I DO November 2014

NEWSPAPER POST

NOVEMBER 2014 | ISSUE NO 53 | 造2.50

I DO NOVEMBER 2014 ISSUE NO 53

LOVE! YOUR DAY

8 pages bridal fashion GORGEOUSLY ELEGANT INSPIRATIONAL IDEAS

5 weddings LOCATION IS KEY THE BIG DAY get it in writing

Let us make your Wedding a Treasured Memory

Triq it-Turisti, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay SPB 1024 T: 2158 3434 / 2350 3750 E: events@dbhotelsresorts.com W: www.dbhotelsresorts.com

75 EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS ST MOSTA | MALTA +356 2155 7730 FORTUNATO MIZZI ST VICTORIA | GOZO +356 2155 7740 SYDNEY | AUSTRALIA +61 4112 54527

Co nd iti on sA pp ly.

Photography by www.georgesaguna.com

25 %

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Beautiful bespoke weddings at Villa Arrigo – a venue for all seasons

January – free rental February – free rental March – 50% rental Any Friday at 1,500 + vat rental Villa Arrigo St. Paul’s street San Pawl Tat Targa Naxxar NXR 4013 0035621423214 Web: www.osbornecaterers.com info@osbornecaterers.com

THIS PAGE Adelia cocktail dress from the 2015 Pronovias Cocktail collection. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT PRONOVIAS. COVER Corina from the PRONOVIAS 2015 Atelier Collection. Tulle princess dress with gemstone embroidery appliqués. Low-waisted bodice with asymmetric neckline. Floral appliqués on strap and waist. Wide skirt. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT PRONOVIAS.

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different” Coco Chanel

W

e´re writing to you a few weeks before the Wedding´s Fair and there’s no better time to discuss the latest trends in wedding inspiration.

This issue´s fashion shoot took place at the luxurious Villa Rosa, overlooking St. George’s Bay and we’ve teamed up with Pronovias to give you a taste of 2015.

Pronovias knows that every fairy tale has a different leading lady and it´s collection has been created for romantic, classic brides, as well as modern, daring heroines.

No matter what’s trendy in bridal-wear, it’s important to remember to choose that one gown in which you feel comfortable and beautiful in. This rule also applies when

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

choosing your wedding’s colour palette and the theme you want to create.

Next season’s trend is about a mix of understated brights, pale pastels and nature-like neutrals. Taking a cue from nature, colour and design specialists point out that cooler and softer colour choices coupled with subtle warm tones draw inspiration from retro delights as well as folkloristic and floral art.

Choose colours that complement your skin tone and while as a bride the ultimate decision is yours, consult your fiancé, bridesmaids and family members who will be by your side as they too must feel their best on the day.

Choosing a wedding theme may be daunting for some and you might be

overwhelmed with ideas and inspiration.

However, we recommend setting a theme after having researched, given things thought and allowing yourselves time to scrap ideas which would not work out for you.

Vintage weddings remained predominant throughout 2014 but bohemian or rustic themes are fresher and allow space for DIY, if you like being hands-on. If simplicity is your mantra, opt for just a dash of sparkle in wedding decor, gowns and shoes.

Are you the drama-loving type? Then go for impressive decorations that will make your big day memorable to all your guests. Next season surely has something for you in store!

I Do team, Annaliza & Elaine

I DO NOVEMBER 2014 ISSUE NO 53

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 ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Nathalie Baldacchino PRINTER PrintIT

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

floral glamour JOSEPH BALDACCHINO started experimenting with floral designs on festive occasions celebrated at his local church from a very young age. From an amateur artist, his edgy style and fun-loving charisma, Joseph developed a reputation for floral creative excellence.

Here is Joseph’s own guide for perfect wedding floral ideas.

J

oseph encourages brides to get inspiration from bridal magazines or the internet. He asks brides to take their favourite pictures and cuttings with them to appointments with the florist of choice, to discuss the floral décor for their wedding day.

• Brides should insist on getting a detailed custom made quotation to avoid any last minute surprises. Make sure quotations include bouquet prices, VAT costs and other taxes, transport costs and all other important details that reflect a good quality offer. Ideally pre-set packages should be avoided as these tend to lack details and personal touches reflecting the bride and groom’s characters and tastes.

Joseph recommends brides to visit real weddings decorated by their chosen florist to see him or her in action.

• The time invested in the preparation before the actual wedding day is time wellinvested to ensure the décor at the church and venue are up to scratch on the big day.

• Fresh flowers are always the best option and brides should avoid using artificial flowers altogether. Weddings are a once in a lifetime occasion and a bride shouldn’t hesitate on spending that little extra money on good quality floral décor.

Flowers are an important component that makes any wedding complete.

• The flowers’ colours would normally complement the chosen wedding theme and the bridesmaids’ dresses. In case of bright coloured dresses brides often

6 I DO

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choose neutral or light coloured flowers, also depending on the colour of the bridal gown.

Adventurous brides often do not go for a single coloured bouquet and choose more fun and colourful flowers matching the wedding colour scheme. One can still go for classic bouquet styles while using colourful flowers.

Colour is also being introduced in the groom’s and groomsmen’s boutonnières, especially if the groom is adventurous himself. The flower’s colours are also chosen to match the bridesmaids’ dresses.

As for the bridal bouquet these could be made from neutral coloured flowers or other colours matching the wedding theme and the bridal gown. The bridal bouquet should be easy to carry throughout the big day, ideally until the first dance. The size of the bouquet should reflect the bride’s stature and posture. Petite brides shouldn’t have huge bouquets while curvier brides should have a dainty posy.

When held near the waist, a smaller posy would attract attention to the narrowest part of a bride’s body.

Columns or large vases of fresh flowers are being used in the ceremony area during civil weddings or unions. Although they are being phased out, floral arches at the entrance to the church or venue should always be made from fresh flowers.

In the case of seated weddings, tall vases or high bouquets are being used as centrepieces on the dinner tables. These give a dreamy and magical feel to the wedding.

• Mostly imported from Holland, fresh flowers are available all year round ensuring a constant supply of flowers.

Flowers such hydrangea, ranunculus, anemones, peonies or English roses are in bloom towards March, April and May. While certain flowers should be avoided altogether during Summer, stronger flowers such as roses or orchids, when the warm weather hits hard. Flowers like the amaryllis and fresh berries, twigs or wax apples are added to winter bouquets to add a warm and Christmassy feel to a winter wedding. Succulent plants are also occasionally used in wedding floral décor.

• Assorted candles, as well as transparent or block coloured glassware are also making a comeback in modern weddings.

Accessories such as columns or vases ensure that a well-polished final result is achieved.

All of these issues should be discussed and agreed upon ahead and then finalised around three months before the actual wedding day. While the florist should be flexible enough to accommodate to changes requested by the couple getting married, the bride and groom can put their minds at rest if they choose a reliable vendor to get what they are promised.

Joseph’s brainchild Flower Arts takes care of all wedding day floral needs. For more information about Joseph’s work visit http://flowerarts.net/ or call on 99260645 for an appointment.

THIS PAGE Madeleine from the PRONOVIAS 2015 Glamour Collection. Mikado silk princess wedding dress. Draped off-the-shoulder bodice. Skirt with gathers at the waist and side pockets. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT PRONOVIAS. OPPOSITE Corina from the PRONOVIAS 2015 Atelier Collection. Tulle princess dress with gemstone embroidery appliqués. Low-waisted bodice with asymmetric neckline. Floral appliqués on strap and waist. Wide skirt. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT PRONOVIAS.

LOVE! YOUR DAY Photography Bernard Polidano Gowns Pronovias Flowers Flower Arts

GORGEOUSLY ELEGANT INSPIRATIONAL IDEAS

I DO 9

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.

THIS PAGE Adelia cocktail dress from the 2015 Pronovias Cocktail collection.

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT PRONOVIAS. OPPOSITE Aldora cocktail dress from the 2015 Pronovias Cocktail collection. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT PRONOVIAS

THIS PAGE Masha from the PRONOVIAS 2015 Fashion Collection. Gauze with silver, white and pearl gemstone flared dress. Draped bodice with gemstone embroidery on the side. Deep V at the back with a narrow strap. Skirt with split. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT PRONOVIAS. OPPOSITE Nausica cocktail dress from the 2015 Pronovias Cocktail collection. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT PRONOVIAS.

PHOTOGRAPHY Bernard Polidano 7947 2559 http://bernardpolidano.tumblr.com/ BRIDAL OUTIFFTING Pronovias of The Strand, Gzira 2388 9380 www.pronovias.com HAIR STYLING Christian Mifsud MAF Hairdressing 2144 0772, 9944 6929 www.mafhairdressing.com MAKE-UP Natasha Polidano 9989 9760 FLORAL DÉCOR Joseph Baldacchino from Flower Arts 2726 0645, 9926 0645 www.flowerarts.net MODEL Joanne Galea Miss World Malta 2014 at Modelle International SHOT ON LOCATION Palazzo Villa Rosa 7905 9769

PRONOVIAS 2015 BRIDAL AND COCKTAIL COLLECTION EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT PRONOVIAS - THE STRAND - GZIRA T: 2388 9380 路 E: PRONOVIAS@BIGBON.COM.MT 路 WWW.PRONOVIAS.COM

2 IdoMagazine_Nov_PRONOVIAS_Single.indd 1

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the couple MELISSA CLINTON

&

Melissa Vella, 29, Communications Coordinator and Clinton Buhagiar, 28, Brand Manager and Sports Journalist

7 September 2014 NUPTIAL MASS AT ST GEORGE’S BASILICA, VICTORIA, AND CEREMONY AT TA’ FRENĊ RESTAURANT, GOZO. PHOTOS Kristian at www.weddingphotographymalta.com

Pastel hued

ELEGANCE

I DO 17

M

elissa and Clinton had been working at One Productions for many years but they never really met each other until One newsroom was moved to Marsa where Clinton was based.

Slowly they started developing a liking for each other.

Soon enough, they agreed to go out for a bottle of wine to get to know each other better. Melissa is not a believer of love at first sight, but her hunch that Clinton was the one for her, proved right in good time. After four years together, getting married was the next step in their relationship.

They decided to tie the knot on 7 September as Clinton loves the number 7 because he is a David Beckham fan and both wanted the wedding to be held on the eve of a public holiday, to make it easy for their guests to make it to Gozo.

Before the wedding preparations began, the couple gave the good news to their most intimate family members and friends during a small engagement party thrown at their new place.

Knowing exactly what she wanted and inspired by a pastel colour palette, the bride took care of most of the details herself. Around 500 people were going to be invited including many of Melissa’s relatives and childhood friends from Australia and local TV and radio personalities, colleagues of the two journalists.

Ahead of the wedding day, Melissa went shopping for wedding dresses with her mother Doreen and mother-inlaw, Doris. Without hesitance, Melissa went to Pronovias, her favourite brand for bridal gowns. After trying on a couple of dresses, the fifth dress felt like it was the one, and yes, tears of joy trickled down the bride’s and her mother and mother-in-law’s eyes.

18 I DO

The dress was strapless with a perfect combination of lace, crystal embellishment and nice big layers of material. An elegant cover-up was added to the dress to make it appropriate for church.

The staff at Pronovias helped the bride to complement her dress with the right jewellery and other accessories. They also helped her choose the dress for the maid-of-honour and the bridesmaids.

The look was completed with hair and makeup was by Alfie’s Hair and Beauty Salon. The groom wore a suit by Natasha’s His and Hers while the groomsmen’s clothing was taken care of by Cefai Formal Wear.

Originally, Melissa wanted to get married in Malta but being an only daughter she decided to honour her mother’s wish to give her daughter away in Gozo. St George’s Basilica in Victoria was chosen for the mass and Ta’ Frenċ Restaurant was chosen for the reception.

On the big day, the church décor was kept as simple as possible to enhance the elegance of the church. Two large ivory vases with orchids were placed at the entrance of the church and the aisle was decorated with delicate bows and more orchids.

The basilica was jam packed with guests.

Having so many loved ones share such an emotional moment meant a great deal for both the bride and groom. Bishop Mario Grech celebrated mass.

After mass, the newlyweds and their guests celebrated at Ta’ Frenċ Restaurant.

The venue was chosen because it had all the ingredients Melissa and Clinton were looking for - good food, elegant atmosphere and amazing Gozitan surroundings. Doing away with Gozitan tradition, the couple opted for a standing reception rather than a seated one. A photo collage depicting many of the couple’s first experiences together was put up at the entrance and the venue was decorated with many candles to create a dreamy and classy atmosphere.

The couple danced to John Legend’s All of Me for their first dance. Claudia Faniello and Errol from Airport Impressions as well as DJ Clint Bajada helped to get the party started and get the guests dancing.

After the wedding, Melissa took her dress to Gozo Laundry and Dry Cleaning to ensure that the dress is ready for safe keeping for the rest of her life.

Clinton took care of the honeymoon arrangements. They spent their honeymoon in the romantic city of Paris and a couple of days in London.

I DO 21

Location is KEY

Once the budget is set, a topic featured in our last issue, it’s time to look for properties. It might be an old cliché but there is certainly a lot of truth to the ‘location, location, location’ adage. Location will always be high on the must-have list. ARCHITECT KEITH SCHEMBRI will help you simplify the search by pin pointing what to look for when trying to find the location that positively impacts living quality and value.

Source www.keirogroup.com

W

hether it is a question of lifestyle or good return on investment, buying a property in the right location will be one of the most important decisions a buyer can make. It is important that you have a list in terms of needs, interests, and preferences.

Include factors that are important to you and your partner such as work proximity, recreational, cultural and shopping facilities.

Rank these priorities in terms of importance and you will have a clearer idea of whether a location meets most or all of your needs.

Consider how popular an area is and watch out for neighbourhoods in certain areas that are making a comeback. Buying on a street that is fading away or that has already become off limits to sensible investors is not advisable. When you’re hunting for a home, it’s important to understand how homes are priced so you can make a sound investment and reach a fair agreement with the seller. An architect, estate agent or actually visiting various homes can give you a true sense of how size, condition and amenities compare. If you were to look at a map comparing areas versus market price, one may notice that the rates per 1 m2 differ from one area to the other. Various components form this equation including views, facilities, market availability and the prestige of the area. It may be recommendable to compare the price per 1 m2 area at different locations

especially if you are not restricting your options to a particular area.

Future prospects of a neighbourhood may also have an impact on the price. If a positive development is planned in the area, the prospects of a future home value appreciation look brighter. On the other hand, if stores and amenities are closing down, the home price may be lower to reflect that, and you should probably reconsider moving to that area. The development of new

housing can go either way, meaning that the area may be in high demand in the future, increasing your home’s value, or it can result in a surplus of housing, which will lower the value of all the homes in the area. An architect or estate agent can guide you to identify such enclaves of revitalisation.

The neighbourhood you choose within a particular city or town will affect the plot size, proximity to amenities, entertainment and anything else you might want or need.

Proximity to village cores or a neighbourhood on the village outskirts may also affect other factors such as level of social activities organized within the area, garage / parking availabilities, the volume of traffic flow in the area and different applicable development criteria as set by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA). Use your wish list to decide your compromises and trade-offs. This exercise will help you identify your ideal place to live while possibly maximizing your potential future gain in monetary value.

Once you have a good understanding of the neighbourhood which suits your wish list, it’s time to think about the type of home you’d like to live in. In the next issue, we’ll explore the pros and cons of the various types of dwellings.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice, legal or otherwise. Always obtain professional advice for your particular situation.

I DO 25

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

MARRYING THE

TAILOR’S DAUGHTE

T

he first time Clifford Debattista set eyes on his future wife, Samantha Cefai, was when she was working at her father’s shop, Cefai Formal Wear in Xewkija, Gozo. He convinced his friends to help him find out where she hangs out at the weekend and he got to know that she was going to be at a party the following weekend.

He made it a point to be there. At the party, he plucked up the courage to speak to her and ask her out. It was love at first sight for both. Clifford and Samantha realised they were made for each other and as time went by, their love at first sight evolved into something stronger.

The prospect of getting married was often explored throughout their relationship but Samantha wished to finish her studies before tying the knot. Before they started working on their new home and planning their wedding day, Clifford, a very romantic type, proposed to Samantha during a surprise and very romantic dinner he prepared at his parent’s home in Għajnsielem. He gave her the ring he designed himself surrounded by lots of lit candles. They decided to get

married on 23 August.

Having been involved in the wedding industry for most of her life through her work in her father’s shop, Samantha knew very well how her wedding day would be. She secretly planned and refined the details of her big day since she was a little girl. She always wanted a traditional wedding with a touch of modern features with an ivory and rose pink colour scheme.

The bride went for a variety of luxurious rose pink fabrics available at Gaudi by JB Stores, to make the bridesmaids’ and flower girls’ dresses, matching the ivory and pink colour scheme she chose for her special day. The experienced staff working at the Gaudi department helped to materialise Samantha’s wishes by assisting her to make an informed decision on choosing the right fabrics and trimmings from a vast selection available.

Initially Samantha wanted a smaller number of bridesmaids but in trying to involve everyone who in some way contributed to make her wedding dreams come true, she kept adding more until there were nine of them, including two flower girls.

E

TER! the couple SAMANTHA

&CLIFFORD

Samantha Cefai, 23, Operations Manager at Cefai Formal Wear and Clifford Debattista, 28, Staff Nurse.

23 August 2014 CEREMONY AT ST JOHN BAPTIST ROTUNDA CHURCH, XEWKIJA, AND RECEPTION AT THE BALLROOM, GRAND HOTEL, MGARR, GOZO. PHOTOS Martin Abela at www.martinsisthename.com

The bride’s father, Joseph, helped her achieve this vision by making all the bridesmaids dresses himself.

This was a tough venture for him. It wasn’t easy to prepare for his daughter’s wedding while tending to his busy business at the height of the wedding season.

Helped by Samantha and her mother, Sally, the vision was achieved and the results speak for themselves.

The adult bridesmaids had fitted mermaid dresses with a tulle layer all over the skirt, embroidery on the shoulders and handmade ruffles applied randomly on the dresses. The junior bridesmaid had a shorter skirt with a trail and the flower girls had a full tulle skirt.

Each dress was uniquely decorated with stones and embroidered fabric, broaches and belts. Joseph also made Samantha’s mother’s dress.

The bride’s father was also involved in choosing the bridal gown. Samantha was indecisive between a tight mermaid dress or a big ball gown. After visiting a few shops accompanied by her parents, she finally settled on a strapless dress by Ivory and Co. The dress had a full skirt from the waist down, just like she wanted.

The bodice was adorned with crystals along the sweetheart neckline. A floral shoulder band and a cathedral veil with beaded embroidery were added to finish the bridal look.

A casual light beige coloured tuxedo from Joseph’s collection at his shop was chosen for the groomsmen.

Samantha thought the beige would complement the bridesmaid’s dresses and would be ideal for the Summer weather. Clifford wore a classic tuxedo with a slightly darker colour and lightly embellished with satin.

The ceremony was held at St John the Baptist rotunda church in Xewkija, the village where Samantha was brought up.

The church was decorated by Alistair Floral Designer, with large white podiums and beige and pink luscious flowers. Hydrangeas were used to decorate the benches, complementing the church’s decor. The bride and groom exchanged wedding bands from GB Jewellery.

Due to the hot and humid weather August is renowned for, both Clifford and Samantha wanted an indoor venue for their reception.

So they chose the Mgarr Grand Hotel’s

Ballroom to host a seated reception for around 340 guests. These included some Australian and American relatives and friends of the couple, who came purposely for the wedding.

The décor made the venue look spectacular with flower bouquets on each table made by Alistair Floral Designer and vases and candelabras holding lit candles from Josiana at Finishing Touches. Indoor fireworks set

up by Studio Seven and music by band Brass Tubes made the atmosphere even more special. The couple danced to John Legend’s All of me for their first dance.

The newlyweds visited the United States for their honeymoon. Their friend Oliver Magri helped them organise the trip. They also included a Caribbean Cruise and ended the trip with a visit to Samantha’s relatives in New York.

Tailor’s TiPS

J

oseph Cefai greeted me at his Mosta shop. He beamed as he and his staff recalled fond memories from his daughter’s wedding. He told I Do how he managed to work on his daughter’s bridesmaids dresses in the slow months of January and February but ended up finishing his wife’s dress just a week before the wedding. In the months before the big day, his daughter, Samantha who manages the shop’s operations, used to tease him about giving more attention to his clients than to her. The results speak for themselves through the fantastic wedding photos the family will cherish forever. A proof that the time and love invested were all worth the while.

The conversation shifts on Joseph’s work.

“We hire men’s clothing to celebrate all important milestones that make up the circle of life,” Joseph told I Do with a strong American cadence in his speech. Joseph spent his formative years in the United States, learning about textiles and the formal wear industry. From christening dresses to holy communion and confirmation suits, from graduation togas to wedding suits and tuxedoes, Cefai Formal Wear are equipped to dress men from head to toe and everything in between.

34 I DO

ATTIRE Whether opting for a tuxedo or tails, classic black or grey suits are most synonymous for weddings worldwide. Until a few years ago, grey was mostly used for morning weddings, but nowadays grey suits embellished with satin strips and in various cuts and styles, are also being used for evening weddings.

First seen in beach weddings, light coloured suits in simpler cuts and styles are fast gaining popularity. Shades of ivory, cream, beige, tan and browns are being used, especially for summer weddings. Navy blue suits are also in fashion, giving a more casual feel to weddings.

FOOTWEAR Patent shoes for the groomsmen is an American wedding tradition which is quickly picking up locally.

The trend has been growing strong in Gozo for a while now, as it is becoming more popular with Maltese grooms too. Weddings are the perfect occasion to wear patent formal shoes to add an elegant touch to the groom’s attire. Cefai Formal Wear hires a unique selection of both matte and patent

BY ELAINE ATTARD formal shoes for all shapes and sizes.

“We offer shoes from size 1 for new born babies, up to size 50, catering for all shoe sizes. It is unlikely that one would wear patent shoes on another occasion, so the best option would be to hire them. Probably, we are the only tailors that can provide uniform shoes for all the groomsmen, even for the youngest of page boys,” said Joseph smiling, as he showed me the smallest and the largest shoes in stock.

DETAILS AND FIT These days, grooms, ushers and best men are opting for slimmer fit shirts and skinnier trousers reflecting preferences in high street fashion, Joseph noted. The self-made tailor takes pride in heeding the challenge to achieve every bride and groom’s wedding dreams like they were his own son or daughter. “We strive to provide different coloured waistcoats, ties and bows to match bridesmaids dresses and chosen colour schemes. We make sure to use the finest materials on the market to make the bride and groom’s wishes a reality and make their special day one to remember.”

With two shops, located in Mosta and Xewkija, Gozo Cefai Formal Wear cover weddings in all of Malta and Gozo. For more information visit www.cefaiformalwear.com

New Collection 2015/2016 Now Available

Designer available in-house. Please call for an appointment.

GAUDĂŒ, JB Stores, Iklin Rd, Iklin E: info@jbstores.com W: www.jbstores.com T: 2331 4343/1 F: Gaudi by JB Stores OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday: 8:30 - 19:30 Saturday: 8:30 - 18:00

mastering the

ARTISTRY OF

COCKTAILS

For more info visit www.damianscocktails.com or get in touch on info@damianscocktails.com or mobile (+356) 9984 7074

D

amian Muscat started out in the local hospitality industry 18 years ago, and has since speedily climbed up the career ladder to establish himself as one of the leading Maltese barmen in the cocktail making industry.

Known for his excellent service and specialised cocktail making, Damian leads a team of professional bartenders that will stop at nothing to make your special day one to remember for many years to come.

The team at Damian’s Cocktails has achieved a long-standing reputation as first-rate cocktail makers through their dedication and consistency in each and every wedding or event that they cater for. They know that it’s not just about serving drinks and making delicious cocktails, but setting the scene for a magnificent event with a studied touch of effervescence and flair.

Cocktail making has long been Damian’s passion, and creating exciting new cocktails is an extension of it. These creations have made him a multi-award winner in local as well as international cocktail competitions and his accolades include being awarded Silver Medallist World Cocktail Champion in the World Cocktail Championship, 2011: the largest worldwide cocktail competition.

Additionally, Damian was also awarded Bartender of the Year 2011/12.

Possessing an extensive knowledge of cocktails is the key to success. Cocktail making is a complex science of taste with a vast amount of possible combinations. These can only be learnt through many years of experience behind the bar. Another vital requirement is a positive attitude. Damian’s philosophy with his team is

that no matter what mood they might be in, once they step behind the bar, they are on stage and it’s time to perform.

A cocktail bar is a symbol of style and fun; a centrepiece at your event where guests can socialise while trying out a wide assortment of colourful and tasty cocktails, prepared by highly skilled and amicable specialists. Our barmen can speedily prepare an almost infinite array of cocktails – including some original creations of our own that have steadily gained popularity among regular clients and their guests. All cocktails are garnished with an elegant and detailed touch, making them just that little bit extra special.

Apart from specialised cocktail and wine bars, we are also capable of running your main bar as well. That way you can leave your entire function in our hands and rest assured that your guests’ drinks orders will be taken care of by a highly experienced team of dedicated veterans. Various bar setups are available to complement your particular venue, or the preferences of the clients themselves. Setups vary from modern bars, glowing bars, classic bars, bamboo/tropical bars, wine bars, and more. Any style you opt for, yes, we have it for you!

Having a professional cocktail bar at your wedding will not only make for a fun and vibrant atmosphere, it will ensure that your special day will also be special for your guests.

As with all luxuries, it is an indulgence that will show them you’ve gone that extra mile to make their experience a truly memorable one. Once you’ve met our energetic and easy-going team and sampled our creations, you’ll know exactly what we mean.

As Damian always says; “It’s all about doing what we love, and loving what we do.”

I DO 37

INSPIRED BY VINTAGE the couple

&STEPHEN

EMMANUEL

Emmanuel Xuereb, 41, TV Programmes Producer and Chef, and Stephen Aquilina, 49, TV Programmes Producer

5 September 2014 CEREMONY AND DINNER AT PALAZZO CASTELLETTI, RABAT PHOTOS Kitz Klikz by Keith Darmanin and Etienne Farrell

E

mmanuel and Stephen’s relationship spans over the past 17 years so they did not hesitate to apply for a Civil Union when the bill was passed last April.

“We both felt it was the next step in our relationship for a long time, however, the lack of a law acknowledging gay relationships was a stumbling block. Once the law was introduced, it was time for us to go for it,” Emmanuel told I Do. In fact, they submitted their application on the same day the law was passed.

Emmanuel planned a very romantic proposal for Stephen. True to being a chef, he proposed to Stephen during a unique gastronomic experience on the Eiffel Tower in the Jules Verne, a Michelin

accredited restaurant overlooking the city of Paris Emmanuel planned the ceremony and the celebratory dinner himself. “Organising is a passion not a chore for me. Since we did not have a stipulated budget, I had no restrictions. I took it easy and knew well what we both wanted. Planning did not take too long as otherwise it would have become a tiring and boring experience. I recommend couples who are planning to tie the knot to be prepared with ideas of they want as this saves time,” Emmanuel added.

They were both keen on wearing vintage looking outfits that are both fun and stylish for their big day. Initially, they planned to buy their suits from abroad to find something unique. Luckily, they stumbled upon Bortex’s new Gagliardi collection while shopping last March and both liked it.

I DO 39

“It felt like it was meant to be. We coordinated blue and pink matching outfits, accessorised with bow ties, braces and vintage styled shoes by Scotch and Soda from Junction.

Shasha Fabri from Makeup by Shasha took care of the make up for the couple’s relatives and friends.

Emmanuel and Stephen exchanged Bulgari rings. Both are made from white gold but Emmanuel’s is slightly different with a single encrusted diamond.

Palazzo Castelletti in Rabat was chosen for both the ceremony and a seated dinner for

40 I DO

around 50 guests of relatives and close friends. The guests received beautifully styled invitations with a silhouette of a crystal chandelier and two birds printed on a background of faded damask print in cream and pale blue. The invitations were designed

by Boo & Co. The venue was opened to the public very recently. Emmanuel and Stephen fell in love with it after dining there a few times. “It was perfect for a small do and catered for all our needs. The roof terrace was used for the civil ceremony, and all of down stairs plus the courtyard was used for the setup and meal.

After the civil ceremony there was a cocktail hour and finger food was served before the couple and their guests went downstairs for dinner.

“We decided to be loyal to the venue’s style and enhance the palazzo’s elegance and architecture. On the big day, the venue looked amazing. A large white curtain backdrop and two large glass flower arrangements were set up for the ceremony.

We also had lots of lanterns and candles down the aisle aligned along a white carpet.”

The decorative style in the reception area too was vintage inspired.

“Antique collections from our home including crystal and silver pieces, vintage jars, lace runners, cake stands and lots of flowers were brought in. We also had 17 large candelabra on the dining tables and over 250 vintage-style candle holders.

The look was so elegant. How often do you go to a celebration with such an eclectic clutter of antiques on the dining tables?

Guests told us that they enjoyed the beautiful romantic dinner and the evening felt like a fairy-tale unfolding in an enchanted garden.�

Each guest was presented with a personalised menu, with a choice from three menus also designed by Boo & Co. As for souvenirs they were given a vintage-styled scented candle enclosed in a beautiful laser cut cream bird cage box, with coordinated thank-you tags and a ribbon on top.

The cutting of the cake was among the highlights. All the guests eagerly awaited the cutting of the cake which to taste the cake which was handmade and carefully decorated by Emmanuel himself. A particularly funny moment was when the fire alarm set off with the smoke emitted by the sparklers on the cake.

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BRIDAL & FORMAL WEAR

Collection 2015/2016

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At Aphrodite Bridal & Formal wear one can find Wedding dresses to suit all budgets, brides maids dresses, flower girl dresses, mother of the bride & groom dresses, evening wear, holy communion dresses, bridal shoes, all accessories & hiring of hats Aphrodite Bridal & Formal Wear Saint Julian Street, San Gwann SGN 2801 – MALTA (NO PROBLEM FOR PARKING) Tel/Fax: 00356 2138 1409 • Mob: 00356 9984 3733 • info@aphroditebridal.com • www.aphroditebridal.com OPENING HOURS: MON, TUES, THURS & FRID: 4.15PM – 7PM • WED & SAT: 9.15AM – 12.30PM (EVENING BY APPOINTMENT)

“We have so many memories of happy tears, special moments and special songs. The occasion was extremely relevant to both of us. Up till now, a gay relationship had no legal bond at all. We are going to celebrate 17 years together this November. It made our relationship complete,�

Emmanuel said. He changed his surname to Aquilina after the civil union.

Emmanuel and Stephen spent a couple of days relaxing in Taormina after the ceremony. Their real honeymoon is going to be next July, as soon as their busy schedules packed with producing four TV programmes on all Maltese TV stations are over. They plan on visiting Athens, Santorini and Mykonos next Summer.

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Photo: Rene Rossignaud Photo: Rene Rossignaud

udrey Hepburn has a classic, timeless look that never fades.

This has led fashionistas time and time again to recreate her image. Make-up artist Shasha discusses this look which inspired her for Maria Pia’s wedding day.

Hepburn’s full brows and deep eye makeup made the look iconic and this can give you that perfect dose of drama on your big day. For Maria Pia’s look, Shasha coupled eye shadow tones in golds and greys together with liquid eyeliner. Pointing out this was a

morning wedding, she still went for glamorous make-up that lasted late into the night.

Focus was on the eyes with long lashes giving the perfect finish. A natural lipstick colour was chosen to balance off the look.

Shasha has worked professionally in the beauty scene for over 20 years and strives to keep high standards in her field. Her experience on television programmes has taught her important lessons which apply to weddings in terms of how the bride and those close to her look on the day and in the years to follow through photos captured.

In fact, working on television programmes has changed the way she applies make-up.

The recent introduction of high definition (HD) transmission means that every little flaw shows twice as much and there is no room for mistakes. This has pushed her to change her technique to account for much clearer pictures because watching someone on television has become like looking at someone’s face in real life situations.

As in Maria Pia’s case, Shasha often opts to apply HD make-up on brides giving them a radiant look and an amazing finish that lasts for over 30 hours - perfect for our hot and humid climate.

High definition is about a technique coupled with the products used. HD foundation includes pigments that catch and absorb light, giving your skin an airbrushed effect similar to that of television personalities or billboard celebrities with zero imperfections.

The professional medium-to-heavy coverage liquid foundations available dry to a soft-

focus satin finish giving a natural radiant look. They work for all skin types and oil-free formulas set your mind at rest even if you are prone to blotching, stress break outs or shine.

For Shasha, going to people’s houses, getting to know them closely and making them feel their best on such an important day gives her great satisfaction. She says it’s important for the make-up artist to understand the bride giving her a look with which she’s satisfied and happy from morning till night. While there is no particular look for the modern bride, it is important that her bridal makeup reflects her natural look and the makeup she usually wears.

E: makeupbyshasha@gmail.com M: 7920 2778 I DO 67

Photo: The Foto Grafer Ltd

a hint of drama and a timeless look A

THE BIG DAY get it in writing

Wedding planning starts months, if not years, in advance and after all the thought and preparation that goes into organising the big day, everyone involved deserves the best outcome.

Notary George Spiteri Debono writes

O

ne way to ensure that things don’t go horribly wrong on the day is to enter into signed, written contracts with the venue, the caterer, and anyone else playing a part in your wedding.

Wedding agreements should be in black and white and once you do have details of the service you will be receiving in writing, make sure you understand and agree to all the terms before you sign on the dotted line.

Most wedding venues, catering companies, florists, bands and all sorts of vendors have standard contracts prepared in advance so it is important to read the fine print as what works for the company or for other couples, might not work out to the best in your circumstances. Standard contracts tend to be one-sided towards the service provider.

Be decisive about what you want and clear on what you expect. Once a discussion has taken place with the vendor and that your questions have been answered, make sure you’re not assuming things and that everything you think is included, is actually in there.

There are two benefits of a well-written contract: It locks the pricing and this cannot be changed by the supplier later on. Details of what you’re paying for are also spelt out in writing, eliminating any surprises as well as changes to fees or services. Note that the agreement signed cannot be changed, unless both parties agree.

Any contract should deal with certain situations that may occur. For example, what would happen if the couple cancels their contract? Is there a period in which they can cancel the contract without incurring a penalty? What will happen to the deposit paid if you cancel the contract? When will your services be delivered?

While most service providers deliver on the wedding day, some items such as clothing items and beverages are usually picked up or delivered some days in advance. On the other hand, weddings photographs and videos are made available days, weeks or months after the wedding and most of us have heard too many stories about disappointed couples receiving their wedding photos or videos a year or more after their wedding.

Another important aspect relating to photography in particular is making sure that all the photos the photographer will be delivering are made available on a DVD without watermarks. Some couples still prefer to receive a photo album but do not realise this may mean not getting a soft copy of each and every photo and that every time they need a copy of a particular image they would need to order it from the photographer. As with all vendors, prices vary sharply from one photographer to another and steep prices do not always reflect the service or product to be provided.

Make sure you like the photographer’s style, that you have seen albums of his work (ideally not just samples), and that all terms and conditions are in writing.

Contracts should not only set out the terms of service (how and when the service will be provided), but should also cater for the eventuality that, for whatever reason, one of the parties signing will not be able to fulfill the contract.

A good contract will also tackle what will happen if, for example, the florist will not able to source the kind of flower you ordered, or if the musician or singer you booked will be indisposed on the day.

Before signing any contract always read the fine print carefully, and if you don’t feel comfortable signing on the spot, take a copy home with you so that you can review it, possibly together with a family member or friend. Only sign once you feel certain enough that you have understood the contract and what will happen in each situation the contract contemplates.

Getting a contract doesn’t always guarantee that nothing will go wrong as difficulties do arise. On your wedding day have someone you trust or a wedding organiser in charge. This must be a person of his word who is clearly briefed on the services to be provided according to the contracts. Let him or her discuss issues that crop up on the day and sort out final payments after your wedding day, when possible.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice, legal or otherwise. Always obtain professional advice for your particular situation

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Kempinski Magic with a touch of European flair!

Your wedding should be a dream come true, a magical fairytale with that one moment where everything seems to come to a stop and all that matters is you and your prince charming.

Make this a Kempinski Moment, we are here for you every step of the way!

“Mediterranean’s Leading Spa Resort” & “Malta’s Leading Spa Resort” 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

T. +356 2211 0000

I_do_mag_adv_single_JUL13.indd 1

reservation.sanlawrenz@kempinski.com

www.kempinski.com/gozo

6/14/2013 1:05:39 PM

DESIGNING A DREAM

the couple

&MATTHEW

DIANE-MARIE

Diane-Marie Zahra, 26, Architect and Matthew Sammut, 26, Engineer

21 June 2014 WEDDING MASS HELD AT TAL-KAPUCCINI CHURCH, FLORIANA AND THE RECEPTION WAS HELD AT PALAZZO VILHENA, MDINA PHOTOS Kristian at www.weddingphotographymalta.com

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B

oth Diane and Matthew’s sweet 16th year found them at St Aloysius’ College and it was a lucky one for them as they crossed paths for the first time. By the end of the scholastic year they started dating. Thinking about when they first met, Matthew says he knew Diane would be ‘the one’ even before asking her out.

Nine years on, it was only natural for them to take the next step in their commitment towards each other. When they decided to get married, the groom still wished to surprise his bride-tobe with a small romantic proposal at a favourite spot by the sea. They tied the knot last June.

The contemporary two-layered square invitations were ordered at invites4u by Polidano Press. They were printed on a white matt textured board in raised black ink (thermography) and then finished with a contrasting shimmer bronze border. Calligraphy and modern fonts were used to create more interest in the design and the style was kept throughout the remaining stationery. The young couple decided to give a donation to YMCA Homeless instead of souvenirs.

When shopping for her wedding dress, Diane was going to give the gown she wore a pass, while flipping through a catalogue at Alamango.

It was her mum who had told her it might be worth trying on.

“The second I put it on it seemed to fit perfectly with everything about me; my character, my age, (and) even my hair!! It had an air of softness and youth while still being elegant,” Diane says.

Although she had a lace, form–fitting dress in mind, the dresses she had tried on were not looking right or seemed too serious. She eventually chose her one-shouldered, tulle ball gown with a dropped waist. Delicate flower details adorn the shoulder and waist line.

Several layers of tulle and a train made up the skirt.

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The shoes and the flower girl’s dress were bought from Wedding Bells.

On the day, Kyle Azzopardi at Village Gossip, enhanced Diane’s natural curls giving her a contemporary yet soft look while Stephanie Hodgkins was in charge of make-up and nails.

The groom’s attire and that of the male bridal party was rented from Cefai Formal Wear.

For the ceremony, the couple chose the Tal-Kapuccini Church at Floriana.

The couple thought the church looked lovely with its abundant natural light and was just of the right size for a nuptial mass. A red carpet and tulle bows around angels’ breath decorated the aisle. The idea was to keep the decorations very soft and delicate. White flower arrangements adorned the altar and ambone. Matthew chose a simple matte-finished white gold band while Diane chose a wedding band of polished whitegold which fuses into a matte-finish with a line of small diamonds where the two textures meet.

The front courtyard of Palazzo Vilhena in Mdina, which serves as the Natural History Museum, was chosen as their wedding venue.

This is undoubtedly one of the most elegant public courtyards on the island and it definitely made their wedding stand out. Although events are, from time to time, organised at this venue, this was the first standing wedding reception to be held there. For Diane, an architect by profession, (and having studied Malta’s architectural history in depth), it was important to hold their wedding reception at a venue which is beautiful in itself and not because of excessive amounts of decorations. Mdina’s unique character served as beautiful backdrops which added to the charm of the venue.

Diane’s brother together with his wife joined the bridal party all the way from Australia while friends flew in from Singapore and the UK. A total of 400 guests were invited to the wedding, and despite it being quite a large reception, the size of the venue made it intimate.

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Although at some point the couple had worried that the size of the courtyard would be too small, they were extremely happy on the day with how comfortably the guests were accommodated.

Opting for an elegant and classy, yet understated theme, the couple kept to a neutral colour scheme enhanced by tones of blush and gold. Flowers decorated the venue entrance, the cake table and some of the bistro tables. Gold touches were introduced in candle holders on the bistro tables and around the cake, photo frames at the entrance and sashes around the bistro tables. Candles were also used along the staircase leading to the inside of the Palazzo itself, which served as a magical backdrop to the evening. Bali Stuff Weddings and Dorothy Sant took care of the decorations and flower arrangements on the night.

The bride and groom danced to ‘Ho Hey’ by The Lumineers. It is a sweet and fun song to which they could relate. Photo props were used to bring out the funny side to their characters while they had a good laugh with their friends.

The genuine happiness they shared was what really made the day special and everyone remarked that their feelings were felt by their guests, both in church and at the reception.

Palazzo Vilhena amplified the atmosphere adding a magical touch to the air.

Preparations had started two years in advance with the major things being booked. The pressure started to mount around two months before the wedding when they needed to put

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the final details in place. The most stressful time was when it came to coordinate all of the suppliers into the venue. Since there isn’t much event experience in this location, this part of the process was perhaps the greatest challenge.

It was very important for the couple to have a clear idea of the atmosphere they wanted to convey so that they could work around various challenges without fretting about minor issues that cropped up closer to the day.

Since an outdoor venue was chosen, they were quite concerned when rain started pouring down a few days before the wedding day but that Saturday turned out gorgeous weather. At the end, everything fell into place and they were actually overwhelmed

with how well everything turned out both in church and at the reception.

Giving a word of advice, the couple says: “It is important to get what you want since this is a once in a lifetime day but it is not worth allowing stress over trivial things to spoil the joy of the day”.

The couple travelled to Athens and Santorini for their honeymoon. They took care of booking everything. Aside from the fact that, for them, holiday planning is part of the fun, they wanted to make sure they would get ample time to relax, which is exactly what they needed after all the preparations.

The outcome was great and they couldn’t have asked for a better holiday.

Fi n e r Ho s p i ta l i t y, Cate r i ng a nd Ev e nt s

Show us your dream wedding and we will show you its realization.

+356 22567567 or 21450560

weddings@xarapalace.com.mt

xarapalace.com.mt

tradition focused

MODERN WEDDING

the couple LETIZIA

&JAMES Letizia Zammit, 32 and James Galea, 31

13 July 2013 MASS AT GHARGHUR PARISH CHURCH

FOLLOWED BY RECEPTION AT THE XARA LODGE PHOTOS Rene Rossignaud

L

etizia and James opted for a fresh, modern, summer wedding. Despite following tradition, an almost minimalistic theme was adopted and this was enhanced by beautiful flowers of all sorts, be they fresh, made of sugar, or fabric appliqués.

The couple had been together for about five years before they got married on the 13th July 2013. James proposed on Letizia’s birthday - the 14th October 2011. He organised a five day trip to Tuscany which was a complete surprise for her until the morning they left! He proposed at San Gimignano on her 29th birthday, which of course made it an unforgettable and definitely memorable birthday.

Letizia and James organised the wedding themselves keeping simplicity and style in mind.

Vows were exchanged during nuptial mass at the Gharghur Parish Church and the reception followed at The Xara Lodge.

“We had seen the venue in shell form about a year before this was open to weddings. The venue was ideal as it offered an indoor back up in case of bad weather, the possibility of having an after party with no particular time restrictions, and we also had had previous experience with Infinitely Xara Catering,” Letizia says.

Discussing decorations, she wanted white flowers throughout. She tried to stick to two to three types of flowers and focused on roses for her bouquet and those of her bridesmaids. The bridesmaids’ bouquets were in fact a scaled down version of Letizia’s bunch of roses with the inclusion of gypsophilia.

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Small bouquets of gysophilia and tulle bows decorated the edges of the benches at the church. The arrangements at altar were composed of orchids and baby roses while glass containers enhanced the atmosphere created by the flower arrangements and candles.

Arrangements using the same flowers as at the church were created for The Atrium at The Xara Lodge. Bowls with floating flowers and aquamarine crystals were placed on bistro tables, and their bases were also decorated with bows in the same. Fairy lights also decorated the olive trees on the outside of the venue and fairy light balls lit up the surrounding turf.

The same concept was created on the The Xara Lodge rooftop where the after party was held.

Candles and fiaccoli also decorated this area, which like the rest of the venue and the church, was set up for the occasion by Floreal and Bali Stuff Weddings.

In line with the floral theme, the traditional three-tier wedding cake as well as the two witness cakes had delicate sugar flower appliquÊs similar to the ones on Letizia’s dress. These gave the cake a magical, 3D effect.

In total, about 400 guests including relatives from Italy and friends from the UK made it to the wedding.

The traditional style Wedding invitations were ordered from Polidano Press Ltd.

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The square cover was finished with a debossed frame whilst the insert was printed in black on a matching paper. The remainder of the stationery, including the Location card and the Mass leaflet were also printed on the same ivory matt textured board used for the invitation. Two types of souvenirs; crystal candle holders and wine stoppers were given out while a donation was also made to Puttinu Cares.

Wedding rings were simple in white gold with the couple’s names and wedding date engraved on the inside.

As for her wedding dress, Letizia always had a princess like dress in mind. Shopping with an open mind, she of course tried on different styles however still went for what she initially had in mind.

It was a Pronovias deep sweet heart neckline gown with floral appliqués on the straps and at the bottom of the dress. She then opted for a cathedral veil covering her entire face.

Letizia’s three bridesmaids were in full-length aquamarine chiffon dresses with rope detailing at the waist.

Material for the bridesmaids’ dresses and Letizia’s going away gown was purchased from Camilleri Paris Mode.

Evening make-up comprising of a smoky eye effect paired with nude lips,

by Diane Nikolic, and a sleek hair style

by Butterfly (Daniela Borg & Sue Spiteri) complemented her look. Nails

62 I DO

were done at Enhance Beauty Salon Naxxar.

Suits for the groom and groomsmen were in grey with black satin contrast on the lapel from Bortex Tailoring.

Ivory waistcoats and silver ties, matching the detail colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses, completed the look.

The celebration was one that stood out from other weddings and which guests enjoyed and remembered.

Letizia’s and James’ honeymoon destinations were Malaysia, Bali and the Maldives with all arrangements made through Royal Travel.

YOUR WEDDING AT VALLETTA WATERFRONT

L

ocated close to central Valletta, Valletta Waterfront offers the perfect backdrop for your wedding with flexible indoor and outdoor options. Eighteenth century warehouses with their iconic coloured doors stretch along the water’s edge against a backdrop of historic fortifications and venues.

many turns in history, before being transformed and operated as Malta’s first electricity production plant. This building offers a fascinating layering of spaces and reflects the multiplicity of activities forming part of Malta’s Grand Harbour over the centuries. The rustic structure with high ceilings displays an interesting contrast between the old and the new.

MAGAZINO HALL Renowned for its versatility, Magazino Hall proudly displays its historical features from a glorious past. Built in 1727 to store oil for street lamps, it was later incorporated in the island’s first power station.

Once inside, there is an impressive arched ceiling and the golden limestone glistens with the cast of soft lighting. An adjoining outdoor courtyard nestled among the historic bastions can conveniently be used as a breakout area or as a stand-alone venue. Magazino Hall can comfortably accommodate 400 persons.

UNDER THE STARS The possibilities are endless – the open air venue is an artistic blank canvas with the Grand Harbour as a backdrop on one side and the Valletta Waterfront buildings on the other. The location is breathtaking and lends itself to the typical Mediterranean al fresco lifestyle.

OLD POWER HOUSE The original building came about during the construction of Floriana’s fortifications in the 1700s. This building has taken

THE SAGRESTIA VAULT Located directly on the Valletta Waterfront is a hidden treasure unknown to most – the Sagrestia Vault.

UNDER THE MARQUEE Located on the Valletta Waterfront quays, the marquee offers protective cover for up to 1,400 persons in a uniquely magical location.

Annexed to the 17th century vault, is a small but beautifully-detailed chapel dedicated to the Flight of the Holy Family to Egypt. In combination with the Sagrestia Vault, the Chapel can be utilised as a receiving area. It is truly a little gem on the Valletta Waterfront.

THE PROMENADE A 275-metre strolling promenade, offers the perfect staging with a variety of outlets, also with a private area for more intimate weddings.

Civil wedding ceremonies can be officiated in Magazino Hall, and also on the quays facing the Grand Harbour and Valletta Waterfront.

Meanwhile religious weddings can be celebrated in the Chapel on the Valletta Waterfront.

One may opt for the caterer of choice in any of the venues. Parking for coaches, minibuses and private cars is readily available.

For further details or to view any of the venues contact Ms. Anna Maria Cardona Schranz on +356 25673114 or amcardonaschranz@vallettacruiseport.com

MAKING YOUR WEDDING a treasured memory very bride and groom dreams of a special wedding, different from others. The question is who and how does one turn a wedding into something truly special. Db Catering + Events would be a very good startplace to start planning a wedding. It offers all the answers to your questions - from the venues it on offers to the spectacular food, to anything you may have dreamed of. db Catering & Events is a subsidiary company of the new hotel chain db Hotels & Resorts in Malta owning the db Seabank Resort + Spa and db San Antonio Hotel + Spa. Both properties, which are close to the sea in the northern part of the island, offer a unique experience to those who wish to make their big day even more special.

The Wedding Gazebo at db Seabank Resort + Spa, with amazing views of the

E

Laguna Pool and the surrounding Mediterranean garden is an ideal location for a garden ceremony. It can also be used in the evening for a standing wedding reception, or seated for an exclusive seated dinner or a less casual affair. The venue can cater for 200 seated or 400 standing guests standing.

The db Seabank Resort + Spa also has a number of other beautiful venues available, in-doors and outdoors. The staff are also open to the possibility of working with you to hire out an exclusive area for your special day. Whatever the number of guests is, the professional people at db are able to cater for them with style.

At db San Antonio Hotel + Spa one can also have a wonderful wedding with panoramic sunset views of St. Paul’s Bay and islands from its rooftop, next to our infinity pool. And it could be a perfect

sunset wedding if you want it. The venue can host up to 600 people for a standing reception and 400 for a seated one.

Other venues include the Casablanca within its Moorish modern style giving that special exotic touch to any type of reception or dinner you might have in mind.

Come and meet us at the Weddings Fair between 6 - 9 November 2014 and we will gladly assist and discuss with you our new packages and special offers.

Triq it-Turisti, Qawra, St Paul’s Bay, SPB 1024, Malta T: 2350 3750/1 E: events@dbhotelsresorts.com W: www.dbhotelsresorts.com I DO 67

We invite you to visit our newly refurbished db San Antonio Hotel + Spa offering a modern venue with fantastic views for your special occasion. The hotel has the facilities to organise your wedding reception by the pool or at our breathtaking roof deck enjoying open panoramic views facing sunset. We also offer an indoor venue in a modern suite that can host up to 600 people standing. In addition, the use of the venue is free of charge and we also offer a complimentary overnight stay to the married couple. Bookings for 2015, 2016 and 2017 are now being accepted. Come and meet us at the Wedding Fair on the 6th until the 9th November 2014 and we will gladly assist and discuss with you our new packages and special offers.

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

It is our pleasure to give you an idea of what we do everyday, show you our passion, our creativity and our sensitivity for our clients’ wellbeing.

At our beauty salon you will find international fully qualified beauty therapists, hair stylists, make-up artists and nail technicians.

We offer treatments such as facials, massages, nail enhancements, waxing, manicures/pedicures and more specialized treatments such as: I.P.L, semi-permanent make-up, creative hair colouring, cuts and hair extensions.

Let us take care of you and your entourage on your special day!

Join us and view our portfolio on Facebook: Stephanie Sandra Saliba! T: 21422900 / M: 79093134

Romano Cassar Ltd At Romano Cassar, we take pride in being innovative and reliable. Founded in 1975, we are one of Malta’s leading floral companies. This allows us to offer all inclusive packages which start at very low prices. Working with us means finding a fully qualified team of full-time florists ready to guide and assist you towards creating an intimate yet magical effect for your wedding day. At Romano Cassar we will put our logo to good effect – flowers... quality... style... by incorporating the latest accessories and inspirations. Our achievement is having you on board as one of our 100% satisfied clients, who has entrusted us with the flower decorations and set-up of their once-in-a-lifetime occasion!

Visit our website ONLY THE romanocassar.com to view our BEST AT ... wedding catalogue and call us for an appointment on 21441264 or 79373100

Magical weddings at Villa Arrigo Villa Arrigo, one of Malta’s most extraordinary venues for church/civil weddings, conference dinners, seminars and any other reception. A perfect setting with landscaped gardens, air conditioned – heated Marquee, fabulous rooms, and a setting ideal to capture that special moment. The venue is conveniently situated within walking distance to a nearby chapel. Villa Arrigo hosts numerous weddings, where couples can also host their civil ceremony followed by a reception, dinner or a simple get together at the venue itself. The wedding or event is organized completely around the individual client.

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

Pure & Precious Bridal Shoes offer a large range of attractive and elegant shoes for the Bride and her bridesmaids. They have a great fit and are designed to offer comfort throughout the wedding. These beautiful shoes come in various heel heights and extemely competitive prices. We also offer a dyeing service for satin shoes and handbags to match to your chosen colour. This service is convenient for bridesmaids, mother of the bride/groom, wedding guests and evening shoes for all occasions.

The Dance Studio, 322, Sliema Road, Kappara T: 21388186 E: info@dancestudiomalta.com W: www.dancestudiomalta.com

Rhona Xerri Couture Invitations Your wedding is probably the biggest day you will have to organize in your life. The wedding invitation is the first impression your guests will have about your wedding ! We all know that first impressions are lasting, ensuring the appropriate attention to your invitations will do wonders in setting the stage for your guests to enjoy and share blissful memories of your special day.

Also, it’s worth noting that your guests may have received several wedding invitations that year so it might be worth investing some extra effort into your making them that little bit more original, which will help your invitation stand out from the others.

Rhona Xerri T: 9962 4328 E: rhonaxerricoutureinvitations@gmail.com F: RhonaXerriCoutureInvitations

TIPS FOR CHOOSING your wedding dress We’ve seen it all too often on bridal reality shows: Brides with a never ending entourage, trying on dozens of gowns or shopping too early or too late.

MARQUITA KEMPER of WeddingBells, who has been through it all, answers the most pressing questions WHO TO BRING WITH YOU Bring along people you know well and who will ultimately help you take the right decision. It’s fun having many friends and family members helping you out but too many opinions may confuse you.

Your mother and a best friend are ideal. They know you well and will help you keep focused when taking such an important decision. Most people choose dresses according to their tastes NOT yours. Be cautious!

WHEN TO BUY YOUR DRESS We always recommend at least a year ahead. Stock is always available but it might not be in your size or in the right colour. These days most dresses are available in white, ivory and even different shades of cream. If a dress needs to be ordered to your specifications it could take up to eight months to arrive from date of order. Designers do not stock dresses in all sizes and colours so once your order is placed, the dress is made specificity for you!

BEING PREPARED Before shopping for your bridal gown it is important to do a bit of homework. You need to have a feel of the fabric, the style and shape that will best suit your body shape and personality. Another important issue is the price. Know where you are happy pricewise. Some girls like to have a fixed budget whilst others are more flexible and prefer having the dress of their dreams rather than sticking to an amount they would like to spend on their bridal gown. At WEDDINGBELLS we pride ourselves in having something for everyone’s budget with dresses starting from as little as €450 and as much as €4,000. What we guarantee is that your WEDDINGBELLS gown is always of optimum quality and style. This is because each of our dresses is handpicked with love.

THE NUMBER OF DRESSES TO TRY ON When a bride to be comes to WEDDINGBELLS we always ask her to go through our catalogues. This will give us a clear idea of what she has in mind and her ideas are than matched with what’s available according to her price range. If a customer has a budget of, let’s say €800, we will do our best to stick to it. From there we will proceed to showing her all available dresses which fit her requirements and body type. She is then advised to try on her favorite four and preferably no more! Trying on too many dresses is physically and emotionally exhausting for the bride-to-be. It is important for her to remain focused and ultimately take the right decision.

CHEAP CAN BE EXPENSIVE Beware of online shopping! When it comes to wedding dress shopping, the vast majority of gowns bought online are FAKES. Sellers often attract prospective customers by stealing images from well known brands but ultimately sell something different to that of the picture or a copy of it. It happens all too often that women try their luck at a bargain online only to be disappointed and return to a bridal boutique. Remember you always get what you pay for, period.

WHEN WILL I KNOW IT’S ‘THE ONE’ Many women would know when they find ‘the one’ as they feel their best in it and can picture themselves on their special day.

Having said this, please do remember we are all different. One’s reaction to finding ‘the dress’ will vary according to personality and not all of us have their eyes welling up when ‘that moment’ comes.

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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!

Say it with flowers!

It’s your special day, a moment that you will cherish forever. Express your emotions and joy with flowers.

Flowers are an important aspect of your wedding. They are a way to convey the bride and groom’s character and tastes and complement the wedding attire, church and venue. Besides, flowers can leave a lasting impression on your guests and portray an elegant wedding atmosphere. At Xerris’s we can help you create a truly memorable occasion. Whether you are planning a simple ceremony or a lavish event, at Xerri’s we can provide you with stunning flowers at competitive prices depending on your budget by creating professional bouquets and floral arrangements designed specifically for such a special day.

Xerri’s Garden Centre, Dawara Street, Victoria, Gozo.

T: 21553637, 99470159 W: www.xerrisgardencentre.com Visit us on Facebook at Wedding Flowers by Thomas Xerri

Gaudi by JB Stores, JB Stores, Iklin.

Call for an appointment on 23341343 • www.jbstores.com

Conrad Briffa Planning a wedding? We can be fun and create a lively dancing mood; we can be jazzy for a ‘chill out’ atmosphere; we can be classical for those serious classy moments; we can be a mixture of all. Conrad is the band manager and also the leader of the band, so the person you deal with, will be there with you on your wedding day. He has earned a reputation for being professional and easy to work with. He has helped hundreds of brides and grooms relax, knowing that their event is in good capable hands, and that they will have the best and most memorable entertainment on their special day.

Conrad Briffa, Triq Tumas Galea, Ta’ Paris, Birkirkara T: 9944 8717 W: www.conradbriffa.coma

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.

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thevillamalta

The Xara Lodge Set in the unspoiled and secluded countryside beneath Mdina, The Xara Lodge offers a mix of interconnecting indoor and outdoor locations of varying sizes that individually or jointly cater to deliver a perfect dream wedding. The country estate’s location allows for truly private wedding receptions and simultaneously provides unrivalled natural surroundings with the beautifully lit up Mdina bastions as an imposing backdrop. Take advantage of our Weddings Special Offer and benefit from Free Venue Rental on last remaining dates in January, February, March, August and November 2015!

Call our Sales Team now on +356 22 567 567 or 7949 3064 or E: weddings@xarapalace.com.mt or meet us at The MFCC Weddings Fair for more information.

Piscopo Gardens stock many different kinds of lanterns great for centre pieces as well as a general decoration for your wedding and your homes! From Large lanterns to small ones ideal for tables - Come and have a look at what we have to offer - be it candles, incense sticks, flowers, artificial plants, rental of plants for your weddings as well as a variety of original souvenirs!

Open 7 days a week including Sunday and Public Holidays.

T: 21 583 755 E: info@piscopogardens.com

WEDDING RINGS

A matter of style and practicality

Flamboyant styles are becoming increasingly popular over the simplistic wedding rings of the past but practicality and lifestyle must be kept in mind when choosing the one piece of jewellery that will become part of you.

WILLIAM MONTEBELLO of Il-Ġojjell, established as gold and silversmith since 1992, talks about wedding rings – the latest trends and available options.

W

edding rings are very personal and most couples base their choice on their style as they might want to match the ring to a favourite watch or jewellery piece.

While fashion changes from time to time, the classic, plain wedding ring is timeless.

Since this is one of the few pieces – if not the only piece – of jewellery you’ll both shop for and wear, some preliminary decisions on style and colour need to be made. The latest trend is rings in yellow, white or rose gold with diamond or stone inserts. A mix of metal colours is also an option.

If all the jewellery you own is in one colour, then stick to it but a mix of two colours can be a great compromise for an introduction of ‘something new’.

Another necessary consideration to be made is whether you are looking for something simple or eye catching and whether you’d like the ring to feature diamonds or coloured gems.

Not everyone is accustomed to wearing one

piece of jewellery all the time so take your time in deciding on your wedding rings and make sure you would be comfortable wearing the bands you choose as removing them often increases the chances of losing them.

Jewellery is chosen according to personal style and lifestyle or jobs do not make a difference when it comes to deciding on wedding bands.

Even manual workers can choose any style of wedding bands including bulky styles or ones including stones. Couples are free to discuss their thoughts and advice is always at hand but the final decision is always theirs. Rings can get cleaned and polished as much as necessary and resizing takes place without marking or damaging the ring.

Someone who likes to stand out might opt for coloured gems. Sapphires are still very fashionable and their rich blue tone makes them timeless. Large sapphires are also much more affordable than large diamonds making them a favourite option for an elegant, fine jewellery piece. Diamonds or clear

zircons are also fitted onto male rings.

The trend of stacking rings is in and these make a great statement. Make sure your rings look good together on one finger and find the one that matches your engagement ring especially if you’ve been adventurous when choosing this.

At Il-Ġojjell, wedding rings are exclusively hand-made in every size, style and design.

Professional advice and assistance is at hand and couples can be guided into creating unique wedding bands according to what they have in mind.

Wedding rings from pictures or ones that complement engagement rings can also be produced. Diamonds and other gems are sourced upon request and according to the couple’s budget. These are set securely in line with latest technology and styles with the stone inserted into spaces and never glued.

Il-Ġojjell also offers inner engraving free of charge on wedding rings. Cleaning and repair services are also available on all kinds of jewellery.

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CATHOLIC MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSES January 2015 LOCALITY Attard Birkirkara (San Ġużepp Ħaddiem) Birżebbuġa Dingli Gudja Ibraġ Iklin Kalkara Mellieħa Naxxar Santa Venera Senglea Siġġiewi Sliema Sacro Cuor Swatar Wied il-Għajn Żabbar Żebbuġ Universita' 1 ** Universita' 2 **

VENUE Ċentru Ġwanni Pawlu II Ċentru Parrokkjali Sala Parrokkjali Ċentru Parrokkjali Familja Mqaddsa Is-Sorijiet tal-Karità Ċentru Parrokkjali Knisja Parrokkjali Dar Parrokkjali San Ġużepp Ċentru Parrokkjali L-Oratorju Ċentru Parrokkjali Ċentru Marija Bambina Dar Ommna Marija Ċentru Sant’Antnin Ċentru Pastorali Ċentru Sant’Anna u San Ġwakkin Ċentru Nażaret Kappella ta’ Ħal Mula Chaplaincy Chaplaincy

TEL 21434949 21483245 21651200 21454634 21696039, 99296042 21370196 99440595 21826438 21523449 21437767, 21435376 21482851 21827203 21460827 21313505, 99841427 21498757 27633703, 21/79632283, 79048854 21824383 21460800 23402341 23402341

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. ** Courses held at the University of Malta are for ex-students, students and staff Il-Moviment ta’ Kana, Istitut Kattoliku, Floriana FRN 1441 Malta Tel: 2203 9300 / 315, 21 238942 Email: info@canamovement.org

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

Competition

www.canamovement.org

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WEDDINGS Every Sunday morning at 10.45am on Net TV

Answer the following question to win €50 voucher redeemable at Beautique Parlor, Birkirkara for beauty treatment PLUS 8 back issues of I DO MAGAZINE Draw: 7 December 2014

Q: Who are the presenters of the programme

?

Please send your replies to: Se Nizzewgu, Net TV, Triq Herbert Ganado, Pieta HMR 1450

Answer: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name: ______________________________________________________ Locality: _____________________________________________________________________ Mobile: _____________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________________

A venue that ticks all the boxes.

Make it a day to remember

www.thevillamalta.com 39, Main Street, Balluta Bay, St. Julians E-mail: info@thevillamalta.com Tel: 2311 2273

Phoenicia Hotel Malta is utterly iconic; a landmark that defines glamour and chic. From the day it opened in 1947, the Phoenicia has set the benchmark in style and elegance at the gateway to the capital city Valletta. Our unique, beautiful spaces and lush gardens mean we are able to create bespoke weddings that ooze lavish sophistication. These are the principles which the hotel was founded upon, continuing to drive us forward today ... and Forever.

FOREVER PHOENICIA

Have a chat with our Wedding Planner to put the magic into motion.

Phoenicia Hotel Malta, The Mall Floriana Tel: (+356) 2122 5241 weddings@phoeniciamalta.com www.phoeniciamalta.com