I do November 2016 by The Malta Independent

NEWSPAPER POST

NOVEMBER 2016 | ISSUE NO 63 | Â¤2.50

I DO NOVEMBER 2016 ISSUE NO 63

One perfect day 8 PAGES BRIDAL FASHION

NEW COLLECTION

Coliseum Arcades, Zachary Street, Valletta – Tel: 2122 4234 • Email: weddingbells@sis.net.mt • Website: WeddingBells.bridemalta.com • www.theweddingsite.com/weddingbells LIKE US ON www.facebook/weddingbells.valletta

NEW COLLECTION

Your happily ever after starts here!

Sign up to iCaterer to start planning your special day! iCaterer gives you full control and flexibility, allowing you to choose your venue, menu and all other important details according to your budget and requirements. icaterer.com.mt

+356 2137 4894 / weddings@islandcaterers.com.mt

Look out for us at The Weddings Fair!

AD_I DO_210x297mm_DEF.qxp_Layout 1 07/10/16 08:07 Pagina 1

THIS PAGE AND COVER Dramatic mermaid gown with intricate hand sown beads on bodice and gorgeous tulle skirt. This dress is guaranteed to make heads turn. It is exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. All jewellery by ZsaZsa.

‘The best thing to hold onto in life is each other’ – Audrey Hepburn

welcome

ur promise is to share with you the latest wedding trends and help make your life as bride- or groom-tobe a little bit easier. You’ll notice that we’ve moved indoors for our winter edition of I DO. If you’re inspired by winter weddings but are not so sure of the weather, make sure to have a close look at what the next few pages have to offer. Our fashion shoot took place at the beautiful chambers of Palazzo Parisio, in Naxxar. This 18th century palazzo, transports you and your guests onto a whimsy even on the dullest of days.

Get in touch with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/IDoBridalMagazineMalta

Are you on a frenzy to choose the best whatever this may be? Check out the MFCC Weddings Fair taking place from the 3rd till the 6th November for which we’re very excited. Choosing your wedding ring is an important decision to make as part of your preparations. Before deciding in favour of platinum; yellow, white or rose gold; or a newer metal like tungsten carbide, do your research before shopping around and have a clear idea on what you want. Diamonds have become a fashionable addition to wedding rings but you may also choose to go for sapphire, emerald or ruby for a touch of colour and glam.

Is an engagement or wedding ring selfie a must? Choose an iconic location, like a beach or a luscious garden and hold your hand up high to catch maximum light. Or you might choose to have the photo taken while having breakfast in bed with your pets in the background. A quote like ‘Already stolen’ or ‘Let’s get married’ would also work perfectly. Whatever it is, make it look great as the journey to your wedding day will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I Do team, Annaliza & Elaine

I DO NOVEMBER 2016 ISSUE NO 63

PUBLISHED BY Standard Publications Ltd, Standard House, Birkirkara Hill, St Julian’s STJ 1149, T 21345888, F 21344884 FOR EDITORIAL CONTENT AND STORIES CONTACT THE I DO TEAM ido@independent.com.mt DESIGN Christine Spiteri, Sean Ellul, Conrad Bondin ADVERTISING Marcelle Portelli PRINTER Progress Press Co. Ltd

Beautiful lace sheat dress with 3/4 sleeves and off shoulder neckline. Long matching veil completes this Spanish inspired look. Dress exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. All jewellery by ZsaZsa.

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One perfect day Photography Bernard Polidano Make up Natasha Polidano Gowns WEDDINGBELLS Hair Styling MAF Hairdressing Flowers Joseph Baldacchino from Flower Arts Studio Shoes MARCHESE

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10 I DO

THIS PAGE Dramatic mermaid gown with intricate hand sown beads on bodice and gorgeous tulle skirt. This dress is guaranteed to make heads turn. It is exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. OPPOSITE Beautiful lace sheat dress with 3/4 sleeves and off shoulder neckline. Long matching veil completes this Spanish inspired look. Dress exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. All jewellery by ZsaZsa

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THIS PAGE AND FACING For all those brides and who love a retro feel and a bit of sparkle too, here is the perfect dress that will let you boogie all night long. This gorgeous tea length number is exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. Haute Couture bolero in mint tulle by Anna Romysh available, by order, at WEDDINGBELLS. All bridal jewelry available at ZsaZsa.

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RIGHT Dramatic mermaid gown with intricate hand sown beads on bodice and gorgeous tulle skirt. This dress is guaranteed to make heads turn. It is exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. LEFT Classical and timeless ball gown in French lace in short sleeves and beautiful lace trim around hem. White gold plated tiara completes this gown that is exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. All jewellery by ZsaZsa.

THIS PAGE Maitza from the PRONOVIAS 2015 Dreams Collection. Dress in lace and tulle with gemstone embroidery appliqués. Bodice with soft sweetheart neckline and tulle skirt with frills. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT PRONOVIAS. OPPOSITE Marianella from the PRONOVIAS 2015 Modern Bride Collection. Lace and tulle mermaid dress. Draped bodice with a sweetheart neckline, straps and lace appliqués. Skirt with irregular organza tulle with different edges. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT PRONOVIAS.

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THIS PAGE Dramatic mermaid gown with intricate hand sown beads on bodice and gorgeous tulle skirt. This dress is guaranteed to make heads turn. It is exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. OPPOSITE PAGE Sophisticated 60s inspired wedding gown in mikado with crystal embellished trim round bateau neckline and back. This stunning piece has a detachable train that can be removed from snaps at front bow.This option is perfect for any bride that intends dancing the night away.Dress available exclusively at WEDDINGBELLS. All jewellery by ZsaZsa.

PHOTOGRAPHY Bernard Polidano 7947 2559 www.bernardpolidano.tumblr.com BRIDAL OUTFITTING Marquita at WEDDINGBELLS 2122 4234 HAIR STYLING Christian Mifsud MAF Hairdressing 2144 0772, 9944 6929 www.mafhairdressing.com MAKE-UP Natasha Polidano 9989 9760 FLORISTS Joseph Baldacchino from Flower Arts Studio 2726 0645, 2125 0645, 9926 0645 info@flowerarts.net www.flowerarts.net SHOES Noella at MARCHESE 654, High Street Hamrun 2122 4523 SHOT ON LOCATION Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar 2141 2461 www.palazzoparisio.com MODEL Christine Mifsud

Sophistication since 1837

ith over 175 years of experience, Caffe Cordina specialise in partnering with our discerning clients to create elegant, memorable experiences. Wherever our clients choose for the special day, they will be guided through the process of selecting the ultimate culinary requirements. Whether it is an intimate gathering or a grand affair Caffe Cordina’s dedicated Events Team ensure that culinary excellence is brought to any location. We work with a wide range of budgetary demands, offering the highest level of flexibility and creativity, to assure the wedding is a success. We understand the importance of this special day and all the preparations and details that the bride and groom have to cope with. This is why we strive to make the planning and coordinating of the catering aspect as easy as possible. We will work with the couple to come up with a creative menu to fit their budget and we are able to customise the menu to include the couple’s favourites. We believe that the art of crafting an unforgettable event requires culinary innovation, precise execution and constant attention to our clients’ individual wishes. Maintaining the quality required of our product is a constant challenge, which has confirmed our position as a caterer of reference.

Contact Caffe Cordina in preparation of your special day for unmatched quality and service. A: 244, Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1114 T: 2123 4385 / 2124 1359 E: info@caffecordina.com W: www.caffecordina.com I DO 17

Chateau Buskett, located in the heart of the picturesque Buskett Gardens, with the romantic backdrop of the Majestic Verdala Palace, is a perfect venue for Weddings, Events and Celebrations. Your dreams can come true at Chateau Buskett... YOUR IDEAL VENUE. Please Contact: 2321 4533 / 9944 2321 chateaubuskett@gmail.com

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WEDDING DRESS FROM THE HEART the couple GABRIELLA

&NEIL

Gabriella Pisani, 27, Kindergarten teacher and Neil Camilleri, 30, Journalist

19 June 2016 WEDDING MASS AT ST PAUL METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL IN MDINA AND RECEPTION AT

CHATEAU BUSKETT. PHOTOS Jonathan Borg

abriella Pisani knew what type of gown she wanted for her wedding day. Only her mother, Marcon Pisani, a professional dressmaker, who knows her daughter so well, could interpret her dreams and turn them into reality. The bride had been following a lot of designers and online boards to collect ideas. Mrs Pisani adapted her daughter’s ideas to make them fit her silhouette and create a stunning and timeless gown. After various trips to fabric stores and many fittings, everything fell into place. Gabriella was ecstatic on her last fitting. Mrs Pisani constructed the fitted dress from layers of light pure silk organza. It was then embellished with handmade beading

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and corded lace which was cut up and hand sewn to the organza to form a wide border at the hemline. Removable lace shoulder straps were added for the church. The dress included satin lining as well as a custom made corset for more support when worn strapless. A 7 metre long cathedral veil was added to finish off the bridal look. All the guests commented on how beautiful the dress was and Mrs Pisani was happy that her daughter felt like a princess on her special day. Gaby’s mother went on to make the dresses for all the bridal team, the groom’s mother and herself. The bride’s brother and London based make-up artist, Peter, took care of the make-up. All the ladies looked gorgeous on the day.

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The groom and male wedding party wore navy blue outfits, hired from Jon David of Gzira. They also wore pink ties and brown shoes. Neil wore a pink waistcoat while the othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; waistcoats were blue. Gabriellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dog, Chuck, also wore a blue waistcoat with a pink tie to match. The florist even managed to do a boutonniere for him. He looked smashing with his brown paws. Gabriella met her would be husband, Neil Camilleri, at the restaurant where she used to work in her student days. Neil used to visit the restaurant often to meet his friend. They started chatting and getting to know each other. After a few visits, Neil had an added reason to visit the restaurant and the rest was history. Like most couples, they had their ups and downs but their relationship grew stronger than ever. After ten years together, getting married was the natural choice.

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Creative Neil, used a Secret Santa game played at a friends house during a Christmas get together to propose. Neil had everything planned from before. Helped by a friend, he hid the ring on the Christmas tree. During the game everyone had their turn to open their presents but Gabyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s was the last one, wrapped in very ugly used paper. Inside were clues that led her to the Christmas tree. She couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe her eyes when she found the engagement ring. She said yes immediately. The big day with a vintage garden theme was planned for 19 June, a Sunday afternoon. The ceremony was held at St Paul Metropolitan Cathedral in the romantic and quaint city of Mdina. White and light pink flowers were used to decorate the church. Gabyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother decorated the steps outside with two young olive trees. Decorations were kept to a minimum to enhance the architectural beauty of the church.

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The reception for 400 guests was hosted at Chateau Buskett, situated in a stunning and unique location, set in the heart of the picturesque Buskett gardens, with the romantic backdrop of the majestic Verdala Palace and breath-taking views across the Island. Chateau Buskett is a versatile venue with both large and small areas both outside and inside, making the venue ideal for any size of wedding. Catermax served scrumptious finger food and prepared the wedding cake. The venue was decorated with vintage garden furniture to complement the couple’s vision. Planters were introduced at the venue in order to enhance the garden feel. Relatives of the bride and groom took care of the décor, which was mostly handmade. Designer Mariam De Giorgio, handpainted

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the design for the invitations. It consisted of a vintage mirror frame adorned with pink roses. The same design was used to create a ‘family crest’ which was used instead of the traditional couple’s photo when arriving to the venue. A flavoured water station was made available for the guests to refresh themselves while waiting for the arrival of the bride and groom. They also had a vintage console table with the guest book and a wooden barrel containing dog treats since the couple are huge dog lovers. There was also a table with a vintage luggage holding souvenirs, small bottles of homemade olive oil, picked and pressed by Gaby’s father. The venue was also decorated with old vintage frames, wedding decorations dangling from the trees, a photo booth,

pictures of the couple with many of our friends and vintage bird cages with flowers inside. For their first dance, the newlyweds danced to Over and over again by Nathan Sykes, sung by their good friend Kurt Calleja. Kurt also sang during the wedding ceremony and played music during the after party. Band Firelight entertained the guests with their energetic vibe. At the end of the wedding while cutting the cake, Gabriella’s other brother surprised the guests with a round of fireworks. For their honeymoon, Gabriella and Neil spent 12 nights in Bali and Lombok in Indonesia in July. ROCS took care of their travel and accommodation arrangements while the couple took care of all the rest.

A smart touch to your wedding From intimate to extravagant weddings, traditional or unconventional, Laguna Walk is the ideal venue in Malta for a truly special wedding experience, as it offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable day.

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SUMMER DREAMS

the couple TIZIANA

&CLAYTON

Tiziana Calleja 32, Director at CentreSTAGE Studios, Singer, Tv Host and Clayton Psaila, 33, Butcher

30 July 2016 WEDDING MASS AT KALKARA PARISH CHURCH AND RECEPTION AT SMART CITY MALTA PHOTOS Kitzklikz.com

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Contact us to book your appointment 307, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp, Stâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Venera T:2730 9108 M: 7931 8987 E: info@evamariee.com W: www.evamariee.com

iziana and Clayton decided to get married while on a weekend break. Finding a date seemed impossible with all activities and bookings she had but the 30th July seemed to work. They looked at each other and acknowledged the fact they were to get married! On the last day of a holiday in Paris, Clayton popped out a ring and told her “Let’s do this”.

“It was a very romantic, unexpected proposal. We were on the Eiffel tower. I wouldn’t have dreamt of a better idea. And for once, I did not spoil the surprise!” Tiziana says. They planned a fun, modern wedding with lots of colour. The ceremony was held at the Kalkara Parish Church. It was by the sea, Tiziana always liked it and it was also close to the venue which made it easy for their family

and friends to join in. Their chosen reception location, Smart City, was a blank canvas which they decorated with the help of professionals who turned their ideas into reality. They took time to study the space and plan it out according to what they had in mind. They regret none of this with Tiziana saying she’d do the same thing all over again. Being in the performing arts industry gave this wedding a touch of theatre and spectacle.

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Well in command of the show, Tiziana created a schedule for everyone to follow allowing ample time for everything to run smoothly. Food kept coming, and the music continued while musicians and singers changed, until the DJ finally took over. The energy and vibes created were just what the coupled had wished for. Catering and the wedding cake were in the professional hands of Catermax. And this wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the smallest of weddings! To the contrary, some 700 guests were invited. They received invitations that resembled a blackboard designed by Brand Expo Design, which company also took care of decorations. For the occasion, the designers created a logo for the couple and this was printed on the invitations and also used as part of the dĂŠcor. It gave the reception a personalised and polished feel.

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Tiziana and Clayton made a donation to Hospice Malta in memory of her aunt Rita who had made use of the organisation’s services before passing away. The bride’s dress had a detailed beaded bodice with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a plain tulle skirt. In true princess style, it had an illusion back and buttons from top to bottom. Unlike many brides, Tiziana went dress shopping with an open mind and did not opt for a specific style. She tried on three dresses at Eva Mariee Bridal Exclusive and chose the first one she tried on, which she initially thought would not fit her. Soon the decision was taken and she didn’t try on anything else. The bridesmaids’ dresses, in various pastel hues, were purchased from Aphrodite Bridal & Formal Wear. Clayton meanwhile thought he wanted a blue suit until he saw the beige outfit at Bortex. This suited him perfectly and he decided to pair it with a pale blue bow and pocket square. They exchanged a pair of plain, white gold rings with matt and gloss detailing. Of course, hers had to have some diamonds too!

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This wedding was truly about the two of them. Clayton always wanted Ivan Grech from Winter Moods to sing at the wedding so Tiziana decided to surprise her spouse. As part of the ploy, she planned two songs for the first and second dance and kept the secret for five months (something quite out of character for her). When the time came, she started singing the first song until Brass House Unit and Ivan Grech started

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playing ‘My Neverland’. Tiziana whispered “welcome to the first dance” and recalls that his expression at the time was priceless. The couple says that they were both quite relaxed during the day and enjoyed funny moments throughout. Keeping everything under control, she made phone calls to suppliers and gave directions to the bestman about last minute details. Clayton

visited Smart City in the morning and phoned his bride to check on her too. A real highlight of the wedding was the traditional bus on which the bridal party sang ‘the wheels on the bus’ and ‘ċeklem ċeklem karozzin’ on their way to mass and the reception. For the couple and many family members and friends, this was definitely a day to remember.

95, Manoel De Vilhena Street, GZR 1016, Gzira

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Tel: 21314331 / 21336427

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Only you!

the couple VALENTEEN

&CHRIS

Valenteen Camilleri, 26, Dental Nurse and Christian Micallef, 32, PR Consultant & Sports Journalist

8 July 2016 WEDDING MASS AT CAPUCCINI CHRUCH, FLORIANA AND RECEPTION AT HASTINGS GARDENS, VALLETTA PHOTOS Rene Rossignaud

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alenteen and Chris met through friends in common at a political event in 2008. They dated for six years before Chris proposed during a holiday in Barcelona. “When I realised that Valenteen was the right person to spend the rest of my life with, after all ups and down we went through together, I proposed during a holiday we went on together with Valenteen’s sister Lorelle and her boyfriend David,” Chris recalls. It was at Valenteen’s favourite location, the Magic Fountain of Montjuic in Barcelona, Spain where he knelt on one knee and popped the question. He managed to find a quiet spot at this very busy location and waited nervously for the show to finish. Needless to say, Valenteen was caught by surprise and certainly moved, she uttered ‘yes’ as Chris felt elated that he finally got the answer he was waiting for. Chris explains he couldn’t have planned it all alone and David was his right hand. Prior to the proposal, both men were nervous and excited as they managed to plan the special moment in a perfect way. Undoubtedly that was an unforgettable night, which marked the start of two years full of excitement. David and Lorelle were with them throughout. The pair got married eight years after the first time they met, on Friday, 8th July 2016. The Capuccini Church in Floriana was chosen since Valenteen’s father is from the town, apart from the fact that the church is very private, enhancing the intimacy during the ceremony.

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The couple also had a bit of a compromise deal in place. Being from Valletta, Chris wanted to choose an iconic location and Valenteen got to choose the church. Embellishing Hastings Gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural beauty with fairy lights, they chose to have an elegant, fairytale set up, which was a great success thanks to Karl Borg Events who took care of literally every little detail before and during the wedding. Decor played an important role in dressing up the venue where chandeliers have been setup all throughout the garden, including trees and the cake table. All decor was supplied by Save the Date Malta.

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For Valenteen and Chris, the highlight of the wedding was having a packed church during the most important moment of their lives. They exchanged a rose gold ring for Valenteen and a white gold ring with a touch of rose gold for Chris. The funniest moment was when Chris took control of the ceremony almost snatching the microphone from Fr Danielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand in such a natural way as everyone started laughing, just before the exchange of vows.

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PERSONALI SE YOUR W EDDI NG Dec or a t ey ourv enuewi t houruni quel i ght s ,l ant er nsandt abl edec or a onsa v ai l abl e f orr ent . . .ors peakt ousf orweddi ngf a v our s ,gis ,c ak et opper sandmor e. . .t obuy . Weha v er eadymadeop onsa v ai l abl ef ory ou,orc anc r ea t es omet hi ngt ai l or edt o y ourneeds ,wi t hourhandmadegl as s war e.

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Over 800 guests were invited to the wedding – definitely not a small number to cater for and keep happy. However, their organisers Karl Borg Events, encouraged them not to worry and to leave everything up to them - words of advice they cherish and which service they do not regret. Valenteen chose an exclusive delicate and romantic A-line dress adorned with French lace from Alamango Bridal. She had visited three outlets and tried on around five dresses in each until she finally chose the one with the approval

of her bridal team and parents. Chris wore a Hugo Boss suit. They danced to the lead single from Kylie Minogue‘s 2015 album ‘Only You’ by Minogue and James Corden while crowds cheered on. Busy Bee Caterers were in charge of food while Hansa Wines & Spirits provided beverages. The couple honeymooned in the USA and booked the trip with the help of their family friend Oliver Magri.

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MOONLIT ROMANCE the couple NAOMI

&ALAN

Naomi Gatt, 27, Graphic designer and illustrator and Alan Farrugia, 27, Software developer

4 October 2015 WEDDING MASS AT SAN GIRGOR CHAPEL, ZEJTUN AND RECEPTION AT PALAZZO ABELA IN HAL TARXIEN PHOTOS M & J Photography

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oth Naomi Gatt and Alan Farrugia had decided to attend a youth exchange in Sicily right after they finished their o’levels in 2005. Youth worker Anna Grech had asked them to join a group of young people even though the group was meant to only include young people from Mosta. “So it was thanks to Anna and to my best

friend, Maria, for inviting me to such a unique and unforgettable experience and for unknowingly introducing me to my future husband!” Naomi told I Do magazine. Throughout the exchange, both developed an affinity for each other. On the last day of the exchange, Alan asked Naomi if she wanted to be more than just friends and she said yes!

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The teenage sweet hearts waited till they both graduated from university and settled in their jobs to save enough money for their new home and started planning their wedding. Since they knew each other for a while, they decided not to have a long engagement and planned and booked their wedding in about six months. Alan proposed to Naomi on their 9th anniversary with a lovely surprise weekend at the Kempinski Hotel in

Gozo. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the evening of our anniversary he took me to a romantic moonlit spot by the pool and proposed! I later found out he initially wanted to take me back to the guest house where we had stayed, in Sicily during the youth exchange where we first met, but it was booked during our anniversary weekend. I thought it was so sweet and thoughtful of him to try plan that for me,â&#x20AC;? the bride explained.

They tied the knot on 4 October last year. After a lot of looking, they came across the beautiful San Girgor Chapel in Zejtun and decided to get married there. Simple, yet with so much character and beautiful cobblestoned floor, they fell in love with the chapel. The reception was held at Palazzo Abela in Hal Tarxien. The couple loved the rustic look of the venue and felt it complemented the architectural style of the church beautifully. The venue was once a wine bar with dimmed and warm lighting offering a very intimate atmosphere. They decided not to have a very big wedding and went on to invite their nearest and dearest. The couple chose to keep the decor at church and venue as simple as possible. Florist Romano Cassar took care of the floral decorations. The altar was decorated with ivory coloured flowers. Glass candle holders were hung on the trees in the courtyard near where the band was playing and guests gathered to dance. A little photo gallery with the couple’s photos was put up. Pieces of twine with wooden heart-shaped pegs were clipped on a few postcard sized images of the bride and groom’s holy communion pictures and photos of other special life moments. The bride walked up the aisle wearing a sleeveless A-line lace dress. The dress had a sort of sweetheart neckline, but the overlying lace went all the way up to form a lace Chinese collar. The bridal look was finished off with glistening jewellery by Vascas. The groom and the male wedding party wore suits hired from Reno’s tailoring.

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The party started with couple dancing to the song ‘Lucky’ by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. It was a perfect choice since the lyrics reflected how their relationship started. They couldn’t stop laughing during their first dance. It’s definitely a moment they’ll never forget. Band The Mics, provided by Tunin Entertainment, kept the guests entertained and dancing the night away. At the venue James Caterers Ltd were in charge of catering while Antonio Piscopo Wines and Spirits supplied the bar with drinks. Instead of souvenirs the couple gave a donation to Dar tal-Providenza. They felt that helping a good cause was the best souvenir they could give. However, they also

wanted to give their guests something small. “Since I love to paint I always wanted to incorporate art into the wedding invitations. The envelope, which we custom designed as part of the invite, was sealed with a customized wax seal shaped with our initials. Inside the envelope was the invite and a souvenir print of a painting I made of a couple walking in the rain sharing an umbrella. Since I work as a graphic designer, my colleagues gave me a lot of valuable advice and tips,” Naomi added. Another unforgettable moment occurred while the bride and groom were on their way to their new home. “Five minutes before arriving we realised, we had forgotten our bags, keys, phones and everything at the

venue! Thankfully our driver was kind enough to lend us his mobile to make a phone call. Alan and myself spent a bit over an hour sitting on the doorsteps in our gown and suit waiting for someone to bring us the keys. We laughed so much, we couldn’t believe it didn’t cross any of our minds!” Alan said laughing. The honeymooners decided to not go abroad immediately. “We stayed in Malta since we were really looking forward to moving into our new home together for the first time. We enjoyed lazy days, and romantic nights out at restaurants and we loved every minute of it,” Alan told I Do. They visited Scotland for a few days to celebrate their first year anniversary.

I DO 57

VINTAGE

delights the couple GEORGETTE

&PAUL

Georgette Sammut, 25, Administration officer and Paul Micallef, 31, Building and turnkey contractor

7 May 2016 WEDDING MASS AT DINGLI

PARISH CHURCH AND RECEPTION AT WATERFALL GARDENS, LIMESTONE HERITAGE, SIGGIEWI PHOTOS Sean Azzopardi

eorgette Sammut and Paul Micallef met each other during a Summer BBQ in September 2005. They had friends in common and were friends for around four years until they decided to move out of the friend zone. They had the loveliest time together as a couple. Marriage had always been on the cards but Georgette secretly hoped for a proposal. After five years together, Paul asked for Georgetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand in marriage on a Sunday afternoon,

during an intimate walk along Dingli Cliffs overlooking the breathtaking views. They then started planning for their big day and working on their new home. The date was set for 7th May, Georgetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday. The theme for their wedding was vintage. The wedding invitations resembled a vintage black chalkboard and were wrapped around with burlap and string to add the vintage feel. Instead of souvenirs the couple gave a donation to the Malta Community Chest Fund. Guests also received two small packets of love hearts retro candy.

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Both Georgette and Paul wanted to tie the knot in the parish church of Dingli, the village where they spent most of their time at the beginning of their relationship. Nuptial mass was celebrated by Archpriest Fr Ewkarist Zammit while singer, Mike Spiteri sang hymns. During the vows, the couple exchanged rings by Gaba. The groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ring is in white gold with a matte detail all around the middle. The brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ring is in white gold with diamonds. Since Georgette volunteers with local Girl Guiding group, a group from the Dingli Girl Guides wearing their full uniforms threw confetti and cheered for the newlywed bride and groom on the church parvis after mass. The reception, hosting 550 guests, was held at the Waterfall Gardens of the Limestone Heritage in Siggiewi.

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They fell in love with the venue after attending a friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wedding. They loved the fact that it is a converted quarry, the waterfall, the surrounding landscape and the light effects. Georgette and Paul wanted the best for their wedding and paid attention to details to make it reflect their personalities. Florist Anna Zammit from Naxxar was roped in to take care of the floral decor at the church and the venue. The venue was decorated with scattered fairy lights and homemade wooden signs resembling chalk boards.

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Near the guest book the guests could also leave their well wishes on cork tops placed in a decorative container. The bride walked up the aisle wearing an Aline dress with a detailed neckline and a sparkly waist belt. The choice of the dress came easy for Georgette as it was the first one she tried on in the first shop she visited. She fell in love with it as soon as she put it on. She did try on three other dresses for curiosity’s sake but she knew the first one was for her! Shoes by Bubbles, Jewellery by Gaba, nail

art by Lush nails and make up by artist Maria Pace Gasan, completed the bridal look. The groom and the male members of the family were outfitted by Aristocrat while the bridal party’s clothes were taken care of by Cecille, Valletta. The best part of the wedding came when the dancing started. The newlyweds danced to Christina Perri’s song Thousand Years for their first dance. Guests loved singing and dancing to the live singing of Mike Spiteri, a friend of the couple.

He, sang his own songs Fejn Thobb il-Qalb and Keep me in mind. Then the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s girlfriends went on to perform a surprise flash mob for the groom. In fact it turned out that to be a surprise for the bride as the groom and his friends joined in the dancing. DJ Pierre Cordina did a great job of getting all the guests to hit the dance floor. Everyone danced the night away, including the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 80 year old grandfather. All the guests kept mentioning the three hours of non-stop dancing after the wedding. Hansa Wines and Spirits supplied the bar with drinks while catering was left in the hands of Papillon Caterers. Georgette and Paul went on a cruise along the Norwegian Fiords for their honeymoon. The holiday planning was left in the hands of a travel agency.

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SEAL YOUR LOVE WITH GB JEWELLERS

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We invite you to visit db San Antonio Hotel + Spa and appreciate the wide selection of venues with fantastic views for your special occasion. The hotel has the perfect facilities to organize your wedding reception by the pool or on the roof terrace enjoying the open panoramic views and facing sunset. We also offer an indoor venue, the Casablanca Suite which can host up to 600 guests standing. Contact our Events Department who will gladly arrange a show round and discuss our menu options. Bookings for 2017,2018 and 2019 are now being accepted.

db San Antonio Hotel + Spa, Triq it-Turisti, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay, SPB 1024, Malta • T: 2350 3750/1 E: events@dbhotelsresorts.com • W: www.dbhotelsresorts.com

Wedding Planners and Organisers in Malta do not come anymore meticulous in organisation, care and creativity than KG Events. Founded by Katia Gatt, who has dedicated her time and experience to planning many special days. The synchronisation of all sectors involved plays a crucial part to the success of memorable events, and the KG Events team ensures that it is reflected on the day of the event. Their commitment shows in the successful Weddings and Events they have lovingly organised.

E: gattkatia@gmal.com W: www.kgeventsandco.com • M: 77618905

MAF Hairdressing MAF Hairdressing was created by Christian Mifsud in 2008. His secret to success in the industry is the love in doing what he does. Whether it is a simple blow dry to organizing a hair show creativity is a must, along the use of professional products in order to be able to offer his clients the best experience when visiting the salon. MAF believes also in the importance of male grooming and hence barbering services are also available. Christians career started when he was enrolled at mcast and later continued furthering his studies at the Mayfair academy in the U.K. He is keen on continuously seeking training and other inspiring experiences. MAF Hairdressing has received various prestigious awards both national and international.

We welcome you to head your way to our salon, join our Facebook page and visit our website www.mafhairdressing.com.mt

Gifts, mementos, cake toppers and more made to order, and personalised, by Mdina Glass. Malta’s leading producer of glassware also offers a wide range of handmade glass lanterns, hanging lights, bowls and more, available to rent, to decorate and personalise your venue. Make that special day that little more special.

For more information visit Mdina Glass at Ta’ Qali Crafts Village. E: onlinesales@mdinaglass.com.mt T: 2141 5786 • W: www.mdinaglass.com.mt

Gaudi by JB Stores Gaudi is a special enclosed section that you can find at JB Department Stores in Iklin. It is the place to find the finest and most exclusive fabrics. Whether you are the bride, the mother of the bride or groom or if you require a particular dress for a special occasion, Gaudi is the place to visit. At Gaudi you will find a designer and also professional sales assistants that can help you choose from the variety of fabrics that you will see. At Gaudi you will be able to choose the right fabric to create the perfect dress for your figure and style. The staff at Gaudi can also help you find a good seamstress to complete your dress. Visit Gaudi by JB Stores and you will certainly not regret it!

Gaudi by JB Stores, JB Stores, Iklin. Call for an appointment on 23341343 www.jbstores.com

The Knot provides a high quality clothing hire service, to cater for all occasions and needs. Be it Wedding suits, Evening wear, Formal wear, Religious occasions or Graduation gowns, The Knot will provide you with the best options of stylish and elegant garments. Believing in the credo ‘Dress to Impress’, The Knot is a specialist in clothing for all occasions, and strives to make all its clients look their best. Thus it offers wide selection of designer styles, in a variety of colours, as well as oversizes. The Knot also offers a unique and prompt same-hour service for funeral wear.

Visit The Knot’s stand, set up jointly with their sister outlet Reverie, at the upcoming MFCC Weddings & Events Exhibition! The Knot, Vjal Kottoner, Fgura FGR1384 • T: 2166 1699 E: info@knotmalta.com • F: KnotMalta

CX WEDDINGS & EVENTS is an award winning, well-established and successful organisation, renowned for executing outstanding weddings and events in Malta. At CX, we are self-motivated individuals, specialising in designing, planning and coordinating events, orchestrating one successful event after another, here, on the Maltese islands. We constantly bring quality and excellence to the table by employing the philosophy of individual attention. We recognise that each and every client is unique, looking for an everlasting memory. Our passion for hatching all kinds of celebrations, tailored to your own unique needs, will leave you fulfilled, beyond your expectations!

Chris X. Grech • M: 99995674 W: www.chrisx.eu • E: info@chrisx.eu

Rêverie specialises in contemporary bridesmaid dresses and evening wear, representing a host of leading fashion labels from the UK, US and Europe. Rêverie is the sole official stockist in Malta of TrueBride, an award winning UK-based design company specialising in bridesmaid dresses. With sizes ranging from UK 6 to UK 36 and over 60 colour shades to choose from, the TrueBride collection certainly has the perfect look for your bridesmaids. Another bridesmaid brand hosted by Rêverie is Dessy, a leading US manufacturer of innovative bridesmaid dresses. Rêverie offers gorgeous and figure flattering evening wear and guarantees exclusivity on each and every dress since each dress style is held in one size and one colour.

Visit Rêverie’s stand, set up jointly with their sister outlet The Knot, at the upcoming MFCC Weddings & Events Exhibition! Rêverie, Vjal Kottoner, Fgura FGR1384 • T: 2166 4092 • E: info@reverie.com.mt W: www.reverie.com.mt • F: ReverieMalta

Magical weddings at Villa Arrigo Villa Arrigo established in 1986, is an elegant upmarket Villa situated in San Pawl tatTarga, A stone throw away to a nearby chapel, in an exclusive area in the Maltese Islands. This majestic villa offers you a delightful venue for any occasion. The décor, fabulous rooms, grand marquee and immaculately manicured gardens create a pleasant and tranquil atmosphere. An ideal setting for any special event. A colonial style villa which has over the past 30 years combined a perfect setting for fine weddings and banquets for prestigious events and dignitaries. It is constantly being enriched, bringing the elegance inside the Villa into the beautiful garden. This venue is your home away from home for your next exclusive event.

Contact: Veronica Zammit Tabona or John Vella Galea • T: 21423214 E: info@osbornecaterers.com

Vascas Home Vascas have recently introduced a new cutlery brand to their vast home décor collection. Charingworth by Studio William. This 24 piece set is being offered at an introductory price of €121 discounted from €210! Santol is a high-quality, heavier gauged cutlery pattern for everyday use, or for a special occasion. Santol’s striking curved handles carefully balances the need for beauty, functionality and affordability. The result is a beautiful mirror finish. Additional pieces may be added to the set.

Contact us for more details info@vascas.com.mt. We must not forget that Vascas is also known for their crystal and silverware collection, visit one of our outlets today! Naxxar | Sliema | Valletta.

The Villa The 19th century, tastefullyrenovated Villa is centrally located, overlooking the beautiful Balluta Bay and is run by Chef Patron Chris Hammett. At The Villa, we cater for small, intimate celebrations as well as larger scale events and bespoke weddings. Our three main outdoor terraces make the most of the beautiful spring sunshine and the large umbrellas make the terrace pleasant well into the colder months. We also have two large indoor venues as well as an intimate private dining room for smaller events. The award-winning restaurant makes The Villa the perfect choice for any event or celebration of any kind, with a brigade of chefs to cater to your every requirement. Your every wish can be turned into a reality for any event as every detail is tailored to your specific wishes. Whatever the nature of your event and whatever your budget, The Villa can cater for your needs. We invite you to the make The Villa yours to enjoy for any occasion.

39, Main Street, STJ1543 Saint Julian’s • T: 2311 2273 • E: info@thevillamalta.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/thevillamalta

www.savethedate.com.mt is the first one stop online wedding shop in Malta. It is the ideal place to browse a wide variety of products and the best thing is that we’re open 24/7. Renting a gazebo or outdoor furniture, buying confetti or even booking your venue decorations has never been easier... we are just a click away. So what are you waiting for? Avoid all the hassle of having to go to different places in order to get your big day sorted. You can get everything from one place. Just SAVE THE DATE and we can help you with everything else!

T: 2143 6910 • M: 9946 8974 • E: info@savethedate.com.mt W: www.savethedate.com.mt • Facebook: www.facebook.com/savethedatemalta

CATHOLIC MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSES January 2017 LOCALITY

VENUE

TEL

Ċentru Ġwanni Pawlu II

21434949

Ċentru Parrokkjali

21483245

Dingli

Ċentru Parrokkjali Familja Mqaddsa

21454634

Ibra

Ċentru Parrokkjali

21370196

Mellieħa

Ċentru Parrokkjali

21523449

Naxxar

L-Oratorju

21437767, 21435376

Qrendi

Ċentru Parrokkjali

21649395

Santa Venera

Ċentru Parrokkjali

21482851

Senglea

Ċentru Marija Bambina

21827203

Si iewi

Dar Ommna Marija

21460827

Sliema - Sacro Cuor

Ċentru Sant’Antnin

21313505, 99841427

Ċentru Pastorali

21498757

Ċentru Sant’Anna u San Ġwakkin

27633703, 21/79632283

Attard Birkirkara San Ġużepp Ħaddiem

Swatar Wied il-Għajn

21639310, 79048854 Żabbar

Ċentru Nażaret

21824383

Attendance to the Cana Courses at least two years prior to the date of marriage BOOKINGS FOR THE COURSES ARE TO BE MADE WITH THE PARISH PRIEST OF THE LOCALITY WHERE THE COURSE WILL BE HELD. Please call during office hours. Il-Moviment ta’ Kana, Istitut Kattoliku, Floriana FRN 1441 Malta Tel: 2203 9300 / 315 Email: info@canamovement.org

www.canamovement.org

https://www.facebook.com/familjakana http://www.youtube.com/user/familjakana