Bliss Weddings & Homes March 2016

Issue 29 MARCH 2016

YOUR weddings & homeS magazine

latest

WEDDING trends

REAL COUPLES

Stunning local weddings

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A society wedding from 1953

AMAZING DRESSES

Honeymoon Discovering Bali and Singapore

contents ISSUE 29 · MARCH 2016

HOME DECOR page 59

REAL WEDDING page 17

Fashion & beauty 11 Bridal trends 37 Soft luxury

Interview

66 A lifetime of love

Weddings & honeymoons 15 17 27 47 63

Wedding trends An international love story Big in size, small in spirit Discovering the wonders of Singapore and Bali Wedding directory

Homes

51 From two to three 59 Top trends for your living room

our cover

DRESS: Elegant A-line wedding gown with 3D flower detail at the neckline, Blumarine Collection available at Ivory & Co. BOUQUET: Debbie Cassar, Floral Artist for Romano Cassar, using eucalyptus leaves, alstroemeria, santini and roses to create a colourful spring feel with a modern twist.

Location: Barracuda Restaurant, St Julian’s Photographer: Valentina Lupo (www.facebook.com/ valentinalupophotography) Photo Shoot Coordinator: Sarah Micallef Hair: Laura Calleja Schembri, Fuss Hair & Beauty Make-up: Shasha, assisted by Kim Pisani Model: Jasmin at models.com.mt

8 bliss MARCH 2016

Issue 29 Saturday, March 26, 2016 Bliss is a weddings and homes magazine distributed with The Times – making it the largest weddings and homes magazine in Malta.

Editor Sarah Micallef Publisher

editor’s letter

W

elcome to the year’s fresh springtime edition of Bliss – your weddings and homes magazine. Spring is a time of wedding TRENDS renewal, with bright blooms filling the page 15 air and birds singing in the skies – and BRIDAL SHOOT page 37 just before the onset of the Maltese real home wedding season, it’s the perfect time to page 51 think weddings!

In this issue, we meet national Long Jump record holder Rebecca Gorrieri and her new husband Federico, who tell us all about their beautifully international big day. Meanwhile, MP Ryan Callus and Maria Stivala reveal details about their nuptials last December, and how they managed to make their large wedding feel like an intimate affair.

We also discover Chiara Borg and Davide Corso’s honeymoon experience in beautiful Bali, and take a tour of Mark and Krista Hyzler’s stylish modern apartment in Tal-Ibragg.

Finally, apart from all the latest musthave trends in weddings and homes, we turn back the clock with Charles and Lina Thake, who take us back to their beautiful society wedding in 1953, and let us in on their secret to a long and happy life together!

Enjoy the issue.

Sarah JOIN US ON

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Bliss

Visit BlissMagazineMalta

Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel BKR3000 Tel: 2132 0713 info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt Distribution:

Design Box Design – Antoinette Micallef ant@box-design.net Printer Progress Press Ltd. Contributors Laura Calleja Schembri; Marie-Claire Grima; Shasha Fabri; Martina Said Photography Andrew Borg Wirth; Alan Carville; Lionel Galea; Valentina Lupo; Karl Sciberras; Nicky Scicluna Advertising Content House Ltd – Tel: 2132 0713 publication sales manager Jessica Catania Advertising sales executive Antonella Trapani Advertising sales coordinator Lindsey Napier; Marvic Cutajar All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written authorisation of Content House Ltd. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in the magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors it may contain.

Participate in our competition and you may win a Nina Ricci Nina Pop EDT 50ml, courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd. To enter the competition all you have to do is answer the following question:

WHICH ARTICLE OR FEATURE DID YOU MOST ENJOY IN THIS ISSUE, AND WHY?

Send your answers, as well as your telephone number, to media@contenthouse.com.mt or in writing to Bliss Magazine, Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel, BKR3000.

Competition closes 30th April 2016. One entry per person. Terms and conditions apply.

Last issue Rita Anna Lia Bonanno won an Olympea EDP 50ml, courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd.

Bridal Trends § MARCH 2016 bliss 11

Bridal

trends

words by SARAH MICALLEF catwalk shots courtesy of Barcelona Bridal Week

Minimal

Many modern brides are increasingly doing away with all the pomp and ceremony associated with the traditional wedding, and this is reflecting in their choice of bridal wear – with simple silhouettes and plain fabric taking the place of fussy details, intricate lace, beading and ruching.

Left to right: Cristina Tamborero, Pronovias

Prom

If you’re getting married during the hot summer months, a short, prom-style dress could be just what the doctor ordered to beat the heat and look super stylish at the same time. The flirty flared skirt also adds an element of fun and whimsy to the look.

Left to right: M&M, Inmaculada Garcia, Rosa Clara

12 bliss MARCH 2016 § Bridal Trends

Grecian

There’s a bit of a Grecian goddess in all of us just yearning to come out, so it’s no surprise that beautifully draped Grecian-inspired wedding dresses appeal to brides each season. Another silhouette that looks fabulous in summer, it’s timeless, elegant and effortless.

Left to right: Cymbeline, Rosa Clara, Matilde Cano

Wedding Trends § MARCH 2016 bliss 15

V-neck dresses

ÑBridal runways for 2016 collections were all about the plunging neckline, with wide V-necks lending themselves to a sophisticated silhouette.

And the best thing? They’re so flattering – enhancing the collarbone, narrowing broad shoulders and slimming the figure.

ÔA huge trend in wedding bakery is cakes without frosting, otherwise known as ‘naked’ cakes. These unfrosted or partially frosted cakes are decorated with flowers and fruit, and are a pretty option for spring or summer nuptials. www.fabmood.com

www.onewed.com

Naked cakes

www.thebridelink.com

The new bouquet

ÓBouquets are no longer entirely comprised of flowers. The modern bouquet features interesting elements like fragrant herbs, seasonal fruits and vegetables, succulents, ferns, lavender sprigs and decorative leaves, as well as flowering plants and blooming branches.

www.paperbrideblog.com

Wedding trends

Custom monograms

ÑÓMonograms look great on wedding stationery, and couples are now choosing to create their own, commissioning designers to craft custom stamps for use on everything from invitations to reception décor.

Metallics

ÓÖA versatile trend that’s really making waves at the moment is metallics, which can look elegant, whimsical, ethereal or even very natural, depending on how and where you use it. The most popular variants are gold and copper, with silver on the wane.

www.hermithomewares.com

www.marthastewartweddings.com

www.thisisjusttosay.co

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Real Wedding § MARCH 2016 bliss 17

y Beacnk d o Federic

An International Love Story From opponents on the athletics track to lovers across the sea, Becky and Federico Gorrieri share their love story leading up to their wedding day with Sarah Micallef.

P hotos b y Nic k y S ciclu n a

n y locatio ceremon Italia Church, d' na Santa Cateri Valletta e venu wedding Battery, Saluting Valletta

T

he first thing that strikes me when I meet newlyweds Becky and Federico Gorrieri is their incredible energy and infectious sense of excitement. Both former athletes, the pair met at an international athletics competition 13 years ago – in which Becky represented Malta and Federico flew the flag for San Marino, making them, technically, opponents.

Despite hitting it off, the pair went their separate ways after their initial meeting, only to reconnect at the same competition in 2011. This time, things got serious. “He was living in Italy and I was working in Malta, so I went up to visit him for two weeks,” Becky recalls. “During

that couple of weeks we spent together, it was clear that we had strong feelings for each other,” Federico adds.

The pair had a long distance relationship for a year, communicating via Skype and travelling to see each other every weekend, until Becky decided to move to Italy. It was there, in 2014, that Federico popped the question.

“It was her birthday and we drove south for a small holiday by the sea. I had been thinking about it and was waiting for the right moment,” he says. Becky takes me through the perfectly planned proposal. “First, he woke me up with a picture of where we were going, and told me he had our bags packed. Ò

Real Wedding § MARCH 2016 bliss 19

“

I had tied the rings myself with a simple bow, but when it came to untying them at the church I just couldn’t get the knot out!

”

Once we got there I found out that we were spending the night at a spa hotel with our own private spa, but at this point it still hadn’t occurred to me – I just thought it was really sweet! Over dinner he told me he had a gift for me. I opened the box, and the first thing I said when I saw the ring was, ‘Oh my God, what’s this?’ and he got down on one knee, in case it wasn’t obvious!” she laughs.

The date was set for a year later, and the none-too-simple task of planning a wedding in Malta while still living in Italy began. While both Becky and Federico

have now retired from athletics and are preparing to move to Malta as Federico finishes his studies in medicine, wedding planning came at a busy time for Becky, who was juggling training throughout the week with a part-time job and finishing a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience.

Impressively, it was nothing the positive bride-to-be couldn’t handle, with some valuable help from her mum. “I was abroad so she helped a lot on the ground.

I did what I could via email and came down often for meetings because I really wanted to be there,” she says. Ò

20 bliss MARCH 2016 § Real Wedding

details

Bilingual ceremony

ÓThe ceremony was half in English and half in Italian, and took place at Santa Caterina d'Italia Church in Valletta, which was built in 1576 by the Italian knights of St John and which now serves as the parish church of the Italian community of Malta – paying homage to Federico’s Italian roots.

Floral Décor

ÓThe beautiful Saluting Battery – the couple’s chosen venue for their reception – didn’t need much dressing up, so the pair opted for simple floral arrangements in pink and white for their wedding décor, created by Alistair.

“

When I saw her walking into the church, I just thought the typical thing: ‘Oh my God she’s beautiful’.

While Federico’s involvement in the planning was limited because, he jokes, “I’m a man, and I come from abroad,” Becky affectionately recalls that he did attend some of the meetings, but mostly trusted her choices – with the exception of food and drinks, which they chose together.

Asked whether there were any details of the wedding that the couple were dead set on, the pair agree that the venue was the clincher: the Saluting Battery in Valletta. “Federico’s family and a lot of our friends are from abroad, so it was a really nice location for our guests to enjoy Malta,” Becky explains. The pair recalls that when it came down to it, the canons really put on a great show, and their guests loved it. They even had a little extra help thanks to some colourful fireworks from a nearby feast being let off just as they were about to cut the cake!

While the wedding didn’t have a particular theme, Becky describes it in

one word as elegant. “I think that the venue really sets the scene. I chose the dress and flowers because I imagined them in that particular scenario. Then again, I had always wanted an elegant wedding – which is quite funny because I’m usually so sporty,” she laughs.

When the big day arrived – 31st July 2015 – Federico recalls waking up feeling relaxed. Ò

”

Real Wedding § MARCH 2016 bliss 23

“A few days before I was concerned about everybody having a good time… since I had all my family and friends over, I had to organise their time here,” he says, explaining that they had a get together the day before the wedding for everyone to get acquainted. “That morning I was really chilled. I woke up, had breakfast and went for a swim. For the first time that week, I had nothing to do or worry about. I just had to put my suit on and go,” he says.

The church the couple chose for the ceremony was Santa Caterina d'Italia in Valletta, which provided the perfect intimate backdrop. The ceremony took place in Italian and English, and all went smoothly until it was time to exchange the rings. “I still can’t figure out if it was a prank by Federico’s friend,” laughs Becky, as she explains how she just couldn’t untie the rings from the ring pillow. “I had tied them myself with a simple bow, but when it came to untying them at the church I just couldn’t get the knot out!

Eventually one of the ushers grabbed a pair of scissors from the back and cut it. Everyone was laughing… it was so funny!”

Apart from their wedding, the day also turned out to have another special significance for the couple. “My best friend, who was also my witness, was pregnant at the time, but was still about seven weeks shy of her due date. Two days before the wedding however, her water broke. She went into labour on the night before the wedding, and I was constantly on the phone with her husband. Their baby daughter was born the following morning – on my wedding day,” Becky recalls, admitting that while she did have a backup witness, it was sad that her friend had to miss the wedding, although it was for the most special of reasons.

What was a worry to the pair though was that her husband was the only Maltese usher, so despite needing him to direct foreign guests, they accepted that they’d have to do without him. But, as the bridal entourage pulled up at the church, there was a surprise in store. “As I came out of the car, I found him at the church – he surprised us by coming anyway! It was so nice of him as he had been up all night.

And now I’m their daughter’s godmother,” says Becky happily.

Looking back on their big day, the pair maintain that they loved every minute, from getting ready to dancing until the early hours. Ever the romantic, Federico’s favourite part however, was seeing Becky for the first time. “When I saw her walking into the church, I just thought the typical thing: ‘Oh my God she’s beautiful’,” he says. Becky agrees, adding, “walking down the aisle and exchanging our vows were the most special parts of the day. The priest was amazing and it was very personal. I had a smile from ear to ear the whole time.” As for the celebration afterwards, what the pair wanted most was for everyone to have a good time – and that’s exactly what happened. Ò

24 bliss MARCH 2016 § Real Wedding

“

I remember having a full dancefloor all night – I didn’t even eat anything or notice when the water ran out, because I was having so much fun!

“It was different to a typical Maltese wedding. Despite having over 300 guests, we had friends from all over the world there. They didn’t all know each other in the beginning, but by the end everyone had gotten to know each other through the fun atmosphere – and for the first time ever, we both had all our friends and families in once place. I just remember having a full dancefloor all

”

night – I mean, I didn’t even eat anything or notice when the water ran out, because I was having so much fun!” says Becky.

And if they’d have any advice for anyone getting married it would be just that, to remember to enjoy themselves.

“Enjoy it, no matter what goes wrong. It really doesn’t matter… in the end, you’re going to look back on it as the best day of your life,” they smile. n

Real Wedding § MARCH 2016 bliss 27

ria Ma and Ryan

ion ny locat , ceremo parish church St Nicholasggiewi Si g venue weddin eritage, ne H Limesto iewi Sigg

Big in size, small in spirit

How do you keep the wedding of a political figure from becoming a bloated media circus? MP Ryan Callus and PR executive Maria Stivala, who tied the knot on 8th December 2015, tell Marie-Claire Grima how they pulled it off.

Photo by Karl Sciberras

I

t’s often said that opposites attract, and this was the case for Maria, 28, and Ryan, 32, who met when they were teens at the Marsa Athletics club. “I’m a classic introvert – I’ve always been painfully shy, especially as a teenager. When I joined, I didn’t know anyone at the club and I was afraid to talk to people. All of a sudden, this confident, outgoing older guy came up to me, introduced himself and started chatting away. I fell in love with him almost instantly,” Maria recalls.

Although Maria was immediately infatuated, and the pair dated on and off throughout the years, puppy love wasn’t quite strong enough to keep them together. Both eventually quit athletics. Ryan, currently the only engineer in the Maltese

parliament, went on to study mechanical engineering in the US, followed by a master’s in project management in England. As they grew up, they got into long-term relationships with other people. “I never stopped thinking about him though,” says Maria fondly. “This was just before the heyday of social media – you couldn’t really check up on your ex on Facebook to see how they were doing. You could only wonder!” The pair got back in touch in 2008, and their feelings were rekindled, but it wasn’t until 2011 that they started dating in earnest.

Ryan famously proposed to Maria in Kenya, during the last part of a three-week mission trip with Karibu Malta, led by Fr Carmelo Aquilina. Ò

28 bliss MARCH 2016 § Real Wedding

Photo by Karl Sciberras

h Photo by Andrew Borg Wirt

Photo by Andrew Borg Wirth

Photo by Andrew Borg Wirth

“

[The dress] was everything I wanted: long-sleeved, formfitting, elegant and simple.

”

“I told Fr Aquilina that I wanted to ask Maria to marry me during this trip, and he promised to help me coordinate it. I was getting increasingly tense – we were approaching the end of the journey, and he still hadn’t given me the right window of time to pop the question! However, on the last day, one of the nuns took me into town to buy all the supplies we needed, and I got down on one knee during the last event for the children, before we departed. It went off without a hitch.

Maria had no idea.” Maria shows me her

engagement ring, a beautiful band set with an amethyst. “It amazes me to this day that 20 Maltese people under one roof were able to keep such a big secret,” she grins.

Once wedding planning got into full swing, Maria and Ryan were faced with a major problem. They both wanted a small celebration for their nearest and dearest, but as Ryan is an MP, it naturally followed that he had a considerable amount of people to invite, so there was a lot of back and forth until they settled on a compromise. Ò

Photo by Andrew Borg Wirth

Photo by Karl Sciberras

Real Wedding § MARCH 2016 bliss 31

On the day, Maria’s best friends and sisters came over to her house to help her do her hair and make-up. “I decided not to have any bridesmaids, but this way, I still got to have a bridal party!” she grins. She recalls having to calm the girls down instead of the other way round. “They were much more nervous and excited than I was. I was totally calm!”

The ceremony was held at St Nicholas parish church in Siggiewi, the town where Ryan grew up and where the couple now live. Maria’s father drove her to the wedding in his vintage TVR sports car. “We put a GoPro camera on the dashboard and filmed ourselves singing and being silly all the way to church. It was such a fun bonding experience and it helped me release any nerves I may have had.” Ò

“

We put a GoPro camera on the dashboard and filmed ourselves singing and being silly all the way to church.

”

“We like to think that despite the number of guests we had, we injected enough informality and liveliness into the wedding to make it feel laid-back and intimate,” Maria says. “Big in size, but small in spirit.”

Maria was adamant from the start that she would not buy an off-the-shelf dress. She commissioned a dress from Gozitan designer Luke Azzopardi. “He made me think about so many things which would never even occur to me when choosing a dress – like ‘how do you want to feel when you’re walking down the aisle? What about sitting? What about dancing?’ We went shopping for fabrics – geometric French lace and silk – before we settled on the design. He then got to work bringing it to life.

It was everything I wanted: long-sleeved, form-fitting, elegant and simple.”

Photo by Karl Sciberras

Photo by Karl Sciberras

Real Wedding § MARCH 2016 bliss 33

details

Intimate invites

The floral artwork on the invitations was painted by Michael Vassallo, an artist friend of the couple who uses his mouth to paint. Ryan handwrote the invitations in Maltese. “It felt more personal that way,” he says.

By the book

Instead of a cushion for the ring, Maria bought a vintage book from a thrift shop, glued the pages together and carved out a heart in the middle of the pages. “I chanced upon a page that said ‘yours, mine, ours’ – and that’s when I stopped digging,” she smiles.

Photo by Andrew Borg Wirth

Skip the souvenirs Photo by Karl Sciberras

As she walked down the aisle to the strains of Nell’ Anima Mia, the sweet and angelic voice of Junior Eurovision contestant Federica Falzon provided a counterpoint to the majesty of the aweinspiring St John’s Cathedral Choir. And who better than Fr Aquilina, the kindly priest from Siggiewi who had helped Ryan

orchestrate the proposal, to join the couple as man and wife? The vows they exchanged were a variant of the traditional vows which are popular in Gozo. Instead of a pledge to ‘love, honour and obey’, they made a promise to join their lives as one single entity. Ò

Ryan and Maria used the money they would have spent on souvenirs to sponsor a year’s tuition for Peninah Wambui, a 12-year-old girl they befriended in Ruiru, Kenya, through Sponsor My Future, the organisation founded by Maria and another member of the mission, Laura Paris. To find out more about the organisation, visit www. sponsormyfuture.com

34 bliss MARCH 2016 § Real Wedding

“

We like to think that despite the number of guests we had, we injected enough informality and liveliness into the wedding to make it feel laid-back and intimate.

”

Photos by Karl Sciberras

The prayers of the faithful were written by the very same Kenyan children whose lives they sought to change on that fateful mission trip.

After taking a few wedding shots at Salib tal-Gholja, Maria and Ryan arrived at the reception, which was held at the Limestone Heritage. Their first dance was to the Xemx/L-Ahhar Bidwi f’Wied il-Ghasel duet, sung by Eurovision luminaries Ira Losco and Gianluca Bezzina. “She surprised me by telling me they weren’t available on the day,” Ryan smiles. “He surprised me with synchronised fireworks!” Maria replies.

The wedding reception lasted until nine

in the evening, and was followed by an after-party for their closest friends.

With the commencement of Maria’s third year at university, her thesis and her professional responsibilities, as well as Ryan’s myriad political obligations and duties, the couple have been too busy to go on a long honeymoon, although they have plans to return to Kenya in summer. However, they did have time for a quick jaunt to Rome – where they met Pope Francis as part of the sposi novelli tradition – followed by a few days of driving around Tuscany in a Fiat 500. Now that’s amore! n

Soft Luxury Location: Barracuda Restaurant, St Julian’s Photographer: Valentina Lupo (www.facebook.com/ valentinalupophotography) Photo Shoot Coordinator: Sarah Micallef Hair: Laura Calleja Schembri, Fuss Hair & Beauty Make-up: Shasha, assisted

by Kim Pisani Models: Jasmin at models.com.mt and Kate (flower girl)

Traditional romance is showcased in this sequin embellished lace on tulle ball gown with a sweetheart neckline and detachable beaded belt at the waistline.

Exclusively available at Alamango Bridal Ltd.

Fashion § MARCH 2016 bliss 37

38 bliss MARCH 2016 ยง Fashion

An update on the most timelessly elegant and flattering silhouette, this full-length mermaid gown features a romantic sweetheart neckline bodice and long sleeves adorned with lace.

Make your debut in this luxurious lace mermaid gown and all your guests will be mesmerised.

Dress exclusively available at EVA MARIEE Bridal Exclusive.

Fashion § MARCH 2016 bliss 39

Mermaid wedding dress in French lace with longsleeved sheer illusion tulle bodice and a deep V at the back – Atelier Pronovias Collection available at Ivory & Co.

40 bliss MARCH 2016 ยง Fashion

MAID OF HONOUR: Maeve pink maxi dress, ornamented with a lace bodice and a jewel embellished waistband which reveals a V-shaped back. Available at Monsoon, Bisazza Street, Sliema.

FLOWER GIRL: Marilyn dress featuring a duchess satin bodice, grosgrain ribbon sash with a detachable flower corsage and pleated chiffon skirt with tulle underlay and textured flat shoes, available at Monsoon Children, Bisazza Street, Sliema.

Fashion ยง MARCH 2016 bliss 41

Stunning, oneof-a-kind bridal gown in moka with beaded floral design embellished with Swarovski crystals. Dress

by Anna Romysh Haute Couture, only available at WEDDINGBELLS.

42 bliss MARCH 2016 ยง Fashion

Stylish hand sequinned evening dress by Rosa Clarรก Fiesta, available at Ivory & Co.

44 bliss MARCH 2016 § Wedding Venues

Your wedding at

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

Magazino Hall: Renowned for its

versatility, Magazino proudly displays its historical features from a glorious past.

Built in 1727 to store oil for street lamps, it was later incorporated in the island’s first power station. Once inside, there is an impressive arched ceiling and the golden limestone glistens with the cast of soft lighting. An adjoining outdoor courtyard nestled among the historic bastions can be used as a breakout area or as a standalone venue. Magazino can comfortably accommodate 400 persons.

Old Power House: The original

building came about during the construction of Floriana’s fortifications in the 1700s. This building has taken many turns in history, before being transformed and operating as Malta’s first electricity production plant. This building offers a fascinating layering of spaces and reflects the multiplicity of activities forming part of Malta’s Grand Harbour over the centuries. The rustic structure with high ceilings displays an interesting contrast between the old and the new.

Under the Stars: The possibilities are endless – the open-air venue is an artistic blank canvas with the Grand Harbour as a backdrop on one side and the Valletta Waterfront buildings on the other. The location is breath-taking and lends itself to the typical Mediterranean al fresco lifestyle.

Under the Marquee: Located on the Valletta Waterfront quays, the marquee offers protective cover for up to 1,400 persons in a uniquely magical location.

The Sagrestia Vault: Located directly on the Valletta Waterfront is a hidden treasure unknown to most – the Sagrestia Vault. Annexed to the 17thcentury vault is a small but beautifully detailed chapel dedicated to the Flight of the Holy Family to Egypt. In combination with the Sagrestia Vault, the Chapel can be utilised as a receiving area. It is truly a little gem on the Valletta Waterfront.

Civil wedding ceremonies can be officiated in Magazino Hall, and also on the quays. Meanwhile religious weddings can be celebrated in the Chapel on the Valletta Waterfront.

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

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

For further details or to view any of the venues contact Anna Maria Cardona Schranz or Christian Saliba on T: 2567 3114; E: info@vallettacruiseport.com

Honeymoon § MARCH 2016 bliss 47

Singapore and Bali Discovering the wonders of

From savouring authentic Indian fare in Little India, Singapore, to river rafting in Bali, Chiara Borg and Davide Corso tell Martina Said about their unforgettable three-week honeymoon in south-east Asia.

H

oneymooning in Bali and Singapore proved to be the trip of a lifetime for newlyweds Chiara Borg and Davide Corso, despite being unsure of what destination to pick for their first trip together as a married couple. “Deciding where to travel to next is always a big question mark,” they say, “however, after meeting some locals from Bali through Enrico Travel, curiosity got the better of us. We opted for a honeymoon in Bali but interrupted the long way there with a city break in Singapore – the two destinations together in one holiday were a great combination.”

Chiara, 29, and Davide, 33, met almost nine years ago while both were on holiday in Malta. After eight years

together, they tied the knot on 31st July 2015 in fabulous Maltese-Italian fashion, and hosted their dream wedding at Popeye Village in Mellieha, complete with plenty of sunshine, sea, music, great food and the most important people in their lives. Once the confetti had settled and their dancing shoes hung up, Chiara and Davide were looking forward to their honeymoon. “Our honeymoon was important to both of us – it’s good to get away and spend time together discovering the world, and a three-week holiday was the perfect answer.”

Both keen travellers, Chiara says a trip to Asia had been on their minds for some time, and the idea of combining Singapore with Bali was to experience a

mix of city life and adventure contrasted with romantic relaxation.

Their trip began in Singapore, a city which the couple describes as “out of this world” and a must for food lovers like themselves. “We started in China Town and tasted things we had never even heard of, ranging from very spicy dishes to fruits and vegetables we didn’t even know existed. Little India was also fun, where we savoured different types of Indian food hailing from all over the country, and tried our luck by choosing the food stalls with the longest queues.

A visit to Universal Studios was also an experience to remember – it was our first time together in a theme park and we both enjoyed feeling like kids again.” Ò

48 bliss MARCH 2016 § Honeymoon

“

In China Town, Singapore, we tasted things we had never heard of, ranging from very spicy dishes to fruits and vegetables we didn’t even know existed.

”

This cocktail of cultures, with influences spanning from China to India, proved to be one of the most exhilarating aspects of this mammoth city. “We were also lucky to be in Singapore at a time when the Chinese were setting up and decorating the streets for their New Year celebrations.”

With most of the planning for their honeymoon done well in advance, Chiara and Davide were able to relax and enjoy their trip from start to finish. “Enrico Travel suggested how we should divide our time between cities and tours, and they provided us with all the details. We had a mix of private tours, group tours – among them was a cooking class – and other days we went out and explored by ourselves, making the most of those lazy beach and resort days.”

True to their love of food, the couple was intrigued by Balinese cuisine, characterised by copious amounts of chilli, spices, garlic and herbs. “They also

make the most incredible fruit juices, and we drank one after another after another of these. Something that we noticed right away about Bali is that, being a Hindu country, they have lots of rituals and ceremonies for many of their occasions, and you always see locals with a smile on their face.”

Chiara and Davide believe that the

best part of their holiday was getting to see a part of the world that is so different to what they know – one with a completely different way of life, culture and set of beliefs, and that proved enriching to them in a way that they couldn’t have ever expected.

“Our honeymoon was even better than we anticipated – we felt safe and

Honeymoon § MARCH 2016 bliss 49

welcome, and our experiences seem to have rubbed off onto a number of close friends and couples who we recommended Singapore and Bali too, so much so in fact, that they wasted no time in booking a holiday there to see for themselves.”

While picking one favourite memory may prove challenging, Chiara and Davide say that river rafting in Bali was one of the most incredible experiences of their lives. “We river rafted close to a volcano and in the middle of a forest with a group of Australians – it was so much fun and we both agreed we might have to visit again at some point to continue exploring more stunning Indonesian islands!” n

“

What we noticed about Bali is that, being a Hindu country, they have lots of rituals and ceremonies for many of their occasions, and you always see locals with a smile on their face.

”

Home § MARCH 2016 bliss 51

From two to three Young couple Mark and Krista Hyzler tell Jo Caruana how they are gradually transforming their modern apartment into a stylish family home. photos b y ala n carv ille

I

t’s only a year-and-a-half since Mark and Krista Hyzler tied the knot in a beautiful summertime ceremony, and slightly less since they moved into their sizable three-bedroom apartment in Tal-Ibragg. But already it has become home.

Chosen because it is brilliantly located just a short distance from both their families, as well as because it is substantially larger than most of the other properties they saw, the couple quickly started turning it into a chic and comfortable space where they could enjoy the start of their marriage.

Krista explains that, having lived in a house for most of her life, she was a little worried about moving into an apartment.

“I was concerned I would feel closed in,” she says. “But I felt completely the opposite when we found this one. Ò

Home § MARCH 2016 bliss 53

It’s a lovely large space and it felt like we would get to enjoy the best of both worlds – the convenience of an apartment and the openness of a house.”

As Mark and Krista both work quite long hours as lawyers, they had to consider the fact that they didn’t want somewhere that would require a lot of maintenance. But they also knew that they wanted to raise a family, so they needed a space that was suitable.

As it turned out, they didn’t have to wait long to see if they’d made the right decision, as little Sophie was born just 11 months into their marriage! “Although all the baby things have taken over one of our bedrooms, Sophie hasn’t yet

started crawling, so her things are still contained. I imagine that will change quite a lot over the next few months, so the house will have to change with her,” Mark smiles.

However, before they knew they were expecting, the couple had already designed most of the elements in their home. Once they bought the property, they engaged the services of Nine Yards interior director Luisa Diacono, who worked to combine Mark and Krista’s differing styles.

“Mark was keen on having an ultra-modern home whereas I wanted something a little softer and more eclectic,” explains Krista. Ò

Home § MARCH 2016 bliss 55

with clear modern chairs, the blue sofa and cushions from Bo Concept that add a pleasing pop of colour, and the carpet, which I feel have made it really homely.

“The kitchen island has also proved to be really useful. Our guests tend to gather round it while we’re preparing drinks or food, so it adds a pleasing informality to the room. It’s very communal.”

Mark, meanwhile, really likes the floor, which is made of micro cement and stretches across the entirety of the open-plan area. “I hate having lines on the floor so this was the perfect option,” he says, adding that it really complements the rest of their décor. “The process took a long time to perfect but it was worth it,

“

as the results are durable and hygienic as it doesn’t collect dirt which is fantastic, especially when you consider Sophie will soon be crawling on it. I think the look it creates really adds to the space; it sets the tone for the whole apartment.”

As for the particular items they feel really stand out, Krista picks the smart blue chest in the dining room. “The challenge of an open-plan space is that it can look a bit soulless,” she says. “But I think it helps to create unique areas within it. This chest really brings this part of the room together, and works well with the vases that Mark chose, as well as with the wallpaper, which helps to separate this area from the kitchen.” Ò

Mark actually suggested a very limited colour palette to begin with – blue, silver, grey, white and ‘mirror’!

“Mark actually suggested a very limited colour palette to begin with – blue, silver, grey, white and ‘mirror’ – so Luisa had a very challenging task ahead of her!

Thankfully, she was with us every step of the way and provided us with excellent 3D renders that guided us as to what the final look would be like. She also managed to find really interesting ways of extending that palette a little, while also ensuring Mark was happy with the results.”

Looking around the house today, Krista cites the main room – a large openplan space with a façade-wide window and balcony – as her favourite. “We entertain a lot, so it was important to me that we had enough space to have people over without having to worry about where they would go. There are lots of elements here I love – the marble dining table that is juxtaposed

”

56 bliss MARCH 2016 § Home

It’s also turned into Mark’s whiskey corner, as the young dad has become something of a collector. “That said, I’m just as good at drinking it as I am at appreciating it,” he says with a grin.

Now, the couple is working on completing the rest of the house – most of which has been reserved for Sophie! One of the rooms will be her bedroom, and the other a playroom,” Krista says, explaining that she hopes to keep the living and dining room more ‘adult’. “We’re currently discussing ideas with Luisa, and hope to create something really cute and practical that she will enjoy as she gets older.”

Meanwhile, the apartment is evolving as a whole, quickly transforming into the family home the Hyzlers have long dreamt about. “We’re constantly changing things – finding new items we love, adding pieces to our collection and making it increasingly child-friendly,” Krista continues. “My family and I moved quite a lot as a child, so it’s nice to think of this as a ‘forever’ home and to be able to invest in making it look and feel exactly the way we want it to. It certainly turned out to be the perfect space for the two of us – and now for the three of us!” n

Home § MARCH 2016 bliss 59

Top trends for your living room

A pleasingly diverse array of styles has been forecast for this year’s living rooms, with something to suit everyone’s taste. From a fresh take on aquatic life to a nostalgic journey back to some of the most iconic decades in interior design, Marie-Claire Grima ticks off the 2016 trends.

Tech-free spaces

Ñ We’re not judging anyone for spending time in the living room hunkered down on the sofa, maintaining eye contact solely with their phone or tablet – it’s a hard habit to break and we do it too. However, many people are seizing the opportunity to take the tech out of their main rooms and concentrate on the living aspect, making it a gadget-free space where you can unplug and enjoy some offline quality time with the family. That said, if you must have tech, go big or go home: smart tech that feels like an organic part of the house isn’t leaving any time soon, and it never hurts to acclimatise early.

www.smalldesignideas.com

Welcome to the jungle

ÒBold and brash patterns in clashing tropical shades have been a feature on fashion runways for quite some time, but they’re now heading to a living room near you. According www.onekingslane.com to designer Henry Holland, whose collaboration with Habitat – drawing on inspiration from South America – will be launched later this year, the natural botanical look will be given a shot of adrenaline, translating into a fiesta of psychedelic colours and ultra-bright palettes.

www.dallasnews.com

Folk and funk www.thespaces.com

ÑPieces inspired by the sixties and seventies will be hot property in living rooms this year. While the decades don’t have many stylistic references in common, they were both famously outlandish – from Summer of Love paisley prints on sofa cushions to hippie chic rugs, and ostrich feathers in vases to crushed velvet swivel chairs recalling the heyday of Studio 54.

And, having left the demure blush bronze behind in 2015, gold will be the shade of choice for metallic accents – naturally! Ò

Fresh nauticals

www.anthropologie.com

60 bliss MARCH 2016 § Home

ÑÓWhile the seafaring look is a timeless one, there’s always room for a stylish twist on an old favourite. Instead of the obvious nautical motifs, patterns and colours can be tweaked in unusual ways to conjure up a casual seaside feel. A pop of bright colour within a blue and white colour scheme, mixing stripes with florals or gingham, or even using the traditional colours in pick-your-own patterns are all ways of creating interest while maintaining the fresh and relaxed air that makes nautical so irresistible.

www.ebay.co.uk

www.arcadianhome.com

Clever storage

ÒÖWhile over-the-top pieces can and should be a living room style statement, the rest of the area needs to be tidy in order to allow the uniqueness of your carefully-chosen pieces to really stand out. Living rooms tend to get a little cluttered and chaotic by default, so make sure that your storage furniture is doing its part in helping you make the most of your living space – and if it is beautiful as well as practical, that’s always a bonus! n www.horchow.com

Wedding Directory § MARCH 2016 bliss 63

wedding directory

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Artistique

ÔArtistique hair salon is brought to you by hairstylist Tiziana Zahra and nail technician Olesya Kravets, both of whom are fully qualified with over eight years of experience. They offer free consultation and professional advice for the bride and her loved ones. Artistique specialises in cutting, colouring, highlighting, all kinds of blow dries and up-styles for any occasion, as well as pampering services. For nails, we offer manicures and pedicures, gel, acrylic and soak-off, with a wide range of colours and any type of nail art including 3D and micropitura.

Artistique, Triq il-Gojjien, Fgura. T: 2766 6811; E: tizianazahra4@gmail.com

a

Alamango Bridal

ÓAlamango Bridal is the sole agent of Maggie Sottero, MoriLee, MonCheri, etc. At our bridal shop, a bride can find different styles including dresses for curvy brides.

Alamango Bridal also offers ready-made bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, as well as accessories for your unique day. Alamango Bridal Ltd, 95, Manoel De Vilhena Street, Gzira. T: 2131 4331; E: bridal@alamango.com.mt; www.alamango. com.mt; facebook.com/alamangomalta

A

Alamango Textiles

Fotogenic Studio

ÓWeddings are our specialisation at Fotogenic Studio. We cater for any wedding style and we adapt to our clients’ needs. Charles at Fotogenic Studio is the most qualified and awarded wedding photographer on the island. We accept one wedding a day, because we believe in quality and creativity. Fotogenic Studio, 34, Triq ilFerrovija, Hamrun. T: 2144 5647; M: 7945 1246; E: photos@fotogenicstudio.com

J

Jennifer the Makeup Artist

ØJennifer Dimech is a VTCT certified makeup artist who offers professional bridal and fashion make-up along with various treatments including LVL lash treatments and eyebrow shaping. Jennifer is professional, versatile and experienced both locally and internationally, and will ensure you look your best on your special day. With many satisfied clients, Jennifer the Makeup Artist will interpret your make-up needs and enhance your natural beauty.

Personal make-up courses are also available, incorporating various topics into a six to eight-hour seminar. T: 7923 2369. ; facebook. com/JenniferDimech

Coctel Cantineros C

ÓAlamango Textiles aims to supply the best quality, luxury fabrics on the market and has become a sought-after outlet by dressmakers and fashion designers alike.

We offer quality fashion and bridal fabrics, trims and exclusive ‘one piece only’ textiles, among others. Whether it’s a dress for the mother of the bride or a gown for a special occasion, our in-house team is able to design, sew and finish your unique dream dress. We also guarantee 100 per cent colour matching fabrics. Alamango Bridal, 95, Manoel De Vilhena Street, Gzira. T: 2131 4331; E: textiles@ alamango.com.mt; ww.alamango.com.mt; facebook.com/alamangomalta

ÔCoctel Cantineros is a Maltese-owned business by Patrick Briffa, which specialises in creating cocktails for weddings and private functions. Patrick’s experience and passion for his job make him the best cocktail creator on the island. We cater for weddings, private functions and special occasions. Coctel Cantineros is a member of the Maltese Bartenders Guild that forms part of the International Bartenders Association.

T: 2737 2191/7700 4571; E: coctelcantineros@ gmail.com; www.coctelcantineros.com

P

Palazzo Parisio

ÓAnne Hathaway wrote, “Weddings are important because they celebrate life and possibility.” Let Palazzo Parisio help you celebrate the start of your new lives together – we’ll do all we can to make the impossible possible! Our expertise and inimitable style will make a wedding day to remember.

T: 2141 2461; E: info@palazzoparisio.com; www.palazzoparisio.com

64 bliss MARCH 2016 § Wedding Directory

T

The Villa

ÔThe 19th-century tastefully renovated Villa is centrally located, overlooking the beautiful Balluta Bay. At The Villa, intimate celebrations as well as full-scale events and bespoke weddings are catered for. When it comes to food, The Villa is an award-winning restaurant with a team of experts at the ready to create any event or celebration.

All our events and bespoke weddings are unique as every detail can be tailored to your specific wishes. Whatever your event or budget, we invite you to make The Villa yours to enjoy for any occasion.

For further details call T: 2311 2273 or email E: info@thevillamalta.com

V

Virtuosi

ÓA very versatile band enjoying a vast repertoire. David is the band’s soloist who plays various instruments, namely the saxophone, violin, mandolin and flute, apart from being a talented singer. David is accompanied by keyboardist Norbert, Kurt on the bass guitar and Aldo on drums.

Prior to the wedding, Norbert, the band representative, meets each individual couple to discuss the songs they would like played during their wedding reception. T: 7980 3056/2180 3056; E: virtuosimalta@gmail. com; facebook.com/Virtuosi Band

Z

Zone5ive

ÔZone5ive Band is a well-established Maltese wedding band which guarantees peace of mind on your wedding day. Think ahead, book a wedding meeting and get to know the perfect band setup for your wedding reception. Setups are available from four-piece right up to seven-piece, including various established singers with the likes of Glen Vella, Janvil, Amber, Kevin Borg, Jasmine and more. T: 9942 2307; E: info@zone5band.com; www. zone5band.com; facebook.com/zone5ive band

A healthy diet ahead of your wedding Every bride wants to look great on her big day – and a healthy and balanced diet is key. This type of diet allows your body to burn enough calories without losing too much weight.

If you follow a balanced diet, consisting of small and regular portions of healthy food, you will automatically be helping your metabolism. Start with a good breakfast, followed by a small portion of food at lunchtime and a good meal in the evening. In between these meals it is recommended that you nibble healthy snacks such as fruit, yogurt, some nuts or a low-calorie item.

Each meal, on the other hand, should feature vegetables and fruit, a small amount of bread, small amounts of brown pasta with sauces that are low in fat, and lean meats such as chicken, as well as fish. Red meats and sweets may be eaten but in small quantities.

In order to look and feel great, the bride-to-be should also exercise regularly – at least half an hour of brisk walking or relatively intensive exercise every day. This brings about slow but steady loss of weight.

The secret of a good diet and stable weight is balance – in the choice of food, the amount of food consumed and the way in which portions are spread throughout the day. n Geoffrey Axiak M.Sc. Nursing (Manchester), B.Sc. Nursing, P.G. Dip. Nutrition & Dietetics, Dip. Public Management, Cert.

Clinical Nutrition (Leeds) Geoffrey Axiak, M: 9982 2288; E: axiakg@yahoo.com; http://gaxiak.yolasite.com

66 bliss MARCH 2016 § Vintage wedding

A lifetime of

Love

“

We were young and couldn’t stop smiling.

”

Charles and Lina Thake share fond memories from their wedding day with Martina Said, including their venue mix-up, their 500-strong guest list, and dancing all day long.

“C

Only four days before the wedding, we had to resend invitations to let everyone know that the venue had changed.”

Lina describes the entire day as beautiful – a society wedding including the whole cabinet of ministers of the time and the cream of Maltese society, including Dr George Borg Olivier as her witness and Dr Paul Boffa as Charles’. “We were young and couldn’t stop smiling, and it was a very jovial affair,” recalls Lina. “We got everyone dancing thanks to Jimmy Dowling and his band, and that was probably my favourite part of the whole day – almost everyone joined in to dance.”

Lina donned a made-to-measure gown for the occasion, with a full skirt and train, V-shaped bodice – “to accentuate my flat stomach,” she quips – and a high collar, complete with buttons down the front. Her ‘something borrowed’ was a pair of shoes from her sister, while a ribbon around her thigh served as ‘something blue’.

63 years, six children and 12 grandchildren later, Lina reveals that the secret to a good marriage comes down to a few things.

“You have to work hard to make a success of your marriage, but the one thing that sustains it is making your partner feel loved,” says Lina. “Charlie was and still is very complimenting and has always been a loving husband, so there was no reason to grumble.” n Photo by Lionel Galea

harlie and I met on the stage,” says Lina Thake, 84, as she affectionately recalls the moment she met husband and veteran actor Charles Thake, 88, around 65 years ago. “We both had a part in the same play, but he was more of a star than I was.

We met every day for as long as the play ran, and when it ended, he asked me out on a date. I was 19 and not interested in getting serious, but he was insistent.”

With April fool approaching, Lina told Charles she will go out with him on 1st April, but there was a catch – “I told him that if we hit it off, we’ll continue and consider ourselves lucky, if not it would have been an April fool’s joke. The date went well in the end, we talked a lot about Shakespeare and the stage, and I considered him to be a very interesting person. When he asked me out on a second date, I said yes.”

It wasn’t long until the couple decided to tie the knot, just over two years after they’d met. “We decided to get married when his brother, George, was back from the UK where he was studying, otherwise it would take us another year until we could get married!”

The couple exchanged ‘I dos’ on 2nd August 1953 at St Ignatius Church in St Julian’s, followed by a reception at the Regina Hotel in Sliema, which is Lina’s hometown. It turns out, however, that the Regina Hotel was not their first choice. “My father and father-in-law joined forces to plan our wedding, and made a big affair of it,” says Lina. “But only ten days before the wedding, my father found out (through my mother – who happened to be told by a family member that she received two wedding invitations for the same day, time and venue) that they had double-booked the venue. The other couple refused to give up the slot, so we had to look for an alternative.”

As fate would have it, Lina’s father bumped into a friend after church one morning who happened to own a hotel. “He was offered the Regina Hotel to host the wedding, but it needed some doing up, so my father employed a bunch of workers and cleaners to bring it up to scratch with very little time to spare.