Welcome to this year’s first issue of IDO. It began while wind and rain was delaying the end of winter. Spring was still trying to blossom, and blue sky and sunshine weddings seemed light years away. But here we are. Summer has arrived and weddings are in full swing.
In this issue we are celebrating with a theme based on simplicity and romance. Weddings that highlight the love that inspires them, over the drama that is expected of them.
Today people want to intermingle. Photographer’s join in, snapping away informally, capturing the atmosphere perfectly in group shots and intimate close ups
After decades of traditions and expectations we’re seeing couples who want to continue these, but also want to bring different settings and ideas into their celebrations.
We’re discovering how the aim now is to focus on sharing their celebrations with family and friends for more than just one day, by turning the whole event into a wonderful vacation. Staycation Weddings, where an entire mini vacation is planned around you and your guests, are really a thing.
Most involve multiday activities and events planned prior to the big wedding celebration. Couples want their guests to be able to participate even more in their celebrations, and for these celebrations to last as long as possible.
So, read on and discover how wedding fashions, venues and the couples in our pages go all out to make sure their wedding is really the experience of a lifetime.
The IDO team
SUMMER WINDS BRING THE WARMEST LOVE
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return”
If you have any subjects you would like us to cover in IDO or you would like to share your wedding story in IDO bridal magazine simply send your email address to idobridalmagazinemalta@gmail.com
- MoulinRouge
6 ADVICE
Keeping it simple
8-19 BRIDAL FASHION
Four fabulous gowns for a summer bride
21 BEHIND THE SCENES
Special details from our fashion shoot
23 MEET OUR MODEL
Introducing our model bride
24-25 A VENUE FOR ALL SEASONS
A setting designed for a perfect wedding
26-27 GIFTS TO REMEMBER
Choosing a wedding present is really not so hard
28-29 WEDDING PHOTOS
Keep your love story forever
30-31 SARAH & DAVID
What inspired their wonderful wedding?
33-35 STAYCATION WEDDINGS
Gorgeous bridal party glamour
45-56 SAYING I DO
Couples share their wedding stories
Photography
Matthew B. Spiteri Make-up
Gia Marie Waits
Venusia Mifsud Vella
Danielle Zarb Cousin Location Giardini Lambrosa
Getintouch...
Have
IT’S OK TO GO SMALL
OF ALL THE CELEBRATIONS TWO PEOPLE CAN HAVE IN THEIR LIVES IT IS WIDELY ACCEPTED THAT THEIR WEDDING WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST TREMENDOUS. SO MUCH IS DEMANDED OF THE COUPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES, THEIR ATTENDANTS, AND EVEN THEIR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES.
But, what if all you really want is something simple, full of sentiment and significance but without all the brouhaha?
Supposing youdon’t feel you either need or can justify all the great hype and expenseof what people have come to expect when they receive a wedding invitation?
Couples and their families and guests need to remember that, at the end of the day, a wedding should not be an opportunity to display anyone’s wealth or talents, repay invitations or favours, or totally exhaust the star players and leave their guests worrying about yet another wedding present/outfit/child minder, at a time when budgets are tight!
There can be all kinds of reasons for wanting to keep a wedding small but whatever yours are you will have given them great consideration and made yourdecision on very definite grounds.
Many couples who just want to celebrate in a small way may be afraid they will be letting others down, or missing one of the biggest days of their lives. They are not.
The most important reason for a wedding is to exchange their love and promiseswith each other, in the hope that it will last their whole life long.
Although small weddings need special arrangementsthere are many advantages to having one, including the fact that there isa good deal less pressure on the bride and groom,and those involved. This results in a more casual, relaxed wedding full of sheer happiness, joy and personal touches that it will stay in everyone’s hearts for longer than you can imagine.
Consider too how wedding service providers pride themselves on going the extra mile for small weddings. They realise the intimacy of such an event will mean everyone notices all the details a whole lot more, that the guests will have more time to focus on the bride’s dress, the flowers and decorations, and that the menu and venue have been
chosen especially because they suit the celebration perfectly. For sure they will rise to the occasion.
Anotherthing about of having a smaller wedding isfewer people to share your plans with. So, perhaps limit social media references to private pages, so those who are already sorry not to be invited aren’t constantly being reminded of what they feel they are missing. But do share news and updates with anyone who asks and make time for the friends and family who won’t be with you on the day.
Finally resist the temptation to second guess yourselves. Every couple is entitled to their dream wedding, and to celebrate it in the way that makes them happiest. It is, after all the first day of the rest of your lives.
Small made simple
◊ Decide on exactly how many guests you want to invite and send out invitations early.
◊ Plus ones may be limited to couples but make be sure single guests won’t feel alone.
◊ Guests at small weddings are more likely to already know each other so, if possible, choose somewhere original or unknown to any of them for your ceremony and venue.
◊ Having a theme will make entertainment choices easier, especially if there is a difference in age groups.
◊ Turn your wedding into a family or extended celebration by holding it a hotel, luxury villa, farmhouse or on a yacht and staying over a few days.
◊ Hire a novelty form of transport to take guests from the ceremony to the venue. And, instead of wedding favours,send them all home in cabs.
SummerCelebratingWeddings
Photography Matthew B. Spiteri Make-up Gia Marie Waits Hair Venusia Mifsud Vella Bridal dresses WeddingBells Jeweller y Zsa Zsa Bouquets TheMaltaFlorist
Stunning Milanova strapless dress with a laced corset both the tulle skirt and underlay feature lace with a hint of sparkle, and stunning full length embroidered veil from WEDDINGBELLS | Head band and necklace with coloured cubic zircons set in while gold from ZSAZSA Valletta | Floral bouquet by TheMaltaFlorist
A soft Bohemian style Danna Couture dress in nude and ivory with a seethrough back, five-foot tulle skirt with Chantilly lace details, a tulle veil and detachable balloon sleeves, from WEDDINGBELLS | Cubic zircons and white gold Art Deco necklace from a set including earrings. ZSAZSA | Rose and orchidal bouquet by TheMaltaFlorist
Ideal for an informal wedding or after party this sweet dress by Milanova is in ivory and nude. 3D embellishments on one shoulder are an extra special feature. From WeddingBells l Headband of cubic zircons in white gold plate and Pave Swarovski earrings by ZSAZSA Valletta
Dress Milanova as before |
Necklace, bracelet and hairband ZSAZSA as before | Cake and sweets table by Elia Caterers
Gorgeous Milanova dress with 3D appliquédetails, and a sweeping train also embellished with flower details from WEDDINGBELLS | Four pearl, zircon and white gold plated head band by ZSAZSA,Valleta | Cake and sweets table by Elia Caterers
HAIR & MAKE UP
Vanusia created Danielle’s charming hairstyles and Gia Marie Waits cleverly allowed her natural beauty to shine through.
FLOWERS
The two beautiful bouquets, including roses and orchids, are by TheMaltaFlorist.
Behind the scenes ON OUR SHOOT
CAKE & SWEETS
Deliciously presented by Elia Caterers.
MODEL
Our model Danielle mixed serenity and spice to perfection.
JEWELLERY
Summer wedding jewels styled in crystal and white gold by ZsaZsa, Valletta.
BRIDAL DRESSES
Floating tulle and cool, crisp lace was the theme for our stunning gowns by WeddingBells, Valletta.
THE LOCATION
Giardino Lambrosa, a gem in the countryside the ideal blend of traditional and contemporary design.
Meet our
model
THE BRIDES IN OUR POPULAR BRIDAL FASHION PAGES PLAY A VERY IMPORTANT PART IN EACH ISSUE OF IDO. SO WE THINK THEY DESERVE A PAGE TO SHARE SOME OF THEIR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ABOUT THIS AND THAT.
DANIELLE ZARB COUSIN travels around a lot so we were very lucky to snap her for our shoot while she’s here in
Malta.
Where do you live?
I currently live between the UK & Malta. In the UK I live in a seaside town in Essex, but I'm hoping to make a permanent move to Malta by the end of the year.
Where else you would like to live and why?
Other than Malta, I’d love to live in Florence, in Italy. It’s my favourite place to visit (I’ve been 5 times!). Beautiful buildings, people and food –you can’t beat it.
What is the happiest job or career you could have?
I love modelling and being creative but a more recent hobby of mine is writing. I started writing in lockdown and would love to publish a book one day.
How do you like to relax?
I love to spend time with my dog, Cola. Long walks and listening to music always help me to relax.
Who are the people, and/or pets who make you happiest, for whatever reason?
I would be lost in this life without my best friend, Nathalie. We have been friends since we were two years old and she’s like the sister I never had. Also my dog Cola brings me so much joy. It’s unconditional love.
What could the world do without?
Negativity.
And what does it need more of?
Kindness – always try to see the best in people.
How do you feel about social media and what do you mostly use it for?
I think there are some very positive points to social media and we are very lucky to have so much information at our fingertips. But at the same time it can be overwhelming at times. I try to limit my intake of bad news and negative stories just to protect myself, and mainly use social media to share work, friends and my dog Cola, who has her own Instagram page too! (@thefizzycola).
A venue for all seasons
Deciding on the best setting for a wedding ceremony and the celebrations that follow is often difficult. Even if you think you know exactly where you want to be, something may crop up to change your mind.
Fortunately the local choice is huge. There is no shortage of beautiful venues, perfect for all seasons of the year. The trick is to find one that has evolved by paying close attention to what is most important to a couple planning their wedding. And that is the full wedding experience. Somewhere traditional celebrations can still take place, even in thoroughly modern surroundings, offering peace of mind in both summer and winter.
Elia Caterers built Giardini Lambrosa especially as a unique wedding venue. It stands out with its modern, architectural features and exceptionally attractive contemporary decor, featuring wood cladding. The gardens are a continuation of the indoor design with the seating canopy featuring wooden cladding, and marble walls surrounding the area. It also features a pool and a water feature.
And, very importantly, there is a couple’s/bridal room – a private room with its own bathroom and shower, for couples to refresh hair and make-up, change or just snatch a rest. This room also includes a safe to store valuable items or gifts. Giardini Lambrosa’s sister venue, Veranda offers an intimate event/wedding for up to120 standing guests, and outstanding views of Malta’s landscape.
But, as important as the location is, couples also want to be sure their guests have the best time while celebrating with them.
This is a given when venues offer full air-conditioning, fully accessible spaces, including some quiet areas to regroup, and facilities for guests who need them, plus a flexible menu of
innovative items and stations, and hassle-free parking with attendants included.
The venue is also dog friendly so a beloved family dog can put in a guest appearance, providing he or she is people friendly, of course.
And with a licence to hold civil wedding ceremonies Giardini Lambrosa can take you from saying I do, to the last dance of the after party.
In between everything on a couple’s wish list can be granted. No booking is required for a free viewing, on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 5 and 7.30 pm. Elia’s staff will assist with a one-stop-shop for venue, catering and beverages, and free tasting sessions are offered to interested couples.
All suppliers whether a cocktail bar, photo booth etc. are welcome. And staff will try and accommodate any requests these suppliers have, when setting up and dismantling, a real plus point designed to reduce the burden on their clients.
Elia Caterers’ caring attention to detail also means a guest book table, cake table, photo easel, extra chairs for guests and fixed bars, nicely designed to match the venue itself, which are included when this venue is booked – a particularly thoughtful touch.
Finally a special permit allowing music to keep going until 1am outside, and as long as their hearts’ desire indoors, will make anyone who wants their celebrations to last well into the next day very happy.
Several decades ago, most people lived with their families until they were married and not all brides expected to continue working after the honeymoon. For obvious, reasons wedding gifts then were almost exclusively linked to furnishing a future home.
With eager help from the female members of her family a bride would often start compiling a wish list of presents for wedding guests to choose from before she had even received a proposal. Once she was engaged relatives and friends would occasionally turn up with some useful item or another to go in what was known as a ‘bottom drawer’. This was a drawer or chest where soft furnishings and bedding, often home-made, or pieces inherited through the family, were kept until she had a home of her own.
But then customs changed. Many couples already owned the makings of a first home before their wedding, so it became almost obligatory for money gifts to be expected, even requested. The idea was that the gift would go to offset the cost of a magnificent wedding or exotic honeymoon.
This doesn't always feel right to some guests, and not just the parents’ generation either, couples’ contemporaries, younger and less wealthy friends often struggled when a save-the-date pops up.
And few couples would have the joy of associating a certain gift with its donor, and the practical, sentimental or humorous reason reasons why it was chosen for them.
But today tangible wedding gifts are coming back in a big way. One very good reason for this is the magnificent choice of gifts available. Seriously it has never been easier to search for, and find, the perfect gift to mark the start of a new life together.
Brides are rediscovering the excitement of planning a wedding list that isn’t only about useful items. There is the happiness of discovering something beautiful you would love to own, in store or online, then having your dream come true for one of the happiest reasons you can imagine.
Your guests will thank you too, for providing a totally stress free way to give a present they know you will love; especially those who are travelling from abroad for your celebrations, or are just permanently too busy even to shop. And if you place your list somewhere which also has gift tokens, groups of friends or colleagues will be able to contribute collectively or individually by using them. So, now think what a gift should really represent – something you have always wanted but felt would be too extravagant for your budget, something classic that you will never grow tired of, something you spot as you make your list and suddenly have to have, or something totally impractical but simply divine that you cannot live without.
Then picture your life, 50 years on, celebrating your golden anniversary, and still cherishing those wedding gifts your friends chose to remind you of the best gift ever...love.
THE GIVING IS EASY
More doubts seem to arise over the choice of a wedding gift than any other present. A lot depends on whether the couple are best friends, work colleagues, distant or very dear family. Their taste, lifestyle, where they live and dozens of other things will also influence any decision.
With so much to consider, IDOasked F Fabrizia Cleland, from C Cleland & Souchet, how they make a perfect choice easy for couples and their guests.
Couples seem to be choosing gifts over cash presents again. Are there any particular reasons for this do you think?
Cash gifts are still very popular but the resurgence of the traditional wedding gift list is gathering momentum, particularly for couples who appreciate their family traditions and the joys of opening wedding gifts.
What are the most important changes or additions Cleland & Souchet have made to their wedding gift list service?
There have been two very important developments in our wedding gift list service over the past few years. Firstly, the growing selection of truly exceptional brands of home decoration, tableware and lifestyle accessories which are exclusive to Cleland & Souchet and our website. These include HERMES, BACCARAT, LALIQUE, CHRISTOFLE and, most recently, RALPH LAUREN HOME. Secondly, the development of a gift list service that does not place any obligations on the couple and provides them with incredible flexibility in their final selection of gifts, ensuring that the experience will be one of the stress-free highlights of their wedding celebration.
How soon before their wedding date do you advise a couple to plan their wedding list? And what items are they able to put on it?
We suggest that couples start planning their wedding list about 2 to 3 months before their big day as that will give us ample time to make the selection and place the gifts on display within our shop and on the couple’s online page within our website. The selection itself can be as traditional or contemporary as the couple wish. Most couples are creating gift lists that combine tableware with lifestyle accessories and signature pieces of timeless home decoration.
And for guests who still prefer gift vouchers, is there a time limit on when they must be redeemed?
Our gift vouchers for wedding lists do not have an expiry date and they can be redeemed on all the Cleland & Souchet range of products and services, from the 40+ exclusive brands in our shop to the Champagnes, wines and fine foods which form part of our portfolio of exclusive brands.
Capturing Love Stories
A DIVE INTO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY & CINEMATOGRAPHY
In the realm of weddings, there exists a magical art that immortalizes love stories through the lens of a camera. At Love Story Weddings Photography and Cinematography, we pride ourselves on being the storytellers of your special day, weaving emotions, moments, and memories into breath-taking photos and videos that will last a lifetime.
With a track record of hundreds of satisfied couples, our professional team is dedicated to capturing the essence of your love story in a way that is both authentic and unforgettable. From the quiet glances to the joyous celebrations, we are there to document every precious moment with a keen eye and a creative vision.
What sets us apart is not just our technical skills, but also our easy-to-work-with approach. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but our team is here to make the photography and cinematography process smooth and enjoyable. We listen to your ideas, understand your vision, and work collaboratively to bring your dreams to life.
Our creative team is always on the lookout for unique angles, lighting, and settings to ensure that your photos and videos stand out from the rest. We believe that every love story is special, and we strive to capture that uniqueness in every frame we shoot.
When you choose Love Story Weddings Photography and Cinematography, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. Our goal is not just to deliver stunning images and films, but also to provide a memorable experience that you will cherish for years to come.
Let us be a part of your love story, and together, we will create magic that will be treasured forever.
Reach out to us today and let’s start capturing your love story in all its beauty. Love is a journey, and we are here to capture every step of the way.
\Ç t yxã á{ÉÜà ãxx~á
Ever since the romantic announcement of her engagement, content creator, Sarah Zerafa has been sharing her and David’s exciting journey towards their wedding day.
PHOTOGRAPHY Carlton Aguis DRESS WeddingBells
Vintage Car Executive Transport
Now, looking back on their magnificent wedding, she shares the highs and lows of preparing for what will have been one of her biggest creations yet.
HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO FIT ALL THE BOOKINGS, FITTINGS, AND APPOINTMENTS YOU NEEDED, IN WITH YOUR ALREADY BUSY LIFE?
It’s been very overwhelming. But we somehow managed, he he :) Everyone kept saying how much we will miss these crazy days and I bet they’re all right!! As busy as we both are, I must admit, we both loved it and the planning has definitely brought us closer. :)
AS A CONTENT CREATOR AND INFLUENCER YOURSELF, WHO ARE THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE INSPIRED YOU AS YOU PLANNED YOUR DREAM WEDDING?
I get inspired with every wedding I see! Whether it’s a friend’s wedding, a family wedding, a random wedding that pops up on my Instagram, I truly believe that every wedding is beautiful and I try to get inspired with everyone I see. Wedding magazines have also helped out a lot, as-well as Pinterest!
NEARLY ALL BRIDES HAVE MOMENTS OF PANIC OR DOUBT WHEN MAKING CERTAIN DECISIONS. WHAT DID YOU DO TO STAY CALM AND CHILL OUT WHEN EVERYTHING SEEMED OVERWHELMING?
Not going to lie, I’m still trying to figure that out myself, haha! Among all the stressful and crazy long days of wedding planning, all I would really need is a cup of tea and a good Netflix series he he. I also enjoyed a long phone call with mummy. She always knows what to say and helps me feel more grounded.
The wedding that has it all
A wedding day is quite simply unique, at least for you the happy couple that is how it should be. So much effort and emotion poured into just that one day. And the happier it is, the quicker it will seem to fly by.
But what if that wedding day could stretch further? If the celebrations took place over a number of days, all in the same well-chosen location, even shared with family and/or special guests? And instead of rushing off thousands of kilometres away, almost immediately after the reception, how much more luxurious would it be to linger longer in the fabulous surroundings of your own wedding suite, leaving occasionally to further exploring vaguely familiar places, or enjoy activities you love, but usually have too little time for?
The trend for staycation weddings is growing fast, for many reasons. The most obvious being not only a dream wedding in a perfect location, but the opportunity to include family and friends who so rarely have a chance to be together, even within our small islands. It can also turn your wedding into a fantastic holiday for any guests who are coming from abroad, and provide lasting experiences and treasured memories for everyone who joins in.
And just think how all this will simplify your wedding day logistics. Imagine, staff who will plan and arrange every detail of your ceremony, celebration and special events under one roof. Getting ready will be lots more exciting with everyone you need and love close by. And when the big day is over there won't be a hint of anticlimax, just some well chosen activities and treats to share with your holidaying guests before you can both spend a few days alone, blissfully reliving the whole wonderful experience before it's time to go back to reality.
Staycation
memories last a lifetime
We asked N Niki Bedson, country sales manager at Cugó Gran Macina, Malta, about this growing trend for future weddings.
FIRSTLY, HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THE CONCEPT OF STAYCATION WEDDINGS DEVELOPING IN MALTA?
We have seen a big increase in the number of Staycation Weddings happening since we took over the venue. I believe that people are realising that they don’t need to fly everyone abroad to have a spectacular wedding. The advantage of the staycation wedding of course is that everyone, including elderly family and friends, can attend with ease. How often is it that even if you are all living in the same country you can have all your family, friends and loved ones together in one place – hardly ever. The advantage of having your staycation wedding at the Cugó Gran Macina, is that you get to celebrate your special day, with all of your loved ones – in the most spectacular property in utmost luxury. There is no building more representative of the beauty of Maltese heritage and culture than the Macina. In summary I think that people are realising that there are magnificent wedding venues and opportunities on their doorstep – without having to cover the logistics of taking everyone abroad.
WHAT CAN A COUPLE EXPECT FROM THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF WHEN PLANNING THEIR STAYCATION WEDDING?
The Sheer Bastion, like the Cugó Gran Macina – is the epitome of exceptional service. Although we are not wedding planners, we have an extensive list of trusted partners in all aspects of building your perfect wedding that we can provide. We are always on hand to coordinate meeting with suppliers, and taking the ‘hard work’ away from the couple wherever possible. As our wedding packages nearly all include rooms in the hotel, we will be coordinating everything from matching the perfect room to the guest – to making sure their entire stay with us is magical.
AND WHAT INFORMATION WILL THEY NEED TO PROVIDE WHEN MAKING THEIR BOOKING?
As our packages include hotel rooms, we would need to know the preferred dates and the number of people expected to attend the wedding. Once we have established the correct package for you, our service is always tailor-made to each wedding personally, so we would invite you
down to the hotel to meet in person and begin planning our journey together!
WHAT SPECIAL ACTIVITIES CAN A COUPLE AND THEIR GUESTS ENJOY AS PART OF THEIR HONEYMOON, HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE?
Here at the hotel the journey doesn’t just stop at your wedding – our dedicated concierge is on hand to arrange the perfect activities for your honeymoon. At the Macina we actually have a private dock on the side of the hotel expressly for private use by our guests. So, if you would like to go out on a romantic evening harbour cruise just the two of you, or you would prefer to take your whole group out for a day on the pristine Maltese waters, you can be collected directly outside the hotel, in style. We can arrange for relaxing massage treatments to be carried our directly in the comfort and privacy of your room, wine pairings, asparagus foraging, guided tours, diving, private dinners ... The list of activities is endless!
AND FOR A WEDDING OF SAY FOUR DAYS, HOW DO YOU SUGGEST COUPLES PLAN THESE ACTIVITIES,
AND ENSURE THERE IS THE RIGHT MIX OF EATING DRINKING AND OTHER EVENTS TO SUIT THE DAYS AND NIGHTS BEFORE AND AFTER THE WEDDING DAY.
We would always recommend coming down to the hotel for an in-person meeting, over a drink of your choice, to discuss all of your individual ideas for how your dream time with us would run. We will then coordinate the perfect itinerary personally for you.
AND HAVE YOU HAD ANY PARTICULAR COMMENTS FROM COUPLES AND THEIR FAMILIES AND GUESTS TO MAKE YOU THINK STAYCATION POPULARITY WILL INCREASE?
As people are becoming increasingly more aware of sustainability and looking after our precious environment, I think more and more people will be exploring the wonderful options that are already right here –without the need for taking long flights.
Celebrating a whole future together, with everyone in one place for ceremony, reception, holidays, honeymoon etc is a carbon foot print dream.
And, more and more I am hearing from our Maltese guests that this area and the Macina particularly has a significance that they hadn’t thought of before – such as members of their family remembering the building from when they were children. This is an unparalleled Maltese luxury that can’t be rivalled –already here.
Photo credit: Image Photography
A fabulous family wedding
Photography | Mitchell Camilleri
THE COUPLE
Paula & Sean 14 April 2024
Paula Cauchi, 29, a lawyer/chief of operations & immigration affairs at Identita, and Sean Meachen, 30, a pharmacist, were married, in the Victory Chapel, Valletta.
A FOREGONE CONCLUSION
Sean always knew he would marry Paula. But, as he said,not many people discuss life goals and marriage on one of their first dates. He even had Paula saved on hisphone as Paula Future wife Meachen, having missed the fact that they would share her surname too!
Paula continues, “I said YES. I had no idea he had been looking for engagement rings… I don’t even recall telling him which type of engagement ring I’d want. However, Sean has good taste, so I obviously fell in love with the ring, a high mounted brilliant, the moment I saw it.’’
The proposal was unexpected. Paula had just arrived home after a morning of Saturday errands, during Covid four years ago, and was eating a piece of Maltese bread straight from the bag when Sean told her he had two surprises for here. They often gave each other random, sometimes funny, giftsand the first surprise was a pink fishing lure! The second was a pack of sticky notes and while Paula flipped the packof individual letters spelling out ‘Will you marry me?’Sean got down on one knee and opened the ring box. “I was VERY surprised, completely clueless but said YES immediately!” Paula stated. The couple chose a spring wedding and, as they share a love for marketing and branding, it was important to them to stamp a brand on their wedding day. And the result was perfect and included their own S&P logo.
BEAUTY AND HISTORY
Paula’s choice for their ceremony was the Victory Chapel, Valletta, a beautiful, historic and intimate chapel. And as it was so close to the reception venue it was easier for guests to attend Mass too. Also, Paula walked past this chapel every day for four years on the way to the office which made it a very familiar setting. Tocomplement the chapel’s rich ambience it was dressed simply in white Gypsophila and white flowers.
Paula chose Dun Anton Portelli, her parish priest when she was growing up in Pembroke for their wedding service. »
» “This made the Mass much more personal. Even though I had never heard Mass in that chapel before, Dun Anton’s familiar voice, which I hadn’t heard in years, made the chapel feel like home, she explained.
Sean fulfilled Paula’s dream of a string quartet by calling in Cordia. “I personally believe these gifted people are the best in the business and play with so much passion. I was in awe of most of the songs as the ceremony ensued”, he added.
STYLE AND SENTIMENT
When Paula first saw her wedding dress she nearly didn’t try it on. But when she did it seemed to have been made for her. It was a plain white Mikado gown by Alamango.It had a plunge neckline and a low back, complemented by a huge asymmetric bow trailing longer than the gown, Paula added detachable long, tulle sleeves which she could remove while dancing into the night. And her veil was coated with Swarovski crystals. “The jewellery I chose were all sentimental pieces,
a pearl necklace and earrings,which my parents gave me for my second graduation, and a pearl ringI borrowed from my mother as my ‘something borrowed’, she explained.She left the design of her bouquet, of white roses, to her florist, saying she simply wanted an elegant bouquet with long, clean stems.
Sean’s suit was originally intended to be dark green, but no Maltese supplierscould fit all the groom’s team and family members with green suits, so the groom’s colour scheme changed to beige suits. Sean’s had an ivory cravat and waistcoat. And he woreVictor Azzopardi Jewellers’ green and gold cufflinks to match his prized 2005 Rolex Datejust which he had just purchased as a memento, after performing with his band The Busker in the semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool,in 2023.
But the couple didn’t actually exchange their rings during the ceremony. Paula had left her ring, a white gold half eternity ring and Sean’s two-tone white and yellow gold ring with a diamond, both also by Victor Azzopardi Jewellers,at home. »
» “We only realised when Paula arrived at the chapel. To avoid delaying the timeline we decided to get married using our parents’ rings. Paula wore her mother’s ring and Sean wore his father’s ring. Fortunately they were both yellow gold so the guests didn’t suspect a thing! We then exchanged our own rings later on during Holy Communion. This mishap actually became a highlight of our wedding day. It felt even more special to get married wearing the rings of our loving parents”, the couple agreed.
A FAVOURITE VENUE
Paula and Sean wanted an indoor wedding for two main reasons –they didn’t want to add the weather to the list of things to worry about before the wedding and Paula didn’t want guests showing up in hats. She even reminded them with a note in the invitations.
Casino Maltese has always been Sean’s favourite venue, so it was their natural choice. But in order to add a little colour to this elegant venue they made sure their florist added colourful floral touches around the venue.
Seanhadoften played at the venue and knew exactly the layout he wanted. Guests were welcomed with a selfie mirror sign placed at the bottom of the grand staircase, which was decorated in pastel coloured roses. The baby grand piano was placed as the landing’s centrepiece, in front of the neon
The Cauchi Meachen’s sign.
Instead of the traditional guest book Paula and Sean decided to do messages in time capsules to be opened on their first, fifth and tenth wedding anniversaries, and placed postcard photos of themselves on bistro tables to personalise their venue.
The President‘s room was allocated to guests who wanted to sit down and for the G&T bar. Catering was handled by Corinthia Caterers and the couple opted for cheese, meat and fish tables to make sure their guests ate a proper lunch, apart from finger food. The cake and sweets were laid out in the Suite Princess room and it was Paula’s idea for the cake’s decor to mimic her dress. A couple of weeks before the wedding, their seamstress, Yvonne Vella,made the cake’s huge bow from the same material as Paula’s dress and trailed it onto the cake table, just as the dress’s bow had hung down her dress.
Entertainment began with local pianist Mark Attard, dazzling guests on the piano, a significant moment for Sean, considering how often he has played with Mark in his musical career, and that yet another member of his musical family was part of the special day. »
» It continued with local powerhouse band Lara and the Jukeboys, all very close friends of The Busker, having played numerous sessions with them. Also, three groomsmen,and a very special guest,Dav Jr, who sang You’re Still the One, together with Lara, for the first dance.
Matthew James Borg sang Young Again, for the very emotional father-daughter dance, Kersten Graham sang the classic Xemx and Matt Blxck sang his most recent Eurovision entry Banana. Of course, the evening wouldn’t be complete without Sean, Jean Paul and Dav Jr as the Busker playing DANCE: Our Own Party
An artist made live sketches of guests as an amusing alternative to a photo booth. And the most special ‘extra’ was their French bulldog,Tinu, wearing a purple bow, made from the same material as the bridesmaid dresses,joining them during the reception.“Having Tinu join us during the reception completed the day. I couldn’t imagine excluding him from our family’s special day and he had the time of his life!”, said Paula Finally, Kenny Sul, a renowned DJ aka DJ GRINGO, another member of Sean’s musical family joined them for the after party, to keep the vibe alive till the very end!
HUGE THANKS GO TO “Our parents, as well as our bridal and groom’s teams were the best support system we could ask for during the stressful wedding preparations period. We are forever grateful to them!”says Sean. AndPaula’s bridal team, her hairdresser and Wayne and makeup artist Jennifer,and Paula’s mother, the driving force behind the wedding,who Paula thanked by giving her her bridal bouquet instead of throwing it to the single ladies at the end of the wedding!
“These special individuals made sure all my engagement and wedding wishes came true. They made an amazing team and helped me stay organised and motivated throughout the wedding preparations. They even took care of behind-the-scenes photos/ videos on the day to make sure EVERY moment was documented!” she stressed. »
“It felt even more special to get married wearing the rings of our loving parents” –Paula & Sean
» AND SOME LASTING MEMORIES
From Sean–“Our parents smiling and encouraging each other to dance and come on stage towards the end especially during the bouquet handing. It was such a special moment where the whole family was united and such a significant moment representing the union that the whole event was ultimately made for.
The first dance –seeing Paula’s wide smile, knowing that in her head all those dreams little Paula had growing up, imagining her special day, all came true. That’s a moment that made everything worth it. Also a feeling I will chase till the day I die. I love seeing her happy!
My boys from the band, running around the venue trying to help me and us in any way they could. We often say publicly how much we love each other and that we are a family, however it was a testament that we really mean what we say. If this makes it to the print, I love you boys!
The father daughter dance–anyone who really knows Paula and her father, know for a fact, they’re all business!In five years together I have never seen her father shed an emotional tear.However in front
of many of his peers, holding his daughter, who everyone knows he is ridiculously proud of, the man of steel had his eyes swell up, and shed a few. This ofcourse led myself and half the hall to shed a few happy tears of our own! What a moment!”
AND FROM PAULA
“Having all my loved ones in the same space, celebrating the biggest moment of my life made me very emotional all throughthe day. From the moment all my bridesmaids arrived at my parent’s house at 5am, till the moment we waved goodbye to the last guests before heading to the hotel for the night (with Tinu!) I relive the same emotions every time I browse through the wedding photos,taken by the best candid photographer on the island Mitchell Camilleri, or replay the best moments captured by the talented Jean Pierre Gatt. Seeing so many family members, who I don’t have enough time to visit, and sharing my love for Sean with them, made me feel truly complete and deeply thankful.
I must admit, I can’t say I enjoyed the wedding preparations too much, but it was all worth it… It was the best day of my life!”
THE COUPLE
Janice & Joseph 29 July 2023
Janice Agius, 26, a kindergarten educator and Joseph Paul Vella, 27, a public officer, were married at Madonna Tal- Herba, Birkirkara
SUNSET PROPOSAL
Janice and Josephs’ love story began in 2013, when they were still quite young. “I feel we have grown up together and our love got constantly deeper. Along with it, the desire to get married intensified”, says Janice adding “Our proposal was quite intimate. My now husband found an excuse to take me to Ghajn Tuffieha, which is our favourite tranquil spot and he surprised me with the proposal at sunset, with the ring of my dreams.”
The couple decided on a traditional wedding with no specific theme. And wedding date of 29th July was a given once, a few months into their relationship they discovered that both their parents have the same wedding date. So they both wished to share the same wedding date as their parents.
INNOVATIVE INVITATIONS
Janice and Joseph wanted simple yet creative invitations, and found the perfect invitation design. since Janice works as a kindergarten educator, she wanted to create a special invitation to the children invited to her wedding, coming up with the idea to create an activity book invitation containing personalised colouring images and activities which definitely made the children feel more included. For souvenirs they wanted something their guests could use. The Name Shop, Mosta suggested coasters, engraved with quotes which were very personal to them., One quote was from their Wedding Mass ‘LImħabba ma tintemm qatt’ and the other had lyrics taken their first dance song ‘When the Sun goes down, and the band won’t play I’ll always remember us this way’.
CHOSEN FROM MEMORY
The Church Joseph and Janice chose to get married in was Madonna Tal- Herba, Birkirkara. The reason was because Janice’s grandfather was from Birkirkara, and he was always mesmerised by how beautiful the church is. Since he has passed away, choosing this church was a way to still have his presence at their wedding. »
Memories to cherish
Photography | Rodney Cassar
» Their wedding ceremony was made all the more personal when Father Allistair delivered a beautiful and moving service which they will remember for the rest of their lives. And as an additional touch they had a personalised wedding rings box which had their names and the wedding date engraved on it, also by The Name Shop Mosta.
A PRINCESS BRIDE
Janicefound her fairytale dream dressat Dianne Josephine Bridal. “The journey to find this was an adventure in itself but when I tried on the dress, I immediately knew it was it”, she explained. The off shoulder sparkly ball gown reminded her of her favourite childhood Disney princess. Adding to the beauty of the dress was a long veil cascading down behind her, and the final touch of a beautiful bridal tiara.
Because they are a very beautiful symbol of love, Janice wanted roses for her, and the bridesmaids’ bouquets. Her theme was pink and white to match the bridesmaids’ dresses, and inside of each rose there was a rhinestone which made the bouquet even richer and beautiful.
The theme colour for the groom and his groomsmen’s suits was grey. David wore a cravat and, as special touch he placed a photo of both his grandparents, who had passed away, in his pocket.
The couple exchanged very special rings. Joseph’s ring is very sentimental to them because it belonged to his grandfather Jack, who unfortunately passed away before the wedding. To personalise it he had his grandparents’ wedding date and their wedding date engraved on the inside. Janice wanted something different from the usual wedding rings so she opted for a ring with rhinestones rather than a plain gold one.
A VENUE UNDER THE VINES
After an extensive venue hunt, they were mesmerised by the beauty of ir-Razzett l-Abjad primarily the grape vines. Janice explained, “I remember myself seeing a video of the venue when I was younger and stating that ir-Razzett l-abjad will one day be the venue I’ll be celebrating my marriage at. »
» One of the venue decoration highlights included an original big heart drop box. Guests could each write a message on a heart and drop it into the heart drop box, which Janice and Joseph later hung as a decoration in their house.
Another reason they decided on Razzett l-abjad was that, they allowed them to choose their own caterers.
They went for a high quality finger food catering and they were certainly not disappointed by the large selection of menu items from various cuisines. And the sweet display was the highlight of the wedding.
“With regards to the wedding cake, apart from the beautiful design and amazing flavours what made the cake so special to us was the one-of-a-kind, personalised cake topper which lit up beautifully. And to make our selection of food items more extensive we included the cannoli cart, which the guests truly enjoyed, as well as a rotating dessert table which included over 400 desserts, coffee table and both white and dark chocolate fountains for guests to dip the doughnuts in”, the couple added.
PLENTY OF PARTICIPATION
Having their guests participate on their day was very important to the couple, so they made an Instagram and Facebook filter which their guests were able to access by scanning the QR codes found around the venue. Last but not least on their guestbook table they placed personalised wedding newspapers which included some information on their love journey, games, information about them both as individuals as well as many pictures. The guestbook table, included framed wedding photos of couple’s parents, as they were also celebrating their wedding anniversaries.
Wedding planning and, furnishing their house left Joseph and Janice little time to practise their first dance until a few days before the wedding. But they still managed to do a good job. And, although one of their main concerns before the wedding was that due to the immense heat guests would not want to dance, it was quite the opposite. “I would have never imagined how much we would dance and have fun, despite of both being a bit shy and the immense heat”, Janice remembered.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS MADE THE DAY
Personalised decorations amongst the others, helped in making the day their own. And while Janice and Joseph had not talked about surprising each other with presents on the day, ‘Great minds think alike’ and they both had small gifts prepared for each other delivered by their ring bearer Ben, while they were getting ready because, as they said: “This helped us remember that the day was all about expressing our love to each other”. »
“Walking down the aisle was a feeling we both can’t explain other than the feeling of pure happiness.” –Janice & Joseph
» Janice has special mentions too for her father, Kevin, and mother Sonia, who were a helping hand with every aspect of the wedding. Her brother/ witness Nivek, best man Andrea and his girlfriend Kristina, who were an absolute help in making sure everything went smoothly, both during the Mass, at the venue and even for hen/bachelor parties. Things would have been very different without them to rely on. The bridesmaids Kevlyn and Emma, witness Jessica, page boy Luca, ring bearer Ben, Josette and John, the groom’s parents, who participated in the wedding, and all the guests who attended their special day.
Finally, Jessica added “I would like to thank the parents of the children I had in my joint class last school year, who took the time out of their lives to bring their children to the church and greet us. I remember seeing the kids from my class as soon as we stepped out onto the church parvis and my heart was about to explode with pure happiness. I couldn’t keep myself from crying out of joy, it was such a beautiful moment. It was definitely one of the wedding highlights and a memory I will cherish forever.”
Making the day their own was very important to Janice and Joseph, focusing only on each other, on the way they were smiling to each other and the love they shared throughout these 10 years. “Our wedding is now a very happy memory which we will remember forever, even though having each other was enough, having our friends and family gathered with us made our special day even more special”, they concluded.
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