I DO March 2015

MARCH 2015 | ISSUE NO 54 | 造2.50

spring brides

8 PAGES BRIDAL FASHION

5 weddings HOME SWEET HOME wedding photography

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

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 AND COVER Cutest flower girl dress in ivory with lace trim on waist COVER Gorgeous Justin Alexander bridal gown with pure silk bodice and tulle skirt. Satin trimmed veil and silk flowered headpiece complement this gown perfectly. All available exclusively at WEDDINGBELLS

“Embrace your individuality.

Love what you love without worrying about judgment” author unknown

T

his year is all about individuality in weddings.

Focus on the details that communicate who you are.

You don´t necessarily have to put up a portrait of yourselves at the reception entrance and get dolled up for photo shoots if you’re not the type. It is about those wedding details you spend your entire engagement period planning which impart your own style and individuality.

At a recent wedding we attended, the

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

couple put up two large scenic photographs of Golden Bay and guests were invited to leave their messages and well wishes on them. A quick online search on Google or Pinterest based on your chosen theme would yield dozens of ideas on how to create the best atmosphere to help guests relax and enjoy the night with you.

As for colour inspiration, copper is a great choice for 2015 and pairs well with cooler tones most of us love. It can also be used as an accent colour with cream or white in flowers, décor and stationery.

And when it comes to honeymoons, most of our brides and grooms prefer to plan things their own way. The good news is that it has never been so easy. Let honeymoon planning apps touristeye.com, gateguru.com or tripit.com do the hard work for you. While it helps you get organized, focus on feeling and looking your best on your wedding day and why not, on your honeymoon as well!

I Do team, Annaliza & Elaine

I DO MARCH 2015 ISSUE NO 54

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

OPEN WEEKEND

March 21st - 22nd at Torre Paulina Indulge in fantastic food and drink, including a large selection of canapÊs and cocktails. View our stunning decoration at Torre Paulina, together with entertaining activities such as dancing lessons and live singing performances by the talented Petra. We've also invited florists’, attire for the entire wedding party on display, as well as other wedding event displays all over the venue. Enjoy a delightful spectacle together with your loved one in preparation for your special day.

Caffe Cordina 244/5, Republic Street, Valletta e. info@caffecordina.com

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facebook.com/CaffeCordina

Gorgeous Justin Alexander bridal gown with pure silk bodice and tulle skirt. Satin trimmed veil and silk flowered headpiece complement this gown perfectly. Cutest flower girl dress in ivory with lace trim on waist . All available exclusively at WEDDINGBELLS

spring brides Photography Bernard Polidano Make up Natasha Polidano Gowns WeddingBells Flowers Flower Arts

THIS PAGE Beautiful Farage gown with Svarovski crystals and 3D lace. Illusion back with delicate lace details on skirt.

FACING PAGE Gorgeous Justin Alexander bridal gown with pure silk bodice and tulle skirt. Satin trimmed veil and silk flowered headpiece complement this gown perfectly. Cutest flower girl dress in ivory with lace trim on waist .

All available exclusively at WEDDINGBELLS

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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.

Gorgeous Justin Alexander bridal gown with pure silk bodice and tulle skirt. Satin trimmed veil and silk flowered headpiece complement this gown perfectly. All available exclusively at WEDDINGBELLS

LEFT Simple yet striking bridal gown in mikado with lovely waist detail. Headpiece and veil with gold lace trim complete this sophisticated look. Flower girl wears organza dress in champagne and ivory with bow detail on waist. All available at WEDDINGBELLS. CENTRE Stunning fish tail gown by Farage With beaded lace and Svarovski crystal embellishments that. adorn the illusion neckline.

Designer headpiece and gown exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. RIGHT Justin Alexander Signature bridal gown with ruffled skirt and beaded bodice and matching crystal headpiece are exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. All bridal jewelry by ZSAZSA.

PHOTOGRAPHY Bernard Polidano 7947 2559 http://bernardpolidano.tumblr.com/ BRIDAL OUTIFFTING Marquita at WEDDINGBELLS 2122 4234 HAIR STYLING Christian Mifsud MAF Hairdressing 2144 0772, 9944 6929 www.mafhairdressing.com MAKE-UP Natasha Polidano 9989 9760 FLORAL DÉCOR AND ACCESSORIES Joseph Baldacchino from Flower Arts 2726 0645, 9926 0645 www.flowerarts.net FEMALE MODEL Julia B at MODELS M. FLOWER GIRL Jazlyn Pinkston SHOT ON LOCATION Palazzo de Piro by Infinitely Xara 2010 0560, 2256 7567 www.palazzodepiro.com

A time for us

the couple ROSEMARIE

osemarie and Noel celebrated their wedding at an intimate reception for 70 family members and close friends at the Maxtura Ivory Suite in Marsalforn, Gozo.

Situated in pristine countryside, this new venue offered the couple a picture perfect white wedding, enhanced by the warm tones of old Gozitan stone and rustic characteristics.

Described as truly magical, Rosemarie and Noel’s wedding reinvented the essence of Gozitan tradition.

They exchanged vows at the Cathedral dedicated to Our Lady, at the Citadel in Victoria since this happens to be her parish church. Both visibly emotional during mass, Rosemarie says the highlight of the day was when her husband-to-be

&NOEL R Rosemarie Farrugia, 32, textile shop owner and Noel Grima, 27, construction worker

6 December 2014 WEDDING MASS AT

VICTORIA CATHEDRAL AND RECEPTION AT MAXTURA IVORY SUITE PHOTOS Bernard Polidano

lifted the veil before reciting the vows as singer Georgina Gauci sang the words from the Romeo and Juliet theme ‘A time for us’. Wedding planning and coordination on the day was immaculately taken care of by Carmelino Refalo. JPR Rentals meanwhile provided Red Carpet Services.

The newlyweds stopped for some romantic shots at St. Augustine Friars’ Convent where they had a unique experience and a one of a kind photo shoot.

Afterwards, the bride and groom joined guests at the venue for a seated reception which included plated and buffet dishes. Attention was paid to every last detail from the bridal gown purchased from Camilleri Paris Mode, to her Christian Laboutin shoes, Swarovski jewelry, designer accessories and décor at the venue.

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This was mostly bought and custom made while some was rented out from Marlena Cauchi.

Rosemarie and Noel first met at a Carnival party on 25 February 2006. She had been out with a group of friends and when they split up, she went to meet her sister and boyfriend, now husband, together with a female friend. Noel happened to be at the same bar with his cousin and after being introduced to each other, they spent the night dancing and having fun. They exchanged numbers, kept in touch and after dating for a while, both knew they wanted to be together for life.

Noel proposed to her after six years on the night before Christmas Eve. It was a Sunday and they went to his house after mass.

Being just the two of them, Noel told her he wanted to give her one of her Christmas presents. Rosemarie insisted on sticking to

tradition and not opening presents before Christmas but he said she was to open just that one. A beautiful diamond ring was in the box and not expecting a proposal, she said ‘Yes’ without a second thought.

Shortly afterwards, she found out she was pregnant and on getting to know they had a girl, she told herself: “She’s going to have a dress just like mine,” which she did.

Rosemarie fell in love with a ribbed satin ball gown with crystal and rhinestone floral embellishment on the waist and straps, evoking Old Hollywood glamour. The dress

was picked out for her by the sales lady who insisted this was an amazing, one of a kind dress and will only be appreciated if tried on. It was not what she had envisioned herself in but could not take her eyes off it once she put it on.

Complementing it was a well designed, very simple yet original cathedral length veil with satin trimming and cuffs encrusted in Swarovski crystals all over.

Natasha the make-up artist finished off the look by focusing on her eyes using darker tones that contrasted with her blonde hair.

The groom’s suit and shoes were bought from Hugo Boss at Portomaso while the Groom’s men attire was rented from Cefai Formal Wear.

Wedding invitations were hand made from Hand Creations by Margot. Rectangular in shape with a side overlap, the invitations were embellished with ribbed guipure lace, satin ribbon and an icicle brooch to complement the winter wedding theme.

Antique glass Christmas decorations imported from the USA were handed out as souvenirs.

When it came to choosing flowers the bride

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wanted texture and different shades of greens and greys with touches of white. The bridal bouquet mainly consisted of white roses, accented with rich green foliage, juniper berries and soft cotton flowers. Floral arrangements at the church and venue included white lilium, hydrangeas, cotton flower, anthurium, gypsophilia and green foliage.

The chosen wedding bands were in white and yellow gold with hers set with a row of diamonds. Both have the wedding date engraved by Stephan Vassallo at Vassallo Jewellers.

While for Rosemarie this was a day she had long been planning, in spite of Carmelino Refalo’s words to relax, have a good time and leave everything up to him, for Noel the day meant celebrating an important occasion with close family members and friends.

Late into the evening, once everyone had relaxed and warmed up to the occasion, friends and family members joined the couple on the dance floor to dance the night away. “This was the funniest moment,” the couple recalls.

They plan to go on honeymoon in summer.

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

PROPOSAL AT PONTE VECCHIO the couple SARAH JOFFREY

&

Sarah Borg, 29, Primary Teacher at De La Salle College and Joffrey Mallia, 32, Operations Controller at Air Malta

12 July 2014 WEDDING MASS AT ST MARY ROTUNDA IN MOSTA AND

THE RECEPTION WAS HELD AT THE XARA LODGE, RABAT PHOTOS Therese Debono

N

ewly wedded bride Sarah Borg was proposed to by her boyfriend Joffrey Mallia on the romantic bridge of Ponte Vecchio while holidaying in Florence back in April 2012.

Both share a passion for travel. In fact, Sarah and Joffrey met each other through common friends during a holiday in Corfu, in 2006. Joffrey had set his eyes on Sarah from the first day he saw her.

After Joffrey’s proposal, an official engagement ceremony and dinner party was thrown for their closest family and friends at Bacchus Restaurant in Mdina, preceded by a dreamy photo shoot in the silent city.

Sarah did most of the wedding planning herself, starting around a year before they tied the knot on 12 July last year. They wanted to go all out and paid a lot of attention to detail, to ensure they materialise their hopes for a romantic and classy wedding. They both felt their love should be celebrated to the full.

Sarah spent the night before her wedding day at The Xara Palace Hotel in Mdina in the company of her two maids-of-honour, Sarah Attard and Vanessa Cauchi. After enjoying a luxurious dinner, they spent the rest of the evening relaxing in the jacuzzi overlooking Mdina’s spectacular views. The rest of the bridal party turned up in the morning to start

getting ready for Sarah and Joffrey’s big day.

The bride wore a gorgeous one-shouldered dress by Alamango. Helped by her mother and two maids of honour, she decided on the gown after trying on around 30 other dresses from other suppliers. It was an ivory dress with a skinny top and a princess skirt made from multiple layers of tulle. The dress was themed with a simple headdress and a flowing veil to complete the bridal look.

Sarah chose two classic bridesmaid dresses from Reverie’s exclusively stocked True Bride collection. One of the bridesmaids wore a grecian cut dress in chiffon, with tulle pleated straps and subtle beading at the front.

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The other bridesmaid wore a more slim fitting dress with straps and a cowl neckline at the back. As for the colour scheme, Sarah went for a light pink shade, a refreshing colour for a summer wedding.

The groom wore a suit by Mangano while the groomsmen had their suits hired from Bortex. The flower girls’ dresses were bought from Debenhams UK. The wedding mass was held at St Mary Rotunda in Mosta, where the construction of their new home was ongoing. Fr Paul Fenech, Fr Charles Cordina and Fr Steve Sciberras celebrated mass which was animated by singer Martina Borg. The wedding day transportation for the couple and the bridal party was organised by Transport Islander Ltd. As for the reception venue they picked The Xara Lodge in Rabat because they fell in love with the classy atmosphere it provided. Concept lighting was introduced to enhance the atmosphere at the venue and a stage for the 15-piece Versatile Brass Band was set up. Chairs and garden furniture were decorated with pink bows and the reception area was decorated with white and baby pink orchids and roses.

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During the couple’s first dance to Xemx

by The Tramps, guests held heart shaped sparklers before fireworks were let off a few minutes into the dance. The groom was surprised with a dance to an Elvis Presley medley by the bride, maid-ofhonours, flower girls and close friends.

Instead of the usual cocktail bar, the couple opted for a Martini bar. Guests also received mini-Martini bottles decorated with personalised labels matching the wedding theme as souvenirs. They also had an Ice-Cream carello and different gourmet tables offering delicacies like paella, pasta parmeggiano, gammon and port. Guests could also take souvenir pictures at the photo booth available. Baskets containing useful toiletries such as hair ties and deodorants were placed in both the ladies’ and gents’ bathrooms. Flipflops were also given out to the ladies to relieve them from their high-heeled shoes, allowing them to dance the night away, while the men were given Cuban cigars.

The newlyweds’ shared passion for travel seems to be continuing throughout their marriage. Two weeks after the wedding, Sarah and Joffrey set off for a trip to Miami, the Bahamas and Cuba.

The honeymoon ended with a two-week visit to Fiji Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

They took care of all the planning themselves.

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Source www.keirogroup.com

HOME sweet HOME Aside from location, housing type is one of the most important decisions to make when buying a property.

Once you have made up your mind to buy a home, the next question that comes to mind is “Should I buy a house or an apartment?” The development and marketing of fashionable high-end complexes which outclass and out cost many of the more traditional family style homes have put to challenge the conventional theory that apartments are exclusively for the financially prudent buyers. Style, size and location are now the primary valuation driving factors, particularly in certain locations on the Island. In this article, ARCHITECT KEITH SCHEMBRI shares some thoughts with potential home buyers about the different types of dwellings.

D

isregarding the cost factor, there are several pros and cons for both types of housing and key factors such as family size, members’ ages, lifestyle and cost can help determine whether a single-family house or an apartment is a more suitable dwelling for your needs.

Apartments and houses come in various forms such as duplex units, penthouses, villas, bungalows, houses of character or town houses, terraced houses and farmhouses amongst others. Although every investment should be assessed on its own particular merits, there are some fundamental matters to be considered.

Ownership of an apartment includes only the living space inside of the unit while all other connecting areas of the complex are communally owned by all residents of the building. On the other hand, homeowners purchase the house and the land underneath which usually offer more square footage.

People who lead busier lives, usually find apartments an attractive choice because of their convenience and low-maintenance lifestyle.

The introduction of the Condominium Act in Malta brought about a set of new provisions to regulate the inter-relationship between the various unit owners, rights and obligations of tenants and the administration of common areas by the setting up of an association.

Tenants of a condominium pay maintenance fees which are used toward building maintenance and amenities. Apartments within a large development might include a well maintained garden/landscaping, thus offering additional outdoor entertaining spaces, and additional facilities such as a pool or fitness centre as part of the complex. The association fees can be expensive and increase when extra money for maintenance is needed however since association fees cover the exterior and many of the expensive components of the

structure, other maintenance expenditure is limited to the interior of dwelling.

Before purchasing an apartment potential buyers should check whether a tenants’ association is already in existence and ask for a copy of the association’s meeting minutes, financial statements, and rules and regulations.

These documents should give a clear indication of any restrictions applicable to tenants, how financially sound the association is, and an estimate of the maintenance fees incurred over a period of time.

Potential apartment buyers should consider the following points amongst others • Airspace restrictions: rights, restrictions and ownership of airspace determining the tenants’ rights to place water tanks, satellite dishes or antennae, air-conditioning outdoor units, solar heaters or photovoltaic panels on the building’s airspace and the right to access for maintenance. Some buildings offer restricted designated airspace areas for common use such as a drip drying laundry area.

• Common area rules: rights and restrictions regarding use • Pet restrictions: whether pets are allowed, what animal species are allowed, breed restrictions, weight limits, how many pets can live in a single unit • Decoration restrictions: whether signage or decoration of common areas is allowed • Grounds restrictions: Tenants may also be restricted from changing paint colours, mailbox styles, etc.

Independent homes provide owners a greater degree of freedom to remodel or make changes to fit one’s needs and design likes, without the consent of others, save renovations of older houses which might require owners to take into consideration spaces shared with adjacent dwellings. Homeowners have the possibility to expand the space at any time for instance by

constructing additional higher floors to accommodate a growing family. In general houses also feature more storage space in closets or basement and extra space to grow your pets.

Houses often require a lot more selfmaintenance and the homeowner is completely responsible for all maintenance inside and outside of the property. Even though any improvements will likely increase the resale value, they require an investment of time and money.

Finally, adequate considerations should be given to security and privacy of the different structures. Some apartment complexes are very secure, offering advanced security features, such as electronic door lock systems and video surveillance in common areas whilst others are not developed with top security as a priority.

While many owners seek the sense of community and safety found in complexes, some buyers do not like the rules and restrictions associated with the Condominium.

Of course, most safety depends on the location.

In terms of privacy, houses, especially semi or fully detached dwellings, have more privacy because neighbours do not live in as close proximity as in apartments. For those who could easily be bothered by sound seepage between the wall of the adjoining apartments or dwellings, it is wise to ask about the thickness of any shared walls and to even talk to neighbours before purchasing an apartment or house.

We can’t necessarily change what appeals to us, but it pays to remember that old and new each have their merits and demerits. In the next issue, we’ll explore the pros and cons of buying new and old 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.

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Bright POPS

of colour the couple

&

ASTRID

ANDREW

Astrid Fenech, 28, project manager and Andrew Catania, 31, data analyst

8 June 2014 PALAZZO NOBILE, NAXXAR PHOTOS Kenneth Azzopardi www.ka.com.mt

A

strid and Andrew’s wedding might well be remembered for the speech prepared and recited by Andrew’s uncle Godfrey, who made sure to reveal quite a list of slip-ups which he would often incite when Andrew was a young boy.

Astrid and Andrew met back in 2005 quite by coincidence at an event for online fantasy football players. She had been studying for her A-levels and hadn’t been out for quite a while so her sister insisted she tagged along with her. There she met Andrew and they soon started dating. For years

they met up after football training or matches but their special bond led them to buy their first home and tie the knot eight years later.

They officially got engaged just before moving in together.

Astrid chose her solitaire engagement ring and Andrew a watch but this did not stop him from proposing to her. He surprised Astrid with a fancy proposal at Xara Palace in Mdina when she thought the plan was to meet friends for dinner.

On arriving at the hotel, Andrew led her to the restaurant and the headwaiter presented her with a dozen roses and her ring.

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Wedding plans soon started and the gardens of Palazzo Nobile presented the perfect canvas for what they visualised – a space where to hold the ceremony and reception right away.

A large selection of colorful fresh roses in pink, yellow and orange, mixed with white orchids, provided bright pops of colour while giving the garden feel.

Early on in their plans, a budget was set and to Andrew`s amazement, Astrid’s project management experience helped her stick to it while bringing in all the details and making the most of things.

In line with the theme, invitations where designed to incorporate vibrant flowers which were then replicated throughout the wedding and in the bridal party attire.

They opted to go without souvenirs and instead made a donation to Puttinu Cares. Traditional sugar coated almonds were given out to guests.

Rings were custom ordered and while Andrew opted for a band of rose and white gold, Astrid has a white gold band encrusted with 8 small diamonds, representing the wedding date.

The 20-minute long wedding ceremony was held in the bright sunshine of a warm June afternoon. The sun set as the couple greeted their guests and time flowed smoothly into the evening. During their first dance, a fireworks display, compliments of the couple’s family members and friends, lit up the night sky as guests sang along to the tune of Xemx.

The bride wore a classic ball gown carefully selected from the collection at WeddingBells. Its bodice of lace was muted with layers of soft tulle complementing her petite frame. Lace motifs adorned it while a chapel length veil with lace edging completed the look. Blue shoes and accessories added a touch of whimsy.

Classic dinner jackets were rented from Cefai Formal Wear for the groomsmen. The groom’s jacket came in a Chinese collar offering a slight variation.

Antonio Piscopo Wines and Spirits and Busy Bee provided excellent service on the night.

The best advice received while planning their wedding and which they now share with brides and grooms to be was to relax and enjoy their special day while laughing and dancing. And they made sure to do just that.

A few months later they set off on an adventurous yet romantic honeymoon in New Zealand – an exotic destination where they enjoyed three weeks of trekking, kayaking, driving and discovering the island nation of 268,000 square kilometres. Andrew planned the trip to the last detail and Astrid says this was perfect in every way.

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Discrete

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w w w . g s t e l l i n i p h o t o g r a p h y . c o m m 79310905

Effortless CHIC & A the couple CLAIRE

RYAN

Claire Borg, 29, Shop Manager and Ryan Attard, 28, Project Manager

25 July 2014 WEDDING . . MASS AT TA’ GIEZU CHURCH IN

VALLETTA AND RECEPTION AT VILLA MDINA, NAXXAR PHOTOS Gianfranco Stellini

fter six years of sharing endless experiences together, Claire and Ryan decided to tie the knot and crown their relationship with marriage. They knew they were meant for each other and wanted to be together since the beginning of their relationship.

The preparations for a simple yet chic wedding do started soon after they bought a house together. They both wanted their wedding day to be a fun celebration of their love for each other, ahead of spending the rest of their new lives together.

Claire always dreamt of a summer wedding.

They picked 25 July for their wedding date. Both Claire and Ryan like the Baroque ambience which only Valletta can offer. Surrounded by splendid views and iconic urban staircases, Ta’ Ġieżu Church was booked for the wedding mass. The reception was held at Villa Mdina in Naxxar.

The couple’s guests received vintage styled wedding invitations with a funny twist. As for the

souvenirs they opted to do without. They felt it was more appropriate to give a donation to the charity Puttinu Cares. Guests were given a bookmark and an assorted selection of candy prepared by Miss Ellen’s Travelling Treats.

Florist Romano Cassar was roped in to take care of the floral décor at the church and venue. Claire wanted to make sure the floral décor does not compromise the architectural beauty of the church.

Helped by Romano Cassar, the church was decorated with traditional flower arrangements and little bunches of gypsophila tied to each bench.

Singer Raquela exclusively provided by Tunin Entertainment sang at the church while Fr Franco Fenech celebrated mass. Transportation for the couple and their family was organised by Meli Car Rentals Ltd. Claire walked down the aisle wearing a gorgeous mermaid dress with an elongated bodice that had French lace adorning the neckline and a scalloped skirt with a satin ribbon belt at the waist.

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The look was completed with a dainty beaded head band, chapel train and a bouquet of soft pink roses. Ryan and the male bridal party wore hired tuxedo suits designed by Cefai Formal Wear.

Ryan’s favourite Maltese band Red Electrick was chosen to entertain the guests. The newlyweds and their guests thoroughly enjoy themselves dancing the night away to the tunes played by the band.

Claire and Ryan spent the first few days after their wedding relaxing and settling down in their new home. The couple’s best man took care of planning the honeymoon for the newlyweds.

They spent a few days holidaying in Venice last November.

B R I N G I N G Y O U R D AY T O B L O O M Romano Cassar is one of Malta’s oldest companies within the flower business. We are a team made up of full-time professional designers, and the passion, skill and enthusiasm of our florists is evident in each and every one of our creations.

Bearing in mind that each wedding is totally unique, we dedicate as much time as necessary to liaise with you and take your wishes on board in order to come up with an exceptional set up for your special day. We pride ourselves on being experts in beautiful floral arrangements that will thrill you and your guests.

romanocassar.com Romano Cassar Ltd. 24,Hammieri Road,Qormi.QRM1509

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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

Photo by Agius Photo Studio, Qormi

Photo by Agius Photo Studio, Qormi

Photo by Clint Scerri Harkins

Photo by Agius Photo Studio, Qormi

Photo by The Digital Foto Studio, Mosta

Bridal Make-up The art of contouring

“I

believe that we all have a unique character, a particular style that helps us express who we are as individuals. I believe in seeing beyond trends and in creating effortless make-up that reflects my brides’ personal style. I find inspiration in life, love and the stories behind people. I believe that everyone is beautiful.”

This natural look is about technique coupled with the right products. Following the application of foundation, the look is achieved by using a matte shading cream which could be a highlighter. In doing so, it’s important to keep clients’ face shapes in mind. Contouring under the cheekbones can

make round faces appear smaller. Narrow faces, on the other hand, generally need shading across the forehead and on the chin to soften angular features and create a more rounded effect.

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

Photo by Agius Photo Studio, Qormi

2015 is all about contouring and highlighting – enhancing cheekbones, slimming the face, and tricking the eye in a believable way. This does not mean piling on layer after layer of make-up but to the contrary, keeping the look natural. Make-up artist SHASHA says the mantra “less is more” is pivotal for this natural look. She enhances it by keeping in mind the bride’s character and individuality

flaw shows twice as much and there is no room for mistakes.

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. She points out that with our climate, air brush make-up is not ideal as this might result in peeling after a few hours.

While contouring and highlighting is among the latest trends, Shasha recommends keeping true to one’s style on the wedding day and working on a look with which the bride feels comfortable.

E: makeupbyshasha@gmail.com M: 7920 2778 I DO 51

the couple STEPHANIE CHRISTIAN

&

Stephanie Scicluna, 24, Secondary School Teacher and Christian Caruana, 31, Scientist

14th August 2014 WEDDING CEREMONY AND RECEPTION AT

.

XROBB L-G_ HAGIN NATURE PARK, DELIMARA PHOTOS Ian Abdilla

Offbeat

ETHEREAL I DO 53

S

tephanie Scicluna always thought weddings weren’t her boyfriend’s cup of tea, but that was until he, Christian Caruana, proposed to her soon after they bought the first property together.

“Chris took me to the plot of land we had just bought. At one point he pretended to to tie his shoe laces. He then asked me to help him get up and very naively, I gave him my hand. He held it in his and with the other one he got out a ring from his pocket and asked me to be his wife. I told him to stop goofing around and get up, but eventually I realised he wasn’t pulling my leg, so I tried to contain my laughter, and said yes,” Stephanie told I Do. Stephanie and Christian’s offbeat wedding ceremony and reception for 400 people were both held in Xrobb l-Għaġin Nature Park. “We wanted to choose a location that was meaningful to us. Xrobb lGħaġin happens to be our favourite beach in Malta, and its Nature Park serves as a Sustainable Development Centre. We’re all for sustainable living so it seemed to be the perfect venue for us, but its magnificent view was that really bought us.”

Stephanie and Christian’s wedding was strewn with unique details.

The grand majority of the wedding invitations were sent out via e-mail. The guests loved this idea, in fact Stephanie has plans of setting up a small business, so she can help more couples go down this personal and environmentally-friendly road. She still made very simple invitations from recycled brown paper, some string, a leaf stamp made from a used wine cork, and a customizable self-inking stamp, for the non-computer users. As souvenirs they used small vials with cork tops which were filled with different seeds from Chris’s family’s fields, and which people could actually plant.

54 I DO

Stephanie wanted to give the ceremony area an ethereal feel by using decorations that were recycled. She used burlap and recycled curtains for the carpet, vintage furniture, Sempre Viva flowers that had been meticulously dried beforehand, and a simple bamboo arch, with some plain off-white sheer material hanging over it that served as a backdrop.

Even their wedding rings were made of recycled material. Chris has a simple narrow band and Stephanie’s is a small dotted stacking ring. Both were made from oxidized recycled silver.

The bride wore a simple bohemian ivory dress by Australian designer GraceLovesLace, made of panels of stretch

French lace, with lace arm bands. It had a fitted bodice and a waterfall skirt. “I wanted something flowy that was easy and comfortable to wear.

It took me a really long time to decide on a dress but finally I chose the one that I thought I’d really feel like myself in it,” Stephanie added.

I DO 55

56 I DO

Christian chose his clothing with Stephanie’s help. “We bought a pair of mint green trousers from Massimo Dutti and an off-white fitted kaftan shirt from Bortex. My vintage tan waist coat had actually been in Steph’s wardrobe for quite some time.

She had bought it from a bazaar a couple of years back. As for my shoes, we got them from New Look, for a very reasonable price,” Christian said.

Stephanie and Christian are glad to say they had a wedding that reflected them as a couple.

Vegan food and drinks were served during the reception and Milly, Stephanie’s brother’s dog, was the ring bearer.

“We did things the way we wanted to and so it was a very pleasurable experience, albeit exhausting. However, from the get-go, for me it was never about the clothing, the party, the décor.

We could have eloped for all I cared. All that mattered was the exchange and meaning of our vows,” they remarked.

Stephanie and Christian wanted to be in a place they loved and doing something they enjoyed for their honeymoon. They decided to go kayaking around the Maltese islands, with their tandem kayak.

“As far as arrangements went, I tried to suppress my meticulous planning tendencies as much as possible, in order for us to have a stress-free and relaxing adventure. In the end, we had to scrap our plan since as soon as we took off, the sea got rough and we ended up stranded on a secluded beach for over a week. No one’s complaining though. We enjoyed every minute of it,” Steph went on.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

tips and ideas

Until a few years ago wedding photographers shot every image on a sole piece of film.

If the photographer didn’t dial in his settings correctly, the image would be ruined.

Photographer GIANFRANCO STELLINI writes

I

f film processing was done incorrectly, special moments could have been lost forever. There on, the digital age of photography brought on huge changes. The needs and wants of brides and grooms have adjusted too. Until a couple of years ago, no couple was interested in having images of their special day copied onto a CD. They had no means of sharing them and showing them off to their family and friends. However, newly wedded couples still treasure having classic prints they could hold in their hands and put up in frames to decorate their new homes.

AVOIDING THE PITFALLS Times have changed, and with the accessibility to social media so have the parameters of wedding photography. Just a quick browse through the internet, one can find many bundles being offered by numerous photographers, to cater for various requests. Unfortunately, this depicts wedding photography just like any other service at a wedding, as many photographers are competing solely on price rather than the quality of the experience they offer. I believe a good wedding photographer should go a step further and request an appointment with the bride and groom to

discuss what they actually want from their photographer. Besides that, a wedding photographer is going to be present during the most important day in a couple’s new life together. It is essential for both, to get along and complement each other’s personality.

of the wedding ceremony and the venue where they will celebrate their nuptials.

With the information in hand, we then discuss the workflow of the wedding day and how and when they would like certain specific photos to be taken, especially the formal family pictures.

THE FIRST MEETING During the preliminary meeting, I invite couples to tell me about the first days of their relationship and their engagement. We then talk through their ideas for their wedding, what their initial thoughts are and what they have planned so far. A couple may opt to have a pre-wedding shoot before their wedding day. In such cases one would discuss what they have in mind, if there is a particular place they wish to have their shoot taken and what time of the year they prefer. Other couples may decide to do away with the pre-wedding shoot and discuss other requirements such as photographing the bride and groom at their homes, just before the wedding ceremony. This information is important so that the photographer can allocate enough time for each family and to arrive at the wedding ceremony on time. Subsequently, the clients would need to explain details on the location

ON THE BIG DAY While I try to avoid dictating how their day should unfold, then again I do guide the couple towards striking the right balance which works for them. Depending on the couples’ demands, I suggest that family pictures are done and dusted as early in the wedding and as quickly as possible, to let them enjoy their wedding rather than being bogged down taking pictures. This is something well appreciated, as from that moment till the cutting of the cake, I would not need to call upon the bride and groom, and this would be the ideal time to capture candid moments of the pair interacting with their guests. The big cake, the flowers and the music will be fleeting by the end of the day and only the memories and the photos will remain to be treasured forever.

M: 79310905 W: www.gstelliniphotography.com I DO 59

IslandCabs 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.

IslandCabs is a fully licensed cab service company. We provide professional cab service in Malta & Gozo that includes airport transfers, Malta & Gozo tours, 24HR cab service , VIP Chauffeuring, free wifi on board. Our cabs can be tailor made to fit your business or individual needs. Islandcabs make sure to offer a reliable and quality service to our customers! Obviously the most important is that we have reasonable prices. This is delivered by a team of dedicated and fully trained professional drivers who meet our set of high standards and guarantee customer satisfaction.

Telephones are manned 24 hours every day for your convenience. Our staff are fully conversant with travelling and check-in times and will be happy to advise at time of booking.

Call us on 9999 5262 and book your cab now to avoid being disappointed!

Visit us on Facebook at IslandCabs Travel & Transportation

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

Gaudi by JB Stores Gaudi is a special enclosed section that you can find at JB Department Stores in Iklin. It is the place to find the finest and most exclusive fabrics.

Whether you are the bride, the mother of the bride or groom or if you require a particular dress for a special occasion, Gaudi is the place to visit. At Gaudi you will find a designer and also professional sales assistants that can help you choose from the variety of fabrics that you will see. At Gaudi you will be able to choose the right fabric to create the perfect dress for your figure and style.

The staff at Gaudi can also help you find a good seamstress to complete your dress.

Visit Gaudi by JB Stores and you will certainly not regret it!

Gaudi by JB Stores, JB Stores, Iklin.

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

A cocktail bar is the symbol of style and fun; a centrepiece at your function where guests can socialise, while trying out a wide assortment of colourful and tasty cocktails prepared by highly skilled and amicable specialists. With over fifteen years of experience at wedding receptions and just about every other type of function besides, Damian’s Mobile Cocktail & Wine Bar promises to be the detail that makes all the difference between an everyday event and a truly memorable occasion that people will remember fondly for years to come.

You see 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.

Damian Muscat M: 99847074 E: damianscocktails.wines@yahoo.com W: www.damianscocktails.com

MAF Hairdressing MAF Hairdressing was created by Christian Mifsud in 2008. His secret to success in the industry is the love in doing what he does. Whether it is a simple blow dry to organizing a hair show creativity is a must, along the use of professional products in order to be able to offer his clients the best experience when visiting the salon.

MAF believes also in the importance of male grooming and hence barbering services are also available. Christians career started when he was enrolled at mcast and later continued furthering his studies at the Mayfair academy in the U.K. He is keen on continuously seeking training and other inspiring experiences. MAF Hairdressing has received various prestigious awards both national and international.

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

Caffe Cordina, Malta’s pioneers in catering, will be transforming Torre Paulina on the 21st and 22nd March, inviting its current and potential patrons to enjoy the extravagant atmosphere being created for you. Visit to find out more about Caffe Cordina’s wedding services, outside catering, and anything else that they will be able to offer. Torre Paulina will be decorated meticulously, acting as a display and testament to Caffe Cordina’s capabilities where clients’ particular requirements can be tailored to. Fantastic food and drink, including canapes and cocktails, will be circulating all weekend for you to enjoy and sample. Various vendors and organised activities for your special day will be present all over the venue. Enjoy a delightful spectacle together with your loved one in preparation for the most important event of your lives.

Caffe Cordina 244/5, Republic Street, Valletta T: 2123 4385 E: info@caffecordina.com Facebook.com/CaffeCordina

Pearls are synonymous with pure class and beauty, and are the perfect accessory for brides to wear on their special day. Vascas Jewellers are proud to present their top quality Pearl Collection, featuring a variety of South Sea, Tahitian, and Fresh Water pearls available in different styles, sizes, colours and shapes, all reflecting elegance and sophistication. Whether you’re looking for a strand of pearls or dainty pearl earrings, every bride is sure to find the perfect jewellery to make her sparkle on her wedding day.

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!

For more details on the Pearl Collection, kindly contact Vascas on 22589200 or send an email to info@vascas.com.mt

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

The Villa We started our business as gold and silver manufacturers in 1991. Since then we have never looked back; we expanded our business and opened our retail jewellery shop in Qormi in 2006. Today our premises include a workshop on location, together with the shop, in which we make gold and silver articles of all kinds, repairs and jewellery cleaning. This is very convenient because certain repairs and cleaning can be done while you wait. All the jewellery is hand-made and our specialisation is in wedding rings, which we make according to the customer’s design at very low competitive prices. Service to customers is our main objective and we offer a reliable after sales service together with relevant services in the jewellery field. We also sell silver ornamental gifts for all occasions and have a vast selection of good quality stainless steel jewellery, which is now very fashionable.

The 19th century, tastefully-renovated 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

Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8am - 7pm; Wednesday & Saturday: 8am - 1pm. Near St George’s Parish Church - Qormi

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

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

CATHOLIC MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSES April 2015 LOCALITY

VENUE

DATE STARTING

TIME

TEL

Attard

Ċentru Ġwanni Pawlu II

Wednesday 15 April

7pm

21434949

Balzan

Ċentru Parrokkjali

Wednesday 8 April

7.15pm

21442614

Birkirkara (Santa Elena)

Ċentru Parrokkjali

Monday 6 April

7pm

21444725

Ċentru Sagra Familja

Tuesday 7 April

7.15pm

21828413

Ċentru Familja Karmelitana

Tuesday 7 April

7.15pm

21441769

Bormla Fleur de Lys

Villa Lija Parish Centre

Friday 10 April

7.15pm

21442553, 21435961

Rabat

Lija

Ċentru Parrokkjali

Friday 10 April

7pm

21454467

Mosta

Ċentru Sant’Andrija

Monday 6 April

7pm

21433826

Msida

Ċentru Familja Mqaddsa

Wednesday 1 April

7.30pm

21334949

Kunvent San Ġużepp

Wednesday 8 April

7.15pm

21695022

Chaplaincy

FULLY BOOKED

–

23402341

Żabbar

Ċentru Xghajra

Wednesday 8 April

7.30pm

21824383

Żejtun

Sala Parrokkjali

Tuesday 3 April

7.30pm

21694563

Żurrieq

Ċentru Pastorali

FULLY BOOKED

7.15pm

21642010

7.30pm

79048490, 99371860

Paola (Kristu Re) ** Universita'

Course in English St Julian’s

John Paul II Conference Hall

Tuesday 14 April

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

www.canamovement.org

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

a Wedding that you and your guests will remember

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