristian’s family farewell in private, Nicole broke with tradition and opted to walk down the aisle on her own, preceded by the bridesmaid procession. “I wanted it to be a display of our intimate connection and it really was such a raw moment,” she reveals, adding that she couldn’t contain her emotions when she spotted her future husband across the aisle from her.

“It was definitely my favourite moment from the entire ceremony,” Nicole asserts.

The couple also extend their gratitude to Nicole’s neighbour, who graciously offered their garden for some of the wedding photos. “My neighbour has a direct view of the Gozo Channel, and having our pictures taken there was really symbolic since I’m Gozitan and Kris is Maltese,” the bride explains. The interplay between the two islands also trickled into the name of the drinks offered during the reception, with one non-alcoholic beverage cheekily christened ‘il-mina’ in reference to the tunnel controversy connecting the two islands.

Continuing to break from tradition, the couple’s threetiered wedding cake featured separate flavours: chocolate, orange and lemon.

“The shop owner showed us one ring and told us: this is going to be your ring. And he was right… we loved it!”

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With a wedding planner, James Cassar from My Event Planner, contracted for the day to oversee the logistics, the couple could fully immerse themselves in a night of food, good company and dancing.

As most newlyweds can agree, receptions can be distracting, but Nicole and Kristian’s dedicated team of bridesmaids were on hand to supply them with nourishment as they mingled with their guests. But where was the best man? Kristian’s four groomsmen all shared the role, as the groom didn’t want to single one out from his team. “They all truly stood up to the task and ensured a smooth day for us,” Nicole confirms.

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“The first time I tried the dress on was actually one of the happiest moments from the wedding preparations.”

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“My neighbour has a direct view of the Gozo Channel and having our pictures taken there was really symbolic since I’m Gozitan and Kris is Maltese.”

The couple spent their wedding night at the Grand Hotel, and shared brunch with family and close friends the following morning. “It’s something I really recommend,” Nicole says. Looking back, there’s only a few things the couple would have done differently. “We would have liked to have had more people present,” they say, explaining that

they had settled on a small guest list of 200 in case bad weather ensued and a tent would need to be propped up, thus drastically diminishing the space in the courtyard.

Ultimately, the day was a perfect representation of all the couple hoped to transmit: an intimate celebration of their undying love shared with those closest to them.

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VENUES

A day to remember at Corinthia Palace For Sarah and Kurt Galea, love blossomed out of a long friendship, culminating in a stunning wedding celebration at the Corinthia Palace in Attard. Here they share their journey.

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ome love stories are born in an instant, like a bolt of lightning. Others take their time and unfurl like a flower – like that between Sarah and Kurt. The two enjoyed a long friendship, only meeting during the summer months when Kurt was home on holiday from his studies in the UK. “When he finished his studies, we couldn’t ignore the sparks between us anymore,” Sarah admits. “We started dating, and the rest is history.” And the newlyweds already share a long history, having tied the

knot after being together for 11 years.

“Kurt was the one who proposed,” Sarah says. “He did it at our house, and decorated our room with candles in the form of a heart with the ring in the middle and our cat right beside him. It was lovely!”

When it came to planning, they both loved the idea of a stylish winter wedding and chose 2nd February 2020, a palindrome date (meaning that it is the same whether read forwards or backwards) because of its rarity.

“When he finished his studies, we couldn’t ignore the sparks between us anymore.”

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VENUES

“Corinthia Palace in Attard is a classic yet contemporary hotel, and the Villa Corinthia was always a venue we loved having functions in.”

When it was time to choose a venue, they had no doubt.

“Corinthia Palace in Attard is a classic yet contemporary hotel, and the Villa Corinthia was always a venue we loved having functions in,” she explains. “In terms of service, you can never go wrong with Corinthia. Apart from that, since it was a winter wedding, the Villa Corinthia offered a large and elegant venue inside, while also enjoying the beautiful garden outside, should the day be sunny, which it was in our case.”

Sarah and Kurt went for a classical theme and felt that minimal decorations would go better in a place with elegant architectural features like Villa Corinthia. The only recurring theme was the colour lavender.

The happy couple celebrated their special day with a standing reception attended by 450 guests. The guests did not have any particular dietary requirements, but the couple had a few requests of their own.

“Corinthia was very accommodating when we told them that we wanted to have a photo booth,” Sarah says.

“We also had a whisky bar and a gin bar. Everything was set up perfectly.” They also requested a station serving Asian food cooked and served by the staff of Corinthia’s own Rickshaw restaurant. This was set up in a separate room with specific decorations, and the cooks preparing the food in front of the guests provided its own entertainment too.

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VENUES

Although the couple had their own wedding planner who coordinated the event, Sarah also had words of praise for Corinthia’s help. “They certainly helped with the running order,” she says. “Johanna Ward, the events manager, was more than helpful in providing tips. She even convinced us to cut the cake before our first dance, so the wedding wouldn’t end with the cutting of the cake – which was an excellent idea.”

Speaking of cakes, theirs was simple and sophisticated, and was created by the award-winning staff at Corinthia Palace, as was the rest of the food. The hotel also made a safe available so the couple could keep their valuables and any gifts received in it during the wedding.

Last but not least, Sarah and Kurt got to spend their first night as a wedded couple in a luxurious suite offered to them as a gift by the hotel itself. “They brought us food to the room after the wedding and we even had champagne,” she says. “The room was lovely! It was the perfect start to our life together, and we have nothing but fond memories of our special day.”

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“The room was lovely! It was the perfect start to our life together, and we have nothing but fond memories of our special day.”

FASHION

Modern Mystic Location: Palais Le Brun, Valletta Photographer: Kris Micallef Photo Shoot Coordinator: Sarah Micallef Hair & make-up: Francesca & Lorraine, Alfie’s Hair & Beauty Model: Amy, Supernova Model Management Flowers: Bridal bouquet composed of various premium florals including hydrangeas, ranunculus, calla lilies and the use of cymbidium orchid heads and alstroemeria for a blushing touch by Alistair Floral Design.

Dress: Melissa is a stunning Mikado gown with crystal details on the neckline.

Exclusively designed for the boutique, the WEDDINGBELLS COLLECTION is classical with a fashion forward twist. Perfect for today's modern bride.

Bouquet

: The florals incorporate various textures which complement the model and the dress beautifully. These include hydrangeas, ranunculus, call lilies, cymbidium orchid heads and a mix of blush pink alstroemeria, as well as a few stems of unbloomed ornithogalum and various foliage making the florals truly stand out, Alistair Floral Design.

Jewellery: The Vallery bracelet from the Luxury line of Preciosa’s Beauty collection incorporates fine bohemian crystals embedded into silver plated metal, Finesse – Home, Beauty & Giftware.

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FASHION

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FASHION

Dress: Glorious gown by The Atelier, designed by the one and only Prof. Jimmy Choo. It comes with a beautiful matching veil. This masterpiece is a true show stopper. Dress exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS.

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FASHION

Dress: A gown to be

remembered, it provides that perfect balance of magic, elegance and grace.

Exclusively available at ArtBridal boutique.

Headpiece: A bridal hair

vine packed with gorgeous intricate detail. It is made with beautiful ivory clay flowers combined with pearls, leaf sprays and scattered crystals, all intertwined together to create this glorious piece.

Pin loops are located at each end to secure in your hair with pins. Versatile and flexible, this hair vine can be worn as a headband, along the back of an updo or wrapped around a bun. Exclusively at SC Bridal Designs.

Jewellery: The Charlotte

bracelet by Preciosa’s Classic line collection combines fine bohemian crystals and silver-plated metal, Finesse – Home, Beauty & Giftware.

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FASHION

Dress: Rosalyn is a beautiful modern ball gown designed by renowned international brand Milla Nova. This gown will undoubtedly make any bride feel like a modern princess. Exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS.

Bouquet: The florals incorporate various textures which complement the model and the dress beautifully. These include hydrangeas, ranunculus, call lilies, cymbidium orchid heads and a mix of blush pink alstroemeria, as well as a few stems of unbloomed ornithogalum and various foliage making the florals truly stand out, Alistair Floral Design.

Jewellery: The Orion pendant from the Classic line of new fashion collection by Preciosa Beauty combines bohemian crystals and silver in a design which represents astrology and constellations, Finesse – Home, Beauty & Giftware.

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FASHION

Dress: Femininity, romance and elegance, all in one dress with removable bolero. Exclusively available in ArtBridal boutique.

Jewellery: The Elena

necklace from the Classic line of Preciosa’s Beauty collection is made of bohemian crystal and silver, Finesse – Home, Beauty & Giftware.

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FASHION

Dress: This ivory bridal dress is a one-of-a-kind haute couture piece which focuses on lace and motifs. The silhouette enhances the see-through sleeves and full overskirt, which gives the dress a more modern look. The designer is Faust, originally from New York and now based in Paris. Available at Exclusive Malta.

Jewellery: Starry ring from the Premium line collection by Preciosa Beauty, combining bohemian crystals and silver, Finesse – Home, Beauty & Giftware.

Headpiece: A dreamy display of romanticism, this wedding tiara is softly embellished with handcrafted clay floral and leaf motifs accented with Swarovski crystals and pearls. The ultimate in bridal style, it effortlessly exudes luxurious and classic appeal. Designed to frame a romantic up do, loose curls or half up hairstyles, position this headband and you will walk with your head held high. Exclusively at SC Bridal Designs.

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FASHION

Dress: This highly exclusive red handbeaded dress is designed with long sleeves and an A-line silhouette skirt.

This dress is very particular, featuring self-design and sparkle beading which showcases an incredible attention to detail. The designer is from London and specialises in dresses for clients who are looking for something classy though very innovative.

Available at Exclusive Malta.

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MY DRESS

A family affair If there was one thing Lara Cassar knew she wanted from her wedding gown it was that it needed to reflect her sense of style and personality – a difficult find when looking at off-the-rack pieces. Fortunately, she had her grandmother and sister on hand to create the dress of her dreams. Here, she tells Rebecca Anastasi about how their close relationship proved fertile ground and describes the nerve-wracking race to the finish line.

P hotos b y B R I A N G R E C H

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MY DRESS

I

t was the last three weeks before Lara Cassar’s big day, and her wedding dress was still not ready. The bride’s grandmother was elbow-deep in its creation, dedicating all her time and energy to fulfil her promise to make Lara a stunning gown for her ‘I dos’.

“In order to get it just right, my grandmother, Vivienne, didn’t get much sleep,” Lara says, recalling the solid commitment her family – including her sister, who designed the dress – put in over months of hard work. “We had to meet up constantly in those last three weeks in order to get the dress done, and, on the wedding day, my grandmother was still putting on the finishing touches!”

But, early on in her engagement, Lara knew her gown would be the product of that deep love and affection, since Vivienne, who had years of sewing experience – having also created her own children’s wedding dresses – had stepped in and offered to make a stunning piece for her. “My grandmother has been sewing clothes for me since I was a child, so when she offered to sew my wedding dress, I was touched. I thought that though there are many beautiful gowns in the world, none would be as special as the one lovingly sewn for me by my own grandmother,” Lara smiles.

The bride’s sister, Hannah, was also central to the process, designing the gown to work for Lara’s personal look, and ensuring she would feel comfortable.

“Hannah is the person I always go to for help when it comes to fashion. She has a great sense of style and I trust her completely. I always take her advice into consideration before making a big purchase, since she knows what looks good on me and, more importantly, what makes me feel good, so it was only natural that she would be a big part of this process,” Lara explains.

Before work truly started, Lara decided to shop around to get some ideas. “I knew that I wanted a plain dress, but it had to be unique at the same time,” she recalls.

“However, I could not find what I was looking for in

any of the dresses I tried on, since most of them had some sort of embellishment. I understand that that may be the style which ticks the box for other brides, but in my case, it didn’t,” she explains.

Her priority, she continues, is that she “wanted to look like myself ” and feel comfortable in her own skin.

But the precise look and style of the dress proved elusive for many months. “My wedding was in May 2019 and up until January, I was still switching between one style and another,” she remembers. But finally, that first month of the year, the team opted to go for a ballgown made from piqué material, a choice Lara loved.

In late March, the dress was close to complete. “When it was nearly ready, I tried it on for a final fitting and I realised that even though it was a beautiful dress, it wasn’t me at all.

It brought me to tears for the wrong reasons,” Lara says.

Her family was very concerned and suggested they go back to the drawing board.

“Hannah told me I should scrap it and start afresh, and that she would help me create another dress in the limited time we had left. I also felt really guilty considering the amount of work my grandmother had put into my first dress, but she could also tell how I was feeling and, even though the imminent deadline must have been a challenge for her, she told me not to panic and promised to sew me another dress – a gesture I can’t thank her enough for,” Lara gratefully recalls.

Hannah got to work immediately, knowing time was of the essence. “After a few days, she shared her new idea for a Grecian style dress with a cape attached,” Lara describes. It was a simple A-line silhouette, flowing out from the waist downwards, so that Lara had room to move on the big day. To give the bride a good idea of what the finished dress would look like – particularly essential due to the time constraints – Hannah looked up reference images, showing them to Lara and explaining in detail what she had in mind.

“My grandmother has been sewing clothes for me since I was a child, so when she offered to sew my wedding dress, I was touched.”

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MY DRESS

“I didn’t want to a wear a dress which I associated with a straitjacket, and while I do love a fitted dress, I felt it would not be appropriate for me to wear that type of dress on my wedding day. So, when she showed me the pictures, I fell in love with the entire concept and we started shopping around for fabrics,” Lara says.

Lara wanted a “plain yet lush fabric which was white” and which would complement her complexion and undertones.

But this proved to be quite an undertaking. Armed with her chosen shade of lipstick, the bride – together with Vivienne, as well as Lara’s mum and sisters – trawled various outlets, initially finding nothing that worked.

“I finally went to camilleriparismode and after around three hours of looking at different fabrics I came across a fabric I quite liked, but I wasn’t too sure about. Elisha Camilleri, who works with the store, told me that a new selection of fabrics had just arrived and that she was going to check what was in the consignment. She pulled out this amazing Mikado fabric and as soon as she draped it around me, we all knew it was the perfect shade of white,” Lara says.

“My sister could not wait for everyone to see it! And my grandmother was overwhelmed by the number of compliments she got for sewing the dress.”

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MY DRESS

“We had to meet up constantly in those last three weeks in order to get the dress done, and on the wedding day, my grandmother was still putting on the finishing touches!”

Unfortunately, however, there wasn’t enough fabric to sew the dress with, but Elisha was on the ball, calling the Italian manufacturer, reserving the amount of fabric required – 12 metres in all, including enough for a cape – and arranging for it to be couriered to Malta within the week. And indeed, towards mid-April, Vivienne started working on the second dress, with Hannah also there “every step of the way”.

In the end, Lara’s grandmother sewed three mirror dresses: a base layer as an underdress; a second piece to add structure, with the third – and main – dress sutured on top. “These three layers gave the dress the desired effect of movement at the bottom,” Lara describes. They also added a dramatic cape, to offset the simplicity of the dress. “The cape, which was over three metres long, was added to the dress by loops sewn on itself and interlocked with buttons on each shoulder. My grandmother also sewed the hem at the edges of the cape in such a way that gave the illusion of a “flowing” effect, while we also decided to add side pleats from the shoulder to the feet,” Lara describes.

A veil was also created and added to a stunning Grecian-style headpiece the bride had bought from Gozo

A word from

the groom Lara’s new husband, Andrew, was overwhelmed when he saw his bride walk down the aisle. “I was very excited and happy – she looked beautiful and radiant! The dress was stunning and yet so simple.

It was clear that there was a lot of attention to detail involved and I knew that the fact that it was so simple meant that a lot of hard work had been put in, since there was no room for error. I thought the dress was so elegant and it really reflected Lara’s character,” he remembers.

a few months before, in March. “At first, I had opted not to include a veil. However, my mother felt that the dress would have something missing if I walked into the church without one, so I agreed to include it as long as it was very plain and simple,” Lara smiles.

The big day finally arrived – and the dress was ready in the nick of time! When Lara put the dress on, she felt “amazing”. Hannah and Vivienne were also thrilled with the final product. “My sister could not wait for everyone to see it! And my grandmother was overwhelmed by the number of compliments she got for sewing the dress. I think this all gave her more confidence in her capabilities as a seamstress,” Lara laughs.

The dress now lives – appropriately – at Lara’s grandmother’s house. “I got to have the dress of my dreams and I can’t see myself selling it or fashioning it into another item. It is one of the pieces I will always treasure and would not ever want to part with,” Lara concludes fondly.

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WEDDING TRENDS

wedding TRENDS

Anne

2020 is being hailed as THE year for weddings – it marks the start of a new decade, and with it a wave of frivolity and fun, but also experimentation and awareness. Martina Said singles out some of the wedding trends that will rise above the rest.

Barge

Sustainability

Until a few years ago, making sustainable wedding choices was more of a trend than a genuine concern for the environment. Today, couples and suppliers are gravitating towards zero-plastic receptions, recycled materials, plants over loose flowers, alternative centrepieces instead of flowers, and making conscious choices to reduce their carbon footprint.

Super-sized gowns

ÛUnderstated fashion has been put on the back burner – it’s time for excess to shine.

Volume, tiers, tulle (lots of it), and a moreis-more approach is being favoured in the world of couture as well as bridal wear, which make for pretty dramatic silhouettes.

All-out colour

ÙThis year, it’s all about colour, led

by Pantone’s 2020 colour of the year: Classic Blue. But beyond this, couples are encouraged to tap into their own favourite colour and explore it with full force.

Whether yellow, coral, lilac or olive green, let your personal style shine through.

Rebecca Hollis Photography via Fabmood.com

Essensedesigns.com

Vegan menus

Speaking of carbon footprint, plant-based wedding menus are gaining popularity, challenging caterers to up their game with new and dynamic food choices. Vegan food trucks and stations are also entering the fray, proving that a wedding can still have all the trimmings without serving animal products.

Nontraditional blooms

The move towards ecoconscious flower choices includes re-inventing ways to use them. Floral designers are encouraging the adoption of dried flowers, as well as spray-painted stems to give them a unique shade and, where possible, recycling used arrangements.

Equinoxrestaurant.com

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Idlewildfloral.com

WEDDING TRENDS

Personalised paper

Rather than opting for stationery that reflects your wedding in a literal way, consider a type, style, shade or pattern of paper that reveals your tastes as a couple. Be it recycled paper, an unusual texture or a quirky pattern, you could have a lot of fun with it.

Stylised booths

Instagram and celebrity weddings have raised the bar for photo booths, where the old-school photo filmstrips are replaced by an actual portrait session for guests during the afterparty against a stylish set-up, complete with filters, editing and a photographer’s expertise.

Lennoxweddingsandevents.com.au

Barrettes

Cagdas Yoldas Photography

That hair accessory trend from your school days is back, but with a modern, bridal twist.

Covered in pearls, mother of pearl, crystals or simply plated in a precious metal, the timeless hair slide is an elegant addition to any bridal ensemble.

Food as art

ÜDoughnut walls and whisky bars are beginning to wane, allowing new and intriguing food trends to be explored, such as interactive cuisine and food that resembles art. Appetisers on conveyor belts, molecular gastronomy, fusion cuisine and superb presentation will raise the bar for wedding food in 2020.

Mignonnehandmade via Etsy

Separates over suits

ÙGrooms are exploring their wedding day sartorial choices beyond the threepiece suit or tux. While these will not fall out of favour, more men are experimenting with unconventional colours and opting to pair separates together or ditching the jacket altogether for a laidback look.

Businessinsider.sg

Pinterest

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honeymoon

From Cape to Cape Perfectly combining fast-paced adventure with their love of food and wine, South Africa turned out to be the ultimate honeymoon destination for newlyweds Jacqueline and Marco Tagliaferro. Here they share their memories of this once-in-a-life-time trip with Jo Caruana.

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ife is great at throwing little twists and turns into the mix – as honeymooners Jacqueline and Marco Tagliaferro discovered when planning a holiday to South Africa a few years ago.

Originally, Marco planned to propose there – long before the need for a honeymoon destination became part of their plan. “Sadly, though, the country was experiencing its worst drought ever, so we had to postpone our trip, and I ended up popping the question while we were skydiving in Austria instead, which was pretty good too!” Marco grins.

So, fast-forward a couple of years to when the couple started to consider their honeymoon options, and they knew they wanted a destination outside of Europe. Now that the drought period had subsided, they quickly zeroed in on South Africa as the perfect spot all over again, largely because of the sheer variety of adventurous activities on offer, as well as the diverse landscape and scenery, rich wildlife and hearty food – not to mention the wine.

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“We were chasing the sun too,” Jacqueline smiles. “As we were going to be honeymooning over December and January, we wanted to go somewhere that was experiencing its summer season. Other possible options included Australia, USA and Japan, but when we took everything into consideration, South Africa came out on top.”

The destination also turned out to be the perfect reflection of both of their personalities – Marco’s adventurous streak and Jacqueline’s penchant for culture and nature. “As we did our research, South Africa seemed to be the ultimate blend of all of that,” they say. “This time we felt it was ‘now or never’ and went for it.”

With their decision made, Jacqueline and Marco booked their honeymoon through Royal Travel Ltd, which made light work of all the logistics of the trip. Their route was seamless and good value, and their first stop took them to Cape Town via Istanbul, where they started a three-and-a-half week driving tour that saw them return to Cape Town for New Year 2020.

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“Our journey was based in the Western and Eastern Capes, and driving there was such as pleasure as everywhere is so beautiful,” Jacqueline continues. “They drive on the left like we do, which was a fantastic bonus, and the experience meant we could stop to take in the thrilling range of topography as we travelled – from mountains and hills, to lakes, oceans, valleys and cities. You name it, South Africa has it!”

“Driving was such as pleasure as everywhere is so beautiful.”

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“The fact that many of the best wines in the world are made in South Africa also interested us, and we had a great time tasting them.”

As they look back, I ask the couple to select their top five experiences from the trip, and they choose their safari on a game reserve, the ‘extreme’ activities (think firearm shooting, ziplining, quad biking and sand boarding), the fantastic wine, hearty food, and stunning nature. The safari at their chosen five-star game reserve, in particular, was a truly authentic African experience, and it stirred their senses. “We feel very lucky that, with the help of the expert rangers who took us out

on safari drives, we encountered some truly incredibly animals up-close and personal. These included the ‘Big Five’ (lions, buffalos, elephants, rhinos and leopards), as well as various types of antelopes, giraffes, hippos, cheetahs and zebra.”

Talking about what else they loved on their trip, Marco says their shared love of food came in handy – and South Africa certainly didn’t disappoint. “We were actually amazed by what was on offer.”

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“You name it, South Africa has it!”

“Marco is a meat lover, while I am into gourmet food and also love tasting traditional, local cuisines,” Jacqueline says.

“Everything was freshly prepared, and we enjoyed learning about the produce grown in some of the places we stayed. We even got to try some very unusual meats – ostrich, crocodile, kudu, oyster and Kingklip fish, all sourced locally.”

“Plus, the fact that many of the best wines in the world are made in South Africa also interested us, and we had a great time tasting them – especially in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.”

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Asked if they spent any time shopping, the couple say that wasn’t really on their agenda, although they did bring back a few souvenirs for themselves, friends and family.

“Shopping in South Africa is pretty cheap when compared to Europe. Like many other countries, souvenir and artisan shops, food stalls, malls and shops in general are quite common, especially in touristic areas, but that wasn’t what we were keen to spend too much of our time doing.”

Indeed, South Africa didn’t disappoint as, instead, the duo spent their time focusing on wine tasting, dining, and enjoying the wildlife and culture. “The people are so friendly and lively,” Jacqueline enthuses. “So that made the trip all the more fun, too.”

As they look back on their weeks in the country, both Jacqueline and Marco say they will cherish their memories of their honeymoon for the rest of their lives – but aren’t yet sure if they will go back. “The world is such a big place and there’s so much to see and do,” Marco smiles. “We’re not the kind of couple who normally return to a place, as we want to see as many countries as we can to widen our perspective, gain knowledge, escape to relax and rejuvenate, and appreciate life.”

“For us, South Africa was the perfect voyage, enjoyed over the ideal amount of time. We loved every moment but were ready to make the trip back when the time came, and were eager to narrate and share all our honeymoon experiences with our family and friends.”

Finally, they consider any useful honeymoon-planning tips that they may like to share with other couples. “Make it your own,” they both advise. “And plan it around the things you would love to do together. We were so pleased with the professional service we received at Royal Travel, and coupled that with our own research and review-checking. It meant we felt prepared for every stage of the journey.

“Beyond that, we recommend making the best of every situation you are in, whether it is positive or negative, because it won’t always go to plan. But that’s part of the fun!

Cherish those honeymoon moments, as they will (hopefully!) only happen once.”

PROPERTY

Helping you find your perfect first home If you’re keen to jump on the property ladder, then you’ll love the honest, great-value approach that the NotGreedy team take to helping you find the right fit. Here co-founders John Luke Zammit and Keith Camilleri highlight their top tips for first-time buyers.

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uying a home is a life goal for so many of us. But with expensive property prices and lots of misinformation about the most viable options out there, it can feel like a minefield to even get started.

That’s where NotGreedy comes in – the company is built on the ethos that property companies don’t have to be

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greedy. On the contrary, they should be honest and offer a complete service without asking for exorbitant fees.

“The property industry has a tendency to look greedy when agents and developers make unjust profits in comparison to the service they provide,” says co-founder John Luke Zammit. “With that in mind, we wanted to make

PROPERTY

our mark by cutting down where we felt we could. It was a bold move, but the response to our set-up has been very positive, so we believe it has already paid off.”

Among the many clients that have used the company’s services, lots of first-time buyers have flocked to NotGreedy because of its preferential approach. As a result, John has plenty of experience when it comes to advising on the best way to start your search.

“As a first-time buyer, it’s very important to know your budget and not to overspend; the property you purchase must become an enjoyable experience long-term and not grow into a burdening liability,” explains co-founder Keith Camilleri.

“Then, apart from budgetary considerations, you should also think about your preferred locations and property type. My advice is to look out for those unique properties that will hold value and also go up in price, boosting your investment.”

John zones in on the fact that the recent property boom has brought about new challenges for first-time buyers – such as an immense choice of properties out there. “This is good news for buyers because we are shifting into a buyer’s market,” he says, adding that this hasn’t been the case for a while now. “Property prices are getting more attractive, especially when it comes to apartments.”

“On the flip side, the value of houses specifically will keep holding – and may even go up. This is because, unfortunately, the number of houses in Malta is on the decrease not the increase.”

As for the latest trends within the market, John explains that – recently – a large number of buyers purchased on plan or in shell form. “Like everything else, buying on plan has its pros and cons. The pros are more favourable prices, possible tax savings, and the possibility of making layout and design changes in advance.

NotGreedy tips for first-time buyers

“Like everything else, buying on plan has its pros and cons.”

Photo by Tyler calleja jackson

Ú Go to the bank first. It’s important to know your limits before you start looking. If you don’t, you could end up very disappointed. Of course, if you don’t require bank financing, you can skip this step! Ú Don’t rush into buying a property or buying simply because the price looks good.

Wait a bit longer – the right property is out there for you. Ú Don’t always play it safe – be open to different locations, layouts, and property types. Visualise what could be done with a property, rather than what it looks like in its current state.

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“My advice is to look out for those unique properties that will hold value and also go up in price, boosting your investment.”

“The cons, then, are having to wait a considerably longer amount of time before being able to move into the property, which can really cause problems for the buyers. As a result of that major con, the trend is now shifting towards properties that are ready or nearly ready, even if costs are slightly higher.”

NotGreedy, meanwhile, may not have the largest selection of properties on the market, but does have an excellent portfolio with plenty of different types.

“Whether you’re looking for a small apartment or a garage, a villa in a prime location or a luxurious duplex, we have you covered. We pride ourselves on being able to show our clients properties that tick their boxes, and also have a range that isn’t featured on our website. We believe in quality over quantity,” Keith stresses.

Finally, John underlines that buyers can trust NotGreedy because the team isn’t there to make a quick or easy buck from clients’ hard-earned investments. “We offer you help every step of the way, and enjoy seeing buyers have more money at the end of it – which they can of course spend on investing in their home or their family. Since we opened our (virtual) doors, we have saved all buyers who bought through NotGreedy a collective couple of million euro in commission – and that’s a great feeling!” he adds.

On the market

We love these properties – and they’re currently available through NotGreedy

The apartment with lovely views €385,000

New on the market, located in a tranquil spot, and with fabulous views of the valley and sea, this charming apartment is ready to move into.

The spacious maisonette with three-car garage €475,000

We love the valley views from this Ibragg maisonette, as well as its layout and interconnecting three-car garage and storage room. A super, practical family home.

The luxurious Sliema apartment €565,000

Ready to move into, this upmarket family home is set within a small block of just six homes and is located just across the road from a newly-planned lido, that will be the perfect addition to summertime living. Splash!

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real home

A timeless haven For interior designer Enrica de Gabriele, designing and styling her marital home was a passion project; one she dived into headfirst, with gorgeous results. Martina Said pays a visit to find out what went into it. p h ot o s b y A l a n Ca rvi l l e

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he drive along the meandering roads that lead to Madliena Village is a blissfully quiet one, and a clear indication of what living in this green and tranquil part of the island is like. The experience was about to get a whole lot better after stepping inside one of the apartments of the former Busietta Gardens, which belongs to young couple Enrica de Gabriele and Danny Bonello, and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Alfie.

For Enrica, an interior designer, working on her own home was a labour of love, and an ongoing one at that.

The eclectic mix of styles reflects her fondness for travel and appreciation for beautiful design, inspired by grand European cities, a quaint British aesthetic, as well as the land of the rising sun.

“Being an interior designer probably made it harder for me. I’m much more daring when it comes to designing other people’s homes than I am with my own, although I wouldn’t say I’m too conservative,” she smiles. “The overall look of our home is traditional, but I experimented with different styles. I’m drawn towards English interiors and fabrics but adore Italian craftsmanship. I also like the

minimalist, Wabi-sabi approach of the Japanese.”

Enrica goes back to when they first laid eyes on the property. “It was the first one we saw, and because of the layout and the view, we pretty much fell in love with it straight away. But it was nothing like it is now,” she explains.

“We completely gutted the place.”

The square layout and absence of long corridors was a plus for Enrica. The downside, she says, is that it doesn’t have separate sleeping and living quarters. However, having an area for entertaining, and separate areas for the kitchen and living was a major draw.

“Structurally, we made minor changes – we dropped an arch between the kitchen and living room that blocked a lot of light, opening up the space, and converted one of the bedrooms into a walk-in wardrobe.”

As you enter the main door, you’re greeted by a small hallway, “which is something I liked, rather than walking right into a room.” To the left is a spacious dining area, leading onto the sitting room which has been beautifully set up as a cosy lounge. From here, there’s access to the terrace which boasts sweeping views of Madliena bridge.

“The overall look of our home is traditional, but I experimented with different styles.” bliss 102 SPRING 2020

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“I’m drawn towards English interiors and fabrics but adore Italian craftsmanship. I also like the minimalist, Wabi-sabi approach of the Japanese.”

“Before, this whole area was a dining room, but it was too large, so we fitted in a sitting room too,” Enrica explains.

A fireplace set within a panelled mantelpiece creates a focal point, adorned with classic cream armchairs and modern green velvet poufs. The pièce de resistance that also adds seating space to the area is the grey window bench, which Enrica is quite fond of, and so is Alfie. “For us, this area has become a reading nook, and when we have guests, we lounge here after eating rather than stay at table. It’s a very cosy space, and it’s become Alfie’s area.”

To the right of the front door is Enrica’s dream kitchen, which was a laborious project for the largest room in the house. “I’m obsessed with kitchens and wanted to use as much space as possible while also getting the most storage out of it,” she says. “I design a kitchen from the inside out, be it for myself or a client, so that it’s tailored to specific needs. A kitchen should reflect the person using it, and that should be factored into its layout.”

Indeed, her kitchen is a reflection of its user: neat, sophisticated and stylish. The blue island is encircled by floor-to-ceiling cabinetry in beige, which cleverly conceals any clutter that’s inevitable in a kitchen.

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“I design a kitchen from the inside out, be it for myself or a client, so that it’s tailored to specific needs. A kitchen should reflect the person using it, and that should be factored into its layout.”

One of the cupboards is a fully-fledged pantry, while another – which has retractable doors – houses a coffee machine and other bulky appliances. Enrica explains that she designed the kitchen to the point where she knew where everything would go to minimise waste of space.

“I personally find drawers to be much more useful than cupboards. As for the style, the cabinetry shaped the design, as I was after a Shaker-style kitchen, a hybrid EnglishAmerican design.”

The chic island bar stools tucked into the breakfast bar add another distinct style to the pot. “It took me ages to find those,” Enrica explains. “They’re Parisian bistro stools which you would commonly find all over France.

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After lots of searching to track them down, I eventually found the family-run business in Paris that makes them.”

A cushy, blue sofa separates the kitchen from the dining area and the living room, which leads to a series of other rooms in the house. Opposite the sofa is the couple’s bedroom, with an en suite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, and neighbouring that is a separate guest bathroom. Enrica and Danny each have an individual work area – hers is tucked into a corner close to the living room, while his is a spare bedroom converted into a study.

“My workspace is the darkest area in the house, and the colours we used here reflect that. Throughout the house

we chose colours that complement the presence of light, so those rooms with the most natural light feature light colours, while this area has the darkest colour,” she says of the dark blue walls. “Sometimes, painting a wall white in the darkest area creates lots of shadows, so in this case, we’re not trying to hide the fact that it doesn’t get a lot of light.”

For the master bedroom, Enrica opted for blues and neutral tones – a calming combination of colours applied to the bedding, furniture and curtains. The centrepiece is undoubtedly the large, inviting bed, similar to the plush ones found in comfy hotel rooms. “We wanted a nice bed with good bedding for maximum comfort.

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“The first time I saw that balcony, I instantly knew I wanted a window seat there, and it turned out just as I imagined.”

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I think that should be the aim when styling a bedroom – if you could spend two days in an amazing hotel bed, why not have that every day?” Their haven is complete with a generous walk-in wardrobe and classic-inspired bathroom with a shower, using marble-effect wall tiles, a chic black unit with a double sink, and touches of gold.

Enrica’s vision for her home adopted a mix of styles without overdoing it on any one. “Consistency is important, but there also needs to be a mix. In our home, traditional and modern elements work alongside each other, such as the panelled walls which draw from the style of the kitchen and the classic armchairs, as well as the modern table and sideboard,” she explains. “I also love buying things on my travels. Last year, we visited Morocco and I knew I wanted to buy a rug from there. There’s nothing Moroccan about the style of the house, but it fit right in.”

Similarly, the choice of colours for the home is consistent and varied. Enrica’s favourite colour is navy, and various shades of blue were applied throughout, including the kitchen island, living room, workspace and bedroom. “I limited the use of blue to that part of the house, while in the dining and sitting room, the panelled walls are grey with a hint of green, the window bench cushions are grey, and the poufs are green. The colour palette also goes from light to dark, according to the presence of natural light.”

In harmony with all this is the parquet hardwood flooring, which gives a warm feel to the home. It’s also the only raw wood in the house – all other furniture is painted.

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“In a year, I have moved things around quite a bit, which I find to be good feng shui, while keeping things fresh.”

Adding to a sense of balance is the choice of fabrics, which Enrica describes as one of the most exciting parts for her. “I love fabrics, and my approach here was a bit more minimal. Everything except for one blind is plain linen – the blue and beige bed, blue sofa, grey window bench and beige armchairs. There’s also a touch of black everywhere, whether in the furniture or soft furnishings, which I feel frames objects well.”

Another decorative element Enrica is fond of is coffee table books, which can be spotted all over her home. Besides being beautiful books in and of themselves, she feels they personalise and give character to a home. “They’re also great for creating elevations and colour. Regardless of the room I’m decorating, there will probably be a number of coffee table books there.”

Tasked with picking her favourite area in her home,

Enrica is torn between the bedroom and the window seat.

“The first time I saw that balcony, I instantly knew I wanted a window seat there, and it turned out just as I imagined. As for the bedroom, I love how cosy it is, and it all comes down to a comfortable bed and good bedding, to create a haven that makes you look forward to going to sleep.”

Looking ahead, Enrica is keen to expand her art and photography collection in good time, and although her home looks perfectly complete, she says there’s still a lot more she would like to do. “We’ve been living here since we got married in September 2018, and although you can never move into a house that’s completely ready, even when it appears that it is, you’ll still change things around,” she says. “In a year, I have moved things around quite a bit, which I find to be good feng shui, while keeping things fresh.”

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Top

kitchen trends for the heart of your home

One popular saying dictates that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and once that’s captured, you’ll need a carefully curated space to maintain it. Caroline Curmi lists the top trends that are guaranteed to turn your kitchen into the ultimate homely space.

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My Domaine

01. Dark drama

Traditionally, kitchens are regarded as light, airy spaces, but trends this year are pointing in the opposite direction. From cabinets to walls, the colour is knocking down paler shades off the podium. Black detailing is all the rage, but for the more daring types, a kitchen entirely done in black is the ultimate goal.

02. Open shelves

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Style by Emily Henderson

Having the contents of your cupboards on display can be daunting for some, but it can also serve to enhance a homely environment and promote creativity while also being highly practical. What’s not to love about stretching out and grabbing your favourite pot or pan without the added hassle of rummaging through cupboard after cupboard to locate it?

Elle Decor

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04. All about marble

Marble is widely considered to be a classic kitchen design element and it’s not going anywhere. Its incredible versatility makes it an instant choice for many, but despite the multitude of styles it can incorporate, 2020 favours a more natural look. Indeed, stone-hued and veined marble countertops are set to be all the rage this year.

3 03. Classic blue

With Pantone revealing the shade Classic Blue as the colour of the year, its appearance in kitchen design comes as no surprise. This trend has no restrictions, meaning that homeowners are free to decide how much or how little of it to include. From walls to furniture, crockery or wall decorations, the colour can easily be incorporated in a preexisting kitchen and has the potential to complement any style.

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Cesar NYC Kitchens

05. Gold details

Aluminium (or stainless steel) and kitchens generally go hand in hand, but it’s out with the old and in with the new! Gold-hued options are now available for handles on furniture, lamps and even sinks, giving a regular kitchen an immediately luxurious feel.

5 Ebay

Homes & Gardens

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vintage wedding

A great love

Helga and Joe Ellul have been successful in many aspects of their lives, but their proudest achievement always comes down to family. Martina Said meets the lively couple to chat about their wedding day, learning so much more about them in the process.

E

ven before meeting Helga and Joe Ellul at their San Pawl Tat-Targa home, I knew I’d be in for a treat.

Both well-known in their professional circles, I was eager to learn about a lesser-known side of the respected couple, specifically about their early years together leading up to their wedding day on 16th April 1977.

But equally fascinating as their younger years is the remarkable dynamic they have after 43 years of marriage.

As Helga poignantly puts it, “at the beginning of every marriage there’s love, of course, but there must be friendship, a partnership, a team. It was always a team effort – never me or him, always us. And our children knew that too growing up,” she says succinctly, offering a window into a long and fruitful life together that expertly balanced work and career aspirations with family life.

This balance, I learn, has been at the heart of their relationship all along. Helga moved to Malta from her native Germany in 1974. At the time, she worked at the Germany-based head office of the company that would eventually produce Playmobil figurines, with the plan to live here for one year in order to help organise the Malta factory.

Later, Helga became CEO of Playmobil Malta, a role she held until 2012, until she left to set up her own consultancy company, Advise Ltd.

“The day we met, I invited Helga to a dinner dance that same evening.”

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“I arrived in February and I was looking for ways to meet people and integrate, but I wasn’t the kind of girl who enjoyed going to a bar to chat, so I thought a sports club would be a good place,” she smiles. “I had a Maltese friend who I knew already, and he suggested I join him at the Union Club, where he was playing tennis in a final match.

That is where I met Joe.” Joe nods in agreement. “I happened to be there because I also played tennis, and on the day we met, I invited Helga to the dinner dance that same evening.” Joe brings over a framed black and white photo of the two of them that night, dressed to the nines. “This was our first date.”

Helga admits she was surprised with the turn of events that day, and a spontaneous dinner dance date ended up extending her stay in Malta. One year turned into two and their relationship blossomed, but until that point, marriage was not on her mind. Having children, however, was.

Photo by Tyler Calleja Jackson

“He was always extremely supportive, and that made it easier for me to have the life I wanted, to have a career and a family too.”

“When I told Joe I wanted a family, he believed we should get married. So, in Christmas of 1976, he presented me with a ring. I asked him ‘what is this ring?’, and he left it up to me to see it as an engagement ring or not – he wouldn’t risk being told no!” she laughs. Joe adds that, by that point, they had been together for three years, but for Helga, deciding whether to get married was not easy.

“I knew that Joe loves Malta and I liked it too, but it was a big decision for me to move here permanently. I still had a flat in Germany and although I loved my job here, getting married meant I’d chosen Malta as my new home,” she says. “I talked to my bosses in Germany and they were very happy for me to stay on because the factory in Malta was growing, so we decided to get married.”

It was also important for Helga to continue working after getting married. “Back then, it was normal for the wife to stay home and bring up the children, and I wasn’t ready for that,” she explains. “But Joe was understanding – his mother and sister were both in business and he was accustomed to that life, so he accepted my wishes as long as we both managed. This has been the motto of our marriage: we are a team and there are no defined roles,” says Helga. “He was always extremely supportive, and that made it easier for me to have the life I wanted, to have a career and a family too.”

The couple set their wedding date for 16th April 1977 and planned it together in four months. Mass was celebrated at St Aloysius College, a place which meant a lot to Joe as a former college student, by Jesuit professor Maurice Eminyan, who was nation chaplain of the Germanspeaking community and therefore fluent in German, and also Joe’s prefect of studies at school.

“Part of the mass was in German, which was meaningful for me and my parents. It helped them feel less foreign, especially as weddings in Germany are very different to Maltese ones,” says Helga. “The mass, which Fr Eminyan made so personal, was my favourite part of the day.”

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Photo by Tyler Calleja Jackson

Around noon, the couple made their way to the Hotel Phoenicia for a stand-up reception in a 1933 Willis, a classic car loaned to them by a friend. As it were, another friend offered them a vintage Mercedes for the day, and they were torn between the two. “We didn’t want to let anyone down, although we preferred the Willis,” says Joe. “Luckily, the Mercedes wouldn’t start, so the problem solved itself.”

The reception was held in the main lounge of the hotel, which accommodated 600 guests. “From my side of the family, only my parents were here for our wedding and some colleagues from the factory – the rest were all Joe’s family, friends, and friends of his parents,” Helga jokes.

“But his parents took great care of my parents on the day.”

For her wedding dress, the bride-to-be had no idea where to begin looking, without the help of her mother who was in Germany, her mother-in-law who was in Italy, and with very few female friends. “I approached Maria Fleri Soler whom I knew, and was an expert seamstress, and asked her to make my wedding dress. She had never made a wedding dress before, but I pleaded with her, and she accepted,” says Helga. Maria bought lace from London and created a blouse-like bodice with a long, soft skirt that had small pleats and a band at the waist. “I didn’t want a stiff dress, but rather something light and modern, with flowers. I was very much a ‘flower power’ girl at the time,” she says, prompting Joe to chuckle.

“She painted her Volkswagen – which she drove down from Germany to Malta – with flowers, and practically all the mahogany furniture in her apartment in bright colours.

I recall telling her the landlord was going to make her pay for the whole flat. Even the telephone was sprayed yellow,” says Joe. “Eventually, we ended up buying the flat she lived in for three years.” Helga adds, “I loved painting. My

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kitchen chairs were orange with white flowers. I was a bit of an odd ball, I guess that was part of the attraction.”

Although Joe was a little anxious on the morning of the wedding, it didn’t stop him from using his time wisely.

Helga recalls how, while she was getting ready at his parents’ home, Joe had plenty of time to spare. “We planned to stay at our new home after the wedding, so that morning, Joe – who loves cacti – visited my flat to move all the cacti plants on my windowsill to our home so they’d be there when we move in. Imagine that – the morning of his wedding, he had time to think of the cacti! I always laughed about that, typical him.”

After the wedding, the newlyweds enjoyed a three-week honeymoon driving through several European countries, all the way up to Scotland. Over the following few years, they welcomed two children, Christian and Chiara, who now have two children each of their own, making Helga and Joe proud grandparents of four.

Keen to share her own advice on what makes their 43-year marriage work, Helga dives right in. “In my upbringing, we believed that if something breaks, you fix it and not throw it away, and if there is a crack, take care of it so that it doesn’t break further.”

“Marriage is a journey, there are ups and downs, one wouldn’t be honest if they say it’s all fairy tales. There are tough times, especially with young children and trying to establish yourself, but don’t be impatient when things get difficult – communicate, share it and go through it, it’s worth it,” she says. “Because I think the loveliest thing after all that, having lived your life, had your children and then your grandchildren, is that you know each other inside out.

When you’re older, you reap the benefits of that closeness.

And there is comfort in that.”