WEDDING MAKERS

THE MUSICIAN

WE CAN NEVER OVERLOOK THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC DURING A WEDDING CEREMONY AND RECEPTION SO I DOSPOKE TO GUITARIST WAYNE CAMILLERI ABOUT HOW HE ENJOYS PLAYING AT WEDDINGS.

Depending on what a couple wants Wayne has played solo, duo instrumentals during sitdown weddings and as part of a trio band for a party after the first dance, with various established singers.

As both a musician and an events organiser, Wayne knows the importance of a couple having a good idea of the location and facilities at their wedding venue and church before finalising their choice of music, includingthe stage size and set-up, sound system,etc., because everything has to be discussed beforehand.

His genuine advice regarding location is to check the time limit at the venue. At some you can carry on till late, but some have permits only to 11pm. “Remember, we don’t break rules”, he says. No band wants to be left in the awkward situation of stopping or being fined.

As wedding guests represent several generations. Wayne allows for this by having a large assortment of songs in different styles in his repertoire, along with able musicians who play them well. Basically, this all comes from learning how to do it right and years of playing on a regular basis.

He adds that you also need a singer who can read what the guests want, and make the right choices on the fly and, above all is confident and can communicate skilfully with the band and sing whatever is decided.

Wayne says “Some songs just work in any situation...like Prince’s Kiss, Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry also comes to mind, ironically. Inevitably the chorus to Sweet Caroline seems to mysteriously always make everybody happy. And that’s the main objective for us, lol.”

The couple’s preferences, first dance choice, songs they wish to be played during party time, and songs that are not to be played,are all discussed beforehand. “Some people hate Sweet Caroline, he says, adding “We also discuss the choice of the main singer for their wedding. Thankfully I work with most singers here”.

And while Wayne continually performs on TV and at concerts, wherever they take him, would he also be open to joining in on the pre wedding celebrations by organising and performing at hen or stag events, or pre wedding get togethers? “Absolutely. It’s all about creating a good time with music, from a full blast rock party to background acoustic duo. It’s all about creating a great memorable night.”

Wayne says he has to too many personal favourite musicians to mention but he listens to an insane amount of music daily, from Chill out to 80s pop, to heavy metal. “I have to say that I think ABBA are in the top three favourite artists ever. I’m still a big fan of the 80s’ pop bands like Aplhaville, Simple Minds, Duran Duran and especially Depêche Mode, who have evolved beautifully over the years and remained totally relevant to this day and age. As a guitarist I have idolised Slash, Gary Moore, Joe Satriani for many years. I still do. I’m just a fan of good music and I still feel blessed every day that I do this for a living, I play music. Life is good.”

Finally has Wayne ever composed a song for a couple to play or for their first dance? “Not exactly, but close enough I guess. The groom wrote a song for his bride and needed some guidance and mentoring to sing it at his wedding and play guitar, which is not an easy feat. Thankfully it turned out to be a special moment and his efforts were appreciated”, he replied, showing clearly that with all his experience and expertise he knows exactly the power music has as “the food of love.”

THE COUPLE Valentina & Carlo

30 July 2022

Valentina Rossi, 28, a radio host, and Carlo Gerada, 31, a Dj were married at Villa Bighi.

CRUISING TO THE FUTURE

Valentina and Carlo had been together for around 10 years and they both were thinking about getting married. Then Carlo proposed,on their first cruise together. “We love to eat andrelax so it was the perfect setting for us,” said Valentina.

They didn’t really have a wedding theme, wanting their wedding to reflect them just as they are, with their love of trying new thingsand eating weird food. “So we had cupcakes with insects on them. Basically it was filled with things we like“, they confirmed.

They knew how they wanted their wedding invitations so they just went withthe design and got them printed. For souvenirstheir guestsreceived small bottles of champagneso they could remember the night with a pop of celebration in a bottle. »

» A TIMELESS HARBOUR SETTING

After looking at a couple of venues Valentina and Carlo instantly fell in love with Villa Bighi for its views and versatility. So they held their wedding ceremony and reception there.

They both really looked forward to the wedding because they had totally personalised it. The wedding ceremony decorations, including a red carpet by A & S, were kept simple. “We wanted the mainfocus to be on us exchanging vows”, they explained.

“We chose personal songs performed by Kevin &amp, and Brook, we also optedfor personal readings from our loved ones,and we both wrote our own weddingvows“, they added.

For her dress Valentina went to Charles and Ron for a simple, classic and timeless lookwith beading which alsocomplimented her custom-made headpiece. Carlonever reallyliked the idea of wearing a tie or a bow tie so theypicked a more casual,open shirt look,from Bortex,keeping the colour of the suit a classic navy blue.

Valentina left her bouquet in the hands of The Malta Florist. “They knew our colour scheme andthey knew I didn’t like anything over the top and they delivered just what I had inmind“, she confirmed.

The couple exchanged rings which were both very different. Carlo’s was asimple,matte white gold ring, and Valentina went for an all-round sparkly ring, both chosen from Clement Jewellers. »

» A RECEPTION WITH A DIFFERENCE

For the reception decor A & S helped the couple planand achieve some of the crazy ideas they had in mind, with Confetti Crew helping too.Again The Malta Florist took care ofall the floral decorations on the day.

The catering, in the hands of Mannarinu, had guests mentioning how great it was, even well after the wedding. Valentina and Carlo had acouple of meetings before the wedding to finalise the menu and appreciated Mannarinu’s creativity and flexibility, especially when it came to their wedding cake.Because they both love cheese their cake was made from of different types of cheese wheels, and displayed on a cheese table.They also had aburger bar and insect station. »