I DO June 2020 by The Malta Independent

IDO SPRING/SUMMER 2020 | ISSUE NO 80 | Â¤2.50

A Wedding Fantasy TOGETHER FOREVER | FUN, COLOURFUL COCKTAILS | DREAM WEDDING FASHIONS | EASY WAYS TO TIE THE KNOT | EXOTIC WEDDING CAKES

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EDITORIAL

MOOD BOARD

ou remember in our last issue we talked about looking forward with a clear vision into 2020, and how we would be spending it? Well, here we are, half way through, and who knew? So many of the weddings that were being dreamt about and those that were perfectly planned to the last detail, have been put on hold. But were we even tempted to leave you without an issue? No way. We decided this was all the more reason to keep the magic, excitement of a wedding alive, to cheer us all up and offer an escape from all the unusual changes and restrictions that were surrounding us.

ESCAPING TO A WEDDING WONDERLAND

Instead we plunged ourselves into creating an exotic fantasy of a wedding, totally unlike any traditional themed pages we’ve produced before, especially for our fashion shoot. Then we got together with everyone who was determined to look on the bright side, beyond this time. Weddings are planned well ahead anyway, and we are proud of all the businesses and companies who shared this vision and who appear in this issue, and others to come, so you can see how well they are able to work with your future wedding plans. Everyone involved in our fashion shoot did their individual bit so we could create pages that became a virtual reality, and we thank them all. We also thank all the couples who have shared their stories with us. Now, things are moving bit by bit. Couples are holding small services with a view to grander celebrations later. Some are arranging streamed weddings. Recently it was announced that there would be compensation for couples whose weddings have been affected by the pandemic.

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other” - Audrey Hepburn, actress

But, things are moving. Couples have been holding small services with a view to grander celebrations later. Recently it was announced that there would be compensation for couples whose weddings have been affected by the pandemic. And now, with the announced lifting of the public health emergency, we can all look forward to every couple rediscovering how love conquers all and looking forward again to choosing their day to say I do.

The IDO team

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contents 6

SPRING/ SUMMER 2020 ISSUE NO 80

ADVICE

Thoughts on being together forever

9 COCKTAILS

Colourful cocktails to mix for fun

10-19 BRIDAL FASHION

For a fantasy wedding

MEET OUR MODEL

BEHIND THE SCENES

Introducing our fashion shoot bride

Details from our fashion shoot

24 GET HITCHED

Planning your wedding made simple

CAKES THAT CONQUER

TAKE COVER

Make the most of those layers

Insuring your wedding

31-61 WEDDING STORIES

Four couples share their wedding stories

10-23

62 I DO DIRECTORY ON THE COVER Photography Bernard Polidano Make-up & styling Natasha Polidano Hair Chris Mifsud by MAF Dress WeddingBells Flowers Flower Arts Model Kaya Calleja

Get intouch... 24-25

Have you just got married or are you getting married soon and would like to be featured in IDO magazine? Get in touch by email on idobridalmagazinemalta@gmail.com or via facebook IDOBridalMagazineMalta

PUBLISHED BY Standard Publications Ltd, Standard House, Birkirkara Hill, St Julianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s STJ 1149, T 21345888 EDITOR Nicky Rosser DESIGN Christine Spiteri, Conrad Bondin ADVERTISING Marcelle Buhagiar PRINTER PrintIT

HINTS & HELP

TOGETHER FOREVER WHETHER YOU'LL BE SHARING A HOME YOU'VE BOTH LIVED IN BEFORE YOUR WEDDING OR MOVING IN TOGETHER AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE FIRST YEAR OF MARRIAGE CAN STILL BE A CHALLENGE. s a married couple the issues of finances, working hours, possessions, space, extended family members, loves and hates, are highlighted – times two. Whereas before you were living together you could choose how and where you spent your time. You could be apart when it suited you. There was ‘our’ time and ‘me’ time for the things you wanted to do that did not involve each other.

The need for those times apart will not vanish just because you have a marriage certificate. If the months of being under the same roof, with no one else for close company will have shown us anything it’s that relying on our partners for every little thing is a big ask. When all the excitement of your wedding is over, suddenly there is life as you knew it, but with work and home to manage as usual. The everyday irritations of life and those annoying little habits which, surely, you never really imagined you could “change once we are married”, have not been whisked away by the words ‘I will’.

The new responsibilities of married life have to be accepted and shared. Any unfinished business from before will still be in the background. Dealing with baggage from past experiences is a vital part of supporting each other and going forward as a couple. 6 I DO

The back-up couples need to give or receive from each other, depends on how they think they‘ll be able to give and accept support. Experience, temperament and empathy all play a part in how much help or sympathy they are able to share in any specific situation. The love and responsibility we feel for someone who has become the most important person in our life suddenly becomes almost scary. But it also becomes stronger. It just takes a willingness to step back occasionally from what we are thinking, wanting and feeling, at any one time. It takes maturity to put our own sentiments aside and try and see our partner’s point of view, because feelings of entitlement or resentment sometimes make this very difficult. Couples both have set ways of doing things, and strong principals which don’t vanish when rings are exchanged. And once they are actually married walking out is not an easy option. Covid 19 has imposed some of the toughest conditions a relationship could face. Even those who have been married for decades may see each other in a different light after things improve. But for couples at the start of their life together it is a chance to see one another as the person you love and promised to cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. Listening, accepting and respecting each other will keep that love alive for all the time you will be together.

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COCKTAILS

Creative and colourful cocktails

hen it looked as if we would have to plan for virtual hen parties and stag nights, and grooms were considering how to propose and offer an engagement ring from a safe distance, in a permitted area, accompanied by a sanitized flask of a suitably sparkling cocktail, the importance of

something special to drink was vital. Now those issues no longer apply. Under certain conditions, in bars and especially our own gardens, or rooftop terraces these important occasions and celebrations are becoming part of our lives again. This may be a shame for all the would-be Tom Cruises, who had been practising their

moves for zany Zoom cocktail parties and video wedding announcements; but now there's the chance to perform live, so they won't be wasted. Just one note of caution, designated drivers will be needed behind the wheel again, and a hangover is still a hangover. So while you're celebrating it's still wise to stay alert!

Here are some colourful concoctions to try out one with alcohol, one without, but both bubbling with good spirits. THE PARADISE 2 oz

light Malibu rum

1 oz

Blue Curacao

4 oz

pineapple juice

1 oz

Grenadine

METHOD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pour the ingredients slowly into an ice-filled high ball glass. Do this very slowly order in insure best colour spread. Serve.

CHAMPAGNE MOCKTAIL 4 cups

sparkling water

4 cups

ginger ale

3 cups

unsweetened white grape juice

METHOD â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Chill all the ingredients over night and combine in a jug. Pour into champagne flutes and garnish as you like. I DO 9

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Kaya wears a stunning Jimmy Choo ball gown dress by The Atelier. It features beautiful beaded stars and butterflies, embroidered on the skirt and is truly a show piece. Exclusively available at WeddingBells | Jewellery and head piece by ZsaZsa Valletta | Bouquet by Joseph at Flower Arts.

A Wedding Fantasy Photography Bernard Polidano Make up Natasha Polidano Dresses WeddingBells Occasion Wear Monsoon Hair Styling MAF Hairdressing Flowers Flower Arts

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Jewellery by ZsaZsa, Valletta | Flowers & Props by Flower Arts

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This soft tulle dress with cap sleeves and an intricately beaded bodice is feminine and contempory. Designed by Millanova, exclusively available at WeddingBells | Jewellery by ZsaZsa | Pale blue head band by Accessorize | Flowers & Props by Flower Arts

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Left: Perfect for a rehearsal dinner or an after party, this striking, colourful dress is by Monsoon | Headband by Accessorize Above: This beautiful sleeveless gown is both classic and modern with a tulle skirt that flows and sparkles as you move. Exclusive to WeddingBells, it forms part of their own collection | Jewellery by ZsaZsa I DO 17

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The chic pastel shade and elegant style of this occasional wear dress make it ideal for a bridesmaid or guest. Dress from Monsoon | Fascinator, bag and shoes from Accessorize.

PHOTOGRAPHY Bernard Polidano 7947 2559 BRIDAL DRESSES & ACCESSORIES Marquita WeddingBells 2122 4234 OCCASION DRESSES Monsoon 2134 6080 MAKE-UP & STYLING Natasha Polidano 9989 9760 HAIR MAF Hairdressing 2144 0772 FLOWERS & PROPS Flower Arts 2125 0645 ACCESSORIES Accessorize 2134 6080 JEWELLERY ZsaZsa 7982 8362 MODEL Kaya Calleja LOCATION Flower Arts Store - Paola 2125 0545 I DO 19

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.

KAY A CALLEJA is making her debut in this issue of IDO and she makes a sweet and charming ‘Alice in Wedding Land’. Where do you live? I live in Sliema. Where would you like to live? Although I love the town I’ve grown up in, I would love to live somewhere slightly quieter surrounded by more greenery in the future. What is the happiest job or career you could have? I think the best job for me would include travelling the world as I love to travel and visit new places. How do you like to relax? My favourite way to relax in my free time is playing basketball, I have played since I was 7 years old and it has always been a hobby which helped me relax whilst also having fun. Who are the people who make you happiest, for what reasons? Whenever I’m down the first people that I go to are my family. No matter the situation they always have my back and make sure that I get through the problem with their help and never alone. They never fail to put a smile on my face. What could the world do without, and what does it need more of? The world could definitely do without negativity towards each other, just one hateful comment that may mean nothing to a person could make someone else miserable. We would all be so much happier if we would just be nice to each other, and if we don’t have anything nice to say then we shouldn’t say anything at all. How do you feel about social media, and what do you mostly use it for? I think social media has its ups and downs but it has become such a big part of our society that it would be hard to live without it. When used correctly social media could be used as a platform to get important messages across to a large number of people. It helps keep people connected from all over the world and keeps everyone informed as soon as they’re online. Personally I use it mostly to keep in touch with friends and family that I don’t get to see every day and it helps me feel much closer to them.

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HAIR & MAKE UP Christian at MAF and our stylist Natasha created a beautiful simple look, which any bride would be able to follow.

FLOWERS A magnificent bouquet of beautiful blooms, created by Joseph at Flower Arts, complimented each dress perfectly.

MODEL Our young model Kaya Calleja, happily embraced the role of Alice in Wedding land.

Behind the scenes ON OUR SHOOT

ACCESSORIES From Aliceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous blue headband to exquisite evening bags and shoes, the finishing touches were from Accessorize.

THE BRIDAL DRESSES & ACCESSORIES

OCCASION WEAR

We chose the dreamiest, sparkliest dresses and jewellery sets we could imagine from Wedding Bells.

Stunning colours, classic shades and shimmering sequins defined the three occasion dresses by Monsoon.

THE LOCATION Flower Arts, Paola, was transformed into an exotic extravaganza to prove that while reality stands still, in dream weddings anything goes.

THE THEME This special issue was inspired by dreams of escapism and weddings of pure fantasy.

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Online to a perfect linkup SOCIAL MEDIA IS PLAYING AN ENORMOUS PART IN KEEPING US ALL UNITED THESE DAYS AND THAT INCLUDES COUPLES WHO ARE PLANNING THE ULTIMATE UNION, MARRIAGE. IDO CONTACTED BEN VINCENTI TO LEARN HOW GET HITCHED IS HELPING ANXIOUS COUPLES THE IDEA When Jonathan Azzopardi Frantz and his fiancé were planning their big day, they called, emailed and messaged dozens of suppliers, but most of them didn’t even reply, or said they were fully booked. When his business partner Benjamin Vincenti also recognised the lack of a one-stop-shop for weddings, he took it up immediately. ‘We did some research and couldn’t find such platforms; all we found were the typical directory sites, which meant that you still had to contact the suppliers one by one. And so we built it ourselves,’ says Ben. During a brainstorming session to find something catchy related to weddings and marriage, they chose the name ‘Hitched’ but on discovering a UK wedding site had a similar name they agreed on ‘Get Hitched’. THE LAUNCH AND RESPONSE Get Hitched was launched two and a half years ago, at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre weddings fair, and now has over 400 suppliers, and over 3,000 couples using the platform to plan their big day. Before building Get Hitched they considered their own problems and asked other couples if they would use such a platform. They all said they would. Launching at the Wedding Fair was great for the company because it was the perfect setting to engage with all users, couples and suppliers. Numerous features and innovations were built into the platform, one of the most popular being the Get Hitched Online Wedding Checklist, which helps couples stay on track throughout their entire wedding planning journey. In the checklist, couples find everything they should consider when planning their big day. Anything they have

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already found is simply marked off as ‘Completed’. On the other hand, other categories can be marked as ‘In Progress‘. And those not needed identified in the same way. Couples also receive reminders helping them remain on track throughout their exciting journey. CLICK AND FIND If suppliers are needed in a specific category, use the Get Hitched Service Finder to send a request. The platform offers over 40 wedding categories with hundreds of suppliers to choose from. Instead of contacting (and chasing) multiple suppliers individually for information, just complete three easy steps and the platform connects users directly with up to seven wedding suppliers per category. Suppliers will usually get back in a few hours. Once a supplier accepts a request, couples can view their business profile to get an understanding of what is on offer. They can also communicate with suppliers directly through the Get Hitched Messenger and even set up calls or meetings to get the best deal possible! ADJUSTING TO THE PANDEMIC Get Hitched took this ‘quiet‘ time as an opportunity to check in with their 700 plus suppliers and customers across both two platforms – Get Hitched and Evently. Simply saying they are not alone during these hard times, and they are here for them, went a long way. They also checked in with users on their platforms, asking about their experience and worries and fears about having to postpone their big day. Then they worked on getting couples’ concerns addressed and their questions answered, by speaking with professional suppliers, such as wedding planners and documenting their advice in their blog:

Ben & Jonathan

https://gethitched.com.mt/articles/covid19/covid-19-to-postpone-or-not-to-postpone/. Ben explains, “An example of how we tried to brighten up the day for our users is the third episode of the Get Hitched Live Wedding Chat show where we had a live chat with a couple at the same time that they were supposed to be getting married but were forced to postpone. It was a heart warming episode and I believe we managed to cheer them up, with the help of some great gifts from their wedding suppliers: https://gethitched.com.mt/articles/covid19/covid-19-the-get-hitched-live-show-episode-3 -recap-naomi-damians-story/.” STAY ING ON TOP OF THE SITUATION? Get Hitched has still been receiving numerous requests, and are keeping themselves super busy with numerous exciting projects such as: publishing regular blogs across social media, LinkedIn etc, see: https://gethitched.com.mt/articles/ and holding live Facebook discussions on both platforms. The Get Hitched Live Wedding Show & The Evently Live Chat Show. We’ve had 11 episode sessions so far: https://gethitched.com.mt/articles/live-chat-

show/introducing-the-get-hitched-live-weddingchat-show/ Another very exciting and innovative idea is the Get Hitched Virtual Wedding Fair, this month on Friday 19 & Saturday 20. People getting married simply make their requests through Get Hitched as usual and in addition, to be able to have video calls with suppliers through the platform. It will be along the lines of Get Hitched and also offer the opportunity for couples to book an Online Video Call with suppliers through the Get Hitched custom built Video Call program. Users will not have to install any specialised software on their computer, because Get Hitched is building its own Video Call technology. It’s true a problem shared is a problem halved when couples and wedding services can ‘meet’ and help each other at such a time. Taking part in this special event are: Beatroots, Busy Bee, Castello Dei Baroni, Neriku Catering, Elia Caterers, Wed In Malta, Chateau Buskett, The Foto Grafer, Chris X Weddings & Events, Mark Pace Photography and Visage Sound.

Wow, look at the cake! ARTISTICALLY SET, AS A FOCAL POINT OF THE WEDDING, THERE ARE NO LIMITS AS TO HOW EXOTIC YOUR WEDDING CAKE CAN BE.

any wedding trends have been and gone but the wedding cake, in some form or other has been a star of the show for centuries. It may have evolved from a pile of spiced buns which the happy couple would attempt to kiss over, without it falling down. Success meant good fortune throughout their marriage. This is no doubt how the tiered style of cake evolved. And ever since, couples and cake makers have had a completely free hand to create the simplest or most exotic design they can imagine as part of their wedding celebration. The cake is an important way for a couple to send special messages. The way it is decorated in a favourite design style or colour theme, whether it is a traditional cake or way off the wall, what extra ornaments are placed on it, all go towards creating a stunning cake which truly illustrates a couple’s individual tastes and interests. For most wedding receptions the cake is a one of the main features. Suspended on chains, garlands branches or brackets it becomes almost surreal. Set in a vignette, surrounded by flowers, fruit or beautiful candles it cannot fail to attract admiring glances; and standing on a beautifully set table it can be a symbol of either charming simplicity or lavish artistry. The amount of care given to choosing a cake and its look has to be up there with the bride’s dress and the mother-in-law’s hat – that is a lot. Priority considerations, after the recipe, are the wedding theme and or colour scheme, how and when you plan to have the cutting ceremony,

whether you want to include real, silk or sugar paste flowers and how far you want your cake to reflect your personalities and interests. Our theme for this issue is basically an unreal fantasy, so we went for a stroll, or maybe that should say scroll, to find some of the world’s most extravagant examples of letting your guests eat cake. There were cakes incorporating working fountains, or golden cages holding two lovebirds, cakes decked out in precious jewels and cakes made of priceless ingredients. From world monuments to hanging gardens, anything lavish enough can be recreated in the form of a wedding cake. Magnificent towers and castles are particularly popular. Vast cake creations coated in sugar sculptures and edible silver and gold colouring, come in at millions of euros; extra if you include the cost of the armed guards standing protecting the many diamonds used to add that extra sparkle. Fans of fairy tale wedding can choose a crystal-coated castle with interior lighting, for practically the cost of the real thing. One thing you can know is nothing is impossible, if you’re not counting the cost.

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INSURANCE

Take safe cover IF ANYTHING WERE TO DISRUPT YOUR WEDDING ARRANGEMENTS YOU WOULD WANT TO KNOW THAT YOU WILL NOT LOSE EVERYTHING.

nsurance policies are mostly associated with life, health, property and travel, but there is cover for many more situations and events, and wedding insurance is a very good idea. The more smoothly your wedding plans are going, the less likely you are to imagine something going wrong, or the knock-on effect any mishap may have on the entire ceremony. But enquiring about cover for your wedding will reveal just what a good idea it is and put everyone’s mind at rest, in the run up to the big day and while the celebrations are taking place. The important thing is to find a package that suits you and is relevant to type of wedding you are having. Begin by listing what you think should be insured. Then check with your suppliers, venue, caterers, entertainers and transport providers to see what insurance and guarantees they offer. There are several bands of wedding insurance to choose from and flexibility is necessary. Research insurance companies well to find one that offers the cover you need, including some details you may have forgotten. Pick a broker who listens as much as he speaks, and is happy to sell you a tailor-made policy. Ask as many questions as you need to. Do not be rushed. ‘Policyspeak’ is a whole new language and small print is an actual issue. Too many people are happy with a package or blanket deal only to discover, if they need to redeem it, that some vital wording has been overlooked and they do not have the protection they expected. Make sure you are clear about exactly what is covered and what conditions there are. Do not concentrate only on what is mentioned in a policy. Be specific about points like damage, loss, accident and cancellation, and how the causes of these may affect the cover, and any eventual payout. No one wants to imagine anything but a perfect day for their wedding celebrations. But it will make your day to know that you’re well covered for anything from a catering catastrophe to a minor meltdown over a spilt glass of champagne.

INSURE THESE ARE COVERED Here are some basic items and services you should cover for loss, damage, cancellation and replacement. But all couples and their families will have different requirements, so discuss all your options with your insurer. ◊ All bridal wear and that of all attendants and the wedding party ◊ Floral displays, decorations, wedding gifts taken to the wedding venue ◊ The costs resulting from a delay or cancellation of a wedding, or any part of the celebrations, for whatever reasons ◊ Costs incurred if persons officiating at the wedding – photographers, entertainers, or other specified contributors to the ceremonies, fail to turn up ◊ Costs of unforeseen expenses for taking or retaking wedding photographs or videos if the professional photographer or video operator fails to turn up, and the loss of or damage to the original wedding film or negatives ◊ Costs incurred through accidents and/or injury to passengers while using any wedding party transport ◊ Costs incurred due to redundancy of the bride or groom, or any relative who it is proved would have made a financial contribution to the wedding. ◊ Expenses covering illness or injury to members of the wedding party who become unable to attend due to accident or illness ◊ Any legal liability you incur as a result of accidental injury to third parties or accidental loss of or damage to third party property in connection with the wedding. I DO 29

A TRADITION ROOTED IN EXCELLENCE

68, VILLAMBROSA STREET, HAMRUN HMR1129 T: 2124 6920 / 2122 7085 E: INFO@ELIA.COM.MT WWW.ELIA.COM.MT

Rustic and Romantic Photography | F. Balzan Photography

THE COUPLE

Teżara & David 11 May 2019 Tezara Camilleri, 29, a drama teacher, singer, actress and radio host and David Saliba, 34, a sales manager and photographer, were married in Lapsi Chapel, St Julian’s.

A SPONTANEOUS DECISION here was no actual proposal. David is a huge Liverpool fan and while he and Tezara were in the city, to watch a game, they just decided to get married. They chose a theme of rustic vintage to match the chilled, relaxed atmosphere they wanted to share with their guests, and because it reflected themselves as a couple. A lot of sentiment went into their wedding invitations, from Papier, they were designed to look like old theatre tickets. “We both really like vintage stuff and our flat is full of these items contrasting with our modern furniture, so we wanted our invites to reflect the modern and vintage feel. Naturally I added the theatrical element because I’m an actress“, Tezara explained.

IN A CHARMING CHAPEL The couple chose Lapsi Chapel, in St Julian’s, for their ceremony. “Whenever I sang there for a wedding Mass I always liked the acoustics, and I secretly prefer quaint chapels to big churches. It's also where my sister got married so it’s very special to me”, said Tezara. They loved listening to the songs. “I’m normally the one singing them, so it was lovely to have my close friends singing the same songs for us”, Tezara added. During their service the couple also exchanged rings by GB Jewellery. And she chose the Ivory & Co dress she wore because it evoked the 1920s, an era she loves. It had beautiful French lace and beading around back; which was low – the one detail she really wanted. »

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» “I love turquoise so I chose to have turquoise earrings as my something blue. But the one thing friends and family really commented about was the headdress”, she remembered. “I was never someone who grew up fantasizing about the day I got married, but when I was about 14 I remember seeing this 1920’s headdress in an old shop in Valletta, and I bought it. I kept it in a little box since then, as I said to myself that if I ever did walk down the aisle then I needed to be wearing that.” True to the rustic theme, Tezara wanted her bouquet to look as though she had been picking flowers in a field and gone straight to the wedding. For her bouquet she chose gerberas and gypsophila, which she loves, and left the rest of the flowers to her florist, Flowers by Anna Zammit. “I loved my bouquet so much”, she exclaimed. »

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o t p U

FF O 0%

SEAL YOUR LOVE

WITH GB JEWELLERS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

» A RECEPTION WITH EVERY THING The couple liked Razzett L-Abjad, because they wanted a venue that was a bit different to the usual weddings they had been to. There was something about it the moment they saw it. “I think it was the vine leaves canopy which I could just imagine fairy lights running through“, Tezara said. Décor was in the hands of M&M Wedding Decor & Special Events. Tezara wanted to avoid the usual hearts effects and instead Polaroid pictures of the couple hung from the trees throughout the venue. Tezara and David loved that their family and close friends arrived at the venue in an old, vintage bus, from Koptaco Coaches Cooperative, which was both hilarious and loud! »

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“Aim to create a wedding atmosphere that reflects who you are as a couple and don’t get caught up in the expectations of the day.” Teżara & David

» There everyone found a wonderful variety of delicious finger food, and drinks by Elia Caterers, who also made the four-tiered red velvet and vanilla cake, which had just a few flowers as decoration. Tezara and David added a topper, by Footprint, with #salibawedding on top. It was simple and delicious. Tezara especially wanted a pizza station, so their guests could grab a slice and keep on dancing, and satisfy that craving we all have after a good night out. “And we both love sushi so we decided to have a sushi station and also a sweets station”, the couple agreed, adding that ‘The food was incredible’ was one of the overall comments they received. Entertainment included Stylish Photobooth, cute vintage beetle car booth. It provided

double prints of each photo and a guestbook, so guests could leave a copy of their picture with their comment. A station with small pieces of paper and a large jar gave guests a chance to write notes for Tezara and David to open on their first wedding anniversary. So many personal touches highlighted the couple‘s wish for a relaxed and joyful wedding. A donation to Dr Klown was made, instead of souvenirs. Tezara wore Converse shoes for comfort, and guests were urged to wear flip flops or flats, for all the dancing. And, thoughtfully, there was a small basket of supplies such as safety pins, a small sewing kit, plasters, deodorant etc in the women’s bathroom. “You’d be surprised what sort of emergency your guests might have”, Tezara advised. »

Tezara’s sister wrote a hilarious song for all the guests to join in, instead of having speeches. The couple even dispensed with the traditional first dance, choosing instead to play the shoe-game. And there was plenty of music, and lots of dancing, to Relikc, with Matthew James Borg on vocals. “I danced with my papa to Magic Moments, by Perry Como, an old song which had memories of us dancing to it in the kitchen when I was a little girl. And I loved dancing with my nieces. I have this memory with them which I hope they will treasure as much as I do”, Tezara recalled.

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The start of something new Photography | Kitz Klikz

THE COUPLE

Reneé & Ryan 9 June, 2019 Reneé Muscat, 29, a portfolio administrator, and Ryan Brincat, 29, a procurement manager, were married in Mgarr Parish Church.

ROMANTIC AND SPECIAL eneé and Ryan had been together over 10 years, and knew it was time to take their relationship to the next level. “We wanted to seal our love through marriage which is very special”, they said. “I had always told Ryan that I would be very shy if there were people around when he proposed. So, although very simple, for me the proposal was very romantic and special. He planned an evening on the beach, prepared wine and platters and while we were talking and having fun, he popped the question”, said Reneé. The couple wanted their invitations to include their pre-wedding photos. After searching for hours Reneé found a design. And because she did not want guests to wear hats, Ryan came up with the idea of including the message: ‘On this special day, leave your hats at home and wear your dancing shoes. We’re gonna smash it all day long. See you all there’. The beautiful, unusual invitations were created by My Paper Décor Wedding Invites.

A CHILDHOOD CONNECTION Mgarr Parish Church was the couple’s obvious choice for their ceremony because Reneé is from the village, and they both now live there. “Seeing each other at the altar was a very emotional and special moment for us as we had been together for 11 years”, the couple said. And Ryan added, “The wedding ceremony was very special and spiritual to me. It was the start of something new, the start of our life together.” Reneé’s dress was totally different from what she had in mind. “I wanted a mermaid style dress and I ended up choosing a ball gown style”, she explained. She visited four wedding dress shops and at Alamango Bridal she found the one. “As soon as I tried on this dress, I was very emotional and almost started crying. That is how I knew it was the one”, she said. It was blush pink and had embroidery flowers with crystals on the top and 3D flowers on the skirt. Reneé added a simple veil and a rose gold floral and crystal designed headpiece and plain rose gold jewellery, by Zsazsa Costume Jewellery. »

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» Reneé kept her make-up, by Mateja Camilleri, hair, by Scissors Systems, and nails by Keziah’s Nail Lounge very simple because her dress had a lot of details and she did not want to overdo it. She also carried a beautiful bouquet of roses, by Blooms by Daniel. Ryan had always wanted a royal blue suite and he found the one that fitted best at The Groom Collection. He added shoes by Bortex and accessories by Alencia. The couple’s rings were tailor-made by Alencia. Ryan chose a plain white and rose gold ring. Renee’s was rose gold. “The wedding ceremony was very special and spiritual to me. It was the start of something new, the start of our life together”, Ryan remembered. EVERY THING THEY WANTED “For the reception, we wanted a venue where both inside and outside are modern and Villa Arrigo had everything that we wanted”, the couple said. At the entrance of the venue was a guest book table and a decorated love sign. Further in was a photo stand with hanging Polaroid style photos of Ryan and Reneé taken during their lives, from when they were born to their wedding date. Decorations were by Save the Date and flowers by Blooms by Daniel. »

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“We will surely remember how much fun we had during the day and seeing everything that we planned becoming a reality.” Reneé and Ryan.

“Osborne Caterers guided us from the first day we met them, to come up with a tailormade menu for our day”, the couple enthused. Their hanging wedding cake was also by Osborne Caterers and decorated with flowers by Blooms by Daniel. Entertainment at the reception was provided by Versatile Brass, and they kept everyone dancing all day long. “For our first dance we chose Say You Won’t Let Go, by James Arthur, because it has very meaningful words and it felt that the song said a lot about our relationship. It was very special for us”, they said. “Also, when dancing with our parents, my father started

crying and this was also a very special and emotional moment”, Reneé added. CELEBRATORY POINTS Reneé’s bridal team helped her with some of the preparations, such as finding the best fabric for their dresses, from Alamango, attending dress fittings, choosing the accessories, decorations and flowers. They also organized a beautiful tea party for her, the hens’ party and the bachelors’ party. Ryan rented a surprise limo to take her, the bridal team and some friends to her bridal shower. And Reneé presented Ryan with a gift on the day. It was an explosion box full of their

photos and a Versace cologne. For their wedding souvenirs, Reneé and Ryan had a photo set up of a flower wall with #RR19 – 09-06-2019 written on it, a sofa and some vases. Guests could take photos and these were printed immediately. They also had small M&Ms with their pre-wedding photos and the date on them. The couple also had a wedding organiser, Twanny Sacco, just for the day. “We really suggest this to every couple getting married, so the bridal team can truly enjoy the day with you. Also he has a lot of experience and makes sure that everything goes smoothly during the day”, they advised.

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WEDDING & SPECIAL OCCASION MATERIAL IKLIN RD, IKLIN TEL: 23314343 @gaudibyjbstores

A golden summer wedding Photography | K Photography

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THE COUPLE

Christa & Dustin 7 June 2019 Christa Gerada, 26, an LSE, and Dustin Mifsud, 28, a sales manager were married in Msida Parish Church.

BIRTHDAY PROPOSAL aving spent 11 years together, marriage was always in the pipe line for Christa and Dustin. “But”, says Christa, “we never actually worked on it until he proposed during my 24th birthday party. Instead of having a normal birthday cake, I got a proposal cake! I was left speechless! For just few seconds I had no idea what was happening until I saw him on his knees beside me! It is very difficult to explain how I was feeling as several emotions hit me at one go!” For their wedding invites the couple kept in mind the style of their wedding venue, Palazzo Nobile. They consulted Charlene from Foilplus, and together they created a modern contemporary style they both wanted, with a touch of gold foil. The invitations were written by calligrapher Stefania Attard Portughese. »

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» WITH SENTIMENT AND LUCK Christa and Dustin chose Msida Parish Church for their wedding ceremony for sentimental reasons. Music in the church was by soprano Claire Caruana, of Tunin Entertainment. And Christa wore her dream dress, which she found at Mariage Bridal Wear Boutique. It was ball gown style with off the shoulder sleeves. She also wore a veil edged with lace and with a long train, and carried a bouquet of pastel coloured hydrangeas, lisianthus, roses and alstromeria, from Romano Cassar. “I clearly remember the day that I went to try my dream dress, 13 April 2018. I remember my mother saying that it is bad luck to go and try it on since it was Friday the 13th, but actually it was my birthday”, she explains. Justin’s suit blue with a self-designed tie and waistcoat, came from Natasha’s His and Hers. Christa and Dustin chose rings from Sterling Jewellers. Christa broke from tradition with a promise ring, with stones all the way round, which went with her promise and engagement rings, which she wanted to keep wearing. Dustin’s ring has bands of silver, rose and yellow gold with a small diamond. AN IDEAL SETTING For their wedding venue Christa and Dustin decided on Palazzo Nobile, which was big enough for all their guests and had indoor and outdoor space, just in case it rained. As the venue was already decorative, with marble and gold highlights and a lot of greenery, they focused on the outdoor area. With the help from Anton’s Décor, and Melissa from Golden Edge Wedding Planners & Organisers who gave them a clear idea of how she would decorate the venue for them. Catering was in the hands of Busy Bee, so was the wedding cake, which was their main focus. The four-tiered plain cake looked beautiful , free standing under a gazebo, surrounded by flowers. »

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“Each part of the wedding had its own highlight.” Christa and Dustin

»The couple refined the chorography for their first dance with the help of Keith, at Keith Dance Studio, who managed to create fantastic choreography for them, and their group dance. He even went to rehearse at the venue nearer the day, so everyone knew what they were doing. “After the first dance people literally invaded the dance floor! The band The Residents, one of the exclusive bands of Tunin Entertainment,was amazing. They managed to keep the dance floor on the go throughout the whole night“, the couple remembered; adding that they sang their chosen songs and then requests from the audience. Their reception was also lit up by a spectacular firework display by BG Malta Fireworks Display – Bernard Cauchi. They celebrated their special day by making a donation to Hospice Malta. And their guests each received a small pyramid-shaped box, decorated in

the marble and gold colours of Palazzo Nobile and filled with chocolates. Christa mentioned the joy at seeing so many of her students at the wedding Mass and giving her bouquet to her sister as her boyfriend was going to propose to her, as two more special events of the wedding she had researched and planned intensively. She was very happy with her make-up by Chloe and her manicurist, Kirsty, at La Chic Nails and Beauty, with whom she chose a colour and length that would look good for the whole day. Her wedding planner, Katia from KG Events made sure that everything was perfect. “I think that at times especially closer to the date, I was super relaxed, knowing that Katia was doing a great job”, Christa said, adding that her bridal team were amazing during the whole journey. “It may be stressful to prepare your wedding day but it is fun”, she concluded.

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

A wedding full of sunshine Photography | Reno Rapa

THE COUPLE

Nadesh & Mark Anthony 22 June 2019 Nadesh Micallef, 28, a shop manager, Mark Anthony Borg, 26, a finance manager, were married in the Church of the Holy Cross, Balluta.

A CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL adesh and Mark both dreamt that one day they would get married, seeing marriage as not just a physical union, but also a spiritual one; an emotional bond and life-long commitment that widens your horizons. “Mark decided to propose on Christmas day, 2016. We traditionally have Christmas lunch with Mark’s family. The last gift was my engagement ring. Mark made a video containing various photos and quotes that described our journey together from the beginning till that date. It was very emotional and obviously all the family cried with happiness”, Nadesh remembers. The couple wanted to get married where Nadesh was baptized – in Balluta, but the time they could have the Mass was too late. Instead they chose the Kapuccini Church of the Holy Cross, with which Mark’s family has been associated for a long time. There was music by Karin Duff and, in keeping with their special sunshine theme, Nadesh walked up an aisle laid with a beautiful yellow carpet – the singer and the carpet were both booked through Tunin Entertainment Ltd. Nadesh wore the first, and last dress she tried on, by James, at Eva Mariee Bridal Exclusive. It was the dress she had always imagined. She added a very long veil, with lace and the head piece also from Eva Mariee, and matching shoes with Swarovski crystals, bought from Stivaletti. Nadesh’s make-up was by Raisa Briffa, at Picord, her hair was styled by Marika at Rose Salon, and her nails by Kirsty of La Chic Nails & Beauty. She also wore jewellery from Swarovski and carried a bouquet of ivory and pale yellow flowers, by Romano Cassar. »

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» Mark shared his first impression saying, “As I saw her coming down the aisle, it felt like a constant euphoric rush; huge lump in my throat. But then everything was worth it. I felt relaxed after a few minutes.” He looked stunning, too, in a suit by Aristocrat, recommended by Nadesh’s sister. Nadesh’s maid of honour and bridesmaids looked beautiful in their dresses, from Dianne Josephine Bridal Couture. And the bride and groom’s mothers looked very elegant in outfits from Monsoon and Mrs Jones respectively. The couple exchanged simple gold rings, by Joseph Lewis. »

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» MODERN AND MUSICAL Nadesh and Mark chose Giardini Lambrosa for their reception venue. It had all the hype they were looking for at the time. There were flowers by Debbie, of Romano Cassar, and members of their families took care of the decorations, including the stage, with sunflowers bathed in yellow lighting. Elia Caterers also created a beautiful cake, decorated, of course, with touches of yellow. Drama was added with a magnificent ice sculpture of the couple’s initials, created by Paul Kind. And, there were also fabulous fireworks by BG Malta Fireworks Display – Bernard Cauchi. Music and dancing were highlighted in this wedding. Nadesh and Mark learned some moves for their first dance, and had a dance with family members. Then came the group dance, for which they had various dance lessons and enjoyed every second. Here they thanked their choreographers Analise Mifsud Triganza and Robert Micallef, who also took part in the dance as guests. »

“Everything was a highlight for us. It was our dream, and we made the most of it.” Nadesh and Mark.

» “We had to do one push up and get back up again, and funnily enough one of us got his shirt ripped off in the middle of the dance. We danced all night long together with our guests”, the couple remembered; while adding special thanks to Ira and her band, also booked through Tunin Entertainment Ltd, who were impeccable. Nadesh and Mark also included little extra touches like having a table of hors d’oeuvres and Aperol Spritz immediately after their wedding ceremony; offering their church flowers to the Holy Mary before going on to their wedding venue and pretty souvenirs of pewter and yellow crystal apples tagged with the couple’s names and the message: You are the apple of my eye, to make their day personal and special.

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