Bliss Weddings & Homes November 2018

Issue 37 NOVEMBER 2018

YOUR weddings & homeS magazine

Elegant apartment living

AMAZING DRESSES

latest

WEDDING trends

LOCAL WEDDINGS

Honeymoon From California to Bora Bora

Real couples’ stories

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contents ISSUE 37 · NOVEMBER 2018

REAL WEDDING page 39

Fashion & beauty 15 BRIDAL TRENDS 61 A TALE OF TWO LOVERS

Interview

HOME TRENDS page 85

90 PARTNERS IN LIFE AND LOVE

Weddings & honeymoons 19 27 39 47 55 69 87

A PERFECT DAY AN EMOTIONAL SUMMER’S DAY LOVE IN THE GARDEN THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION WEDDING TRENDS OF LOVE AND TRAVEL WEDDING DIRECTORY

Homes

75 LIGHT, BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL 85 RICH, PLUSH TONES FOR WINTER

our cover

DRESS: This Maggie Sottero fit-and-flare wedding dress features an all-over beaded lace on an overlay tulle. The bateau neckline complements the illusion scoop back. Exclusively available at Alamango Bridal Ltd..

JEWELLERY: Sike crystal earrings, white gold diamond wedding band, akoya pearl bracelet and ring, Vascas.

Location: Domus Zamittello, Valletta Photographer: Valentina Lupo (www.facebook.com/ valentinalupophotography) Photo Shoot Coordinator: Sarah Micallef Hair & Make-up: Francesca & Lorraine, Alfie's Hair & Beauty Model: Irina, Models M

12 bliss NOVEMBER 2018

Issue 37 Saturday, November 10, 2018 Bliss is a weddings and homes magazine distributed with The Times – making it the largest weddings and homes magazine in Malta. This issue covers the period November 2018 to March 2019.

Editor Sarah Micallef

editor’s letter

I

t’s time to settle in with a hot cup of whatever you fancy, kick your feet up and delve into the year’s largest Bliss Weddings & Homes.

In this issue, we follow the stories Wedding shoot of four couples’ beautiful wedding page 61 celebrations, from the lavish to the wedding trends page 55 understated, and learn all about how they made it happen! Our trends pages real home page 75 reveal all that’s hot in the worlds of weddings and homes, and our bridal shoot – shot on location at the marvellous Domus Zamittello in Valletta – showcases some sensational gowns and suits.

Our honeymoon couple relive their adventure from buzzing California to beautiful Bora Bora, while model David Camenzuli gives us a tour of his stylish St Julian’s apartment, which he designed himself! Finally, vintage wedding couple Josette and Georges Magri look back on their 1974 wedding and prove that love really does conquer all.

Enjoy the issue.

Sarah JOIN US ON

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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 Francesca Scerri Rizzo; Jo Caruana; Lorraine Cilia; Marie-Claire Grima; Martina Said; Rebecca Anastasi Photography Alan Carville; Brian Grech; Kris Micallef; Stefan Varga; Valentina Lupo Advertising Content House Ltd – Tel: 2132 0713 publication sales manager Jessica Spiteri Catania BRAND SALES EXECUTIVE Devania Gatt Advertising sales coordinator Elena Dimech 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 50ml bottle of Bella, by Nina Ricci, courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd, worth €61.

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 31st December 2018. One entry per person. Terms and conditions apply.

Last issue Lorraine Galea won a Valentina Blush 50ml, courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd.

Bridal Trends § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 15

Bridal

trends

words by Marie-Claire Grima catwalk shots courtesy of Barcelona Bridal Week

Shades of pink Pink is a great choice of colour for the bride who just can’t see herself in a pure white gown (and may want to push the boat out a little bit). On the runway, we saw all kinds of pink hues, from ultrafeminine blush hued gowns to vibrant detailing on one truly memorable dress.

Left to right: Carla Ruiz, Ana Torres (top), Alejandro Resta

Puffy sleeves Nostalgia for the 80s has been going strong for some time, and the resurgence of puffy sleeves is the rock-solid proof that they’re here to stay! But these aren’t your mum’s puffy sleeves – they can be ethereal, dramatic, and sometimes, even downright edgy.

Left to right: Carlo Pignatelli, Demetrios

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Thigh-high slit Modesty is the order of the day for lots of brides, especially ones who are having a church wedding. But as this year’s Barcelona Bridal Week demonstrates, a flash of leg can provide that perfectly subtle risqué twist without the risk of offending.

Left to right: Cristina Tamburero, Carlo Pignatelli, Demetrios

Real Wedding § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 19

Christab and elle Jordan

A perfect day

ceremon Metropol y location itan Cath edral of Saint Paul, Mdi na wedding venue Reef Club , Westin Dragonara Resort

Less than two months after tying the knot, Christabelle Borg and Jordan Camilleri relive their remarkable, star-studded wedding day with Martina Said.

P h otos by Kr i s M i c allef and St efan Var g a

L

ast September, Christabelle Borg and Jordan Camilleri were at the heart of a spectacular wedding that was on people’s lips for days. It was a celebration of love that left no stone unturned, but despite its grandeur, it was replete with meaningful details that reflect the couple’s personal tastes to a tee. I catch up with Christabelle – a singer and performer, financial controller and entrepreneur – a few weeks after the wedding over the phone. She was visiting Jordan, a medical doctor and water polo player, in Rome, who was travelling for water polo practice. And so I ask her – how did these two lovebirds meet?

“We met 10 years ago at St Aloysius College sixth form. Jordan was studying

sciences while I was studying maths and accounts, so our paths never really crossed. In the summer between first and second year, we got to know each other, and started dating the following November. We never looked back since,” says Christabelle. “It wasn’t a case of love at first sight – Jordan is very reserved and I was dating somebody else in first year. I always thought he was very attractive but he barely used to speak to anyone at college outside his group of friends – we are polar opposites in that respect!”

Christabelle and Jordan’s relationship took off from there, and both knew they wanted a future together, but marriage plans weren’t in

the pipeline until they graduated from their respective studies at University.

And after seven years dating, that special moment arrived following a series of unexpected twists and turns.

In September 2016, Christabelle and Jordan were due to go on holiday together, but she surprised him with a change in destination and booked a trip to New York for his birthday. “He was thrilled about it, and I later learned that he was planning to propose on his birthday, but he was sick on the day and had to change plans around,” says Christabelle. “Two days later, we visited the Empire State Building. I had been to New York before, and Jordan asked me which floor had the nicest view. Ò

20 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Real Wedding

“

I started planning the wedding properly after the Eurovision in May, less than four months before the wedding.

”

There are two floors from which you can go outside at the Empire State Building – the top floor has a stunning view, but, being a shy person, Jordan preferred the lower floor as there were fewer people. He found a quiet spot and popped the question!”

Although she was expecting it to happen sooner or later, Christabelle says she didn’t expect it to happen during that trip.

“We’d been walking around New York and Jordan would tease me by taking me to a Tiffany store and asking me which ring I liked, which made me think that he wasn’t going to propose on this holiday. I was definitely surprised.”

Wedding planning started soon after, although settling on a date was proving tough for the couple due to their respective hectic schedules. “We originally opted for May, but we didn’t want to rush things so we pushed the date to September,” says Christabelle. It was a good move seeing as she went on to win the Malta Eurovision song contest last year, and was

heading to Portugal in May this year to perform on the international stage. In the end, they settled for 20th September, with a ceremony held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul in Mdina, followed by a reception at The Reef Club at The Westin Dragonara Resort.

“The planning wasn’t gradual at all. I started planning the wedding properly after the Eurovision in May, less than four months before the wedding; in fact, I bought my dress from Ivory & Co just two months before, ordered the bridal party dresses from Charles & Ron one month before, and collected them the day before the wedding,” she says. “The months running up to September were mad – besides all the preparations for the Eurovision, I also have a full-time job as a financial controller and often leave work late, so there was very little time left for planning. We roped in Adrian J. Mizzi to help us with the logistics of the day and to set up the venue, and his help was invaluable.”

Christabelle settled for a white and gold colour scheme which was applied to various aspects of the wedding. She also knew she wanted the venue to be dressed up with lots of fairy lights, and, together with stunning flower arrangements by Alistair Floral Design, her vision was more than fulfilled on the day. Ò

Real Wedding § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 23

“The theme we opted for was quite simple and the overall look of our wedding was traditional, but I wanted to personalise as many details as possible – we had our own monogram created, C&J, and used that on the gift box, on the napkins and on our invitations, among other things, and on the day, everything looked perfect to me.”

Asked if anything about wedding planning stressed her out – her reply is swift: “the most stressful part, hands

down, was the guest list. Not even the weather came close! There were over 2,000 people at our wedding, and even until the day before, I was remembering people who we forgot to invite. Additionally, we gave out over 1,000 invitations by hand – we split the job between 10 of us, but it was still rather stressful.”

And although the weather didn’t stress her out as much as the guest list, it was still a worrying factor on the day. “I didn’t sleep very well the night before the wedding because of the weather – there was a thunderstorm all night and I was secretly hoping it would stop. The following morning, although it was still raining, my father and Jordan went to the venue to assess the situation and everywhere was flooded. There was lots of clearing and cleaning to be done, but somehow they managed to do everything on time,” says Christabelle. Ò

details

Suited up

ÓThe groom looked sharp on the day in a black suit by Zegna, available at Sarto, complete with a black bow tie, white shirt and pocket square.

A towering confection

ÓTaking centre stage at the reception was a seven-tier almond, bacio and red velvet wedding cake, adorned with a flower arrangement.

24 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Real Wedding

“Otherwise, I wasn’t nervous at all – I was ready for the day!”

Christabelle arrived at the Mdina Cathedral in a vintage car owned and driven by her father, accompanied by a fleet of cars, among them from Meli Car Rentals. She also had a flock of photographers – Kris Micallef, Brian Grech and Stefan Varga – at the ready to capture every moment of the day.

“It was always my father’s dream to drive me to my wedding and I wasn’t going to take that away from him,” she says. “It was a special experience, and we were both extremely emotional before we entered the church.”

However, because of the chaos that ensued that morning, Jordan didn’t make it to the church on time. “Mass was at 4pm, and my father and I arrived first. My mother was trying to get our attention by honking the horn from the car behind us to alert us not to get out of the car, because Jordan wasn’t there yet, and so my father and I sat in the car, with no AC. I was in a long-sleeved dress and seriously breaking a sweat – there was a very brief moment when I wanted

“

The wedding could have started and ended with the mass – it was an incredible experience. to kill him!” she laughs.

The ceremony was celebrated

by Fr Claude and Fr Blake, who hail from the couple’s respective parishes, and was Christabelle’s favourite part of the day. “The wedding could have started and ended with the mass – it

”

was an incredible experience where we celebrated our love for each other, and the vows were extremely special and emotional. Other than my big dress getting in Jordan’s way each time he tried to sit down, the mass went well and we had a great time.” Ò

26 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Real Wedding

At the reception, guests were treated to entertainment by Brass House Unit, and feasted on an extensive selection of food, including different types of cuisines from no less than seven food stations, serving everything from sushi and pasta to candy. The wine and cheese table was a staggering 12 metres

long, and there were plenty of options for a tipple, including cocktail, whisky and gin bars. At the after-party, which took place inside the Pavillion adjacent to the Reef Club, a pizza station was set up, serving hot slices freshly prepared

by New York Best.

For her wedding day look, Christabelle had a clear idea of what she wanted, and she shared her idea with her dress supplier well-ahead of scheduled fittings to facilitate the process. “I only went to the shop for the first time in July, and tried on three dresses before I found the one. It felt perfect from the moment I put it on. It was a Cinderella-style dress, and featured long lace sleeves and over 200 metres of tulle for the skirt,” she says. “Choosing what to do for hair and make-up was fairly straightforward – my team know what I like and we kept things natural for the day.”

The couple shared their first dance

to a song written and performed by Winter Moods frontman Ivan Grech called My Neverland, against the backdrop of a fireworks display. “It’s a beautiful song and I knew it would be the song for my first dance from the moment I heard it.

After the first dance, we opened the floor with Coldplay’s Viva La Vida, which is the song that Neptunes – Jordan’s water polo team – play each time they celebrate a victory. Just the week before the wedding, Jordan and his Neptunes teammates won the league, so it was a very fitting song.

We even had the trophy present for the occasion!”

Looking back on the day, Christabelle says the only thing she would do differently is start earlier. “By the end of it, you wish it was longer and that you could start all over again. The entire day was unforgettable, and we had such a fun time, surrounded by the people we love. I felt so free and happy, it was a perfect day!” n

Real Wedding § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 29

An emotional summer’s day

After months of preparation, Sarah Agius and Anthony Bajada tied the knot in a simple, moving ceremony in the heart of their hometown.

Here, they relive memories of that special day with Rebecca Anastasi.

Sarah and Anthon y cerem Balzan Par ony location ish Chur ch, Balzan wedding venue Villa Arr igo, Naxxar

P h otos by Kr i s M i c allef and St efan Var g a

“W

e met when I least expected to meet anyone!” Newlywed Sarah, 30, is effusive when talking about her new husband, Anthony, 28, whom she connected with at a party, shortly after her return from a brief stint living in Portugal.

“It was so natural. We just started hanging out and going for walks, and everything evolved quite quickly.”

The couple were together for just over a year when they decided to buy property.

They had not discussed marriage at any

length, though an incident on Valentine’s Day 2016 pre-empted a proposal. “We went on a short romantic break to Rome and decided to look into Tiffany’s.

Anthony asked me what sort of diamond cut I prefer, and without hesitation I said a princess cut – so I thought a proposal was in the pipeline!”

Still, nothing happened over the next few weeks, and the incident was – almost – forgotten. However, a few months later, as the couple were laying on the ochre

sand at Golden Bay, Anthony popped the question. “’What if we had to get married?’ he said. Anthony often surprises me, but I didn’t really take him seriously at first.

Then, he literally shot this ring out of his pocket!” Sarah laughs, recalling the moment.

The couple knew they wanted an intimate wedding with only close family and friends, so the first task they set themselves was establishing the list of invitees. Ò

30 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Real Wedding

“Keeping the wedding small was the biggest struggle since we both know so many people! But we made a shortlist – and we kept to it. That was tough.”

An easier time was had when booking the reception venue, which was, luckily, available for their chosen date in June of this year. “Anthony and I were determined to book Villa Arrigo – and we would have made compromises for it since it was our first preference. But I managed to book it straight away, without any issues.” They had also set their sights on Kris Micallef for photography, assisted by Stefan Varga, and Mauro D’Amato for their wedding video. “I had known them for years and really wanted them to share in this experience with me. And it actually worked out really well since they both also did our pre-wedding shoots and got to know Anthony before the big day.”

Sarah took over the preparations for their wedding with aplomb, looking into the details of every aspect of their special occasion. “Anthony used to joke with friends and family, telling them he was also a guest at the wedding, since

I was doing everything!

I used to ask his opinion on things, but he would be noncommittal, so I ended up choosing most things myself. I am a perfectionist and I spent a lot of time thinking and planning every last detail.

I do tend to make loads of lists,” Sarah says.

The level of detail the bride-tobe delved into was extraordinary: it extended to providing water bottles on every seat in the church – a thoughtful gesture considering the wedding took place at the height of summer – and flip-flops, labelled and separated into a selection of sizes, for the couple’s female guests at the reception. “I didn’t want a lavish wedding but I wanted everyone to feel comfortable,” Sarah explains. Ò

“

I became so emotional. I don’t know what happened, but I couldn’t stop crying and I had the whole church in tears!

And the bride also decided on a very personal touch for the souvenirs. “I wanted them to be a symbol of us, as a couple, not just something random. Everyone knows me for my baking, so on the week of the wedding I baked 1,000 cookies for all the guests! Luckily, I worked closely with the

Real Wedding § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 33

details

”

lady who was designing my packaging and it turned out to be a much easier task than I had expected,” Sarah explains.

Sarah’s meticulous planning paid off, and the morning of the wedding she woke up relaxed and raring to go, knowing that everyone, from her two bridesmaids (her sister, Bernice, and Anthony’s sister, Stella) to her future spouse’s groomsmen and suppliers such as Meli Car Rentals, who provided the vehicles, knew what they needed to do, and when they needed to do it. “On the day I felt I could relax, since I knew I had double-checked everything.

I think I had been more stressed three weeks before the wedding than on that morning,” Sarah smiles.

The ceremony started without a hitch. Father Ruben Micallef, a childhood friend of Sarah’s, officiated and delivered a homily which was personal and affecting. But it all caught up with Sarah as the couple started to recite their vows. “I became so emotional. I don’t know what happened, but I couldn’t stop crying and I had the whole church in tears! Deep down I was relaxed – really!

– but I just couldn’t speak,” Sarah recalls.

And the emotions continued to run deep, for before Sarah and Anthony headed off to the reception hall, their dog-sitter arrived at the church with the couple’s pup, Nina. Ò

Homemade souvenirs

ÓSarah baked 1,000 cookies for all the couple’s guests to gift as souvenirs.

Head over heels

ÓAnthony swept Sarah off her feet for their first dance.

34 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Real Wedding

where the couple’s 300 guests indulged in a scrumptious selection of healthy and indulgent fare courtesy of Osborne Caterers. “Anthony eats very healthily but I really wanted the fried items on offer. The one thing we could agree on was that we wanted everyone to be full,” Sarah laughs. “In the end, we had a bit of everything: an Asian table, one for sushi and an Argentinian station, which was offering up pork belly and sweet potato fries. And then, there were the sweets!”

Unfortunately, however, the day passed by in a whirl, and they barely had the opportunity to taste the food they had so intently chosen. “On the day I didn’t know what was actually happening. I only realised the tables were as I had ordered them when I watched our

“

wedding video,” Sarah says.

The wedding cake was a sight to behold, however. “I had driven the patissier mad with my requests! I wanted five tiers, and also wanted the middle ones to be personalised with things reflecting elements of the wedding, such as lace and flowers. They don’t usually offer this, but luckily, we came to a compromise and I did have a little bit of lace decoration in the centre,” Sarah remembers. The couple also wanted to balance the traditional and modern elements of the wedding, even offering perlini to their guests. “We really wanted to ensure everyone was comfortable and happy, so we tried to do things traditionally, as much as possible,” Sarah continues. Ò

Everyone knows me for my baking, so on the week of the wedding I baked 1,000 cookies for all the guests!

“We were so worried about leaving Nina that day, so I had arranged for her to be walked to the church, in time to see us before we left for Villa Arrigo. Anthony was both surprised and thrilled, since he had been particularly concerned – it was the first time we had ever left her alone!”

Shortly after, the celebrations kicked off in the gardens at Villa Arrigo,

”

36 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Real Wedding

On the day, Anthony made sure to sweep his new wife off her feet. “During our first dance, he spun me in the air!

My headband fell off and hair clips flew everywhere, but there was a lot of laughter,” Sarah says. Memorable moments continued to be made at the after-party, with DJ Pierre Cordina spinning the tracks, and proceedings took on an even more informal atmosphere.

“I changed into my after-party dress, kicked off my high heels and wore my

“

We had a bit of everything: an Asian table, one for sushi and an Argentinian station, which was offering up pork belly and sweet potato fries. And then, there were the sweets! wedges! My feet were exhausted,” she continued. So exhausted, in fact, that when the wedding ended, the newlyweds were all danced out and headed home to settle back in with Nina.

Today, Sarah still misses the excitement and the high emotions of

”

the couple’s big day. But if she had to go back in time, would she change anything?

“It all went according to plan and I really wouldn’t change anything. Well, maybe one thing. I would suggest Anthony take dancing lessons, so he doesn’t throw me in the air as he did,” Sarah laughs. n

Real Wedding § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 39

Jaannidce Karl location ceremony ija Assunta Santa Mar ch, Mgarr Parish Chur nue wedding ve gna, Villa Bolo Attard

Love in the garden Janice and Karl Pulo’s elegant June nuptials were the perfect culmination of the pair’s enduring love story. Sarah Micallef learns what went into their big day.

P h otos by B r i an Gre c h

B

efore Janice and Karl Pulo met and eventually started dating, the pair kept being mistaken for siblings. “We actually got to know each other as people used to tell us that we really look alike! I’d have people come up to me and tell me that they know my brother, referring to Karl,” Janice laughs, looking back on when the couple first met, over 11 years ago.

Janice, 27, who works in her family’s marble business, was friends with Karl, 29, a hostel owner, before the pair started going out a couple of years later.

And it was on their 10-year anniversary that Karl popped the question during a short trip to Sicily. “Well, I can’t say I wasn’t waiting for it after 10 years!” Janice jokes when asked if it was a surprise, “but it was really nice.”

From then on, the bride-to-be took

charge of wedding preparations with the help of a wedding planner, and admits she wasn’t immune to the stress that came with it. “It’s funny, while planning it you always have this constant feeling that you’re missing something, but nothing was actually missing,” she smiles.

As for Karl, his main task was choosing his suit, which he insisted on being a surprise, Janice explains, “he said, ‘you’re choosing your outfit and I’m choosing mine!’”

The most important elements for the bride were securing the reception venue she wanted – the beautiful Villa Bologna – and getting her dress and photographer sorted, which the groom also had a say in. “Karl chose Brian Grech to be our photographer. I was looking at different photographers’ work, and Karl

wanted more natural, candid shots rather than anything too posed, which Brian is great at,” she says.

And while the pair didn’t have a specific theme in mind, Janice describes the style of their wedding as soft and natural, with a vintage Spanish vibe, particularly when it came to her choice of dress and veil. “I really love natural, soft colours when it comes to flowers and foliage, and I wasn’t looking for something too modern. Even when it came to my dress – I wanted something classic so avoided going for anything too trendy.”

Still, she admits, finding the perfect dress wasn’t quite smooth sailing! “I thought it would be easier than it actually was,” she laments, looking back on her dress shopping experience. Ò

40 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Real Wedding

“I was looking around local shops, and because I have quite a petite figure, a lot of the dresses were too large and didn’t look good on me. I saw the one I eventually chose at the second shop I went to, but wasn’t sure about it at first. After looking around some more, I kept going back to it and eventually decided.”

And even though she had decided it was the one, Janice still admits not being fully convinced until the big day. “Usually, the final yes is from Karl, so it was really hard choosing my dress without him! I remember joking with my maid of honour about it and asking her, ‘what if he doesn’t like it?’ Ò

“

Usually, the final yes is from Karl, so it was really hard choosing my dress without him!

”

Real Wedding § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 43

details

Thankfully, he loved it,” she smiles. “I was actually a lot surer about my veil!”

After months of planning, their big day – 16th June – finally arrived, and while the bride woke up feeling relaxed, the overcast sky outside threatened to put a damper on the mood. “The only thing that bothered me was the weather as it was a bit grey and cloudy,” she admits, before the photographer

came to the rescue. “Brian made me feel better by telling me that the photos turn out better when the sky is cloudy,” she laughs, recalling her relief.

And while the groom was also generally relaxed, Janice reveals that Karl did get a bit nervous later on, when it came time for Janice to walk down the aisle at the majestic parish church in her hometown, Mgarr. Ò

Elegant cake

Ó“I wanted something very plain and not too fancy,” Janice says, explaining her decision to go for a plain cake decorated with fresh flowers. The catering for the couple’s big day was left in the hands of the capable team at Corinthia Caterers.

Spanish style

ÓJanice’s show-stopping look had vintage Spanish vibes, and the bride’s beautifully embroidered veil was the crowning glory.

44 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Real Wedding

“

He could only manage a peek, but couldn’t look properly for fear of bursting into tears.

”

“He could only manage a peek, but couldn’t look properly for fear of bursting into tears,” she says playfully.

Janice goes on to describe walking down the aisle as the most touching part of the day, recalling, “walking down the aisle and seeing Karl, and everyone gathered together – it’s the moment you realise it’s actually happening!”

After the newlyweds had said their ‘I do's, it was time to party with their 550 guests. They opened the dance floor with a song that means a lot to them – Iris

by Goo Goo Dolls – before going on to party the night away to tunes spun by DJ Nicky Camilleri. With a background in dance, I can’t help but ask Janice, did the pair practice their first dance? “Not at all,” she laughs, “I didn’t want it to look planned, so it was just really relaxed.”

She goes on to describe the party as her favourite part of the day, explaining, “it’s the time to have fun, when you know that everything’s gone well.”

Finally, giving her advice to couples who are planning their own big day, Janice suggests that once you’ve gone through your entire to-do list and double checked that everything is settled, it’s time to sit back and let it all happen. “Just relax and enjoy the day! Weddings are a big deal, but once you have everything settled, there’s no need to worry any more. In my case, the only aspect that I worried about was making sure that everything was sorted and in place before the day, and after that, it was all good.” n

Real Wedding § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 47

The laws of attraction From students in the same law course to husband and wife, Valentina Lattughi and Albert Zerafa tell Marie-Claire Grima all about the romantic journey that brought them to this moment.

P h otos by Kr i s M i c allef and St efan Var g a

Valentina and Albert ceremony locati on Our Lady of Vic tories Church , Valletta wedding venue The Sheer Bastion , Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbo ur, Senglea

F

or the first six years of their acquaintance, Valentina Lattughi and Albert Zerafa would not have considered themselves close friends. “We were reading law at the same time, but we ran in different circles,” Valentina says – something that wasn’t unusual at all, considering the number of students there were in the course. This all changed when they both chose to specialise in the same area – litigation. “We started court practice, and we would always end up sitting next to each other. We got talking, and well, that’s where it all started.”

The pair started going out in early 2012, and dated for four years until Albert proposed in May 2016, on Valentina’s birthday. “Valentina thinks I’m not very romantic, but this time I went all out,” Albert laughs. He surprised Valentina with a trip to Taormina, and made her take a

separate security lane at the airport in case they asked him to open the suitcase – “I didn’t want her to spot the ring, so I pretended it was a race!” During their stay he took her down to Isola Bella to watch the sun set. “The setting was beautiful, the sea was calm, the sky was red and birds were flying over Isola Bella,” Valentina recalls. They sat down on the beach and Albert presented her with a hand-written birthday card, where he recalled all the times they used to talk about getting married – and then went on one knee and finally, popped the question. “I was relieved when she said ‘yes, yes, yes!’ As soon as we came back from Taormina, she started looking for the dress,” he laughs.

Valentina says the couple had almost everything planned about a year and a half before they were set to wed, but then, less than five months before the wedding,

everything changed. The couple had always wanted to wed somewhere simple and beautiful – “somewhere that would take our guests’ breath away.”

“We wanted people to be curious to come, because they wouldn’t have seen the place before,” Albert concurs. “We wanted it to have the ‘wow’ factor.” Indeed, their original plan was to wed in a grand private residence – but then, they discovered the Sheer Bastion in Senglea. It had recently undergone a showstopping transformation, complete with an elite kitchen team and staff from Hammett’s Catering Co., and the couple fell head over heels in love with it.

“The views there are just spectacular,” Valentina says. “It’s a great shot from every angle.” They decided to host their wedding reception there instead, and of course, this meant that they had to completely flip their original wedding plans upside down. Ò

48 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Real Wedding

“People will make you fret and worry about booking things two years in advance, but we turned it around in the span of just a few months. We’re an example of how a last-minute wedding can still work!”

Speaking of last-minute, even the permit to wed in Our Lady of Victories Church was issued just in time, just a couple of months before the wedding. “We had been waiting for approval for months, but we remained hopeful, and didn’t look for alternatives!” Valentina says. “It’s a lovely church, so rich with history. We didn’t want the ceremony to be too big – we preferred something intimate. And Valletta’s where it all started, and where we work together, so it seemed like a fitting place to get married.” Ò

“

We’re an example of how a last-minute wedding can still work!

”

Real Wedding § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 51

Blush pink

details

ÔChoosing a palette for your wedding needn’t be too difficult – just find a colour you like that works for multiple purposes, and build around it. In Valentina and Albert’s case, their preferred colour was blush, a lovely light pink hue, and it worked for flowers, bridesmaid gowns and even the flower girls’ dresses.

A month before the wedding, Albert’s groomsmen spirited the groom away for a surprise stag weekend in Porto, Portugal.

“I didn’t even know where we were going before we were in the queue at the airport. Valentina had packed my bag and gave them her blessing,” Albert smiles. And Valentina on the other hand, enjoyed a relaxing bachelorette weekend at the Corinthia Palace Hotel with her bridal troupe, followed by a beach day at Baia Beach with close friends.

As the day approached, both Albert and Valentina admit to feeling the typical pre-wedding jitters. “I just really wanted everything to go well,” Valentina says. “I was worried that I would be very emotional – but thankfully, I was okay.”

Home-made cake ÒValentina says her sister loves baking, and she truly rose to the occasion with a metre-high, five-tier bacio and almond cake, covered with hand-made sugar paste flowers which she made with the help of a family friend. “I showed my sister a picture of what I wanted and she replicated it perfectly,” Valentina says proudly. She also made the souvenirs for the guests – besides a donation to Dar tal-Providenza in their name, they took home a box of home-made ricciarelli.

“You’ll have a few butterflies in the beginning, but as soon as the mass starts, you relax,” Albert says. “I was so relieved as soon as the Ave Maria and the walk down the aisle were over. For me, it was the highlight of the day,” Valentina says. “Mine too,” agrees Albert. They smile at each other.

The weather was warm and beautiful on the day, immediately allaying any fears that the party of more than 500 guests would be exposed to bad weather on the open rooftop of the Macina. Ò

52 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Real Wedding

“

Valletta’s where it all started, and where we work together, so it seemed like a fitting place to wed.

”

Valentina wore a dress from Eva Mariee, which also provided her accessories and bridesmaid dresses. Hers was a gown from the Viero collection, which Valentina herself customised with a magnificent princess skirt. The skirt was detachable, allowing Valentina to easily exchange the classic style of the dress for a more formfitting look to open the dance floor. The couple shared their first dance to Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, performed by Versatile Brass, and the party kept going well into the night. “If I had to go back, I wouldn’t change a thing,” Albert says; “but I’d love to go back simply to re-live the experience and savour every moment,” Valentina adds.

Tired but exhilarated after such a long day, the newlyweds spent their first night together as husband and wife at the Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour hotel itself, and woke up to spectacular views of the marina. “It felt like we were on a cruise ship!” Valentina exclaims. The pair then spent their honeymoon on the Greek island of Santorini, which was just like their wedding – stylish, romantic, and best of all, boasting spectacular views and sunsets. n

Wedding Trends § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 55

Plenty of colour

ÑWhile a soft and feminine colour palette will always be a popular choice for weddings, there are many other options out there worth exploring. Bright, retroinspired shades such as orange, tangerine, purple and mustard are expected to be immensely popular in 2019 – and we can’t think of a better way for your wedding to stand out.

Next-level balloons

ÒWe haven’t mistaken a wedding for a kid’s party – balloons really are a big thing in the world of weddings, and are a versatile choice of décor. From glitterfilled transparent balloons to large installations featuring balloons of all colours and sizes strung together to form a garland, they’re an eye-popping choice of wedding décor.

Wedding trends

From décor balloons to large blooms taking the place of dainty and delicate florals, the wonderful world of weddings is full of stunning surprises.

Bold blooms

ÑSmall flowers and greenery have had their moment – it’s time for large blooms to get some attention.

Sunflowers, peonies, dahlias and lilies are all worthy contenders, often displaying bright and bold colours that are impossible to miss, and which you should use front and centre!

See-through signs Practical dresses

ÓLet’s not mistake the term ‘practical’ for casual – rather dresses which allow brides a certain degree of flexibility, such as dresses with pockets. Whether to keep a lipstick handy for regular touch-ups or a hanky for those emotional moments, it’s a perfect way to keep things close in case you need them.

ÓAcrylic sheets will fill in for blackboards as wedding signage in a trend that is likely to appeal to minimalist couples. The seethrough signs can still issue directions to guests and reflect your favourite quotes in artistic calligraphy as blackboards do, while allowing a beautiful background to shine through.

Fashion § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 57

Upping the style ante If there is ever a moment to up your style game, it’s for that all-important society wedding. Whether you’re mother of the bride, a long-time BFF, the groom or just a stylesavvy guest who really gets the dress-code, no one does occasion wear like SARTO. Here are a few pieces from the world’s most sought-after designer brands.

For men ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA CLASSIC SHIRT

DOLCE & GABBANA DERBY SHOES

BURBERRY EQUESTRIAN KNIGHT CUFFLINKS

DOLCE & GABBANA FITTED FORMAL SUIT

DOLCE & GABBANA Classic Bow Tie

For women

DSQUARED2 FITTED LACE MINI DRESS

JIMMY CHOO Champagne Glitter Fabric Clutch

STELLA MCCARTNEY CREPE DRESS

JIMMY CHOO Glittered Erin Pumps

Discover the full collection at sarto.com.mt or in-store at SARTO, Ross Street, St Julian’s. For a style consultation call on T: 2202 1601. #loveSARTO

Beauty § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 59

Beauty At Its Best Owned by Sue Caruana and her daughter Justine Cassano, Beauty Inc by Sue is a small company that specialises in nails, foot care and semipermanent make-up, as well as the distribution of professional products.

"W

e are a team of dedicated and enthusiastic professionals who really enjoy doing our job,” Sue explains, when asked about Beauty Inc by Sue. “We all believe in regular education to keep up-to-date with the industry, and we also represent three of the best brands on the market: Andreia Professional Gel Products, Footlogix Pediceutical Products and Jacky M Iconic Lashes.”

Education and quality products are key to success here, ensuring that clients receive treatments from professional therapists that use only the best. “Clients think that having their nails or a pedicure done are basic services. “They do not realise how much education and practice is needed to do a good job, and how much product knowledge and experience a tech must have to be able to resolve any issues their clients may have. Beyond all that, a nail tech must be educated enough to know when to direct the client to a doctor if needed.”

As Sue explains, what some people do not understand or appreciate is that incorrect use of products or a lack of education will lead to problems such as long-term allergies, infections, ingrown toenails and so much more. Technicians that charge low prices for their services are not investing in education and quality products.

"There are many girls who think that following a few YouTube tutorials makes them ready to perform treatments on unsuspecting clients. They buy super cheap products online and charge low prices that the clients think are great!

But this is a short-term view; you may save a few euro initially but, when you end up with a severe reaction in your eye due to cheap lash glue, or a bad fungus on your nails, or a viral infection on your feet, the cost of medication and the long-term issues will far outweigh the original savings,” Sue stresses.

And it’s the same with micro blading and micro pigmentation. “A three-day course does not qualify you to perform these services on clients. It takes hours of practice and years of education to get to a high level of understanding in this job. Cheap prices are always an

“

What some people do not understand or appreciate is that incorrect use of products or a lack of education will lead to problems such as long-term allergies, infections, ingrown toenails and so much more.

”

indication of lack of experience and/or qualifications. Anyone who spends so much money on learning a trade will charge accordingly. Choose your service providers wisely!” n Beauty Inc by Sue forms part of the Niumee team. It operates its main service point from its cutting-edge, med-aesthetic and beauty centre in Mriehel, and also runs a second, smaller outlet in Rue D'Argens, Gzira.

T: 2032 0100/2099 7785. Find them on Facebook.

a tale of

two lovers Location: Domus Zamittello, Valletta Photographer: Valentina Lupo (www.facebook.com/valentinalupophotography) Photo Shoot Coordinator: Sarah Micallef Hair & make-up: Francesca and Lorraine, Alfie’s Hair & Beauty Models: Irina & Ishmael, Models M. Kids: Ben, Lisa & Kate.

DRESS: An exquisite dress in a romantic style, with a vibrant design of floral embroidered lace, Art Bridal.

JEWELLERY: Akoya pearl and diamond earrings, three-row akoya pearl bracelet with diamond clasp and pearl ring, Vascas.

SUIT: Three-piece suit in luxurious blue-grey, available at JD Formal Wear.

Fashion § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 61

62 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 ยง Fashion

DRESS: Stunning bridal gown with brocade skirt and beaded lace bodice. Fine bows adorn the train to make this ball gown by Lorenzo Rossi a true masterpiece. Exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. JEWELLERY: Diamond and akoya pearl earrings, threerow akoya pearl bracelet with diamond clasp and diamond rings, Vascas.

Fashion ยง NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 63

DRESS: This Sottero & Midgley sleeved wedding gown features a bodice of beaded lace, embellished with Swarovski crystals and layers of tulle, creating a soft ball gown skirt, exclusively available at Alamango Bridal Ltd. JEWELLERY: Diamond earrings and diamond wedding band, Vascas.

SUIT: Classic tuxedo, available at JD Formal Wear.

64 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 ยง Fashion

DRESS: This dress is very modern and the style is very couture, while its shimmer patterned fabric makes it unique. The plunge is also very on-trend! Dress found exclusively at EVA MARIEE. JEWELLERY: Sike crystal earrings and white gold diamond wedding band, Vascas.

SUIT: Beautiful modern navy suit, available at JD Formal Wear.

Fashion § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 65

BEN: When it comes to smartening up his style, the Zachary waistcoat set for boys does it just right. Crafted with a timeless check, the perfectly-tailored waistcoat and trousers come complete with a crisp white shirt and pre-tied bow tie.

LISA: Beautiful Lauren lace dress from STORM by Monsoon keeps on top of the trends with a high-low skirt. It’s shaped with a shirred back and glows bright with a scattering of sequins on the neckline.

KATE: With layers of pastel mesh and cascading sequins, the Carmen dress for girls has the makings of a fairy-tale frock.

This party dress features satin inserts below the arms for a gentle touch on her skin, and ties around the waist with a sash.

Available at Monsoon Children, Bisazza Street, Sliema.

66 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 ยง Fashion

DRESS: Cloaked with crystalbright sequins, the Shilpa tunic dress will shine the strongest at your upcoming event. Made from soft mesh fabric with a slip included, it has a relaxed-chic figure with a subtle V-cut at the back. Available at Monsoon, Bisazza Street, Sliema.

JEWELLERY: Ottaviani bracelet and earrings, Vascas.

Honeymoon § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 69

Of

love and Travel

It was a fabulous three-week adventure that Diane and Marc Vella Bonnano chose for their honeymoon, taking them from buzzing California to beautiful Bora Bora. They relive the memories with Jo Caruana.

S

ome honeymoons are almost as eagerly anticipated as the wedding that comes before them. Newlyweds Diane and Marc Vella Bonnano fall into that category, and they share an innate love of travelling that means they can never get enough of new countries, cultures, traditions and people.

“We’d already done quite a bit of travelling together before our wedding,” Diane says. “Some of our favourite trips include those to Sri Lanka and the Maldives in 2014, Thailand in 2015, and Australia at the end of 2017.”

They explain that, with quite a number of spots already ticked off their bucket list, they were quite confused about the destination to choose for their honeymoon, especially as they wanted it to be a truly unique trip.

In the run-up to the wedding, they were both busy planning their big day, which is why they opted to entrust their honeymoon itinerary to a travel agent – specifically their good friend Larissa at Royal Travel. “It ended up being a fantastic decision,” Marc says. “We really loved everything she planned for us and the suggestions she made. We were that typical couple that usually says ‘we’ll plan it ourselves’, but this trip changed our mind as we got to experience so much more thanks to Larissa’s suggestions.”

Larissa highlighted possible options including Peru and Costa Rica but, in the end, the couple chose to honeymoon in California and Bora Bora. “We wanted to experience a continent that neither of us had ever been to before so that it would be a truly long-lasting memory,” Diane says. “We were also drawn to

the itinerary because it was a holistic holiday – with plenty of adventure, beautiful scenery, city life, island hopping and even a road trip, which we had never done before.”

Diane and Marc weren’t too keen on setting off on their honeymoon the day they got married, so they chose to travel a month after the big day – which gave them time to sort out their post-wedding to-do list in their own time. As a result, they opted for an early flight on 28th July, and flew business class on British Airways to California. “Wow! That was such an incredible experience in itself,” Diane reminisces.

They landed in San Francisco and drove the Pacific Coast Highway Road all the way to Los Angeles, visiting several places along the way including Santa Cruz, Monterey and Carmel-ByThe Sea, with added short stops in Big Sur and Santa Barbara.

“The thing that struck us the most was the incredible scenery,” Marc says. “It was truly breath-taking – so much so that we stopped every 50 metres or so to take it all in and admire the natural beauty of it all.”

From Los Angeles, the couple flew to Las Vegas and there, the main highlight was a visit to the Grand Canyon. “It was absolutely incredible and we will never forget it,” Diane says.

“Lots of people had recommended it to us and we are so glad they did, especially as we opted to fly over the Canyon in a helicopter, which was spectacular.”

It was there that another unexpected highlight took place.

“While in Vegas, we decided to book tickets to see worldfamous illusionist David Copperfield,” Marc says. Ò

70 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Honeymoon

“

Our tickets included a VIP meetand-greet with David Copperfield in person, which was incredible!

”

“It was getting pretty full when we booked online, but we were happy to find tickets in the very front row, and loved every moment of the show. Then, after the final bow, we were surprised when an attendant came up to us and instructed us to follow her backstage. It turned out that our tickets included a VIP meet-and-greet with David Copperfield in person, which was incredible! We definitely weren’t expecting it.”

Diane and Marc then flew back to Los Angeles and spent a couple of nights there before heading off on the ‘relaxing’ part of their honeymoon – a few days in glorious French Polynesia, making the most of the gorgeous white sand beaches in Bora Bora.

“Both Marc and I are real foodies, so another highlight of our honeymoon was the amazing food,” Diane says. “In Bora Bora it was fresh fish and exotic fruit cooked for us by the French Polynesian people. In America it was the delicious diners, as well as a visit to the famous Gordon Ramsay restaurant in Las Vegas, which we loved.”

With so many wonderful experiences, it’s no wonder that the couple says they would definitely love to return and revisit some of their hotspots. “It truly was the perfect honeymoon combination,” Marc says. “We had good food, cities to see, adventures to go on, and time to relax, so it was a great mix. The variety in sight-seeing was also ideal – taking us from Alcatraz Islands in San Francisco to the crazy bright-lights of Las Vegas and the wonderful relaxation on Bora Bora.”

That said, and despite the wonderful time they had, the couple was still excited to get back to their family and friends after three weeks away. “Oh, and this time we were also very excited to be getting back to our new life as a married couple,” Diane smiles. n

Wedding Venues § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 73

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

Real Home § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 75

Light, bright and beautiful

While you may be familiar with David Camenzuli through his enduring modelling career, what you may not know about him is his eye for design. And nowhere is his flair for interiors more evident than in the St Julian’s apartment he shares with wife Leah Camenzuli – a bright and tasteful space that is as elegant and welcoming as the couple themselves. Here, they tell Sarah Micallef all about how they achieved it.

P h otos by A lan Carv i lle

76 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Real Home

T

he street below David and Leah Camenzuli’s apartment is bustling, located within what has undeniably become the islands’ entertainment and commercial hub. But once you’ve gone through the main door and made your way up to the fifth floor, what you’re met with can come as a surprise – a peaceful oasis that David and Leah have lovingly crafted for themselves, and soon, their new baby.

“

Through the front door, you’re met with a fantastic double height space with skylights and large windows, and what immediately strikes you is the light – it’s so bright! “When I walked in here, I wanted to do something different. I wanted to create a bit of a ‘wow’ factor, so we decided to drop the ceiling and sacrifice a bit of space from the bedrooms upstairs, and it created such a cool vibe. The living area is where we spend most of our day,” David explains. Ò

When I walked in here, I wanted to do something different. I wanted to create a bit of a ‘wow’ factor.

”

Real Home § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 79

“

It’s really nice that it’s so open and we can speak to each other no matter where we are in the house.

”

And what a living area it is. Towards the left, the kitchen overlooks a cosy living room and balcony beyond. The dining area, accentuated by an architectural light fitting, is positioned alongside an eye-catching steel staircase, which breaks up the space between the dining space and a multi-functional office area, where David works and Leah occasionally gives fitness classes. Upstairs, the couple’s main bedroom leads on to a spacious ensuite bathroom, with another bedroom and bathroom making up the rest of the interior space. A terrace finishes things off on the upper level, complete with Jacuzzi and chill-out area.

The elegant décor runs through every inch of the space, with neutral colours and natural materials including steel, wood, marble and glass contributing to the high-end aesthetic.

“Simplicity is the utmost sophistication,” David says. “I wanted to achieve a minimal, elegant aesthetic without it feeling cold.

I like the Scandinavian feel and love open plan spaces, but the main thing for me is definitely the light and the feeling of space.”

Looking back, David recalls that it was about 10 years ago when he and his brother purchased the airspace on which this block of apartments is located, back when David was based in Dubai. “We worked on it slowly,” he says, admitting that it was initially intended as an investment, before they came up with the idea of building an apartment for each of them to live in within the block. “I started working on the initial drawings in Dubai, although they changed quite a bit over time! The actual design process took about six months, and we’ve now been living here since January.”Ò

80 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Real Home

And while this was David’s first foray into interior design, the couple agree that he took to it like a fish to water. “I designed everything myself, and I really enjoyed it,” he says, explaining, “I drew everything on an app on my phone and planned everything out, including lighting and furniture – all to scale.” He also came up with a coherent mood board which was applied throughout, and which he describes as comprising “neutral tones of wood, white, anthracite, soft grey tones, brass and lots of plants.” Asked whether he found inspiration in other houses and design aesthetics elsewhere, particularly during his travels, David beams, “definitely! I think we all get inspired by other places – and I hope this can inspire someone else.”

When it came to furniture and finishings, David and Leah sourced a lot of their furniture from Sweden and Australia, but also worked with a host of

“

I think we all get inspired by other places – and I hope this can inspire someone else. local suppliers who helped them achieve their vision. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” says David as he lists

”

some of the companies and individuals that contributed to their beautiful home.

“I’d love to thank Carlos, who created the steel staircase and custom steel tables, as well as Clint from CAG finishings, my electrician and plumber, who was fantastic! We used Oxford House for the kitchen appliances and Star Fires for the fireplace. Meanwhile, most of the tiles are from Satariano, our curtains are from B4 Textiles and we absolutely love our modular sofa by Bonaldo from Form.”

And while Leah was happy to take a back seat when it came to designing their home, David would consult her before making decisions throughout the process. “He involved me in everything, even when I tried to fight it,” she laughs, “and whenever I wasn’t sure of something, I left it in his hands and it always worked out.” Admitting to being the practical one of the pair, Leah explains that she’d generally get involved when it came to making decisions based on practicality versus aesthetic. Ò

Real Home § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 83

“When one person is passionate about something, you always need that other person to help balance things out, and David is so passionate about it – I’ve never seen him as passionate about anything else!” she smiles.

Now that they’ve settled in and are eagerly awaiting their new arrival, the couple couldn’t be happier with their space.

“I love living here. We use every space in the house, and it’s great that we never have to switch on the lights during the day because there’s so much light,” David says, and Leah adds, “we spend a lot of time together, and it’s really nice that it’s so open and we can speak to each other no matter where we are in the house.”

Asked which their favourite part of their home is, David points to the double-height living area and kitchen as his, saying, “I spend a lot of time here.” For Leah, meanwhile, the terrace is

her preferred spot – which is perhaps unsurprising, given her Australian background!

Meanwhile, putting this project together has sparked an undeniable fire in David, who has since purchased a plot in Lija, for which he’s developing plans to turn into a larger home for the growing family. “We actually moved in with the idea that this was going to be our forever-home,” Leah reveals, “but when you get pregnant, your priorities and world view change! This place is perfect for us as a couple, but especially looking back on my own childhood and time spent playing outside, we started thinking it would be nice to have more of an outdoor area.”

Visibly excited, David shows me plans for his next project, for which he’s looking forward to working with the talented Forward Architects. Leah affectionately suggests he takes this up for a living, and, with a wide smile, he doesn’t say no! n

Home § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 85

Rich, plush tones for winter

It may be grey and dull outside, but your interiors will brighten your outlook this season with elegant colours, Eastern details and folk-inspired homeware. Rebecca Anastasi looks at this season’s home trends.

Eastern flavours

ÒThere’s something gratifying about the balance and harmony inherent in Japanese interior design and the vibrancy of Eastern prints. And this season, it’s the East’s glamourous lighting designs, the richness of their textiles and radiant colour schemes which capture attention. For additional authenticity, integrate these with clean lines and symmetrical patterns.

Sainsbury's

Gold

ÓFrom bathroom accessories to kitchen utensils and living room carpets, gold has firmly established itself as king of the colours this season. Team it with midcentury furniture, navy blue tones and brick-inspired features for an off-beat take worthy of the finest interiors magazines.

Photo by Reinaldo Kevin on Unsplash

Velvet luxury

ÔNothing screams comfort and affluence than a touch – or two – of velvet. For subtlety and a cost-effective update, a couple of cushions will do. But look into reupholstering a worn-out sofa or armchair in velvet blush pink for a look which turns heads, and gives any room verve and clarity – even when there’s none outside. n Carpetright

Big blooms Dan Duchars

Artisanal details

Ó‘Tis the season to hibernate and, as you settle in with a hot cup of tea (or hot toddy), folk-inspired details will continue to draw your attention inward, rather than to the rain lashing your window panes. Think thick patchwork quilts, tufted rugs and natural hand-woven soft furnishings, all in soft tones to inject a cosy feel to your home.

ÓInterior design collections never really fell out of love with florals, but this season, it’s all big and bold: oversized botanical prints splashed on wallpaper team up with textiles which don’t shy away from full blossoms in a trend not designed for the wallflower. But if you don’t feel brave enough, start by experimenting with smaller items, such as a lampshade, before going the whole hog.

Barker and Stonehouse

Wedding Directory § NOVEMBER 2018 bliss 87

wedding directory C

A

Alamango Textiles

ÓAlamango Textiles will provide you with the best quality and latest fabrics on the market. Our wide range of luxurious fabrics has elevated us to one of the most soughtafter stores by dress-makers and fashion designers alike. All our plain fabrics are made to match perfectly with the accessories such as guipure, lace and even lining. No matter the occasion, our in-house team will create and make your perfect dress a reality. We also offer unique pieces of material to the mother of the bride. Alamango Bridal, 95, Manoel De Vilhena Street, Gzira. T: 2131 4331; E: textiles@ alamango.com.mt; www.alamango.com.mt

B

BG Malta Fireworks Display – Bernard Cauchi

ÓFireworks are a fantastic way to celebrate special occasions. Many people are choosing fireworks to form part of their celebration... be it a wedding, a birthday party or an anniversary.

BG Malta Fireworks Display is the company to contact – the team’s main aim is to make your event a special and memorable one.

Contact Bernard Cauchi on M: 7959 5315; E: info@bgmaltafireworksdisplay.com; F: www.facebook.com/bgmaltafireworksdisplay

Cefai Formal Wear

ÔLook smart, elegant and sophisticated at any event, dressed by Cefai Formal Wear. You are spoilt with a wide choice of options and with a professional guided service to create your own unique style. The range of sizes is extensive too, with outfits for newborns right up to a size 60 chest and 65 waist, and shoe sizes for newborns up to size 50 (EU).

Make your day memorable! Call us for an appointment. Independence Avenue, Mosta.

T: 2141 9040; St Bert Street, Xewkija, Gozo.

T: 2155 0372; E: cefaiformalwear@gmail.com; cefaiformalwear@gmail.com www.cefaiformalwear.com www.cefaiformalwear.com Mosta - Independence Avenue 2141 9040

Gozo - St. Bert Street Xewkija 2155 0372

E

EVA MARIEE

ÓExperience what you never experienced before. At EVA MARIEE you will find a vast selection of wedding dresses ranging from traditional designs to couture styles. We strive hard to offer a unique and magical experience. So if you want professional advice and a unique service, visit our salon. www.evamariee.com

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Diamond Lounge

ÔExperience the high life! The Diamond Limo Bus is a unique and original option for a memorable wedding post party, hen/ bachelor party and any other occasion. With additional services that include custom gourmet food, a fully-stocked bar, top-ofthe-range audio-visual equipment, and seating capacity for 55 guests, Diamond Lounge offers its passengers a luxurious and unforgettable journey.Garden of Eden Ltd, Wilga Lane, Ghaxaq. T: 2367 2000; M: 9940 9551; E: info@diamondloungemalta. com; www.diamondloungemalta.com; F: www.facebook.com/diamondlounge

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FOCUS BY MR V

ÓSix years before relocating to Malta, Mr V worked as an event and wedding photographer in London. Within the first few months of photographing weddings locally, he worked with the likes of Christabelle and Ira Losco, and was chosen as the official photographer for Malta Pride 2018. Mr V provides unique documentary-style wedding photography and bespoke award-winning customer service. Contact us on M: 9935 3242; E: MrV@FocusByMrV.com to secure your date today. F: www.facebook. com/FocusByMrV. Quote ‘Bliss’ and you’ll receive a complimentary pre-wedding session and five digital downloads as a form of gratitude for choosing our service.

88 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Wedding Directory

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GLOSS

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ÔYou said ‘Yes’ to the dress... now, let’s pair it with a grand hairstyle. Whether your wedding theme is romantic or casual, the appropriate bridal coiffure will complement it whilst conveying your personal style. At GLOSS we create masterpieces which highlight both your facial features and décolletage. We take pride in ensuring that every picture, taken from whichever angle, is memorable and illustrates a beautiful segment of your upstyle. Whether it is a perfectly coiled style or a relaxed one, whether it lies on the crown of your head or at the nape of your neck, the possibilities are endless at GLOSS, Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann. M: 9985 4376; www.gloss.com.mt

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Ivan Borg Ferrando

ÓNeed help to organise the wedding of your dreams? Ivan Borg Ferrando can assist you in making your day that extra special from the moment you meet to commence preparations to the day you walk down the aisle. Ivan works with a list of prime suppliers to ensure that all is perfect on your big day.

He is your stress-free coordinator who will go that extra mile to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your once-in-a lifetime experience.

M: 7944 9416; E: ivancborg@gmail.com

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Goodear Events and Rentals

ÔGoodear Events and Rentals supply quality DJs and talented live musicians, as well as the most professional equipment at affordable prices. Music is one of the most important factors that guarantee a truly memorable event, so you can only trust real professionals to mix the right tunes and deliver the perfect sound quality for your event. Our greatest satisfaction is delivering the right music for the right crowd, and having your guests and our clients dancing till the end of your celebrations. T: 2131 7570; M: 9944 2033; E: goodearpromo@gmail.com

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KG Events

ÓWedding and event planners and coordinators in Malta do not come any more meticulous in organisation, care and creativity than KG Events. In today’s stressful life, organising a wedding can be demanding and can lead to oversights during the actual day. The synchronisation of all sectors involved plays a crucial part in the success of memorable events and we ensure that it is reflected on your big day. Our commitment is evident in the successful weddings and events that we have lovingly organised. M: 7761 8905; E: info@kgeventsmalta.com; www.kgeventsmalta.com

Mark Cassar

ØMark is a storyteller whose unique approach to photography is defined by four characteristics: stylish, unique, genuine and timeless. Striving to make each series of images a cinematic experience, Mark focuses his energy on capturing real, intimate moments as you relax and enjoy your special day. He tailors his photographic style to fit your unique vision, while maintaining his high standard of quality and authenticity. Mark will not only provide you with outstanding photos; he will make sure you enjoy the process along the way.

E: mark@mcassar.com; www.mcassar.com

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Villa Arrigo

ÔVilla Arrigo, established in 1986, is an elegant, upmarket villa in San Pawl tat-Targa, a stone’s throw away from a beautiful chapel, a delightful venue for any occasion. The décor, fabulous rooms, grand marquee and immaculately manicured gardens offer a pleasant and tranquil atmosphere for your next exclusive event. The colonial-style villa has, over the past 30 years, provided a perfect setting for fine weddings and banquets for prestigious events and dignitaries. It is constantly being enriched, bringing the elegance of the villa to the beautiful gardens. Contact Veronica Zammit Tabona, John Vella Galea or Damian Sant Fournier on T: 2142 3214; E: info@osbornecaterers.com

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Visage

ÑMake your wedding day a memorable one.

Recognised all over the island for its quality, professionalism and excellent customer relations and support, Visage offers a professional DJ service backed up by over 20 years’ experience. We will enhance your wedding by offering the highest quality of equipment and an endless library of music.

M: 9947 3535; E: info@visagesound.com; www.visagesound.com; F: www.facebook. com/visagesoundweddings

90 bliss NOVEMBER 2018 § Vintage Wedding

Partners in life and love

Josette and Georges Magri, who recently celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary, tell Martina Said about their first years together and their lively October wedding, and share advice for a long and happy marriage. hen Josette and Georges Magri bumped into each other in 1966, it wasn’t a case of love at first sight.

“My girlfriend at the time was actually Josette’s best friend,” says Georges, “but the relationship only lasted a few months.

Josette and I met some time later at a party, and our relationship gradually took its course from there.”

I meet the couple at their Rabat home, Casa Bernard, a stunning 16th century palace that is open to visitors. The home is brimming with collectibles and objets d’art, as well as picture frames filled with family photos, including ones from the couple’s wedding day in 1974.

“By the standards of those days, we took a long time to get married. We were engaged in 1972, but waited a couple more years until the wedding because we both wanted to spend a few years teaching after graduating from University before getting married,” they explain.

While both were teachers, Josette also worked as a Legal Procurator (LP). “I decided to stop working as an LP, and it was then, before we were married, that Georges persuaded me to start giving private lessons, which I started doing at my mother’s house. Georges then started too, and we both gave private lessons in languages until recently.”

The couple set their wedding date for 26th October 1974. Mass was held at the church of St Gregory in Sliema, which was Josette’s parish, followed by a reception

at The Palms in St Julian’s. “The Palms was immensely popular at the time, and also quite new. Josette’s father couldn’t understand why we wanted to get married there because it was more expensive than the other available options at the time, but we were set on it!”

The bride and her mother were equally involved in the wedding preparations, and the groom too. “Georges even saw the material of my dress before the wedding!” says Josette. “I knew I wanted lots of flowers on the day, and had Marie Louise Mifsud, who was one of the best floral designers at the time, together with my aunt, prepare the flower arrangements.

The venue itself had a beautiful garden setting with many tall palm trees.”

The bride wore a gown designed by a famed local seamstress from Hamrun, who created a long-sleeved dress with a fitted top and soft skirt complete with lace and sequin detailing. Josette had six bridesmaids on the day, whose dresses were made from a floral white and pink fabric that wouldn’t look out of place at a modern-day wedding.

The couple had a ball on the day, which was sprinkled with some unforgettable and spontaneous moments. “We had invited some students from our private lessons to the wedding, but obviously couldn’t invite them all,” they say. “However, after the mass, we invited any of our students who had turned up at the church to come to the reception too, without

advising the caterers.” Georges adds, “there was also a dare gone wrong between my sister and her nephew, Chris Grech, which ended with her being thrown into the pool in October in full wedding attire, hat and all.

She had to go home and change!”

The couple went on their honeymoon the following December, spending a week in London followed by a weekend in Paris just after Christmas. Two years later, in 1976, they welcomed their son, Max, who today has two daughters of his own. Their advice after 44 years of marriage? “Patience, with a capital P, and a touch of humour,” says Josette. “Patience, tolerance and self-sacrifice,” adds Georges. “With those, marriage can go a long way.” n

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Advice after 44 years of marriage? “Patience, with a capital P, and a touch of humour.

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Photo by Alan Carville

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