Bliss Weddings & Homes - Summer 2020

WEDDINGS & HOMES

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ISSUE NO. 42

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SUMMER 2020

BL SS

€7.50

Bridal style

LATEST WEDDING TRENDS | REAL COUPLES’ STORIES | A HOMEGROWN HOME

CONTENTS

ISSUE 42 | SUMMER 2020

ISSUE 42 | SUMMER 2020 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 PUBLISHER

Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Zone 3, Central Business District Birkirkara CBD3010 Tel: 2132 0713 info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt DESIGN James Debono – Design Studio at Content House Ltd CONTRIBUTORS Martina Said; Rebecca Anastasi PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Grech; Kris Micallef; Matt Hush; Shane P Watts; Stefan Varga; Tonio Lombardi ADVERTISING Content House Ltd – Tel: 2132 0713

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PAGE 78 HONEYMOON

FASHION & BEAUTY 20 BRIDAL TRENDS 64 IN FULL BLOOM

WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS 22 THE ALCHEMY OF LOVE 30 A UNIQUE CELEBRATION OF LOVE 38 A BLUSH SUMMER WEDDING IN A BUCOLIC OASIS 46 A SPARKLING SUMMER NIGHT 54 ALL IN THE DETAILS 76 WEDDING TRENDS 78 THE HONEYMOON DIARIES

INTERVIEW

DEPUTY HEAD OF SALES Jessica Spiteri Catania

72 THAT WOW FACTOR 96 LOVE AND A LOT OF LAUGHTER

OPERATIONS & CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER Elena Dimech

HOMES

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.

We care about the environment Because we care about the environment, Bliss is printed on FSC-certified paper, a certification which provides assurance that the paper is from sustainable and well-managed sources, thereby minimising its environmental impacts.

84 A HOMEGROWN HOME 93 IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT

BRIDAL SHOOT PAGE 64

WEDDING TRENDS PAGE 76

REAL HOME PAGE 84

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EDITORIAL

OUR COVER

DRESS An amazing gown by Millanova, this beauty is called Fernanda and we love the tulle bows that soften the whole look. Exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. Jewellery by ZSAZSA. Dress can be viewed in full in our bridal shoot, on page 70.

LOCATION The gardens at The Phoenicia Malta PHOTOGRAPHER Kris Micallef PHOTO SHOOT COORDINATOR Sarah Micallef HAIR Lorraine, Alfie's Hair & Beauty MODEL Lauren, Models M.

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t’s been a tough couple of months for the wedding world, with COVID-19 affecting countless couples and industry suppliers’ plans in what is generally the height of the season. But here at Bliss, we’re believers in the silver lining in every cloud, and know that this too shall pass. If your plans have been affected by the pandemic, try to look on the bright side – you’ve been gifted a bit more time to plan the wedding of your dreams! And as ever, we’re here to help, with the latest trends and inspiration from near and far.

In this issue, you’ll find a selection of magical local weddings from our wonderful real couples, a look at one bride’s unconventional wedding dress journey, and a unique insight into married life with vintage wedding couple Lucienne and Robert Dingli.

Our bridal shoot saw us once again team up with celebrated photographer Kris Micallef, who shot stunning new face Lauren in a selection of the latest styles within the majestic gardens of the Phoenicia. Meanwhile, we’re not lacking in inspiration for your home either! Check out the latest trends for your outdoor space and take a peek inside a beautiful new home in Gozo, which was very much a homegrown labour of love.

Enjoy the issue.

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Sarah BLISS

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BRIDAL TRENDS

words by

SARAH MICALLEF BARCELONA BRIDAL WEEK

catwalk shots courtesy of

Celestial Sparkles Sporty Necklines '70s Flutter Sleeves We’re seeing stars in the bridal world this year, with beaded fringe, gilded embroidery, crystal and gemstone embellishments, and sparkling sequins designed to catch the light and make the bride sparkle on her big day. They’ll look gorgeous at the afterparty to boot!

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If you’re not much for plunging necklines and off-shoulder styles, this trend is for you – halter necks and sporty silhouettes are back! They’re perfect for brides seeking a little more coverage or support in the bodice, or if you’re looking to show off those athletic shoulders!

Perfect for the free-spirited bride that’s looking for a more relaxed look on her wedding day, '70s inspired flutter sleeves are a chic and feminine addition to a no-fuss bridal look – they’re also super comfy and won’t restrict your movements on the dancefloor.

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

PRONOVIAS

AIRE BARCELONA

BEBAS

BRIDAL TRENDS

Vintage Lace

Modern Ruffles

Puff Sleeves

Vintage-themed weddings have been a thing for a while, and if you’ve got your heart set on a vintage style affair, your gown should match! Bridal designers are working wonders with vintage lace interpreted in modern silhouettes – a bridal match made in heaven!

Lending a romantic feel to a contemporary wedding gown, ruffles can give a modern boho aesthetic to your bridal look – perfect for a spring or summer wedding in the countryside.

The bridal runways are borrowing from the fashion world in this trend, where puff sleeves have made a major comeback.

From voluminous Elizabethan-era sleeves to all-out ‘80s-style puff sleeves, they’re having a definite moment.

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

DESIGNER

FLORA

MARIA SALAS

MARYLISE & REMBO STYLING

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MARIE-CLAIRE KRIS TA’ GIEZU CHURCH, RABAT PRIVATE FIELD, KUNCIZZJONI, BAHRIJA, LIMITS OF RABAT

The alchemy of love When Marie-Claire Farrugia and Kris Grech met at Sixth Form at the tender age of 16, their chemistry classes became more than just about atoms and molecules. Ten years later, they tied the knot in a magnetic ceremony, which, as they explain to Rebecca Anastasi, was perfect in every way.

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lmost 11 years ago, in the days of MSN chat, when the iPod was still popular and Instagram had just been launched, Marie-Claire and Kris hooked up for the first time.

The two were only 16 – both students of the same Sixth Form – and while they started out as close friends, they decided to take the plunge and start dating, but only once Marie-Claire overcame her initial hesitation. “We were close friends for six months when Kris asked me to go out. But we had such a good relationship as friends that I thought it would better to leave everything as is,” Marie-Claire recalls.

But electricity was in the air – even during the couple’s classes! “Everything really started from our chemistry lectures,” Marie-Claire says. “We had gotten along really well right from the start, and there was instant chemistry – so to say – between us.”

Indeed, before leaving college and during a midnight MSN chat, Marie-Claire rethought Kris’ offer and asked him whether it was still on. “He immediately accepted,” she laughs. And the couple didn’t waste any time: their first date took place the day after that conversation, with a stroll through the Valletta Carnival.

Five years later, when the couple were still university students, they decided to plan a weekend trip to Gozo, booking a farmhouse to celebrate the end-of-year exams with some friends. “I remember Kris chitchatting about marriage and married life throughout the trip to the farmhouse, but, honestly, I didn’t think he was up to anything! However, when we arrived at our accommodation, he wanted to go out alone, just the two of us, to buy some food for

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the next day. When we came back, the pool area was full of flower petals and candles, and there was a hand-crafted banner asking me to marry him,” she gushes.

Preparations kicked in soon afterwards, with both MarieClaire and Kris getting stuck in and deciding on the 13th July, 2019, as the perfect day to tie the knot. Their biggest challenge? Transforming a private field in Kuncizzjoni, in Bahrija, into a reception venue fit for the knees-up they had set their hearts on. “We had to do everything from scratch and turn an abandoned field in the middle of the

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countryside into a lovely area which we could share with everyone. At first, our loved ones thought we were nuts, especially our parents. But we had a dream and, together, we went all the way to make it happen,” Marie-Claire says.

The couple cleaned up the area, rebuilt the rubble walls, planted flowers and trees, and even had to prepare the lawn. “Up until a couple of months before our wedding, my parents were still asking me if I had a back-up venue just in case things went wrong,” Marie-Claire continues, saying that they were dangerously close to the wire with completing the alterations to the space.

“Kris and his father were still fixing things in the field on the day of the wedding,” she recalls, going on to explain that they had a lot of help and encouragement from their wedding plannerand parents who – despite their reservations – pitched in and were instrumental in making it all happen. “It took us two years to get it done, but it was all worth it in the end,” she smiles.

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DETAILS GLORIOUS WHITE While the couple did not have a particular wedding theme in mind, they wanted a simple yet elegant tone to the day, with white taking centre stage.

“We had to do everything from scratch and turn an abandoned field in the middle of the countryside into a lovely area which we could share with everyone.�

A CANOPY OF LIGHTS A lot of hard work went into transforming the open field the couple had selected into a stunning wedding venue, so it was only natural that they wanted plenty of light to show off the space. To that end, strings of outdoor bulbs added some sparkle and shine to the bucolic surroundings.

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In the meantime, the search for the bridal gown went much more smoothly. “I was at a medical conference in Paris with some colleagues, and while on the trip, we passed by a shop renowned for their wedding dresses. They stocked Pronovias so I asked for a catalogue and immediately fell in love with one of the gowns. I couldn’t help but imagine myself in it on the day!”

When the bride-to-be came back to Malta, she headed to the local stockists and, as soon as she walked into the shop, she spotted that very same dress she had fallen in love with in France. “I couldn’t take my eyes off it. It was even prettier and the level of detail on it was astounding,” she describes.

The gown – boasting an “elegant crepe skirt and a jewelled bodice decorated with hand embroidery and floral motifs” – was a winner. “I also always wanted to go for a mermaidstyle dress, and this was all I ever dreamt about. My mother, aunt and cousin – who was also my bridesmaid – were with me and also agreed,” Marie-Claire says.

On the big day, Marie-Claire got ready with her twin cousins as bridesmaids, her three flower girls and page boy, while Kris had his six groomsmen by his side – two of whom were his brothers-in-law, with four of Marie-Claire’s cousins also stepping in to lend their support. “It was a traditional wedding. However, we wanted something of our own, something which would make the day unique and which we could treasure for a lifetime.” The wedding venue stepped in to fulfil that role, hosting 800 of the couple’s family and friends in a celebration which went off perfectly – except for one minor hitch.

“While we were cutting the cake, the lights surrounding the table went off because of a technical issue. At first, I thought someone was playing a prank on me and we waited for the lights to come back on,” Marie-Claire remembers.

But when they did not, the band stepped in with a bright idea. “We asked everyone to turn on their mobile flashlights for the pictures. It was then that I realised that this was no

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“We wanted something of our own, something which would make the day unique and which we could treasure for a lifetime.”

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“It took us two years to get it done, but it was all worth it in the end.”

joke! It was a wonderful idea and the pictures came out adorable. And, funnily enough, the lights came back on right after we had cut the cake,” the bride says.

Despite the mishap, Marie-Claire and Kris say they would change absolutely nothing about the day. “It was magical. Everyone was having fun and both of us enjoyed seeing everyone dancing the night away. Everything went according to plan and the entertainment created by our

band, DJ and fireworks were completely in sync with the atmosphere created by the picturesque countryside setting,” they describe.

Indeed, up until today, the couple’s loved ones often mention just how perfect that day was. “There was a feeling of calm, which made us feel elated,” the couple smile, as they finish recalling those incredible moments which sealed their love and set the tone for the many years ahead.

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ALEXIA MATTHEW METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL OF ST PAUL, MDINA VILLA ARRIGO, NAXXAR

A unique celebration of love As they planned their big day, Alexia Micallef Gatt and Matthew Spiteri wanted to create a celebration of love that is as unique as they are. Here, they tell Sarah Micallef how they pulled off the beautiful wedding of their dreams.

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hile they wouldn’t call it love at first sight, the story of science and biology teacher Alexia Micallef Gatt and creative director Matthew Spiteri starts back in University, when the pair began working together on student events.

“We loved spending time together, and things grew slowly from there,” say the couple, who admit realising early in their relationship that they’d eventually get married.

The proposal came some time later – a romantic yet private affair on Florence’s Ponte Vecchio “after an amazing dinner” – and the pair set about planning their big day.

“We were both very hands on and made all the decisions together,” they recall, adding that not being tied down by any specific date helped

keep stress levels at bay. “Luckily, all our top choices were available on the date we picked,” the newlyweds continue, and having nine months to plan also helped them to be efficient and decisive.

The date chosen was 27th October 2019, with mass celebrated at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Paul followed by a reception at Villa Arrigo. “The church was particularly special to Matt as his father's side of the family is from Mdina,” they explain, while Villa Arrigo was chosen as their reception venue “because we feel their service is impeccable and the food is always a showstopper.”

And while the pair didn’t have any major disagreements throughout the planning process, they agree that one of

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the biggest sources of stress was their guest list. “We didn't clash but we found it hard to finalise, as you have to make sure that where you draw the line is fair and doesn’t exclude anyone that should be invited,” they say.

As for the decision to engage a wedding planner, the couple admits that using a venue which provides its own catering cuts out a lot of logistical problems, and having a good team of groomsmen to help keep everything running smoothly meant that they didn’t feel the need to enlist a planner. Since the wedding was in late October, they decided on a fall theme, which was mostly reflected in their flower arrangements which “literally transformed the church and venue”. To help set the scene, they enlisted the help of visual artist Andrew Borg Wirth “to make our visions come to life.”

“I am really not a crier… but I cried so much! I was very happy and overwhelmed with both love and happiness.”

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DETAILS AFTER-PARTY FABULOUS For the after-party, Alexia wore a white Zara tuxedo style suit with chunky silver sneakers so she could dance the night away. “I literally couldn’t believe it when I saw it in the store the summer before the wedding!” she recalls.

With Alexia’s experience of modelling in bridal shows, the couple wanting something that felt unique for their own big day, describing their vision as “fresh and modern, but still timeless”. Above all, they agree, “we wanted to make the wedding as fun as possible for us and for everyone invited.”

But when the day finally rolled round, the couple faced a little hiccup they describe as “pretty much every couple’s nightmare” – heavy rainfall.

“When I woke up that morning, I remember trying to calm myself as I looked outside and rain clouds were looming. I was sure it was going to rain, and it did,” says Matthew, admitting that he was mostly worried about Alexia and her dress. But the bride was adamant not to let it dampen her spirits. “The heavy rain in the morning was a bit of a concern, but I was determined not to let it ruin the fun! I was also sure I would remain calm and composed throughout the day, but I ended up crying a million times!” she laughs. “I am really not a crier… but I cried so much!

I was very happy and overwhelmed with both love and happiness.”

The mass was celebrated by Father Clinton, the rector of the school Alexia teaches in, and Father Samuel Yohannes, a priest from the Dioceses in Ethiopia, which Matthew visits regularly, making the ceremony a personal experience for both. It is also where the couple’s vision for the day began coming to life: “the décor gave the cathedral that extra touch which made it look special, and Alexia's dress, together with the church and decorations came together and fit like a glove. The singing voice of Sandrina echoing in the cathedral also elevated the ceremony.”

A PERSONAL TOUCH Having started out as a graphic designer, the groom wanted to put his own spin on the wedding invitations.

“I tried to make the invite as simple as possible and bring out the design with the materials and finishing methods,” he says. Instead of souvenirs, the couple decided to donate money to a project Matthew is overseeing in Bonga, Ethiopia. “The womenofbonga.com project aims to construct and fund the running of a women's skills development centre to help them become more employable and independent. We made arrangements to visit Bonga as the first stop of our honeymoon over Easter, but due to the pandemic, we postponed this to December,” he says.

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“The heavy rainfall right at the moment we arrived at the church was definitely not in our plan, but it was even more special when the mass finished, and the sun was blazing.”

The bride glowed in her custom gown by designer Luke Azzopardi, who created the unique look she was after following her experience of many different wedding dresses in her modelling days. “I wanted it to be very me and fresh, but nothing so trendy that I would regret in a few years,” she says, admitting that, having worked with Luke, who is also a personal friend, for years, there was really no other choice! “I knew he understood me as a person, my tastes and style, but that he also understood my body, so I trusted him completely,” she says, describing the gown as “a work of art”.

To complete the look, Alexia had her make-up done by celebrated make-up artist Jennifer Dimech and worked with artist Kane Cali on a custom headpiece which would serve as her crowning glory. “Even though I had never met Kane before, he understood me immediately,” she says.

Meanwhile, “the heavy rainfall right at the moment we arrived at the church was definitely not in our plan, but it was even more special when the mass finished, and the sun was blazing. It lifted everyone up,” the pair share.

And a true celebration followed, once the couple were whizzed off to their reception venue in their beautiful Percius wedding car. The couple shared their first dance to Crystal Fighters’ Plage, interpreted by Red Electrick. “This song means a lot to us and goes back to the beginning of our relationship,” they say, admitting that while it’s not a traditional first dance song, they went for it anyway, and “the way it becomes gradually upbeat made people join in the fun immediately.” And once again, it brought the bride to tears. “Alexia cried so much because this has been our song since day one and has so many memories associated with it.”

Looking back on it all, Alexia pinpoints three distinct parts of the day that she’ll always remember. “Walking down the aisle and seeing all our family and friends, and

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“It’s been our song since day one and has so many memories associated with it.”

obviously Matt at the end, I remember literally feeling the love, almost as if it were tangible,” she begins, adding, “changing into my after-party suit and spending some chill time with my girls was also really special, and the fun photo booth pictures with my brother and our cousins.”

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Matthew, meanwhile, admits that while “the party was probably the most fun”, it’s impossible to overlook the ceremony as a favourite part “because it was so emotional.”

As for his most touching memory, “it was when Alexia walked through the door of the cathedral. She was a sight.”

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LORRAINE KURT ST AGATHA’S CHAPEL, RABAT VILLA BOLOGNA, ATTARD

A blush summer wedding in a bucolic oasis After dating for two and a half years, Kurt Vella dropped on one knee in front of hundreds of people at the Fontana di Trevi in Rome and proposed to his then girlfriend, Lorraine. Last June, their love came full circle as they tied the knot in an exquisite ceremony. Here, they tell Rebecca Anastasi all about those special moments.

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t is a truth universally acknowledged that good friends make the best couples. And it was certainly so with Lorraine and Kurt Vella. “We were in the same group of friends for three years before we started dating,” Lorraine recalls. “So we knew each other very well and we were very good friends, although I knew – because he had told me – that he had a crush on me,” she smiles, admitting that, at first, she just saw Kurt as a close mate.

Things changed when the two went on a trip to Vietnam with other members of their close circle. “While we were there, all of us rented motorbikes, and I rode with Kurt, so this brought us closer, and something changed in my feelings towards him. And I’m sure he noticed! In fact, when we got back to Malta, he asked me to go out to a wine bar for a date, and I agreed,” she remembers fondly.

After two years of dating, the couple decided to try living together, and they moved into an apartment Lorraine had just bought. That seems to have precipitated Kurt’s decision to pop the question for – as Lorraine laughingly describes it – “when he saw that we didn’t kill each other after living together for a few months, he realised that I was the one, and decided to propose!”

Indeed, two and half years after their first official date, Kurt orchestrated a surprise for his

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future bride. “I used to work as cabin crew on a private jet and I had a trip to Rome for five days, together with two pilot colleagues,” Lorraine describes. “Kurt came up for four days to join me and, although he had only just met my workmates, without me knowing, he worked out a plan with them over breakfast while I went to our room to fetch my bag,” Lorraine says.

The group spent an entire day sightseeing in the Italian capital and, after freshening up in the afternoon, decided to visit La Fontana di Trevi before dinner. When they arrived there, “one of the pilots, whose hobby is photography, told us to stand in front of the fountain so he could take a photo and, whilst we were there posing for the camera, Kurt brought out the ring and went down on one knee!”

But with all the hustle and bustle Lorraine didn’t initially notice. “It was super packed with people and I was oblivious to what Kurt was doing! I only realised that he had gone down on one knee when I heard people screaming and shouting ‘Oh my god! Oh my god!’ and pointing at Kurt.”

When Lorraine said yes, there were cheers from the crowd of onlookers. “It was such an emotional and special moment. I used to accuse Kurt of being shy to show his emotions towards me in front of other people, but he proposed in front of hundreds!”

Back home, preparations for the wedding started. “I used to work as cabin crew in Kazakhstan with a 30 day on, 30 day off rotation, and would be completely free for my days in Malta, so I handled the preparations myself, although we always discussed everything together and agreed before I booked anything,” Lorraine explains.

From the get-go, the couple were keen on a spring wedding on a Saturday, and they were both intent on getting hitched in a lush outdoor space. “I always dreamed about Villa Bologna’s garden, but when we first met Jasper, he didn’t have any spots available in 2019. Luckily, a few days after that first meeting, he had a cancellation for 15th June.”

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“I only realised that he had gone down on one knee when I heard people screaming and shouting ‘Oh my god! Oh my god!’ and pointing at Kurt.”

The couple jumped at the offer and, with the reception booked, Lorraine and Kurt started tackling other key aspects of the wedding – like the dress.

“At first, I wanted to buy a gown only six months before the big day since I wanted to choose something in the latest styles, so I didn’t start looking for a dress immediately,” Lorraine recalls, going on to say that, despite this, her best friend encouraged her to check out the gowns at Eva Mariee, even forwarding some images of one she had seen. And while she ended up booking fittings at three other vendors, she found the right gown where her friend had told her she would.

“I tried on six dresses from Eva Mariee and they were all very beautiful, but when I tried on the one my friend had shown me photos of, I forgot about all the others! It was perfect – the colour, the lace, the beading. Every little detail about it was stunning. And to top it all off, my mum was speechless and emotional, so I ended up buying the dress 16 months before the wedding!”

In the meantime, preparations for the other elements went ahead, with the couple being in sync about the direction they wanted to take. “Kurt and I have similar tastes, and we would always choose the same option out of the three we would source. The only exception was the alcohol we opted to have at the wedding – that was his choice. In this respect,

DETAILS SPRING IN SUMMER! The couple had initially wanted a spring wedding, but when that wasn’t possible, they incorporated springtime design elements into the wedding theme, with light pink and blue flowers offsetting the lush gardens at Villa Bologna.

DANCING SHOES Lorraine always wanted a comfy pair of bridal heels which she could wear all night long, without having to change into flats. With this in mind, she bought her first pair of open-toed strappy sandals, but, when the weather changed a few weeks before the wedding, she opted to purchase a second pair, gorgeous closed pumps which kept her twirling until the early hours.

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drank some shots with us and stayed for the after-party! All my friends loved dancing, taking photos and chatting with him. He’s my rock,” she says.

The traditional wedding was filled with “food, drinks, fun, photos and dancing,” Lorraine recalls, with her sister stepping in as maid of honour while her three best friends picked up the mantle as bridesmaids. Kurt had two groomsmen – both old school friends – who also joined the couple as they celebrated late into the night with 400 of their loved ones.

So, what was the couple’s favourite part of the day? “All of it,” Lorraine attests. But, particularly, for the bride, “the morning was lovely, as I spent it with my mum, nanna,

“I wanted to buy a gown only six months before the big day since I wanted to choose something in the latest styles, so I didn’t start looking for a dress immediately.” all I wanted was a good gin brand – everything else was superfluous,” Lorraine laughs.

Finally, the big day arrived and in the bride’s words, “expectations became reality.” Lorraine and her party were picked up by Dalton’s Chauffeur Service, who remained on hand throughout the day. When they got to the church, Lorraine’s grandfather walked her down the aisle, and later, stepped in for the father-daughter dance. “He knew about this of course, but when it was time for him to dance with me he panicked and didn’t want to come to the dancefloor!”

Lorraine’s friends proceeded to call him, and that call reverberated, until the entire contingent of guests were chanting “nannu, nannu, nannu. Everyone was clapping and cheering him on and he, eventually, came round. And from that moment onwards, he didn’t stop dancing! He even

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“When my nannu saw me, the expression on his face was priceless.”

sister and bridesmaids, getting ready and being pampered.”

Yet nothing can compare to the memory of seeing her grandfather’s reaction when she emerged, all dressed up.

“When my nannu saw me, the expression on his face was priceless,” she smiles.

For Kurt, the wedding mass was an emotional moment, while the couple’s first dance will remain a highlight. “That was a very special moment for the both of us and, actually, all of the reception was amazing,” Lorraine continues. “There

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was lots of dancing and it was such a nice feeling to see everyone having fun. We could feel the love and happiness from our guests,” she fondly remembers, saying that despite the heat, there was nothing she would change about the day.

“Your wedding day is a celebration of the love you and your partner have for each other,” Lorraine reminds prospective brides. “So make sure that you are spending it together, making lots of memories together. After all it’s once in a lifetime,” she smiles.

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STEPHANIE KYLE ST MATTHEW’S CHAPEL, QRENDI THE XARA LODGE, RABAT

A sparkling summer night Almost one year after her picture-perfect wedding day to husband Kyle, Stephanie Portanier relives the unforgettable memories with Martina Said, and delves into the acute attention to detail that went into planning her dream wedding.

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n Stephanie Portanier’s first date with her now-husband, Kyle, 27, seven years ago, she felt as if she had met someone she knew her whole life. Before that first date, however, was a chance encounter through mutual friends that turned out to be a true case of serendipity.

“My cousin was dating his best friend. We went out together one time, and Kyle happened to be there. A few days later, he added me on Facebook, and we started chatting,” she says.

“Several conversations later, we agreed to meet.”

Following that first date, Stephanie, 28, says they both felt the attraction – “I never expected during that time that I would meet the love of my life!” Throughout their dating years, the more she got to know Kyle, the more she knew she was falling in love. “Like any other couple, we’ve had to learn that marriage and commitment to another human is hard, but we keep loving, keep going, and keep putting our efforts into our relationship and finetuning as we go along.”

A few years later, the couple set their sights on buying their first home together, and decided to get married two years later, with the aim of finishing their home renovation in time for moving into it. “We decided together to get married, after we bought our house. There was no grand, romantic proposal.”

Eager to dig into the planning process, Stephanie wasted no time to start organising the wedding she had been picturing since she was a girl. “From a young age, my dream was

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to get married, wear a beautiful white dress and organise a magnificent celebration of love. It actually came true!” she says. Firstly, however, they needed to decide on a date – with Stephanie being a primary school teacher by profession, the wedding had to be during the summer holidays as they wanted to go on honeymoon a few days after.

The couple settled for 13th July 2019, and Stephanie immediately checked with the parish priest of her hometown, Qrendi, whether St Matthew’s chapel was available. “The chapel is breath-taking and the surroundings so picturesque, and I wanted to get married in my hometown. Thankfully, it was available. After booking the chapel, we visited a few venues and decided to have our reception at The Xara Lodge in Rabat. We were impressed with the venue and its setting, and the service we received.”

With both venues secured, Stephanie spent the days, weeks and months leading up to the big day poring over every aspect of wedding planning to make her dream day a reality, complete with a journal brimming with ideas and sketches of various set-ups for the suppliers. “Planning my wedding was an experience I'll never forget. It was

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frustrating, exhilarating and stressful at times, especially when you don’t find things you’re looking for, but it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done, making it all so worth it.”

In line with their wishes to have a classic, romantic and traditional wedding, Stephanie opted for a gold colour scheme, as well as delicate lighting, lots of florals and calligraphic details. “I had a clear vision of what I wanted and knew this day would only happen once, and be gone in the blink of an eye, so I really wanted to make those wishes become reality.”

These included a prosecco bar to enjoy after the ceremony, a gin bar and chill-out area at the reception, a guest book table with a Polaroid camera, a personalised wedding card box, fans and flip-flops for guests for the

REAL WEDDING

“As I was walking with my dad, tears were flowing and I had butterflies in my stomach. I was walking down the red carpet towards my future husband.” church and after-party, heart tube bubbles for all the children invited, a backdrop for guests’ photos and lots of decorations.

Did Stephanie consider engaging a wedding planner at any point? “I wanted the day to run as smoothly as I planned it, so we opted for a wedding organiser for the day.

I can’t thank Twanny Sacco enough for his hard work. His attention to detail made the whole day a perfect one for us and all our guests.”

The night before the wedding, Stephanie says they both couldn’t get much sleep with all the excitement. “We both woke up early to start the day. Kyle went with all the groomsmen to the reception while I stayed at home with the bridal team,” she explains, as the bride enjoyed getting dolled up by talented make-up artist Jennifer Dimech, who expertly accentuated the bride’s natural beauty. “Although we were both happy that our big day had arrived, we were very excited and feeling anxious. Everything we planned was finally coming together.”

For the bride, nerves reached their peak before entering the chapel with her father, but they all went away the moment she started walking down the aisle. “As I was walking with

DETAILS ELEGANT INVITATIONS Complementing the classic theme was the couple’s choice of stationery, featuring a nude pocket invitation with a silky ribbon and gold writing. “Before choosing the invites, I designed the wedding monogram with the help of a graphic designer. We then used it for the invitations, tags and other décor.”

SENTIMENTAL SOUVENIRS Keen on the idea of souvenirs that can be used and cherished, Stephanie and Kyle gave out bottles of olive oil and jars of sundried tomatoes to their guests. “My brother made both the olive oil and the sundried tomatoes – he was so patient and put a lot of work into infusing the olive oil and drying all the tomatoes to bottle them up in jars, and guests loved them!”

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my dad, tears were flowing and I had butterflies in my stomach. I was walking down the red carpet towards my future husband,” says Stephanie. “He was standing there looking so handsome in his navy suit, tears flowing down his face and so much love in his eyes. It was a pure moment I will never forget.”

Stephanie too looked stunning in her wedding gown, designed by Millanova – a classy fitted dress in nude satin and tulle with a large, detachable organza skirt and long train. Her wedding dress was also a case of love at first sight, and she completed her look with a gorgeous gold Jennifer Behr headpiece.

“I came across the dress while browsing on Pinterest for wedding inspiration. I saved it and kept thinking about it, and how I wanted to find a shop that sells that brand. As I was planning to buy mine and my bridesmaids’ dresses from Spain, I was searching for shops in Spain that sell Millanova dresses when I discovered a local shop that does,” Stephanie explains, so she immediately called Wedding Bells in Valletta to ask about that specific gown. “They had it in stock, so I booked an appointment to try it on. Unfortunately, the one they had was white not nude, but I completely fell in love with the dress as soon as I wore it. Thankfully, they were able to order it in a nude colour, and I loved it!”

The couple’s wedding mass was celebrated by Rev. Dr Marcello Ghirlando, a relative of Kyle’s father, who delivered an emotional ceremony from start to finish. “He made our ceremony an amazing one – it was so full of love and thought, and personal to us. We were also blessed to have all of our friends and family there with us.”

“From a young age, my dream was to get married, wear a beautiful white dress and organise a magnificent celebration of love. It actually came true!”

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“I wanted a five-tier nude dotted cake with fresh flowers in between tiers, hanging in the middle of the hall. All the suppliers managed to create a spectacular work of art.”

At the reception, guests tucked into delicious fare that the couple chose and discussed with Martina Abela from The Xara Lodge, and included both finger food items and a BBQ buffet – a perfect choice for a summer wedding.

The cake too exceeded Stephanie’s expectations. “I wanted a five-tier nude dotted cake with fresh flowers in between tiers, hanging in the middle of the hall. All the suppliers managed to create a spectacular work of art and our guests were blown away by it.”

Later in the evening, the newlyweds shared their first dance to ‘Perfect’, by Ed Sheeran featuring Andrea Bocelli.

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“I picked the song as Kyle isn’t a big fan of love songs, and although we planned to practice our first dance, Kyle got sick the week of the wedding and we decided to just improvise on the day. Our first dance took place beneath sparkling lights and accompanied by fireworks – it was a truly unforgettable experience.”

Stephanie says the whole day ran as smoothly as they wanted it to, and all their suppliers, family members and friends played a big part in making their wedding day unforgettable. “Everyone knew where they needed to be and when, and what to do during the day. Planning in detail beforehand made it less likely for things to go wrong on the day.”

Looking back almost one year later, Stephanie wishes she could relive the day, and if she could, she wouldn’t change a thing. “Our wedding day was everything we had dreamt of. The entire day was surreal, magnificent, and I would do it all over again. Everyone tells you that it all works out in the end, and it’s true, everything really does come together!”

For their honeymoon, the newlyweds jetted off to South America and spent one month travelling from one country to another. “We visited Argentina, Brazil and Peru, then flew to America, where we boarded a cruise ship and visited Caribbean islands,” says Stephanie. “It was such a relaxing time for us, and this holiday was the perfect ending to all our celebrations.”

REAL WEDDING

All in the details For Elaine and Chris Ellul Desira, their wedding was planned as the ultimate reflection of their love and relationship. Here, they share how they made the day personal to them, with Sarah Micallef.

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or newlyweds Elaine and Chris Ellul Desira, their love story begins at the office, when both worked at the same engineering company. “One day, Elaine’s department moved to the floor I was on, and she was seated just behind me. I noticed her, but she didn’t notice me,” smiles Chris.

“I never found it difficult to approach women, but in this case, I was really shy. I couldn’t pluck up the courage to speak to her. A couple of months later, I hadn’t officially spoken to her yet, so I decided to use a bar of Toblerone I had brought for the office after a trip abroad to break the ice. As I introduced myself, the first thing she told me was ‘about time!’” he laughs.

From then on, the pair spoke sparingly, until the company staff party in 2012. “With a little help from Jack, I became more fluent,” jokes Chris, referring to Jack Daniels whiskey, “and we finally got talking properly.”

As Valentine’s Day rolled around, Chris decided to ask Elaine out. “On 13th February, I bought a bottle of wine and prepared a treasure hunt around her office desk. I left a series of notes as clues to find the wine, which I put in her drawer. Next to the wine, I placed a note, asking her if she would go out with me,” he explains.

“And it worked!” they smile, as Elaine mischievously reveals, “I didn’t want to go out with him at first, mainly because he was my colleague, but also because he’s shorter than me!”

Thankfully, she changed her mind, and hasn’t looked back. “She’s said goodbye to high heels forever,” Chris laughs.

Three years later, the pair bought an old townhouse together, which they set upon renovating, while Chris planned his proposal – though it wasn’t quite as romantic as when he first asked Elaine out.

“It’s a bit of an anti-climax,” he says, admitting that while he had plenty of opportunities, something always got in the way. When the day rolled round, Chris planned to propose near the breakwater in Valletta, “which is usually beautifully lit up, but when we got there, the lights were all out,” he laughs, cursing his luck.

But do it he did, a little later that evening. “I had already had the ring for about two or three months and had been receiving hints from her family for ages, so I didn’t want to wait another day. So, after a stroll in Valletta, we went for a meal in Wied iz-Zurrieq. On our way back, I asked her to open the car, and when she turned back, she found me on my knees,” he recounts, as Elaine bursts into laugher.

It turns out, the bride-to-be had the same reaction that day. “When I saw him, I started laughing and couldn’t stop,” Elaine recalls. “She was laughing uncontrollably,” Chris adds, “as I waited… on my knees!”

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ELAINE CHRIS SANTWARJU MADONNA TAL-HLAS CHAPEL, QORMI VILLA KATARINA, ZURRIEQ

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DETAILS WHEN YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW “I’m generally a very indecisive person, but my dress shopping experience was surprisingly quick,” recalls Elaine. “I went to the first shop, Eva Mariee, with an idea of what I wanted in mind, but left my options open. The second or third dress I tried on ended up being the one. As soon as I showed it to my bridal party, I told them ‘this is it’. I was quite emotional, and even shed a few tears.” Only one thing was missing: her mother wasn’t with her. “When I got home, my mum asked how it went, thinking that it would be the start of a long process. When I told her I had found my dress she was dumbfounded! I went back to the shop with her the next day.”

Eventually, Elaine said yes, and it was time for the planning to begin. The pair set a date for nine months later, on 28th September 2019: “it wasn’t a long time, but Elaine did 95 per cent of the work – she’s a great planner,” says Chris. In fact, while juggling works on the house with wedding planning was hectic, the pair agree that they didn’t find it too stressful. “It was pretty smooth – we were more concerned about the house being ready on time!”

They chose the Santwarju Madonna Tal-Hlas chapel in Qormi for the ceremony. Apart from the intimate interior they were after, its location proved symbolic. “I’m from Naxxar and Elaine is from Zejtun, and Qormi is somewhere in the middle,” Chris explains.

A PERSONAL CAKE “We kept to the natural theme for the cake. After browsing Pinterest, we showed photos of what we liked to Elia Caterers and designed it together. It was quite simple, with a wreath design, and presented on a wooden board.”

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Meanwhile, the pair decided on Villa Katarina in Zurrieq for their reception. After ‘discovering’ it at the wedding fair, the couple felt that it provided a unique option for their big day. “The turf and green area caught our attention right away, as it’s not very common in Malta. It was a relatively new venue too, so we thought it would be interesting and different for our guests.”

Green was also the main theme of the day, and the couple emphasised their wish for an eco-friendly affair with their suppliers. “We made it a point with our caterers, Elia, to have alternatives to plastic containers,” they say, and “we gave a donation to Tree4U to have trees planted in the Zejtun public garden. We also gave our guests a packet of sunflower seeds to take home with them as souvenirs.”

The natural green theme was also reflected in their décor, which the bride played a big part in putting together.

“I wanted to be as involved as possible. When it came to the décor, I worked on a lot of it myself, and Chris often warned me not to take too much on! But I loved it, and would do it all over again,” she says.

On the morning of their wedding, Chris woke up feeling calm, with excitement setting in later on. “I can clearly remember the feeling of contentment at the beginning of the day. It was later on, at the venue, that the excitement hit, and I thought, ‘hey, I’m getting married today!’” The butterflies started again as he waited for Elaine to arrive at

“I wanted to be as involved as possible. When it came to the décor, I worked on a lot of it myself, and Chris often warned me not to take too much on!”

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the church. “Once I saw her, everything else dimmed, and I was calm again. I felt complete.”

For Elaine, the night before the wedding was a late one, as she set about preparing the last of the decorations with her bridal party. “I was still giving Chris instructions for how to set things up at the venue the following morning,” she laughs. En route to the chapel, Elaine was calm. “In fact, everyone kept asking if I was OK, but I was just enjoying the moment,” she smiles.

And the feeling persisted, right up until she had to read the vows. “The priest was showing me where I had to read, and I was somehow forgetting the lines. The words were dancing on the page,” she recalls, blushing, as Chris interjects playfully, “she basically vowed to love herself !”

From then on, things ran smoothly, right through to the fun-filled reception. “Once we got to the venue, we really enjoyed greeting all our guests and had a great time. The best men took care of everything so that it all ran smoothly,

“The priest was showing me where I had to read, and I was somehow forgetting the lines. The words were dancing on the page.”

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“The day exceeded our expectations. The décor was fantastic, the band was superb, as was the quartet at the mass.” and we even had two unexpected elements,” they reveal: a drinking game organised by a German friend, and a speech by the groom’s sisters.

Then it was time for what they agree was the “most awkward” part of the wedding: the first dance. “We’re not really dancers,” laughs Elaine, as Chris reveals, “that’s the only thing we’re not synchronised in! We’re terrible.” The pair chose Your Song by Elton John for the first dance, which they admit was lovely, despite the awkwardness.

Ultimately, they agree that they wouldn’t change a thing. “The day exceeded our expectations. The décor was fantastic, the band was superb, as was the quartet at the mass.” And the best part, believe it or not, was actually the dancing. “When everyone started dancing, after the first dance,” they clarify, laughing.

Sharing their advice with other couples planning their big day, the pair’s main message is to keep it real, and remember what the day is all about. “Overspending and overdoing it may detract from the essence of the wedding.

Have fun and enjoy it, but know your roots, know what you’re here to be doing on that day,” says Chris. “You should also figure out what your priorities are and plan your budget accordingly. But ultimately, while you’re planning, keep the reason you’re doing it at the core of it all,” smiles Elaine.

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FASHION

IN FULL BLOOM LOCATION: The gardens at The Phoenicia Malta PHOTOGRAPHER: Kris Micallef PHOTO SHOOT COORDINATOR: Sarah Micallef HAIR: Lorraine, Alfie's Hair & Beauty MODEL: Lauren, Models M.

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FASHION

Dress: This romantic dress comes with a sparkly Chantilly lace patterned tulle skirt. Featuring a deep plunge and low back. Dress exclusively available at EVA MARIEE.

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Dress: This dress is a showstopper. The lace is unique, and the cut embraces the feminine form.

Comes with a cape, which is very in this season. Dress exclusively available at EVA MARIEE.

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FASHION

Dress:This dress, called Blisse by

Millanova, is dramatic as it is simple. The gorgeous fabric has a slight sparkle to it that adds glamour to this wonderful gown.

Exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. Jewellery by ZSAZSA.

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FASHION

Dress: Stunning Mia by Millanova has intricate beading on the bodice, with flowy skirt in very soft tulle. Sleeves give an edgy dimension to this very easy to move in gown, which is exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. Jewellery by ZSAZSA.

Headpiece

: This romantic hair piece is woven with handmade flowers and is designed to intertwine along a romantic updo or half-up hairstyle. A magical piece inspired by the beauty of blooming gardens, this ivory floral and gold headpiece is embellished with handcrafted clay flowers, clay leaves, Czech Rondelle crystals and Swarovski pearls. Each flower is embellished with gold metal elements and a single Swarovski rhinestone for added sparkle. Attaches to the hair with metal loops, but ribbons can be added at the ends if desired. Colour variations are gold, rose gold or silver. Exclusively at SC Bridal Designs.

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FASHION

Dress: This dress is a combination of sexy and

sweet, featuring plenty of intricate detailing. We love the plunging neckline and the cap sleeves.

Found exclusively at EVA MARIEE.

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FASHION

Dress: Another amazing gown

by Millanova, this beauty is called Fernanda and we love the tulle bows that soften the whole look. Exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS. Jewellery by ZSAZSA.

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MY DRESS

THAT WOW FACTOR From her stance on bridal dresses to her unconventional yet stunning wedding day look, Martina Said chats with Pippa Sciriha almost one year after her big day to find out what inspired her choice and what went into achieving it.

P H OTO S B Y B R I A N G R E C H

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arly on in my chat with the endearing Pippa Sciriha, it was clear that this newlywed was quite the nontraditional bride for her July wedding last year. Other than seeing this in photos of her glorious choice of wedding dress, what really confirmed it was her opening statement, merely five minutes into our conversation: “I hate wedding dresses”.

“I have to put it out there from the start,” she tells me with a laugh, which explains a lot about the end result, that is quite far from traditional wedding dresses. “I don’t like them in general, so the idea of going around the shops to find a wedding dress I liked, well, I just didn’t see it happening for me. I gave up on that before I even started.”

Never one to think much about her wedding dress before she needed to, Pippa explains that deep down, she probably knew she would end up having it made, as the chances of finding one in a style she loved would be slim.

Her choice of designer, couturier Luke Azzopardi, was also very much an instinctive one.

“The first time I met Luke, I told him the same thing I told you! Large, flamboyant dresses are simply not for me, and he immediately understood that.”

Pippa explains that Luke was the first designer who came to mind when she first thought about having her dress made, and he is the only one she went to.

“Seeing and knowing his work, before I ever had to think about a wedding dress, I often thought that, if I needed a dress for a special occasion, he’d be the person I would go to. I imagined Luke would understand what I liked and, as it turned out, we communicated very well.”

The designer’s unconventional approach to fashion and design, and Pippa’s own sense of style were well aligned. Also, and most importantly, she wanted to look and feel like herself.

“You often hear how brides either wore too much makeup or wore their hair in a certain way or wore a dress they weren’t comfortable in

just because it was their wedding day. That is exactly what I did not want. I wanted guests to say, that’s Pippa, and not Pippa dressed as a bride.”

Ahead of their first meeting, Pippa says she didn’t have a fixed idea in mind, more of a style she knew she liked that was simple, flattering, unfussy and refined. “I was open to many things, even trousers. It could have easily gone that way in fact!” The moment she met Luke and told him about her aversion to wedding dresses, she also described her desired dress as one that could easily be worn to another special occasion.

“We looked at many books and discussed lots of different styles, designs and details. My mum and I spoke with Luke for hours, going back and forth with ideas and suggestions, until we came up with something that I absolutely loved.

Once he drew it, that was it,” says Pippa. “In fact, that night, I couldn’t sleep because I was so excited – and I have no trouble sleeping!”

“I thought people wouldn’t understand what I wanted or force me to go for something traditional, so I couldn’t believe we had come up with a design I loved so much and was also unconventional. After that meeting, I couldn’t wait to see it in real life,” she says.

Pippa’s wedding day look, a contemporary ensemble with medieval references, comprised a perfectly fitted slip dress in pure silk crepe and a buttoned-up hooded cape made of corded Chantilly lace. The bride opted not to have the traditional veil in favour of the hooded cape.

Explaining her choice of fabrics, Pippa says that having their initial meeting at Camilleri Paris Mode meant forming a complete picture from the get-go. “The fabrics definitely made the dress. The cape and the hood wouldn’t have been the same in another lace, and the dress wouldn’t have had the same movement and appearance if it wasn’t made with that specific type of silk,” she says. “From my limited

“Before I ever had to think about a wedding dress, I often thought that, if I needed a dress for a special occasion, [Luke Azzopardi] will be the person I would go to.”

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knowledge, it was clear that the choice of fabrics and design of the dress had to go hand in hand.”

Pippa, her mother and Luke pored over countless types of lace and fabrics – “before that day, I can safely say I had no idea there were so many different kinds!” Also, finding the right one was a process of elimination. “Luke would pull out one lace after another, lay each one out on the floor and I’d tell him which I liked and which I didn’t.” The delicate cape was complete with a flat collar and small buttons on the front, which Pippa could remove later in the wedding.

After concluding the fabric for the cape and knowing she would likely remove it at some point throughout the day, Pippa knew the dress should be plain, and so the hunt began for a simple yet stunning fabric. “I imagined a flowy dress that was also quite clingy. I wanted the fit to be flattering but not tight – it is a wedding dress after all.”

Following that meeting around one year before the wedding, the next time Pippa and Luke met again was a couple of months before the big day for her first in a series of fittings. “All I could say when I tried it on was ‘wow’. I loved it so much I just kept saying ‘wow’” she laughs. “My mum ‘wowed’ a lot as well. The look was so me, there was no other way to describe it.”

Although there weren’t many fittings and the alterations were minor, Pippa explains that the couturier went into a lot of detail to ensure the fit was flawless. “The dress was plain, and the fabric and style were very unforgiving, so it had to

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“I think they did a fantastic job, I liked her choice a lot, and I told Pippa immediately when I saw her at the church.” – Lucio

MY DRESS

“All I could say when I tried it on was ‘wow’. I loved it so much I just kept saying ‘wow’.” fit perfectly. Overall, especially towards the end, it was more a case of fine-tuning and adding finishing touches than any major alterations.”

Wearing her dress on the day of the wedding and seeing her complete look for the first time was also a memorable moment for Pippa. “It’s a different feeling seeing yourself in your dress on the day, with your hair and make-up done.

Until then, I had never seen the hood on with my hair styled, which also had to be set in a specific way to keep the hood in place,” she explains. “What I remember clearly is feeling so happy with the way it turned out. My bridesmaids, who saw my dress for the first time on the wedding day, were surprised by my choice, but they also thought it was completely me.”

Having kept her expectations of the whole process in check – “knowing that I’m not into wedding stuff” – Pippa says she never thought she would enjoy it as much as she did.

“Luke understood me every step of the way, it’s as if he read my mind. The whole experience was a billion times better than I ever thought it would be,” she says. “It turned out exactly the way I wanted it, and there is not one single thing that I would change. I only wish I could wear it again!”

A WORD FROM

THE GROOM Although he was quite sure his wife’s choice of wedding dress would be unusual and unconventional, and he knew she was having it made, groom Lucio Sciriha says he “never imagined it would be anything close to what she wore on the day. I had no idea what she was cooking up – and the result was a complete surprise.”

Pippa was careful not to give any details away about her dress – including keeping the designer’s sketches well out of sight – but she did let on to her then-fiancé that it would be very much her style.

“I remember her saying one time that the style is not necessarily feminine, and that she considered trousers rather than a dress, so I didn’t know what to expect,” says Lucio. “However, I think they did a fantastic job, I liked her choice a lot, and I told Pippa immediately when I saw her at the church.”

There was one part of Pippa’s outfit that he did see before the wedding – her white Louboutin heels.

“We were abroad on holiday and I wanted to visit this particular shop. I was interested in looking around for myself when Pippa spotted her shoes.

However, I was distracted because there was a Juventus player standing right next to me, and I was more occupied with trying to get a photo with him than shopping for her shoes,” Lucio jokes.

“It was quite an experience actually – we had just enjoyed a bottle of wine before all this happened – and although I didn’t end up buying anything for myself, in the end, we did find Pippa’s wedding shoes.”

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WEDDING TRENDS

From gorgeous bridal details and sculptural cakes to creative use of florals, Martina Said picks her favourite wedding trends of the moment.

Hannah Beth Photography via Brides.com

Embroidered messages

ÛWedding dresses are becoming increasingly personalised, with more brides opting for tailor-made gowns or customised details. The latest trend we can’t get enough of is embroidered details in the form of initials, quotes or sweet messages woven onto the gown to stunning effect.

Karra Leight Photo via Green Wwedding Shoes

Rebecca Wood via Brides.com

Seated weddings are gaining popularity locally, and ultra-long banquet tables are becoming the table setting of choice instead of many round ones.

Picture the linear set up against a stunning outdoor background, decked with fine crockery, wine glasses, a table runner and gorgeous table details.

Floral clouds

Obstructing table centrepieces have been replaced by suspended floral arrangements, the latest trend of which is the floral cloud. Using florals and grasses that add volume and texture such as pampas grass, baby’s breath and fern, these arrangements are created to look weightless and dreamy.

Sculptural cakes

Accessories over veils

Sculptural doesn’t mean flamboyant. In the world of wedding cakes in 2020, couples are choosing cake designs that boast clean lines, asymmetrical decoration and a modern aesthetic that reflect the overall vibe of their wedding, their personalities, and of course, their taste buds.

Many brides love a veil, but others prefer to show off a statement headpiece that doesn’t get covered with fabric. If you’re the latter, consider an embellished headband, oversized pearl barrette, a crown, or even a wide-brimmed hat.wedding, their personalities, and of course, their taste buds.

Twigsandhoney.com

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Banquet tables

WEDDING TRENDS

Classic roses After the huge demand for greenery, succulents and big blooms, brides are choosing to return to classic bouquets with none other than the romantic rose. With the wide range of colours they come in, you can adapt this everlasting floral to all themes, seasons and wedding styles.

Wedelf.com

Non-confetti

 Traditional confetti – including rice, petals, flowers and paper – have competition in the form of quirky alternatives that aren’t tossed onto the couple. Think ribbon wands fixed with coloured ribbons that suit your wedding theme, bubbles and sparklers.

Victorian style

 Queen Victoria would definitely approve of this trend! High ruffled necklines, sheer or billowy sleeves, era-inspired fabrics such as traditional and spotted lace, and tiered skirts that are typical of the time are getting a contemporary sprucing – a perfect choice for a boho-vintage-loving bride.

Carolina Herrerra

 In recent years, we’ve seen the rise and rise of premium drinks served at weddings, including gins, wines and whiskies. If a well-crafted drinks menu is high on your most-wanted wedding list, consider a professional mixologist who’ll serve spot-on, picture-perfect drinks all night long.

Inthefrow.com

Leave it to the mixologist

Bronze beauty

 Smoky eyes and ultra-natural make-up are still as popular as ever, but for summer brides, this trend will be welcomed with open arms.

Bronzed, shimmering eyes are bang on trend this year, giving brides that much-coveted bright-eyed look and stunning summer glow.

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HONEYMOON

THE HONEYMOON DIARIES A few weeks after Bianca and Gilbert Schembri tied the knot in December of last year, they boarded a plane to the land of tango, indulgent Malbec, smoky grills and Eva Peron. Here, the couple tell Rebecca Anastasi all about their adventures in Argentina.

B

ianca and Gilbert Schembri had earmarked Argentina for their honeymoon for quite some time before their big day. With its promise of far-flung adventure, rich culture and succulent cuisine, the South American stunner tempted the young couple, who looked forward to spending some time in warmer climes, away from the dreary winter weather in Malta.

“We were intrigued with how undiscovered Argentina is whilst, at the same time, having so much to offer,” Bianca

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smiles. “It has so many different landscapes – it’s fascinating!

We wanted to see as many places as possible without getting too exhausted, so we opted for a honeymoon that combined adventure with relaxation,” she explains.

And with three weeks of fun planned ahead, the newlyweds stepped on a plane to Buenos Aires in January of this year – flying through Amsterdam – all geared up to experience the excitement the country of Eva Peron and Lionel Messi had to offer.

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finishing the day off eating hearty fare cooked over an openfire BBQ , known locally as the Parilla.

While in the city, the couple’s encounters with the locals were filled with unexpected surprises. “On the first night in Buenos Aires, we caught a taxi to go to dinner,” Bianca recalls. “Our taxi driver was old and quite carefree, swerving around the main roads, and skipping red lights whilst tapping away on his steering wheel to the loud, typical Argentinian music playing on the radio,” she laughs, adding “at least he got us to the right restaurant on time!”

After a few days, Bianca and Gilbert flew to El Calafate, deep in the south of the country, on the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. This is the home of the Perito Moreno Glacier, a 30km long wonder of nature, reaching a height of 73 metres – just 20 metres less than the Statue of Liberty.

While there, the couple drove to the Los Glaciares National Park, and spent a day trekking near the glacier, stopping only for an impromptu picnic where they could savour the stunning views.

“We were intrigued with how undiscovered Argentina is whilst, at the same time, having so much to offer.”

Their trip started in the capital, where they visited most of the barrios – the city’s eclectic neighbourhoods. They spent some time exploring the vibrant streets of La Boca, with its street artists and smoky steakhouses; San Telmo, the home of the tango and the oldest part of town; as well as the up-market Recoleta, with its museums and 19th century architecture; and Palermo, the capital’s dynamic entertainment and cultural mecca. They even spent a day riding horses on a typical ranch outside Buenos Aires,

And the wonders of the natural world did not cease to amaze, as Bianca and Gilbert left El Calafate and headed to the southernmost tip of the country: the End of the World in Ushuaia – known by the Argentinians as Fin del Mundo, just 1,000 kilometres away from Antarctica.

“Our hotel booked a four-hour boat trip for us, and this took us around Beagle Channel, which reached Isla Martillo – the penguin island. It was a fascinating – and freezing – experience!” Gilbert describes, saying that the trips taken were suggested by their travel agency, Royal Travel, before they left Malta for their honeymoon.

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“Our taxi driver was old and quite carefree, swerving around the main roads, and skipping red lights whilst tapping away on his steering wheel to the loud, typical Argentinian music playing on the radio.”

Later, there was also time to chill out – pun intended – at the hotel, which boasted eye-watering views of the rugged landscape and still waters.

Yet, after the cold weather of the south, some respite was needed, and the newlyweds’ next stop provided plenty of that. Iguazú, up north, on the border with Brazil, with its tropical summer heat and dramatic waterfalls, was a complete change of scene.

“Iguazú is famous for its waterfalls, and these are the largest in the world,” Gilbert continues. Here, the couple spent a day exploring the Iguazú National Park, which dripped with the sweltering heat of 40-degree Celsius weather. “It was so much fun despite the heat, and the highlight was the boat trip which literally took us underneath the waterfalls! To say we left the park soaked is an understatement,” Gilbert laughs.

Dinner was also memorable, and the couple had the opportunity to make friends with other guests as they sat down to eat together, as a group. “This was an experience in itself as we had to cook parts of our dinner ourselves,” Bianca recalls. “We cooked our own empanada (meat-filled

pastry pies) and put together alfajores, a traditional sweet filled with dulce de leche! The funniest part was preparing a welcome cocktail for the person sitting to our left. That got us off to a good start!” she says.

After all this action, the newlyweds were ready to take it down a notch and really kick back and relax. They flew to Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine country, famous for producing a wide range of full-bodied Malbec vintages.

“In Mendoza there are three major wine districts, so we rented a car and visited some great vineyards, indulging in some wine tasting sessions or paired menu lunches. We also joined a cooking class where we learnt how to make typical and delicious empanadas,” Bianca recalls.

But before they left the region to Buenos Aires for their last night in Argentina, the couple indulged even further with a luxury stay at a resort in San Rafael, which was “surrounded by vineyards, a golf course and beautiful nature,” and where they celebrated Bianca’s birthday.

On getting back to the capital, Bianca and Gilbert had some more time to look back and take stock of the experiences they had had over the previous three weeks.

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“Our hotel booked a four-hour boat trip for us, and this took us around Beagle Channel, which reached Isla Martillo – the penguin island. It was a fascinating – and freezing – experience!”

“On our last night walking around Buenos Aires before flying back home, we ended up in Plaza Dorago in San Telmo and, as is usual on a Sunday evening there, people were dancing whilst loud tango music filled the popular square,” the couple recall, describing the atmosphere on that last night in the country.

There, they stopped for a cerveza (a local beer) and watched city-dwellers dance, while they relived their memories of their time in a land of rhythm, natural wonders and intoxicating culture.

Today, Bianca says she will never forget the boat trip under the Iguazú Falls – “it was an extraordinary experience,” she smiles. Gilbert also mentions the vineyards in Mendoza as being a particular highlight – one which is bound to be remembered for many months to come, as the

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couple make their way through the bottles of Malbec they brought back with them. “It was a real challenge for Bianca to pack all the wine I bought from there into our suitcases,” Gilbert says.

Back home, and after a surreal few months, the couple say they would go back to Argentina in a heartbeat. “If we ever had the opportunity to, we definitely would like to go back as Argentina felt so welcoming, and the people we met there were so humble!”

And to all couples considering the county for their big trip, Bianca and Gilbert recommend visiting the main spots, but say it’s important to keep in mind that there’s a lot of travelling involved. Though that might not be a bad thing, they say. “You need a lot of teamwork, so it is a good test before starting your married life!” the newlyweds laugh.

REAL HOME

A HOMEGROWN HOME Sarah Micallef chats with homeowner Katia Camilleri about the process of creating her contemporary yet classic Xaghra home with husband Johan – and documenting the results on her beautifully-curated Instagram page, House Ten Eighteen.

P H OTO S B Y M AT T H U S H , H U S H ST U D I O S

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s you approach Katia and Johan Camilleri‘s home in the Gozitan town of Xaghra, it’s easy to spot the difference between the couple’s contemporary build and the more traditional houses in the neighbourhood.

Featuring exposed concrete, plastered walls and cladded stone, the façade celebrates sleek lines and a minimal, modern aesthetic which belies what you’ll find beyond the bespoke European oak front door – a labour of love brought to fruition by the young couple themselves.

“My husband is an architect, and the house is something we created together from scratch,” Katia says, affirming that “Johan was very involved in designing the house and coordinating the build, and I shared my ideas when it came to particular features like the open-plan and the walk-in pantry and closet, but I was mainly involved in designing the interiors once the house was built.”

And while she admits not having specific experience in the field, she does have a keen interest in interior design and décor, which is evidenced by her Instagram page documenting the project: House Ten Eighteen.

“I work in the

financial services industry so it’s completely different, but I’ve always been drawn to design in every aspect. I get a lot of inspiration and learn a lot from online sources, and have always dreamt of having my own home,” she adds. “I also like to search for inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram, and I follow a lot of interior designers, both foreign and local. YouTube is also a really good source for ideas.”

The couple moved into the house with their young son last November, after works kicked off back in 2017. As you enter, a hallway leads you to the dining area, and a fabulous open-plan space features a double height ceiling and large windows connecting a brightly lit kitchen and sunken living room to the backyard. Upstairs, one finds a master bedroom and en suite with incredible country views stretching out to Gozo’s Citadel, a laundry area and two further bedrooms, as well as a main bathroom.

“I like a clean and modern aesthetic, but I also like classic features, so the result is a combination of the two,” Katia explains, describing the effect the couple achieved.

With Johan favouring modern architecture, the exterior of the house is a reflection of that, with the

“The house is something we created together from scratch.”

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“I’m obsessed with the open shelving and love the way it’s all laid out, which is great for entertaining.”

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interior mixing classic and contemporary to achieve the welcoming and homey feel Katia was after.

“I like a lot of light, neutral colours and natural materials,” she continues, describing the kitchen area as the ultimate combination of modern and classic styles.

“I wanted to incorporate the dark blue cabinetry and the farmhouse-style sink as I feel it gives it a cosy and inviting feel when you come in.” Elsewhere, neutral colours and the use of materials like concrete and steel, along with black and brass fixtures and fittings, bring it back to the modern, Katia explains.

With so much attention to detail, she admits that it was sometimes difficult to source specific items they had in mind, and while the pair did source certain small elements from abroad, the majority of their suppliers were local. This also includes several bespoke items for which the couple commissioned a local carpenter. “If you have a specific style in mind, it can be difficult to find locally. For our bedside tables for example, I couldn’t find the exact mid-century modern-inspired style I wanted, so we had them made… same with the kitchen,” she says.

Speaking of what differentiates their home from other houses, Katia reveals that when works started, “it was a bit of an eye-opener for the neighbours, as it’s so different to the

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“I like a clean and modern aesthetic, but I also like classic features, so the result is a combination of the two.” rest of the buildings here!” Apart from the contemporary exterior, she points to the downstairs layout as being quite unique and close to heart – “the sunken living room is a feature which got us a lot of praise from visitors, same with the double height ceiling and the large windows. I also really like the kitchen, and I think it stands out as it’s quite different to other designs I’ve seen locally,” she affirms, adding, “I’m obsessed with the open shelving and love the way it’s all laid out, which is great for entertaining.”

It comes as no surprise then, that she names the kitchen as her favourite room in the house. “It’s so bright and airy, apart from being convenient and functional,” she says, explaining that having lived in an apartment prior to the move, she loves having all the space and storage the young family needs. “Here, everything has its own place. I also love cooking, and thanks to the self-isolation measures over

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“It was a bit of an eyeopener for the neighbours, as it’s so different to the rest of the buildings here!” the last months, I’ve enjoyed spending more time in the kitchen. If you enjoy cooking, it’s certainly worth the investment!”

And while their new home remains a work in progress, Katia is relishing the process of doing it up and documenting the journey, with several projects in the pipeline. “I’d love to have a fireplace installed before next Christmas – since we have a double-height space, I’d like to make it into quite a feature, possibly with built-in shelving around it,” she reveals, hinting at a potential coloured feature wall in the dining area. “I’m not sure about that yet though,” she smiles.

As for her Instagram page, Katia isn’t sure what the future holds, but admits, “I’m really enjoying the process right now – sharing and being creative, as well as creating good content. I think I’ll keep doing what I’m doing, and perhaps one day it’ll grow!”

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HOME DECOR

IN A

WHOLE

NEW LIGHT We may have been stuck indoors for some time but, as the weather gets warmer, it’s time to head to those outdoor spaces we call home. From garden furniture to rooftop living areas, Rebecca Anastasi has the latest home trends to get you outside while staying in.

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Oliver Heath Design

01. Biophilic design

Connect with nature by incorporating greener elements into your outdoor space and celebrating our environment through sustainable pieces – a perspective which is central to biophilic design. Think plant walls and a garden bed if you have a yard, or even a canopy of bougainvillea on the roof.

02. Outdoor dining spaces

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The pandemic has completely upended our weekend plans, but there’s no reason we still can’t eat out (in our own homes). Dine al fresco while enjoying all your homely comforts by selecting hardy – yet stylish – furniture on which to set your foodie creations.

Serena & Lily

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04. Playscapes

With the kids at home for a while longer, it’s sometimes a struggle to keep them active and occupied. But by transforming your outdoor space – whatever the size – into a play area, you can make sure your little ones get some fresh air as well as keep their minds and hands busy.

Sandpits, a hula hoop nook or even an inflatable paddling pool would all go down a treat!

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03. Vertical gardens

Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with large open spaces, or a garden brimming with the scent of summer.

But don’t let lack of space be a hindrance: vertical gardens are the 21st century’s solution to good mental health and a lush new hobby. Reuse old pallets as plant holders, create a DIY lattice trellis for all your blooms or simply pepper your wall with potted plants.

4 05. Cosy corners

Grab a book and sink into a cushioned seat outside rather than in your living room. For, by refashioning a small corner of your terrace, internal courtyard or roof into a chill-out zone, you’ll be able to read, think or simply have a nap while getting some all-important vitamin D.

gardenoholic.com

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theardentbiblio.com

VINTAGE WEDDING

LOVE AND A LOT OF LAUGHTER

After more than four decades of marriage, Martina Said catches up with Lucienne and Robert Dingli to reminisce about their wedding day in 1977, to find out how their love story began, and discover the secret ingredient to their successful marriage.

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y first meeting with Lucienne and Robert Dingli happened to take place just days after their 43rd wedding anniversary, which they celebrated “in lockdown” they tell me, with a giggle, offering a glimpse into this couple’s shared sense of humour, even in the face of adversity.

Their ability to laugh, joke and find a funny side to almost anything has been consistently present throughout their marriage and the early years of their relationship, which all began when they were young teens, with mutual friends and meeting places.

“Back then, there weren’t many places to go and meet friends, so we spent most of our time at Ghar Id-Dud. It was typical for people who lived around there to all meet at the same place, and we would walk up and down Ghar Id-Dud in the hope of meeting someone,” Lucienne laughs. “We’d buy ice-cream and karawett minn ghand Kalanc, who was a

permanent fixture there,” Robert adds. “On Sundays, we’d go to the cinema to watch the 4pm show. We were part of a group of friends who spent a lot of time together.”

Lucienne says she knew of Robert through his sisters, who she went to school with, and one of the few social activities they enjoyed at the time were school dances. “My school organised these dances and Robert and I would attend together, always with nuns lurking somewhere in the background to make sure we weren’t getting too close!”

One evening, after a dance at St Aloysius College, Lucienne and Robert found themselves waiting at the same bus stop in Msida to get back home. “At the time, we would say ‘do you want to go steady?’ and that was that.” The couple got engaged when Lucienne was 19 years old and Robert 21, and got married two years later. “We got married young, but at the time it wasn’t unusual. We knew each other

“The biggest ordeal was asking my father for permission – he was very strict.”

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for many years before we got engaged, so our relationship evolved as we grew up. In fact, friends who know us in our teens would say we’ve been together forever.”

Once Lucienne and Robert agreed to that next step in their relationship, there was one last move to make it official. “The biggest ordeal was asking my father for permission – he was very strict,” says Lucienne. “Every time we would go to their house, she would tell me to ask him, and I kept saying ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’, until one day after lunch I remember getting a few kicks under the table, so I asked him,” says Robert. “It went well – I mean he was very happy with me, and he was lucky he was gaining me as his son-in-law!” he grins.

The couple set the date for 8th May 1977, with a mass at St Gregory’s parish church in Sliema followed by a reception at Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar. “The church was a natural choice because we lived just down the road, it was our local parish,” says Lucienne. “As for venues, compared to today, we were very limited for choice. We knew that we wanted a morning wedding and ideally a garden, so that narrowed it down even further and we opted for Palazzo Parisio.”

The couple explain that the wedding was largely planned by Lucienne’s father, who, having another three daughters, had some experience hosting weddings. The catering was supplied by Elia Caterers, who was “the best at the time, especially his ice-creams” and many of the 500 guests who attended were friends and acquaintances of the bride’s father.

“I remember feeling quite emotional during the mass, especially during the blessing of the rings and the vows.”

Her wedding dress, however, was all Lucienne’s choice.

“I was lucky to have a friend who was travelling to London, and I asked her to buy me some fabrics. I had seen a picture of a wedding dress in a magazine, and I found a good seamstress locally who created one just like it for me. It had a high neck and fitted bodice with long flowing sleeves, and the skirt was layered with plisse fabric and lace,” Lucienne explains. “The style was in fashion at the time, and there wasn’t the option to shop around and try on wedding dresses like there is today.”

Closer to their wedding day, the couple had to deal with an unexpected turn of events. “The Prime Minister at the time decided to move carnival from February to May that year, so without much warning, our wedding day happened to be on the same day as carnival. We tried to reflect it in our wedding with some fun elements – I remember we had streamers instead of confetti and a prinjolata at the venue.”

On the day of the wedding, Lucienne and Robert both felt the nerves, but while the bride was getting stressed by her father telling her they needed to leave while she was getting ready, Robert was busy with some last-minute

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“We laugh a lot, there’s always something to laugh about, and we’ve always shared everything.” preparations. “I had to pick up the flowers from my aunt but I didn’t have my car because we had taken it to the venue the evening before,” says Robert. “My best man, who is still my best friend to this day, took me to collect them and drove me around to drop them off at different places. Our mass was at 10.30am, so we had to get a very early start.”

Lucienne recalls getting a little nervous as she and her father were leaving the house. “As we were walking out of the door, someone came with a gift, and my father felt obliged to invite them in, so then it was my turn to get stressed for needing to leave!” Meanwhile, Robert and his best man were calming their nerves with a quick smoke in the sacristy – “we weren’t allowed but waiting for Lucienne to arrive made me nervous!”

The wedding mass was celebrated by Robert’s uncle, who years later also christened the couple’s three children.

“I remember feeling quite emotional during the mass, especially during the blessing of the rings and the vows,” says Lucienne. “For us, especially in that day and age, the most important part of the wedding day was the ceremony – the reception wasn’t that fun as it was all quite formal, unlike today where a lot of effort is put into planning a massive party and after-party. And it was over quite quickly too – in fact, we left for our honeymoon that same afternoon.”

At the reception, Lucienne recalls seeing her grandmother when she walked through the doors of Palazzo

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Parisio as one of the highlights, as well as the moment they cut the cake. Robert adds that the couple’s going-away was also hard to forget.

“We both had new outfits for the going-away, and Robert had a new pair of shoes, but he just couldn’t get them on. He should have stayed with his other shoes!” Robert chimes in, “but they were my new shoes! They probably cost around a month’s salary back then. I really struggled to get them on but, after a lot of effort and perspiration, I managed.” The struggle wasn’t over – the couple boarded their honeymoon flight soon after and, on the plane, Robert took off his shoes, “and once again he couldn’t put them on!”

With Robert being an avid football fan, the couple tried to time their week-long honeymoon in London with the FA Cup final, which, they tell me, is one of the reasons why they chose to get married in May. “As it turned out, we didn’t make it for the FA Cup final, we were there the week before,” says Robert, “so instead, we went to Manchester and watched Manchester United at Old Trafford against Arsenal.”

Over the years, the couple welcomed three children, eldest son and well-known actor, Chris Dingli, a daughter, Justine, and their youngest son, Edward. The couple are now proud grandparents to three grandchildren – Imogen, Adam and Emma.

Asked to share any pearls of wisdom after 43 years of marriage, Lucienne and Robert agree that two factors that kept them together for so many years are respect and humour. “We laugh a lot, there’s always something to laugh about, and we’ve always shared everything – it isn’t about me or I, but about us or we,” they explain. “Supporting one another is very important too, and giving each other space to pursue things we wanted. But it still comes down to laughter – that’s the main ingredient.”