Bliss Weddings & Homes - Spring 2019

weddings & homes

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issue no. 38

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S P R ING 2 0 1 9

bl ss

€7.50

Dresses and more

latest WEDDING trends | Real couples’ stories | A townhouse transformation

contents

I SSUE 3 8 | SPR I N G 2 0 1 9 Issue 38 | SPRING 2019 Bliss Magazine is Malta’s leading weddings and homes magazine.

Bliss is distributed exclusively to each and every couple attending the Cana Wedding Courses, and is available from a select list of bridal and wedding-related outlets in Malta. The publication is also found in all leading hairdressers, beauty salons, cafés, dental clinics, hospitals and medical clinics across the island, as part of our premier distribution network. Bliss is also sold at leading stationers in Malta.

Editor Sarah Micallef

contents page 20 REAL WEDDING

page 92

VENUES

FASHION & BEAUTY

Publisher

Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel BKR3000 Tel: 2132 0713 info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt Design Box Design – Antoinette Micallef ant@box-design.net Contributors Francesca Scerri Rizzo; Jo Caruana; Lorraine Cilia; Marie-Claire Grima; Martina Said; Rebecca Anastasi; Vanessa Conneely

18 BRIDAL TRENDS 70 THE ARTIST’S MUSE

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS 20 THE START OF A LIFE-LONG PARTY 30 AN ELEGANT WINTER BALL 40 A LUSH WINTER WEDDING IN THE CAPITAL 50 CHILDHOOD SWEETHEARTS 60 AGAINST ALL ODDS 90 WEDDING TRENDS 98 SEEKING OUT ADVENTURE

INTERVIEWS

Photography Alan Carville; Inigo Taylor; Kris Micallef; Rene Rossignaud; Stefan Varga; Tonio Lombardi

80 IMPECCABLY CRAFTED, IRREVOCABLY FUN 84 A SENSORY MASTERPIECE 90 PARTNERS IN LIFE AND LOVE

Advertising Content House Ltd – Tel: 2132 0713

92 AN ENCHANTING VENUE FOR A WEDDING TO REMEMBER

publication sales manager Jessica Spiteri Catania BRAND SALES EXECUTIVE Devania Gatt

HOMES 106 A TINY HOUSE WITH A BIG PERSONALITY 117 RETRO, RELAXED AND REORGANISED

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.

Wedding shoot page 70

wedding trends page 90

real home page 106

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Win 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 3oth April 2019.

One entry per person.

Terms and conditions apply.

Last issue Matthew Bonanno won a 50ml bottle of Bella,

by Nina Ricci, courtesy of Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd.

Editor’s letter

I

t is an even greater pleasure than usual to welcome you to our spring issue of Bliss Weddings & Homes this month – the very first edition with our fresh new design.

This year marks my sixth as editor, and it is now time for a new chapter in its story. Apart from a beautiful contemporary design and high-quality print specs, as you flick through, you’ll notice that our regular features have been extended to showcase more wonderful photos and inspiration from real local couples, and a selection of new features bring more interesting stories, tips and information than ever before.

The new design is also reflected in a more creative approach to the bridal shoot, for which, apart from continuing to work with the best models and suppliers in the industry, we’ll be engaging Malta’s top photographers in each issue – the first being the brilliant Kris Micallef.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Sarah our cover DRESS: Turn heads with this crepe, long sleeve fit and flair gown.

A simple bateau neckline and stunning embellishments on the sleeves complete this statement dress called Zoe by Millanova.

Exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS VALLETTA. JEWELLERY: Stunning earrings in 18K gold mounted with white diamonds and highly lustered Japanese Akoya pearls which can also be accompanied with a classic pearl necklet, GB Jewellers.

BOUQUET: A small, beautiful bridal bouquet including a classical wedding mix of white hydrangea and gypsophila, Alistair Floral Design.

Location: Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta, with thanks to Malta Society of Arts.

Photographer: Kris Micallef Photo Shoot Coordinator: Sarah Micallef Hair & Make-up: Francesca & Lorraine, Alfie's Hair & Beauty Model: Desphina, Models M

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BRIDAL TRENDS

BRIDAL TRENDS

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words by

Marie-Claire Grima Barcelona Bridal Week

catwalk shots courtesy of

Baby Blue

Collars

Sheer Fabrics

Light blue hues are becoming an increasingly popular choice for brides who want to explore other options other than white or ivory.

Baby blue is a delicate, stunning colour that would suit practically every bride and is particularly lovely for a spring wedding.

Collars on wedding dresses are the perfect example of how bridal fashion can still take a cue from the menswear trend which has swept mainstream catwalks, while remaining resolutely feminine. The end result is demure and delightful.

There was hardly a single designer who didn’t make use of sheer fabrics at the last Barcelona Bridal Week. Sheers provide the more daring bride with a vehicle to really express her personal style on her wedding day, while posing an interesting challenge for couturiers to tiptoe the line between modesty and glamour.

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DESIGNER

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

MARCO & MARIA

MAR RODRIGUEZ

Alejandro Rosta

BRIDAL TRENDS

Tactile Details

Silk Blends

Relaxed Tailoring

A trend that has become highly visible in recent years is the addition of fascinating details to the bride’s gown. Whether the details take the form of appliques, beaded designs, embroideries, or even 3D-printed shapes, they certainly add a great deal of personality to the outfit.

Silk is never too far from the bridal runway, as it is the perfect fabric to create that soft, dreamy, coveted wedding day glow. Silk blends are ideal for a wedding as the months get warmer, since they are lighter and softer than raw or pure silk, and can help the wearer beat the heat.

The world of wedding fashion doesn’t start and stop with mermaid dresses.

Gowns with a more relaxed fit are becoming increasingly popular, representing an original and strikingly contemporary look, and heralding a wider choice for brides who want to break the mould on their big day.

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

maggie sottero

Pronovias

jesus peiro

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Diane

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Jason ceremony & reception venue Villa Bologna

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The start of a life-long party Diane Stafrace and Jason Dussault’s love story was written in the stars, and their wedding day one for the books. From beautiful personal touches to dancing until 5am, they tell Martina Said all about their unforgettable wedding day.

P h ot o s b y K ris M icallef and Stefan Varga

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hen Diane Stafrace arrived in Malta from New York for a short trip in September 2013, little did she imagine she’d end up meeting her future husband – artist and venture capitalist Jason Dussault. Diane, an art advisor and dealer, had planned to attend an art fair in London, and, while in Europe, decided to spend a few days in Malta to catch up with family and friends.

Soon after touching down, Diane got invited to dinner by a close friend, who hinted they had a handsome guest over who had just moved to Malta, and who they thought she should meet. “I was only in Malta for a few days and wasn’t really looking to meet someone, plus I wanted to spend time with my family, so I gave it a miss. Two days later, another friend I had planned to meet up with for drinks told me that this guy, Jason, who’s really cool and who I’d surely like, was joining us. I kept thinking, who is this guy that everyone keeps talking to me about?”

And so Diane headed to Valletta on a Friday night, only to discover she was actually being set up with Jason until her friends joined later. And as it turned out, her friends were right. “We hit it off right away and had a lovely evening together – we just talked and talked all night!” says Diane.

“We met again for lunch the following Sunday, when Jason told me he wanted to experience a beautiful sunset in Malta, so we planned to meet one last time on Monday evening

before I left for London the next day. He told me to meet him at Portomaso, but he had a surprise up his sleeve.”

Jason chartered a sailing boat, complete with a captain, champagne and nibbles, and they sailed around the Grand Harbour at sunset on a balmy September evening. “It was one of the most romantic things he’s done, definitely one of the most memorable! And although we didn’t get to actually see the sun set from the Grand Harbour, we did share our first kiss that evening,” she reveals.

Diane returned to London for the art fair, but couldn’t resist making one last stop in Malta before heading back to New York, to spend one last weekend with Jason. That weekend marked a turning point in their relationship, which led Diane to make the decision to relocate from New York to London. “My business partner and I have offices in London and New York, so moving back was easy, and my parents thought Jason was a blessing because I got to spend a lot more time in Malta as a result.”

The couple spent one year living in Europe, followed by two years in New York for them to pursue their careers further, after which they spent one year living in Ibiza, during which time Jason was working on an art collection for a gallery in London. It was during their first weekend settling into their new home in Ibiza that Jason popped the question to Diane.

“I found the bedroom lit up with candles, and that’s when Jason got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.”

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“My father is 83, and I always dreamed he would walk me down the aisle.”

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DETAILS A finishing touch Completing Diane’s wedding day look was a stunning headpiece designed by her eldest sister, milliner and stylist, Roseanne Stafrace.

“We returned home from a party one night and Jason asked me to make him tea – it is very unlike him to drink tea. I did, and when I went back upstairs, I found the bedroom lit up with candles. That’s when Jason got down on one knee and asked me to marry him,” says Diane. “It was a complete surprise and kicked off our time in Ibiza on a really good note. Till this day, it still is a very special place for us.”

Although now based in Vancouver, the couple decided to plan a destination wedding in Malta, which seemed like the perfect choice for them logistically, but also because it’s where their love story all began. Diane also wanted to plan the wedding herself, so Malta proved to be the perfect choice all around.

The couple set the date for 7th July 2018, with both the ceremony and reception held at Villa Bologna in Attard.

“The venue on the day was phenomenal. I always imagined getting married in a fairy tale setting, and Malta has all that with its many beautiful palazzos. I looked around a bit, but when I saw Villa Bologna, I fell in love with it right away,” says Diane.

Light it up Villa Bologna was decked out with fjakkoli, fairy lights and candles to achieve a beautifully bohemian and mystical feel within the stunning gardens.

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“Having everything in the same place meant that the wedding flowed nicely from one part of the day to another.”

“The ceremony was held at the front of the venue, and the lighting at that time was magical. Although we couldn’t get married in church, as Jason has been married previously, we did have a priest present who gave us a beautiful talk and blessing, and who presided over the exchange of the vows.”

As for styling their wedding, Diane says she drew inspiration from the wedding venues she had seen in Ibiza.

“They use lots of fairy lights in the trees, which create a wonderfully mystical feel. It’s the kind of atmosphere I

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wanted to achieve for our wedding reception. Villa Bologna already has a beautiful setting, but the lighting really enhances and brings out certain details which look even more beautiful caught on camera, so we added fjakkoli, lots of candles and fairy lights to the venue.” The venue décor and flowers were entrusted to Joanna Zammit, while the car fleet on the day was supplied by eCabs.

The couple invited around 150 guests, most of whom live abroad, for a small and intimate wedding.

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“Our foreign guests were very impressed with the fact that there was flowing food and drink, and dancing all night long – they loved it!”

Following the ceremony at the front of the venue, guests mingled over cocktails before moving to the back garden for the reception. “Having everything in the same place meant that the wedding flowed nicely from one part of the day to another. Also, foreigners are used to sit-down dinners, so our guests were very impressed with the fact that there was flowing food and drink, and dancing all night long – they loved it!”

For her wedding dress, Diane knew what she wanted, but it was very different to the one she eventually ended up buying. “I was after a fitted, sexy but elegant dress, and always cringed at the idea of a ball gown,” she explains. “I set up a number of appointments and planned a wedding dress shopping trip to New York with my girlfriends, but I had a hard time finding one I liked. It was at the last appointment that my friend picked out this dress, which is the one I eventually bought, and insisted that I try it. At that point, I was very frustrated after having tried on many dresses in vain, but I didn’t want to leave empty handed.

Eventually, I tried it on to make her happy, and I had this huge smile on my face when I saw myself in the mirror – I felt like a little girl in her party dress!”

The gown, by Israeli designer Pnina Tornai, featured a fitted corset with boning and an asymmetric organza skirt that skimmed the floor. “It’s a couture dress with a very playful design, and the fact that it didn’t drag on the floor meant I could show off my shoes, and walk and dance comfortably all day,” says Diane.

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“We danced all night and left at around 5am. By the end of it, we were shattered, but it was so much fun and the most amazing night!”

On the day of the wedding, Diane woke up feeling completely relaxed, with a lot of time on her hands. “I was planning on going to the gym, but my mother talked me out of it, so I went for a walk instead and stopped at my favourite café. They couldn’t believe I was there when I told them it was my wedding day!” Diane stayed the night and got ready at her parents’ house with the help of makeup artist Melanie Gregory, and Chris Scicluna, her sister’s husband, who styled her hair.

Looking back on some of the best parts of the day, Diane says it’s hard to pick a favourite, but one of the most touching parts had to be walking down the aisle with her father. “My father is 83, and I always dreamed he would walk me, even though I never gave my parents the impression I’d get married anytime soon,” says Diane.

“Also, having my sister, Moira Stafrace, sing Ave Maria as we arrived was very touching. Ever since I was a little girl I wished that she would sing at my wedding, and she made

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us all cry with her amazing, angelic voice. Then, of course, seeing Jason at the end of the aisle, and exchanging the rings – the moment we literally tied the knot – were really special.”

The newlyweds, family and friends danced the night away to a lively set performed by Brown Sugar – The Desi Campbell Band, which Diane's nephew forms part of, followed by tracks played by DJ Ziggy during their wedding after-party, which went on till the early hours of the morning. “That night, DJ Ziggy had one of his huge summer parties, and once our wedding had mellowed, we headed to the VIP area of Numero Uno to continue the celebrations there. The guests who stayed on were stunned at the size of the crowd at the party, and that he was the same DJ who played at our wedding!” says Diane. “We danced all night and left at around 5am. By the end of it, we were shattered, but it was so much fun and the most amazing night!”

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Lara

and

Carl ceremony location

Church of Santa Caterina D’Italia

reception venue

The Ballroom at Phoenicia Hotel

An elegant winter ball The sophisticated December nuptials of Lara Runco and Carl Grech stand out from your ordinary wedding, and not just because the bridesmaids wore tuxes. The newlyweds tell Sarah Micallef all about their big day.

P h ot o s b y K ris M icalle F

“W

e’re both not big believers in love at first sight, but since the day we met, our days apart from each other have been very few,” say Lara Runco, 31, and Carl Grech, 30, who first met at Lara’s cousin’s wedding. That day, Lara was a bridesmaid and Carl was a guest, and, after a few years of dating, it was their turn to take centre stage as bride and groom.

Carl proposed to Lara on the morning of her 30th birthday, and from then on, preparations began in earnest, albeit mostly by their chosen wedding planner, Sarah Young. “We were hardly ever stressed during the process as Sarah took care of everything, and as soon as we had a query, she had it sorted in no time! It was quite an enjoyable experience for us – we just had to point out what our preferences were,” Lara says.

The date was set for 8th December 2018 – exactly four years from the pair’s initial meeting, and their main aim, they reveal, was for the wedding to be fun, both for them and their guests. The first decision the couple made was their venue: the beautiful ballroom at the Phoenicia Hotel in Floriana. “My parents celebrated their wedding at the Phoenicia too – and the ballroom is a beautiful space,” Lara gushes.

The colours chosen for the elegant winter celebration were silver and white, and shone through several aspects of the décor – from Christmas tree ornaments the guests could personalise with well wishes for the couple to the expertly crafted flowers by Floreal and unique bridal party outfits. “The bridesmaids wore elegant ivory tuxedos with a silver camisole, while the groomsmen wore a black tuxedo with black tie” – a choice Lara and Carl describe as “classic and simple.”

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While they admit that neither of them had ever really thought about what they wanted their wedding to look like before they started planning it, upon starting out, they “both decided it should be a ball, elegant and fun!” Still, asked if they had any disagreements when it came to pulling it off, the pair chuckle, “well, the bride kept pushing the budget, while the groom struggled to keep it within pre-established limits – we’re a cliché!”

And with all the plans in place, as the big day rolled round, Carl woke up feeling “super excited”, while Lara was, well, a little less than pleased. “I was actually angry because my mother woke me up too early because she was way too excited!” she laughs.

“I was so happy I couldn’t stop smiling. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much!”

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DETAILS Tea is always a good idea “Our souvenirs were personalised tea caddies with specialty blended flower teas from Tea Palace in London – because tea is always a good idea!”

Simple & elegant “Our invites were white with silver and grey font, and our names were embossed on the front.

They were simple and elegant, and served their purpose without being over-the-top expensive.

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“As soon as I got to the altar, everyone started clapping very unexpectedly! It was a good start.”

All set and ready to go, they enlisted eCabs to whisk them away to the ceremony, which was held at the church of Santa Caterina d’Italia, where Lara received her first Holy Communion and Confirmation. It was celebrated

by Dun Anton D’Amato, who took the time to get to know the couple before the wedding, they enthuse. “He made time for sessions with us before the big day in which we all got to know each other a bit more, making the ceremony very personal. Some of our closest relatives and friends read during the ceremony, and it was all topped up with beautiful music by The New Victorians.

It was perfect,” the pair continue.

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Lara wore an A-line embellished Jenny Packham gown which she purchased in London. “I wanted something different which was free of lace, and all the dresses I was seeing at first were very similar and full of lace. This dress stood out. It is nothing like I thought I wanted – I usually tend to go for much simpler and more classic styles – however, I believe a wedding dress should stand out, and this dress served that purpose without being a big princess dress or classic lace wedding gown,” she says. The bride’s look was also complemented by stunning make-up by Justin Brincat.

The pair went on to celebrate with their 480 guests, who included friends who came over from all over the world, from Norway to Mexico. And when it was time to open the dancefloor, the newlyweds chose ‘A Te’ by Jovanotti for their first dance: “the lyrics are a beautifully thought declaration of love.”

Meanwhile, the catering was left in the capable hands of the team at Phoenicia, who had a surprise in store: an amazing nine-tier almond cake that made quite the impression – so much so that its sheer size came as a surprise, even for the bride and groom! “It was bigger than we expected,” they laugh.

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“I believe a wedding dress should stand out, and this dress served that purpose without being a big princess dress or classic lace wedding gown.”

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Reflecting on their special memories of the day, Lara and Carl agree that their expectations certainly became reality – “only it happened too fast” – and they had such a great time with their guests that “we just wish we could rewind and relive it!” In fact, what they wanted most out of their wedding day was simply to create these beautiful moments with the people they love, which is just what they did, adding, “moments such as these are priceless and should be marked and celebrated.”

For Lara, the best part of it all was the ceremony. “I was so happy I couldn’t stop smiling. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much! Having everyone I love in the same place, celebrating with me was everything,” she says, remembering the special moment her brother walked her down the aisle.

“No tears were shed – just a big smile. And as soon as I got to the altar, everyone started clapping very unexpectedly! It was a good start.”

Meanwhile, Carl looks back on the exchanging of the vows to be the most touching part of the day, calling it “one of the most important moments of my life to date,” but admits his favourite part of it all was the dancing! “Both Lara and I did not stop dancing for a single second after our first dance,” he smiles.

And finally, looking back, is there anything you’d do differently? Their answer is priceless: “yes, it would be a three day thing!”

“We didn’t stop dancing for a single second after our first dance.”

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A lush winter wedding in the capital Getting married in January may not be an obvious choice, but for Andrea Gauci and Kurt Farrugia, the timing was ideal for a festive celebration. Here, they share their big day with Rebecca Anastasi.

P h ot o s b y I nig o Tay lo r

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Andrea

and

Kurt ceremony venue

Church of Santa Caterina d'Italia

reception venue Casino Maltese

A

ndrea, 28, and Kurt, 29, got on like a house on fire from the very first day they met, through common friends, five-and-a-half years ago. “When I met Andrea, I knew immediately I wanted to go out with her, but I didn’t know she would stick with me for this long,” Kurt smiles.

Andrea, however, knew that the chemistry between them was rare and that they’d eventually end up together. “It was evident we had a lot in common, so in my heart of hearts, I always knew we were meant to be,” she adds.

Indeed, their relationship grew from strength to strength, and just under two years into their relationship, they decided to tie the bonds between them by investing in property. “We were spending a lot of time together at Andrea’s family home,” Kurt says, “and we both wanted to own a house, so we decided to go for it!”

That commitment led to another – barely a year later, Kurt decided to pop the question. It was, he says, “a logical step” in the progression of their relationship, and one which had already been discussed. “In reality, we had already spoken about fixing a date and we had even approached some suppliers before the proposal,” Kurt explains. The sincerity of the couple’s feelings towards each other meant that “the proposal was just a formality”, but one which required waiting for the right occasion and which involved some preparation.

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“In my heart of hearts, I always knew we were meant to be.”

“I had gone to buy the ring with a friend of mine, but I needed to wait for the right moment,” Kurt says. That moment came on Andrea’s birthday – on a weekend break in Gozo, Kurt asked for her hand. “I actually didn’t overthink it. It was a very private affair,” Kurt remembers.

The intimacy of their relationship saw them through the wedding preparations, which they embarked on hand-inhand. “We planned the wedding together. Andrea was the visionary who had all the ideas, and I was more of a project manager and I made it a point to set the timings, chase suppliers and so on.” They’d initially decided to get married on 15th December – to make the most of the Christmas season, a time when “everyone meets up, work typically slows down and everyone is more relaxed,” Kurt explains – but, the date coincided with the closing ceremony for Valletta 2018, and they opted to shift the wedding to January.

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DETAILS Green & gold The décor and clothing were selected according to the couple’s chosen colour scheme: the lush velvet bridesmaid dresses complemented the verdant floral arrangements – done by Alistair Floral Design – as well as the souvenirs, home-made chutneys sourced from With Love from Our Kitchen. These, together with the groomsmen’s black suits “really added to that classy winter touch,” Kurt states. To match this theme, the invites were also a dark forest green with gold foil printing.

January wedding Getting married in January ended up being a blessing, the couple say. “Tying the knot at the beginning of the year may sound strange, but it worked to our advantage.

Suppliers were relaxed and, generally, more available, and we were able to book some last-minute arrangements with no problems.” Would they have any advice for those considering walking down the aisle in January? “Just go for it! But make sure the guests are sheltered in case it rains.

We would have loved the weather to be two degrees warmer, but, other than that, we wouldn’t have changed anything.”

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“We settled on the Church of Santa Caterina d’Italia because of its location and beauty.”

“We really wanted to get married in the Church of Santa Caterina d’Italia and the Casino Maltese, both in Valletta, so we decided to move the date,” Kurt says. Since they had already confirmed some of the logistics for December, suppliers had to be informed, but the couple had set their hearts on both locations, so the slight inconvenience was a small price to pay. “We knew we wanted it to be in Valletta since it had been decorated with Christmas lights and much of it had been restored to mark the European Capital of Culture year. At one point, we had spent a weekend

visiting all of the churches in the city and had settled on the Church of Santa Caterina d’Italia because of its location and beauty,” Kurt recalls. As for the reception, the Casino Maltese was a natural choice, being so close to the chapel, though its distinct interiors sealed the deal. “We had always really liked the venue, and there is something special about it,” Kurt affirms.

The guest list proved a little trickier to confirm. “Before we had even thought about the venue, we had compiled a draft list of who to invite, but it kept on changing!

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“We wanted the celebrations to have a classy touch without being too Christmassy.”

It’s always so difficult and, if the budget had permitted, we would have invited a few more people,” Kurt explains. The final list added up to 400 guests, and the couple employed a wedding organiser – Jurgen Briffa – “to ensure everything went smoothly on the day,” he says.

And there was much to organise. Getting married in January meant that Andrea and Kurt – together with their planner – could take advantage of the winter season’s rich vibrancy. The soon-to-be spouses used online visual references to decide on the main theme. “We started to pin the best winter wedding photos we could find, and it quickly became evident that our main colours should be a

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dark forest green complemented by gold. We also thought this would give the celebrations a classy touch without being too Christmassy,” Kurt explains.

The wedding gown itself, from Eva Mariee Bridal Exclusive in St Venera, echoed this winter aesthetic. Its long, sheer sleeves, intricate floral lace and elegant sequins, sewn down the bodice, created a sophisticated look, which was “simple in style, but with a lot of detail,” Andrea says.

To keep warm, a fur stole was draped across the bride’s shoulders, allowing her to feel comfortable all day long, while the skirt’s bias cut meant that Andrea could “move around freely”.

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“The whole day was surreal and passed by too quickly.”

This sense of warmth and well-being persisted from the start of the couple’s big day, as the bride and groom got ready, with their wedding party on hand to entertain and pour those first nerve-suppressing stiff drinks. A short while later, the groom and his groomsmen climbed into black cabs, courtesy of eCabs, to get to the church, while a classic Pontiac Catalina vintage bridal car picked Andrea, her father and bridesmaids up, to make it down the aisle accompanied by the music of Amber, through Spiteri Lucas Entertainment.

Once the newlyweds arrived at Casino Maltese, celebrations kicked into gear as the couple’s closest family and friends mingled and danced the night away, entertained

by The Travellers who played well into the night, making the after-party one to remember. “The whole day was surreal and passed by too quickly,” Kurt laughs. “It was so much fun to see guests enjoying themselves.”

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Childhood sweethearts

From playing together as children to planning a wedding and exchanging vows as adults, Andrea Caruana and Shaun Spiteri share their charming journey together with Marie-Claire Grima.

P h oto s b y T o ni o Lo m b a r di

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Andrea

and

Shaun ceremony & reception venue Chateau Buskett

A

ndrea and Shaun’s story started with their fathers’ friendship. “Our dads have been friends for years,” explains Andrea. “My father is a car enthusiast and at one point, he was helping Shaun’s father build a car.” That’s when Shaun and Andrea, then just nine and 11 years old, first got to know each other. With their parents spending months toiling away in the garage and having drinks and dinner together on the weekends, the two children, both shy at first, soon became friends.

A few years later, after the car-building project had been concluded and mutual visits were no longer quite so regular, Shaun’s cousin happened to mention Andrea in passing.

Shaun, now a teenager and feeling suddenly bold, decided to start texting his childhood friend once again. “We met up that same Saturday, and spent the whole day together. The rest is history!” says Shaun. When they got married, on 4th August 2018, they had already been a couple for 10 years.

The couple had been living together in Marsascala

for two years when Shaun popped the question. “I came home from work early, set up some candles and flowers in the bedroom, and waited until Andrea was home to ask her to marry me,” Shaun recalls. The proposal was a success, but the couple couldn’t agree on which finger the ring should go on. “We went on arguing for so long that the GoPro he set up to record the proposal stopped running!” giggles Andrea.

They chose to marry at Chateau Buskett for its beautiful natural surroundings, as well as the fact that it would provide some much-needed shade on the balmy summer’s day when they would wed. “We wanted to get married within a year, so many of the dates had already been booked,” Andrea explains. “Our options included the evening of the World Cup final, which would have been inconvenient for our guests, and the end of September, when there’s a risk of thunderstorms. Early August was a good time of year for us, as we both prefer warmer weather.”

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On the day itself, Andrea was as cool as a cucumber, and spent most of the morning getting ready with her bridal troupe. Shaun, on the other hand, admits that he was nervous. “I had the shakes, big time! I almost started regretting organising this whole thing, because it involved so much work. But then Andrea’s father showed up, and he started crying and hugging me. It broke my heart – he’s like a father to me too. And of course, once Andrea arrived, I was fine.” The groom looked handsome in a sharp blue number provided by The Groom Collection, which also supplied the groomsmen’s suits, while the bride glowed in a simple and beautiful two-piece outfit, which was designed locally. “I wanted to have something different, and for the after-party, I changed into a shorter version of the skirt I was wearing,” Andrea says.

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DETAILS Making history Andrea and Shaun go back a long time, so one of the features at the wedding reception was a collage of photos showing their journey together, starting from when they were children, leading up to the present day.

A dog’s life The big crowd on their wedding day would have bothered the couple’s beloved dog, Luna, so she couldn’t be with them on their special day. But the couple, who are devoted animal lovers, gave a generous donation to Noah’s Ark and AAA on behalf of their guests as a souvenir – a tribute to Luna herself, who was a rescue pup.

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“Once you see everything coming together and people enjoying themselves, you really start to relax,” Shaun says.

For the couple, one of the best parts of the wedding was the first dance, which consisted of a medley of different songs,

starting off slow and then going onto more high energy hits, culminating in the bride and groom’s families joining in on the dancefloor. “We came up with the choreography ourselves,” says Shaun.

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“Once you see everything coming together and people enjoying themselves, you really start to relax.”

“We spent about six months working on it, and practising the dance. None of our guests knew about it except our parents, because they then had to join in at the end. Nobody in our family is an especially good dancer, so the time we spent learning to dance was hilarious!”

“I thought it would be really boring for our guests to have to stand and watch us sway back and forth for three minutes, so we decided to make it entertaining,” adds Andrea. “It was so much fun teaching our parents the steps!” And once the floor was open for dancing, the couple’s 400-strong crowd just didn’t want to stop. “The manager of Chateau Buskett said it was like a rave, and that he had never seen so many people dancing! We played a mix of old and new songs, so there was something for everyone.”

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While both agree that the day simply flew by, and that they loved every second of their wedding, Shaun and Andrea say that having a wedding planner would have been very helpful to ensure that the day went off without a hitch. “I had to go up to Buskett five times myself before the wedding to make sure everything was perfect,” Shaun says.

“Since we had nobody to guide us, time-wise, we ended up cutting the cake at around 1.30 in the morning!” Andrea adds. “And I forgot to throw the bouquet and the garter!”

real wedding

“I thought it would be really boring for our guests to have to stand and watch us sway back and forth for three minutes, so we decided to make it entertaining!”

Besides hiring a wedding planner, the best advice they can offer couples planning their own wedding is to make sure that the celebrations are meaningful to them, personally. “You have to make it your own and see that it makes sense to you. You shouldn’t spend too much time worrying about what other people have done during their reception!” Andrea says.

“My only other wish is that we had recorded the wedding on video,” Shaun adds. “People told us it would be a waste of money and that we would only watch it once, but I regret the fact that we don’t have it on tape – after all, they’re memories we’ll treasure forever.”

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Lara

and

AndrĂŠ ceremony location Chapel of St Paul reception venue

Villa Corinthia, Corinthia Palace

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real wedding

Against all odds

It may have taken years for Lara and André White to get together properly, but when they did, it was a match made in heaven. Here they take Jo Caruana through the memories of their exceptional wedding day.

P h ot o s b y R E N E R O S S I G N A U D

L

ara White smiles as we flick through her photo album, reliving every moment of her and her husband André’s special day on 12th May 2018. The couple tied the knot last year in a dream ceremony, and there are so many exceptional stories to tell… but Lara starts by highlighting how their journey to the aisle wasn’t exactly complication-free.

“André and I met when I was just 14, and we made friends at a neighbour’s pool party,” Lara explains. “Along the years we hung out in similar places but were dating other people, including within our own group of friends, so it was a little complicated. We finally reconnected properly in 2012 and got together officially in 2014 – so it was a very long time coming!”

Even then, though, it wasn’t completely plain sailing, as Lara was studying in the UK for the first year of their relationship, which meant they had to deal with the challenges of being away from each other for long stretches.

“Still, it was a fun start in some ways,” she says. “At the end of university I needed to drive my car down to Malta, so André and I planned a wonderful trip through Nice, San Tropez and Monte Carlo. It was absolutely lovely and really solidified our relationship.”

André proposed in Rome, on New Year’s Eve in 2016. “I didn’t expect it,” the bride smiles. “I was on a high already as André had gifted me a trip to New York for Christmas and I couldn’t wait.

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Then, on the night itself, we made friends with a couple from the UK and I invited them to join us to watch the fireworks after dinner… not realising that André had something up his sleeve and looked a little panicked! Next thing I knew he was down on one knee asking me to marry him at the stroke of midnight, and of course I said yes. He then announced that the New York trip was all a ruse to keep me off the scent of the proposal, but of course I didn’t mind one bit.”

Wedding preparations started as soon as the couple returned to Malta. “I have always wanted to get married, so I was excited,” says Lara. “But I think my dad, Steve, was even more excited than I was! He had already put the guest list together by the time we touched down.”

The couple chose to hold their ceremony in St Paul’s Chapel in San Pawl tat-Targa, a venue that Lara had long thought would be perfect for their big day. “We had spotted it a few times, and always thought it was ideal. As we were having a big reception with 550 guests, we wanted something intimate and romantic for the ceremony itself, and I also love how pretty the backdrop of the piazza is as you walk in and out. In the end it was exactly what we wanted.”

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DETAILS Bridal party fun “I really loved getting ready at home in the morning,” Lara says. “It was lovely to be back in my parents’ house, and to have time with them, my brother and his girlfriend, and my bridal party – my maid of honour Nadya, and bridesmaids Felicity and Michelle. My mum Mariella had prepared lots of lovely healthy snacks for us to enjoy together, and we all had lots of fun getting our hair and make-up done, and then posing for photos.”

Happy tears There were many memorable moments on the day, for instance, when Nadya’s incredible speech made Lara cry.

André’s grandmother’s speech also brought many to tears, while Nic’s best man speech had everyone giggling. Plus, there was the couple’s first dance – to James Arthur’s Say You Won’t Let Go – that gave them a few moments alone together, when they caught up briefly on the day and shared a couple of jokes about everything that had gone on.

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Moving onto the reception, Lara says she was quick to decide on the Villa Corinthia, in the Corinthia Palace Hotel and Spa in Attard. “The first thing that attracted me there was the fact that Johanna Ward is the wedding planner,” she says. “I have known Johanna since I was a little girl, as I was friends with her children, and I knew her to be a complete perfectionist and very experienced.”

“Of course, the Villa Corinthia was the ideal match too – bright, romantic and not overly decorated; the architecture of the space speaks for itself. We also liked how well the venue flows from inside to out, as we were slightly concerned that it might rain on the day. Thankfully it didn’t, but it was still really nice for people to be able to wander from outside to in, and there was a space for everything. Johanna and her team took care of every little detail, and never once said that something I hoped for couldn’t happen. I was in seventh heaven working with them.”

While the wedding didn’t have a theme as such, there were some very unique elements. Aside from a vast selection of food, Lara and André also opted to have two tables – Butcher’s Pride for the meat-lovers in their party, and a Rickshaw station for fans of Asian cuisine. They also had a special gin bar set up on a specially-made cart, and a whisky and cigar room that opened later in the evening. “Executive chef Stefan Hogan couldn’t have done a better job… honestly!” Lara enthuses. “Everything was just so tasty, and the guests are still talking about the food to this day.”

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“I think my dad, Steve, was even more excited than I was! He had already put the guest list together by the time we touched down after the proposal.”

real wedding

“We wanted something intimate and romantic for the ceremony.”

Looking back on a day packed with wonderful memories, Lara and André say that it’s difficult to pin point their favourites. Getting dressed was a highlight for Lara. Both the bridesmaids’ dresses and Lara’s own gown were bespoke, from Camilleriparismode, and absolutely beautiful. These were matched perfectly with gorgeous bouquets by Floreal. “My own dress was quite a saga really,” says the bride. “I originally had a very set idea of what I wanted but, thankfully, was able to try on a sample that Camilleriparismode had in stock and realised it didn’t suit me at all. They then guided me on what would work, and the result was lovely, with hand-made lace that I feel

added a very special touch. It also paired beautifully with our souvenirs by Alistair Floral Design; I absolutely loved them too.” Meanwhile, André got ready at his house, with his party, best man Nic, and groomsmen Jon and Ben, along with his family.

Lara says she was calm throughout the day but that the nerves did hit when she left the house. “The car wouldn’t start!” she says. “We sat there for what felt like forever until it got going, but finally were on our way. I loved the drive to the church because my dad and I had some time to reflect and chat. We’re very close, and I don’t think I have ever seen him smile as much as he did that day.”

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“The first dance gave us a moment to catch up and laugh about the day together.”

And while the wedding may have started at 3pm, the night didn’t end young – party-goers kept dancing until the early hours, and Lara and André only went up to bed at 2am.

“We stayed in the Honeymoon Suite at the Corinthia, and it was absolutely lovely. Johanna took care of us till the

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last moment, and had even left some food in our room for us to enjoy after the party was over. To round things off we ended up having a mini after-party in the room with the bridal party and our families in our PJs! It was the perfect end to the most incredible day,” she adds with a smile.

FASHION

Dress

: Fall in love with this long sleeved dress called Mirren

by Millanova. The soft, boho inspired tulle skirt will make any bride feel like a princess on her special day. Exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS VALLETTA.

Jewellery

: Refined set in 925 sterling silver with rhodium plating, mounted in white cubic zirconia, GB Jewellers.

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FASHION

the

artist’s muse Location: Palazzo de La Salle, Valletta, with thanks to Malta Society of Arts Photographer: Kris Micallef Photo Shoot Coordinator: Sarah Micallef Hair & make-up: Francesca & Lorraine, Alfie's Hair & Beauty Models: Desphina, Models M Kids: Beppe & Lilly

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FASHION

Dress: You'll be ready for the aisle in this delicate corseted dress featuring guipure lace. The skirt is embellished with cascading lace layers, which will undoubtedly make you stand out. Exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS VALLETTA.

Jewellery: Elegant choker, bangle and earrings in 18K white gold mounted with white brilliant-cut diamonds, GB Jewellers.

Bouquet: An artistic approach to a floral bouquet including a mix of gypsophila, eucalyptus, teasel, beargrass, alstroemeria, tulips and genista, Alistair Floral Design.

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FASHION

Dress: Mystery

in each detail and enigmatic colour, the extraordinary design of this dress features unique lace decor. For a bride who wants haute couture or nothing.

Exclusively available at ArtBridal boutique.

Jewellery: Beautiful

set consisting of choker, bracelet and earrings in 18K two-colour white and yellow gold with an intricate diamond cut design, GB Jewellers.

Bouquet: An artistic

approach to a floral bouquet including a mix of gypsophila, eucalyptus, teasel, beargrass, alstroemeria, tulips and genista, Alistair Floral Design.

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FASHION

Dress

: A simple, on-trend gown with an original detailed back. An elegant and refined option for your wedding day. Exclusively available at ArtBridal boutique.

Jewellery: Stylish choker, bracelet and earrings in 18K white gold mounted with white cubic zirconia, GB Jewellers.

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FASHION

Dress: A statement corseted strapless ball-

gown with a stunning embroidered floral applique fabric embellished with a waist-belt for just a little dash of drama, Camilleri Paris Mode.

Jewellery: A dainty choker, bracelet and

earrings in a matching design in 18K yellow gold mounted with white zirconia, GB Jewellers.

Bouquet: A small, beautiful bridal bouquet

including a classical wedding mix of white hydrangea and gypsophila, Alistair Floral Design.

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FASHION

Dress

: Turn heads with this crepe, long sleeve fit and flair gown. A simple bateau neckline and stunning embellishments on the sleeves complete this statement dress called Zoe by Millanova. Exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS VALLETTA.

Jewellery

: Stunning earrings in 18K gold mounted with white diamonds and highly lustered Japanese Akoya pearls which can also be accompanied with a classic pearl necklet, GB Jewellers.

Bouquet: A small beautiful

bridal bouquet including a classical wedding mix of white hydrangea and gypsophila, Alistair Floral Design.

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FASHION

Dress: In the colours of

the rainbow, the pleated Simone dress brings a bold sense to evening styling.

Its sharply pleated mesh creates beautiful swishing movement and it is cut with an elegant V-neckline.

Available at Monsoon, Bisazza Street, Sliema.

Jewellery: Fashionable and modern, gold-plated choker, earrings and ring mounted with white crystals, GB Jewellers.

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FASHION

Lilly wears

: Laid with delicate eyelash lace, the Valerie dress for girls will put a regal note to party proceedings. Made from luxe duchess satin, it’s designed with a beautiful bow at the back and classic pleated skirt. Finished off with gold glitter and handbag with bow details, and floral headpiece.

Beppe wears: Dapper Finn suit set for boys. Created with a stylish stripe pattern, this three-piece outfit features a tailored waistcoat and turn-up shorts, as well as a short-sleeve shirt woven with cotton.

Available at Monsoon Children, Bisazza Street, Sliema.

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fashion

“Monsoon grew from a small stall on Portobello Road in London in 1973 to a global brand, credited with bringing an artisanal aesthetic to the mainstream.�

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fashion

Impeccably crafted, irrevocably fun From embellished bridesmaids’ gowns to romantic children’s occasion wear, Monsoon Malta has raised the bar with its standout collections. Marketing Manager Irene’ Zarb Adami talks to Rebecca Anastasi about the brand’s commitment to quality and glamour.

Theresa Bartolo Parnis, Irene' Zarb Adami and Jackie Scudamore Urpani

E

veryone remembers their first Monsoon dress. I had several, including a velvet shift dress and an intricately embroidered bias-cut one (it was the early 2000s, after all). Even if I didn’t have an occasion during which to proudly display my new threads, these hand-crafted outfits, stunning in their detail, raised my spirits every time I saw them in my wardrobe. These were not just items of clothing, they were reminders of the potential adventures which lay ahead, an almost-magical expression of the joy of discovery. New places, deeper emotions and broader horizons beckoned, all riding on silk, tulle and hand-crafted textures. Indeed, years later, my sister and best friends were also swept away by this experience, as I said my ‘I dos’.

And today, the collections at Monsoon Malta – and its boutique for little ones, Monsoon Children – still evoke a taste of faraway places and the thrill of revelation. Walking into the bright outlet in Sliema, the brand’s local flagship store, is like stepping into a treasure trove, chock-full of sparkly pieces and head-spinning colour. The meticulously curated bridesmaids’ gowns, flower girl dresses and page boy outfits are designed to impress, promising to make heads turn as you, and your bridal party, walk down the aisle.

“It’s such a diverse brand. It really caters to everybody, and makes them feel as glamourous as they deserve,” Monsoon Marketing Manager Irene’ Zarb Adami states, as she shows me the brand’s roll-call of children’s dresses and women’s occasion wear. “Since it’s a very personalised service, we’re also able to identify something for everyone, whatever their age, personality or size. We believe in valuing our customers, so we give them the full treatment!” she smiles. This is vital when choosing those essential bridal pieces, Irene’ says, underlining the quality and comfort a Monsoon outfit brings to the celebration. “This is really essential when it comes to weddings. You cannot feel uncomfortable on such a big day,” she continues. This care and attention to detail is the philosophy which underlines much of what Monsoon – and its partner brand Accessorize – is known for.

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The brainchild of British founder Peter Simon, who was inspired by the colours, hand-woven cloth and crochet design details of the east as he travelled through Afghanistan and India, Monsoon grew from a small stall on Portobello Road in London in 1973 to a global brand, credited with bringing an artisanal aesthetic to the mainstream. The Monsoon Accessorize Trust, set up in 1994, also made sure some of the profits went to changing the lives of thousands of women and children throughout Asia, by supporting projects in healthcare and education, concerns which remain central to its operations today.

In the meantime, in Malta, the early ‘90s saw long-time colleagues Theresa Bartolo Parnis and Jackie Scudamore Urpani embark on an adventure of their own. Intent on opening their own retail venture, they initially hit a snag, but a trip to London introduced them to the addictive joys of Monsoon and Accessorize, and the deal was sealed: the first Accessorize store opened in Sliema in 1995. Today, there are seven on the island, as well as two Monsoon outlets, and a staggering four Monsoon Children’s stores, “to cater to the demand,” Irene’ says.

And it’s no surprise the inimitable Monsoon style has been so popular. The two Directors are still very hands on when selecting the merchandise for Malta, with an eye to what could do well given the local climate and culture. “We do a lot of the buying from the UK ourselves. We have different seasons here, so we need to take that into consideration,” Irene’ states. As a result of this consistent involvement and the quality of the design, Monsoon Ladies cornered the higher end of the market fast, and its jewel-tone beaded dresses and pure fabrics, as well as the imagination behind their children’s clothing line reinforced this position.

Throughout the years, the collections for younger girls and boys have been replete with sparkle and spright, reworking

favourite images, such as rainbows and unicorns, in colours and tones “which are all about having fun,” Irene’ points out.

“It’s really not about trying to be a grown-up. It’s about joy, about being in nature, and about the happiness children feel as they run through the daisies. It’s geared towards comfort and adventure,” she continues.

This sense of exhilaration and verve can even be seen in 2019’s line-up of children’s occasion wear, which uses fabrics such as silk, tulle and chiffon to get a bride’s little helpers dressed in style. “Flower corsages, cute cover-ups and bright colours such as magenta and pink, with intricate details woven into the fabric, are all key features of this year’s designs,” Irene’ describes. For the boys, dapper suits in diverse tones of blue and grey – ideal for every season – are contrasted with “crisp cotton shirts and patterned ties,” she continues.

And in the adult collections, “brocade, 3D embroidery, heavy beading and longer hems at the back” tie Monsoon’s quintessential style to current trends, Irene’ asserts. Bridesmaids’ dresses come in shades of pink and pastel blue, with navy being a firm favourite. Art deco is also an inspiration: vintage silhouettes and bohemian details dominate the racks. “You can instantly tell a Monsoon piece from other brands. Its effortless style and beaded features set it apart,” she comments. And the brand’s collection of knee-length lace dresses, floral printed jackets and full-skirted styles cater to every mother of the bride too.

“There is wide diversity, but more importantly, what sets us apart is the fact that we truly make time for each client,” Irene’ underlines, mentioning their bridal weekends (prosecco de rigueur), personalised service, and efforts to source the required sizes for every customer. For, while some of the wedding prep may feel overwhelming, this shouldn’t be. And indeed, the ladies at Monsoon Malta really know a thing or two about helping a bride relax and relish the forthcoming adventure!

“It’s such a diverse brand. It really caters to everybody, and makes them feel as glamourous as they deserve.”

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MY DRESS

A sensory masterpiece After more than six months of work and 40 metres of fabric, beautiful bride Naomi Pirrone was a vision on her wedding day, wearing a bespoke gown made by none other than her grandmother. In the first of a new series, Martina Said discovers what went into creating this unforgettable gown.

P h oto s b y K r i s Mi c a l l e f

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MY DRESS

L

ike many young girls who dream of wearing a oneof-a-kind dress on their wedding day, Naomi Pirrone knew exactly what she wanted for her big day. She also knew she would only be able to fulfil her vision if a seamstress made it for her – but not just any seamstress.

“My grandmother, Grace Camilleri, is a seamstress, and for many years she worked in the local film industry, designing costumes for numerous productions,” says Naomi. “She’s also been sewing my clothes for as long as I can remember, and being the only girl among many boys in our family, she’s been telling me she’ll sew my wedding dress since I was a young girl.”

Although Naomi shopped around for dresses, none of the dresses she tried on stood out, and none of them compared to what she had in mind. “It was a bit of a dilemma for me to decide because my fiancé, Mauro, often told me he didn’t like big dresses, whereas I knew I wanted a pretty big dress.

I remember him telling me jokingly ‘don’t come to the church in a lampshade’,” she laughs.

In the end, Naomi went with her gut, and designed a splendid, couture-inspired dress that took months for her grandmother to complete, together with the invaluable help of Naomi’s mother. “I wanted the dress to have a lot of detail, but not in the modern sense with lots of embellishment. I didn’t want shiny or shimmery details, but rather a simple dress with lots of texture. As an interior designer, my work definitely played a part in the vision I had for this dress.”

With her grandmother having sewn for her many times before, Naomi knew what suited her, and opted for a corseted bodice inspired by a Dior design she had seen, to accentuate her waist. As for the skirt, it was a full skirt all around, but with a lot more volume at the back, partly intended to strike a balance between what she wanted and what her husband liked. “Although still large, the front of the skirt had a slimmer silhouette, which then opened up at the sides and back.”

The most impressive part of this wedding dress, however, is the fabric, which was painstakingly created by her grandmother, and sewn largely by hand. “The feathered effect was created using strips of silk organza, cut five centimetres wide, of which two centimetres were frayed

by hand. Each strip was then hand-sewn onto an underskirt that my grandmother also made.”

The underskirt, although hidden under all the fabric, was the backbone of Naomi’s wedding dress – but it had to be done twice. “For the first one, my grandmother used a canvas fabric, which turned out to be too heavy. Although I wanted the fabric and the dress to appear weighty, the skirt had to attach to the corset, so it couldn’t be too heavy,” says Naomi. “She re-did the underskirt using a sheer fabric, which I initially didn’t like as it was too transparent, so to solve that issue, she added feathers in between, which created a wonderfully quilted effect.”

Choosing the main fabric for the dress wasn’t straightforward either. “To achieve the feathered effect, the material needed to look light, but also had to fray properly.

Many materials curve at the edges when frayed, and because we had many strips under each other, we needed the edges to remain straight,” Naomi explains. “The colour was also an issue – I didn’t want it to be brilliant white, but neither cream, which is why we opted for silk organza in the end, as the silk had just the right colour, and the perfect amount of shine to it.”

Being such an unusual and fashion-forward design, Naomi says that communicating her idea to her grandmother wasn’t easy at first, and there were plenty of disagreements along the way too. “My grandma is 77, but because she spent such a long time working in the film industry, she’s not a conservative person at all, and she’s used to making clothes that are out of the ordinary and a little more complicated than usual. However, her techniques are old-school – she may have taken more time to complete the dress, but that’s what makes it more authentic in my eyes.”

It took the seamstress around six months to make the dress from start to finish, working all week long, sometimes up to 10 hours a day, and she was still adding new panels to the back of the dress up to one month before the wedding.

In addition to this dress, Grace made another two dresses for Naomi – one to change into during the reception and the other for going away – as well as the bridesmaids’ dresses, the mother of the bride’s dress, outfits for the page boys, and her own dress to wear to the wedding, which she started working on just two days before the big day.

“I wanted the dress to have a lot of detail, but not in the modern sense with lots of embellishment, rather a simple dress with lots of texture.”

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Asked if they encountered any hiccups along the way, Naomi laughs – “Yes, me! We initially bought 20 metres of fabric, but as the dress developed, we saw that the closer the strips were to each other, the nicer the effect of the dress. So we ordered another 20 metres, but until it was ordered and arrived, it was a little stressful!” she asserts. “The corset was another complicated part – my grandmother designed it in great detail, but I didn’t want the frayed fabric to stick out too much on top, to keep the attention on the shape of the corset, so we changed the design in order for the strips to be extremely thin on top and get wider further down the dress.”

To further support the skirt from underneath, Grace added a pillow around the hips, a trick she often used when sewing costumes, but the weight of the skirt was such that the pillow made no difference at all. “She created a sort of tutu for me to wear underneath the dress – by itself, the underskirt looks like a proper tutu, but with the dress on top of it, it pushed the underskirt down. As you can see, I wasn’t an easy client, and although we argued a lot, all the tension went away when our wedding day came around.”

The process was a long and arduous one, but Naomi says she wouldn’t have been able to achieve what she envisioned with any other seamstress.

Naomi’s mother (left) & grandmother (right)

“The feathered effect was created using strips of silk organza, cut five centimetres wide, of which two centimetres were frayed by hand and handsewn onto an underskirt.”

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“I felt comfortable telling her if things weren’t as I wanted them to be, and was able to go into a lot more detail, and be open with her to achieve exactly what I wanted,” says Naomi. “It wasn’t easy for her – she had a lot to do and it was challenging both physically and mentally. But on the day, she said all the hard work was worth it.”

On the day of the wedding, 16th June 2018, Naomi had her grandmother nearby to help her into the dress, and no one knew how to fasten it better than its creator! “My mother was fastening it up at first, but it wasn’t feeling right.

Being a proper corset, my grandmother had to take over to lace up the back and then pull up the zip – she knew exactly what to do.” Did the bride envision that her dream dress would turn out as it did? “Yes, exactly as it did, with the colour and all!”

A word from

the groom Although Mauro Pirrone didn’t know much about his wife-to-be’s dress before the wedding day, he had a hunch that it wasn’t going to be simple. “Naomi would go and visit her grandmother very often to see how things were moving along, and I could see that they were putting a lot of effort into it, so I imagined it would be an elaborate dress.”

Mauro often joked with Naomi about the size of her dress, like when he told her to make sure it fits through the church door, but his first impression upon seeing her in it for the first time was heartwarming. “I thought she looked absolutely beautiful in it, and that the dress was beautiful too. Once I saw it up close, I could see how unusual the fabric was, but seeing it looking so heavy, I was concerned that she might boil in it since we were getting married in June!”

Naomi assures him that it wasn’t the case, and a pleasant breeze on the day meant she was quite comfortable, including for the boat ride they took after the ceremony at the University chapel, taking them from the Msida Marina to their venue, Fort St Angelo. Mauro also joked that getting into the car after the mass was an event, seeing as Naomi’s dress took up a lot of space and he was surrounded by lots of fabric. But in the end, “although I teased Naomi a lot about her dress, I did honestly think it was beautiful.”

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WEDDING TRENDS

wedding TRENDS

Wedding trends are getting increasingly minimalist and eco-conscious over time, but also a lot more detailed, with an emphasis on quality. Martina Said picks out some of her favourites for 2019.

` Velvet decor

Velvet is not exclusively a winter fabric – it tends to be mistaken for one because it has a soft, warm and cosy texture. But when used in lighter, less Christmassy colours, such as old rose or pewter, it can be used as wedding décor all year round.

Whether as table linens, as a ribbon detail in the bridal bouquet or for the groom’s bow tie, it’s lush and versatile.

Laura Ivanova Photography via Brides

Polka dots

Floral installations

ÛBouquets are beautiful and will never fall out of favour, but couples with an eye for detail are using seasonal blooms in new and interesting ways to create floral installations that go a few steps beyond the traditional floral centrepiece. Think structures wrapped in floral arrangements, wreaths covered in greenery, and bunches dangling from the ceiling of your venue.

Francesca Miranda

www.www.wearemattandjess.com

Grazing tables

ÙThis is the kind of table that Maltese guests would love at a wedding. How is it different from the usual cheese table, you might ask? It presents a variety of cheeses, cured meats, fruits, nuts and breads in an eye-catchingly artistic way, and in bite-sized portions that encourage guests to nibble constantly and frequently, in between the rest of the food on your menu. It’s a feast for the eyes and taste buds!

www.grazeaway.com

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ÙA perennial fashion favourite since, roughly, the 1920s (thank you, Minnie Mouse!), polka dots have done the rounds in every aspect of fashion, and this year, they’ll leave their mark yet again on the bridal world. Polka dots in bridal wear are particularly timeless in tulle, when the fine mesh fabric is adorned with dainty dots, taking it from simple to sassy.

Mixed materials

Many men who have carved their own style and are willing to explore beyond the realms of tuxedos and tails for their wedding day would be intrigued by this trend. Grooms' suits are no longer limited to all-matching pieces – patterned jackets are mixed with plain trousers and a differentcoloured waistcoat to great effect.

Marcos Sánchez via Rock my Wedding

WEDDING TRENDS

www.theweddingguys.com

Coral

ÙIs it peach? Is it pink? We’re not sure, but when Pantone announces its colour choice for the year, everyone listens, including couples who are preparing to tie the knot. This refreshing and uplifting colour, called Living Coral, is a perfect choice for weddings, and pairs beautifully with other pastel colours, neutrals and greenery. www.www.wearemattandjess.com

Pampas grass

ÛCortaderia selloana, commonly known as pampas grass, might be the new greenery this year. You’d recognise this gorgeous grass from its wispy, feathery appearance, and besides adding plenty of texture to a wedding bouquet or flower arrangement, it also adds a modern and memorable touch, especially in your wedding photos.

Edible souvenirs

www.grazeaway.com

ÞOver the years, we’ve all been gifted with wedding favours that have little to no use in our lives, and couples are increasingly taking heed of that, choosing to give out edible wedding favours to guests which they know won’t go to waste.

Get creative and give out wedding favours that reflect you as a couple, be it a miniature bottle of your favourite booze or a delicious treat guests can munch on their way home.

Trouser suits

It’s not something you see very often, but bridesmaids in trouser suits? Yes please! Not only will a two-piece trousers-and-blazer combo flatter all body shapes – not to mention it can be worn over and over again once the wedding is over – but it’s a chic and modish option that will cement itself as a memorable detail in your guests’ minds. www.weddingjournalonline.

Statement veils

Oscar de la Renta via Vogue

We have a slew of celebrities to thank for this trend – starting with Meghan Markle’s 16-foot veil embroidered with the signature flowers from all the countries in the Commonwealth. Veils are being given a great deal of importance in a bride’s look, and whether plain, embellished, extravagantly long or brimming with detail, the world’s your oyster!

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VENUES

An enchanting venue for a wedding to remember From the grandeur of its frescoed ballroom to its lush gardens, Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar has been sweeping couples off their feet for decades. Rebecca Anastasi speaks to the mother-daughter team behind the faรงade, Christiane Ramsay Scicluna, Baroness of Tabria, and Justine Pergola, to find out more about getting married in a real-life palace.

Photo by Alan Carville

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VENUES

“Palazzo Parisio is the place where fairytale weddings become a reality.”

I

n the centre of Naxxar, nestled opposite the crowning parish church, Palazzo Parisio stands as testament to a time gone by. Originally built as a hunting lodge for Grand Master Don Antonio Manoel de Vilhena, who ruled the Order of the Knights of St John in the 18th century, the site was transformed into today’s majestic palace when Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna, a Maltese businessman, bought it in 1898 and brought together some of the time’s most talented Italian artists, sculptors and architects.

Today, Palazzo Parisio’s captivating gardens, with their secluded corners and luxuriant blooms; its frescoed ballroom, boasting gilded plasterwork and ornate mirrors;

and its sweeping entrance have all played host to couples saying their ‘I dos’. And the experience of getting married at the palace, or even attending a celebration held within its grounds, is one steeped in history, tradition and culture.

“Palazzo Parisio is the place where fairy-tale weddings become a reality,” smiles Justine Pergola, one half of the motherdaughter team which runs the operations at the venue. Indeed, Justine and her mum, the Baroness of Tabria, Christiane Ramsay Scicluna, point to the spectacular and diverse settings on offer at the palace as key to the Palazzo Parisio experience, before outlining the gamut of options available to couples looking for a wedding they’ll never forget.

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“The gardens have even been listed within the singular Grandi Giardini Italiani, a collection of Italy’s major and most prestigious gardens.”

Photo by Alan Carville

“The essence of the experience is the location itself,” Justine specifies. “Any couple is able to create their own fairytale wedding here, in one of Malta’s finest palaces, whether they want a wedding in the exquisite gilded ballroom or the beauty of the classic Baroque gardens.” The time of year in which the vows are exchanged may – to some degree – influence the choice of exterior or interior location, though the grand backdrops are easy to fall in love with year round.

Outside, the garden’s classic Baroque symmetry, Mediterranean blossoms and exotic species stun in their bucolic shades. Vibrant geranium, purple-hued jacaranda and abundant waves of cascading bougainvillea provide a riot of colour, set against the plush green bedding making up the balanced structure of the garden’s four lawns.

Crystalline water bubbles through the ornate fountains, while the textured wide pathways criss-cross the enclosed space, providing ample room for guests to

mingle, and photos to be taken. And due to their breathtaking prospect, the gardens have even been listed within the singular Grandi Giardini Italiani, a collection of Italy’s major and most prestigious gardens.

The large surface area also offers couples the opportunity to choose between a seated occasion, for up to 250 loved ones, and a stand-up reception, for up to 600 family members and friends. And as anyone who has experienced a Palazzo Parisio garden wedding knows, the stunning landscape works as a backdrop to an evening filled with magnificent moments, exclusive touches and mesmerising memories.

Inside, the golden-hued Ballroom works as a royal accompaniment to your vows. Inspired by the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, this intricately decorated room boasts grand chandeliers which dip from the ceiling and overwhelm with their majesty, lighting up the room with a soft glow, tuned to the time of day.

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“We’ve had couples from Malta and from all over the world, and we make sure they have what they’ve always dreamt of.”

The green panels, which frame oversized mirrors, are offset by the bright white of the alabaster cherubs and coats of arms. Walking into the room – craning your neck to take in the full majesty of the gilded detailing – feels like stepping back in time. Very few rooms on the entire island can boast these detailed flourishes which have seen Malta through the past century, and much more.

In addition, the Ballroom is also suitable for a diverse range of weddings. It can take up to 120 people for a seated event, or 200 guests if you decide to go for a stand-up reception. The landing outside the Ballroom adds to this number, with seated space for 40 or 80, non-seated. The options available allow for a certain degree of flexibility, thus catering to the requirements of each individual couple.

“Whichever you choose for your wedding, Malta and its 300 days of sunshine will guarantee that everything looks beautiful on the day,” Justine says, while going on to describe the consultation process, which is spearheaded by the family themselves. Indeed, Baroness Scicluna and Justine manage the consultation process, discussing every particular with their clients, to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.

“At Palazzo Parisio we very much plan bespoke weddings and we are able to provide everything a couple could possibly wish for on their special day, whether you want a traditional Mediterranean wedding or a seated wedding with various meals,” Justine says. “We’ve had couples from Malta and from all over the world, and we make sure they have what they’ve always dreamt of,” she adds.

This includes the venue’s catering services, which are supplied through Palazzo Parisio’s high-end eatery, Luna Restaurant. “A wedding here wouldn’t be complete without the full in-house catering service,” Baroness Scicluna says.

“Menus can be tailor-made at Palazzo Parisio and we offer the best fine-dining experience in the Maltese islands, with a dedicated team of chefs who always strive to give the best possible experience. Our team are all qualified and trained to give a professional service to guarantee top quality standards,” she specifies.

The restaurant’s dinner menu gives a taste of the standard available. Duck foie gras served with caramelised onions and warm home-made brioche; salmon gravlax marinated in beetroot and ginger, and pistachio-crusted tuna tataki, seared with home-made orange and onion chutney, all feature. The venue also provides delectable bites, ideal for a stand-up affair. “We are, therefore, able to prepare an amazing selection of assorted canapés and buffet stations for a standing reception,” Justine continues. “And we have the space and facilities to provide a lavish gala dinner for those who prefer a seated wedding scenario,” she adds.

For a Palazzo Parisio wedding is one to remember, whether you’re walking down the aisle, or attending the special celebration of a close family member or friend. And Baroness Scicluna, together with her daughter Justine, are determined to ensure the quality they bring to the table lives on in many couples’ big day. “All our weddings stand out. They are all unique and special in their own way,” the Baroness says. And, walking out of the marble-floored lobby into the bright, full sunshine of this central town in the Mediterranean, I’m certain many couples would agree.

For wedding bookings, contact jayne@palazzoparisio.com or info@palazzoparisio.com

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honeymoon

Seeking out adventure Sliding around in the rain and mud might not be everyone’s idea of a honeymoon, but as Vanessa Conneely finds out, it was what Yanika and Shaun Maniscalso loved most about Colombia.

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honeymoon

“We stayed in huts on the beach, and it was so quiet and peaceful.”

Y

anika Maniscalso stumbles when spelling her last name. That’s because she’s still getting her tongue around it, four months after marrying her husband Shaun.

The 27-year-olds have known each other since they were 22, but it wasn’t until they both joined a church youth group that they got to know each other better.

Production Engineer Shaun, who grew up in Gudja, wanted to entice Mosta-born Yanika to the south, so he suggested Marsascala as a location for their first date. The problem was getting there. “I had crashed my car so I had to borrow one from my friend. It was a mess so I had to park it far away from where we were meeting as I was afraid she would be ashamed of it,” he smiles.

The couple laugh about this now, and it’s become just one of the many adventures they’ve already shared together, including Shaun’s elaborate marriage proposal. “I put together a treasure hunt for her all over Malta at key places that meant something to us. My friends drove her around and she had to guess the clues from a book I made for her. When she got to the last stop at Top of the World in Gharghur I was waiting for her, standing in a heart made out of candles, where I proposed.”

The pair went on to tie the knot last October, and were soon off on their next adventure: a four-week honeymoon to Costa Rica and Colombia in November.

“We spent two weeks in each country. We liked Costa Rica for the nature, but we much preferred Colombia,” says Yanika who works as a midwife. “Our first destination

was Bogota where we spent a day walking around. Then we headed west to Salento and stayed at a hotel overlooking the valleys where coffee is grown. Of course we joined a tasting tour, which was amazing. The people here are so passionate about what they do and it was very interesting to see how they worked and lived in these small villages.”

“We then headed up north to Tayrona National Park, where we spent a couple of days walking around and enjoying nature. We stayed in huts on the beach, and it was so quiet and peaceful. There are no bars or clubs, so it was all about relaxing,” they say.

And all that recharging came in handy, since Yanika and Shaun had a mammoth task ahead – a 60km four-day trek through the jungle at a national park close to South America’s oldest surviving city, Santa Marta.

“The trek took a lot longer than we’d thought as it was very muddy and all uphill,” says Shaun. “We went with a group who were lovely, including two women in their 70s who were so much fun! It rained a lot, but the scenery was worth it, especially when we got to the top.”

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“People couldn’t believe we had chosen to do something like this for our honeymoon, but it was great being offline for so long and it was a lot of fun.”

There, the newlyweds saw the ancient ruins of what’s been dubbed by travellers as ‘the new Machu Picchu’. While local tribes have always known about the ruins, the outside world only discovered them in 1972, the pair explain, and they are thought to have housed between 4,000 and 10,000 of the Tayrona people, dating back to 800AD – making them 200 years older than Machu Picchu!

“Our tour guide told us that there was so much gold in the mines around the area that it was worthless to the tribes, but when it was invaded by the Europeans it was all stolen.

The city was deserted, and the jungle grew around it. The ruins themselves are nice, but the best part is the trek itself,” Shaun adds.

Despite the rain and some tears – mainly from Yanika – the couple agree that this was the highlight of their monthlong holiday. “People couldn’t believe we had chosen to do something like this for our honeymoon, but it was great being offline for so long and it was a lot of fun,” says Shaun.

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“We would highly recommend Colombia and can’t wait to go back.

Two weeks weren’t nearly enough, there is so much more to see!”

After walking for so long, the newlyweds opted for some much needed down-time on a beach in Cartagena. “It was amazing. Most tourists visit and stay in the old city, which is about four times the size of Mdina. It is a very rich city full of very expensive shops, so it felt very different from the other parts of Colombia we visited. We especially liked the hostel area, which was a bit cheaper and so much fun,” they maintain.

With its reputation for violence and drug cartels, Colombia often gets overlooked as a destination, but this is slowly changing, and the country is becoming increasingly

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popular with tourists. Yanika and Shuan can understand why: “the food is good, and the people are lovely and really appreciate tourists. It was the first time we went for a package holiday and we were both a bit sceptical initially, but Royal Travel were great! If we needed anything we could send them a WhatsApp message, which is really convenient, and having everything pre-arranged meant it saved us a lot of time. We would highly recommend Colombia and can’t wait to go back. Two weeks weren’t nearly enough, there is so much more to see!”

real home

A tiny house

with a big personality

Creative couple Emma Warrington and Matthew Demarco speak to Sarah Micallef about how they transformed their traditional Birkirkara townhouse into a veritable Aladdin’s Cave that reflects the couple’s tastes to a T. ph ot o s b y A lan C arville

“W

e call it tiny house for reasons that are pretty obvious,” Emma smiles, as I walk into Emma Warrington and Matthew Demarco’s charming little townhouse in Birkirkara. Although, as is immediately apparent, what it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in personality.

A mix of new and repurposed furniture pieces and eclectic décor make this a space that truly reflects its owners: Emma, of Emma’s Kitchen fame, and Matthew, a graphic designer with a penchant for antiques and collectibles.

“Downstairs is essentially an open-plan comprised of two rooms that we joined into one, to make a living-kitchendining space. Beyond that is a small bathroom and a yard, which is great because we love to eat outside in the summer,” Emma explains, adding “upstairs is a shower room, study and our bedroom, leading out onto a closed balcony.”

Looking back on what the property was like when they first came across it, the pair paint a somewhat grim picture.

“When we saw the place for the first time, it hadn’t been inhabited for years, but was split into two separate properties which were previously used by elderly siblings – one upstairs and one downstairs,” Matthew says. “Apart from that, the previous owners had also illegally roofed over the yard to make it a kitchen, and there were no windows, so it was pitch black downstairs,” Emma continues, adding that, because of the extra walls, it was very strange as a space, but had “one of the highest ceilings I’ve ever seen.”

So what was it about the house that spoke to the creative couple? “It was just a feeling,” Emma says, admitting that it was actually the first property they saw. “There were certain elements that had promise, like the height of the ceiling, and the different patterned tiles in each room. We also really liked the fact that it had a yard.”

“We immediately noticed the high ceilings, but it was very dark, so right away we knew we’d rather have one big space. Once we dropped the walls separating the rooms downstairs, it automatically became so much lighter,” Matthew says.

“We wanted something small and affordable which we could work some magic on,” he continues, and they used a lot of what he calls “hacks” to do it up, including marketplace finds as well as custom items that actually worked out cheaper. “It’s the same with the finishing,” he maintains, “we wanted it to have a roughness to it – especially where there were interventions. The tiles aren’t polished, the concrete isn’t neatened – it is what it is.”

And how long did it take to complete? “We started right away when we bought it and it was ready around January, so it took about eight or nine months to complete, although we then spent a while waiting for water and electricity, as it had been closed off,” Emma, who was herself the architect on the project, explains.

The process of conversion ran relatively smoothly, starting with structural works – mainly bringing down the two walls downstairs and opening up the yard once again.

“We immediately noticed the high ceilings, but it was very dark, so right away we knew we’d rather have one big space.” bliss 106 SPRING 2019

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“I don’t think there’s a word to describe it really, it’s just a collection of stuff we like.” bliss 108 SPRING 2019

real home

This was followed by plumbing and electricity, which Emma considers the worst part of the process: “it takes forever and they cut holes in all your walls, which is hard to see!” Plastering and painting came next, as well as the polished concrete floor in the kitchen, and finally, the apertures wrapped it all up. When it came to furnishing, Emma and Matthew opted for a number of custom elements including shelves, brackets and their wardrobe, as well as the beautiful dining table, which, Matthew tells me, is actually a repurposed wood trolley from a local warehouse.

Coming from creative backgrounds and sharing a love of interiors, the pair decorated their home their own way, agreeing on most things and possessing a similar aesthetic. “Emma likes things a little neater and I prefer them to look a little more lived in, but apart from that, we have very similar tastes, so we didn’t fight a lot,” Matthew laughs, as Emma gives him a bemused look. While Emma favours a simpler aesthetic that’s more prevalent in the bedroom, she explains, Matt is more of a collector, which, if left unchecked, may cause things to look cluttered. “I think our tastes fuse together well,” they say, “it’s a good balance.”

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And while Emma is the architect, the pair agree that the house and its décor was, and still is, more of a passion project for Matthew, who was very involved in putting it all together. “I’ve long since relinquished control,” Emma smiles, as Matthew laughs in agreement. “There are only a handful of things he’s brought in that I really don’t like,” she continues, pointing out a yellow Cisk crate – “I just don’t like yellow” – a red stool that Matt salvaged from an old bar in Strait Street, and a green Pitkali vegetable crate, which she says with relief, “I managed to hide in the study!”

“Emma doesn’t like bright colours, but if things have a great story to them, I like them, even if they look slightly off,” Matthew explains. “I like these curiosities.”

And now that it’s come together, I ask, how would they describe the décor? “That’s difficult, I don’t know how I’d describe it,” Matthew muses. “When it was still a blank canvas, my intention was always to build off the characteristic elements, so elements like the traditional balcony, rough walls, beams and old tiles – it needed to have those things, design-wise. Following that, it was all about enhancing that character without overdesigning it or making it look like something it’s not. I don’t think there’s a word to describe it really, it’s just a collection of stuff we like.” Emma chimes in, “it feels like home” – and that’s just it. It’s true to them, a reflection of their likes and personalities.

“We love cooking and eating around that table, with the light from the yard coming in.”

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“Emma likes things a little neater and I prefer them to look a little more lived in, but apart from that, we have very similar tastes.”

Speaking of the inspiration behind the décor, Matthew lists a variety of sources, including different places and people. “Gardens are definitely a source of inspiration,” he says, and I’m not surprised, looking around at his impressive collection of house plants. “Nowadays a lot of the local public gardens are well kept, but when I was a student I’d love going for walks in the old gardens in Floriana and Valletta, back when they weren’t as well looked after. I always loved that aesthetic. I was also inspired by friends’ houses, shops and experiences. I love old Maltese townhouses and their weird proportions, and mad bars like Gleneagles in Gozo.”

I go on to ask about each of their favourite spots in the house, to which Matthew answers promptly, “definitely the living room and kitchen, because it features lots of things we’ve come across and been saving for ages,” to which Emma steps in, “that’s not a spot, that’s half the house!”

Laughing, Matthew concedes to not being able to pick a favourite, but also lists the shower room upstairs as a triumph – particularly given its previous state – as well as the area around the kitchen table. “I love cooking and eating around that table, with the light from the yard coming in…” and almost as if on cue, the couple’s cat Shrimpy walks in, meowing loudly. “I also love Shrimpy,” he smiles, picking him up.

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“Shrimpy likes all the sunny spots,” Emma continues, “but I think my favourite part is the wall in the kitchen where we’ve got the old sideboard and shelves. That’s where we have our plate and candlestick collections, old recipe books, etc.” In fact, the sideboard, which the pair found for a bargain €10 on MaltaPark, makes it onto Emma’s list of favourite items in the house, along with the custom wardrobe in the main bedroom. “She designed it from scratch,” Matthew says proudly.

And while their affectionately termed tiny house has come to feel like home, the tireless Matthew still has a couple of projects in the pipeline, and looks at it as a work in progress – the outside area in particular. “I’d really like to tackle the yard,” he says. “We left a soil patch which we haven’t done anything with yet, but the idea is to grow our own vegetables. It took us a little while as we needed to replace the soil, which had a lot of lime in it from the construction works, but we’ve since managed to do that, and now that spring is approaching, it would be nice to tackle that next!”

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&

Retro, relaxed reorganised With spring finally here it’s time to get back to nature and give your home a deep clean.

Luckily, those are two of the trends in vogue when it comes to home décor in 2019, as Vanessa Conneely explains.

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01. Back to nature

With many of us spending too much time on the couch or our phone last year, 2019 is all about getting back to nature!

Designers are getting new inspiration from an old cliché and bringing the outside in. Go for fresh natural materials such as stone, concrete, copper and granite to give your home a serene and organic ambience. As Kermit the Frog says – it’s easy being green!

Interior Design Ideas

02. Copper tones

Move over rose gold, there’s a new metal in town! With its red and orange tones, copper will find itself on a lot more mood boards this year. While industrial chic has been around for quite a while, the earthly hue of burnt copper is a nice reminder of the natural world outside.

Think autumn leaves, paired with a beautiful forest green wallpaper or paint.

The Range

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Amara

03. Under the sea

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Darla Powell Interiors

Fashion and home décor trends often go hand-in-hand, and 2019 is no different. Once again, it’s all about getting back to nature… or under the sea to be exact! Coral tones are everywhere – as per Pantone’s Colour of the Year – as well as the deep blues and greens of the ocean.

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04. ‘70s chic

Retro is returning, especially when it comes to the 1970s. Think velvet textures, geometric patterns and disco funk.

This trend is all about keeping things warm, but is NOT for the faint-hearted, so be bold and inject as much personality into every room as you can handle.

1stDibs

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Dezeen

06. And finally… being organised

This trend is very much down to Japanese decluttering expert Marie Kondo, whose Netflix show Tidying Up has sparked a wave of people wanting to get organised.

Malta’s very own Decluttering Consultant and Professional Organiser Julia Barker says the show resonated with people because it’s something the majority of us struggle with: “It comforts us to see others sharing our difficulty in getting tidy and gives us hope that we too can overcome that ‘miscellaneous’ drawer!”

And what are her top tips for having a more zen home?

“Keep like items together. All books in one place, all cleaning items together in one cupboard and so on, then you’ll always know where to find them.” Another one of Barker’s tips is to make it a family affair. “Enlist the help of others in your house. Even toddlers – with very specific direction and modelling – can begin to understand after a few days of repetition that they need ‘to put their toys to bed’. Keeping things organised doesn’t have to be a oneperson job.”

Megan Pflung designs

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05. Heart of the home

The kitchen remains the most important room in the home for many in 2019.

The mood this year is all about being functional yet relaxed. Vintage touches such as rattan stools or chairs have made a comeback among designers, and taps and fixtures in pewter or gunmetal are having a moment. Storage is also key, be it open shelving or completely concealed.

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Super Studio

Enki Magazine

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vintage wedding

A match made in heaven

A chance encounter and an impromptu pizza date brought Helen and Philip Farrugia Randon together, and they’ve never looked back. The couple share the story of how they met, married, and the unshakeably strong bond they have with Marie-Claire Grima.

T

he first time Helen and Philip Farrugia Randon met was 49 years ago at a place which remains a bustling hotspot to this day – Caffe Cordina. “It was our sort of place – all of my friends used to be there,” Helen recalls.

“It was a Saturday morning, and I had met up with a few friends, when Philip walked in. He knew one of my friends, so he introduced himself to the table.”

Philip remembers it well, too. “When I went in and I saw Helen, she immediately caught my eye,” he says, “She very elegant, dressed in the latest fashion, before it had even arrived in Malta. I spoke to her and it turned out that I knew nearly all of her seven brothers and sisters.” Philip then heard Helen telling her friend that she was going to Pizzeria Bologna for lunch and decided to seize his chance.

“I used to go there quite frequently anyway, so I thought to myself, if she’s going, why shouldn’t I?” Philip showed up at Pizzeria Bologna where Helen had already settled down with a book, and asked if he could join her. Helen said yes, and the pair started chatting. Lunch flew by, and was followed by a film at the Savoy Arcades.

“We went to see this terrible film called The Bliss of Mrs Blossom,” Helen says. “Then he took me to a party at his house the next day – it was at eight, but he asked if we could meet at four! We met at Cordina again, and he made me laugh so much – he’s a real joker. He didn’t drive – I wasn’t used to that – so we took the bus together, and that was that!”

“The rest of the day went by in a blur, but the image of her coming in in that dress is still so clear to me.”

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vintage wedding

“I still don’t drive,” Philip adds. “The only time I drove was for 20 seconds during our going away, before Helen took the wheel because she thought I was going to kill us!”

Philip and Helen dated for five years before they got married, since they met when Philip was still studying law. “I had to finish University and start earning a decent income before I could start a family,” Philip says. His days were full – besides studying to become a lawyer, he was also a frequent face on the national broadcaster, both television and radio. “But we still made it a point to meet every day, even if it was just for half an hour,” Philip insists. “We’d buy a dozen pastizzi and share them. Well, Helen would take two, and I’d take the rest.”

While Philip and Helen always knew that they wanted to be united in marriage, there was never an official proposal. “When we were about to be engaged, I asked her father – former President Censu Tabone – nixtieq subghajha, and then, when it came to marriage, I told him, you know what they say – mis-seba’ tiehu l-id!”

And since he had never done the traditional proposal, Philip decided, during this very interview, to ask Helen to marry him on bended knee. “You’re only supposed to get down on one knee, not both!” shrieks Helen, delighted.

They embrace as if it were the real thing – the emotions behind it certainly are.

Philip and Helen married at St Julian’s Parish Church on 9th February 1975, and held their reception in the ballroom of the Phoenicia Hotel. Since Helen’s father was a politician, and both he and Philip’s father were prolific doctors, the guest list numbered over 1,500, with prominent guests including Mabel Strickland, Herbert Ganado and Eddie Fenech Adami. “I still have a tennis elbow to this day from shaking so many hands,” Philip quips. Helen’s mother made the bride’s dress as well as the wedding cake, as she had done for Helen’s elder sister Patricia, who had got married just two months before.

“I still remember her coming into the church,” Philip says in a reverent tone. “The rest of the day went by in a blur, but the image of her coming in in that dress is still so clear to me.” The mass was at 11am and the wedding ended at around five in the afternoon. After grabbing a bite to eat at home, the newlyweds headed off on their honeymoon – two weeks in London. “We’d count our pennies every single morning, because back then, you could hardly take any money at all abroad!” Helen says.

Even after 44 years, during which they became parents to Philipa and grandparents to Luke, the chemistry between the pair is still explosive. They credit their parents, both sets of them, for having set an incredibly positive example of married life for them, growing up. But most importantly, Philip and Helen are each other’s best friend. They share many passions, including fundraising and charity work, but most importantly, they support each other in all their endeavours.

“Helen has the gift of allowing the other person to grow and be themselves. I read, write and paint, but these things take time, and she always gave me my space. I look around and I consider myself very lucky – not everyone has this luxury granted to them. But I think it’s an important way to show how you love that person just as they are, without trying to change them. I always say she’s my wings, and I have dedicated all my books to her – all 23 of them!” Philip says, adding that he’s written her “a lot of poems.”

“Whenever we go out to dinner parties, couples are usually split up, but I’d always choose to sit next to him if I could. Why would I choose to sit next to someone boring when I could be beside him?” Helen says. The strength of their marriage begs the question – what’s their secret? But there is no secret, she says. “It’s just a question of working at it.”

“I’d marry you again,” Philip winks. “So would I!” Helen laughs.

“I still have a tennis elbow to this day from shaking so many hands.”

bliss 122 SPRING 2019