I Do March 2019

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IDO SPRING 2019 | ISSUE NO 74 | ¤2.50

I DO SPRING 2019 ISSUE NO 74

Love in Bloom A GUIDE TO CHOOSING PERFECT WEDDING INVITATIONS | TOLERANCE BETWEEN MARRIED COUPLES | SPRING COLOURFUL COCKTAILS | FASHIONABLE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY | ROMANTIC AND BREATH-TAKING VIEWS FOR YOUR HONEYMOON IN BALI

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EDITORIAL

MOOD BOARD

W

elcome to our first issue of the year, it’s our spring edition. We have been working on this fantastic issue since last December, it is what kept me going through this cold, long winter.

The thought of spring gives me hope; there is nothing better than some rays of sunshine on a brighter and warmer day.

To celebrate such a wonderful season, we focused on some inspirational articles for this publication, such as our beautiful wedding photo editorial. We have joined up with the talented team at Alistair Floral Design who provided us with the most stunning flower bouquets and decorations, perfect for a spring wedding. The photo shoot took place at Villa Arrigo. You can see for yourself the stunning photos, on page 14. We hope to inspire you for your big day.

MY KIND OF SPRINGWEDDING Some of my favourite items for a spring wedding.

We came up with a simple guide on the latest trends for wedding invitations; one can choose from various styles to impress the guests. Our guest writer, Pauline Bondin, presented us with a piece on tolerance. It is an important factor in every marriage. Read more about this subject on page 8.

Another five beautiful couples shared their wedding stories with us for this edition, including the singer Richard Micallef and his wife Raisa, and the famous Christabelle and her husband Jordan. The wedding stories start on page 25.

In the travel section, we discovered the magical location of Bali. I am sure that you will be browsing various travel agencies after you read this article.

“When I saw you, I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.”

- Arrigo Boito

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you, readers and followers, of I DO magazine since I was in charge of this publication. You are the reason why we work so hard to come up with such a great product. I would also like to thank the rest of the team and contributors for their impeccable work. This is the last edition I will be working on myself before I move on to a new important venture in my life; it was a pleasure. Next issue of I DO is out in May. Lots of love,

Claire xx I DO 5

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contents 8

SPRING 2019 ISSUE NO 74

ADVICE

A word from the expert – Tolerance, for married couples

11

INSPIRATIONS

The latest wedding invitation trends

13 COCKTAIL INSPIRATIONS FOR SPRING WEDDINGS

14

BRIDAL FASHION

Love in bloom

23

BEHIND THE SCENES

On our photo shoot

14-21

25 WEDDING STORIES Five couples share their wedding stories

58

GETAWAY

Honeymoon in Bali

62 I DO DIRECTORY 23

5

25-57

ON THE COVER Photography Bernard Polidano Make-up & styling Natasha Polidano Hair Chris Mifsud by MAF Dress WeddingBells Flowers Alistair Floral Design Model Anna Grech

13

Get intouch...

58-59

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

PUBLISHED BY Standard Publications Ltd, Standard House, Birkirkara Hill, St Julian’s STJ 1149, T 21345888 EDITOR Claire Bondin Gafà DESIGN Christine Spiteri, Sean Ellul, Conrad Bondin ADVERTISING Marcelle Buhagiar PRINTER PrintIT

WORDS FROM THE EXPERT

TOLERANCE between married couples

M

ost people have trouble being tolerant with others. As a living, breathing society, everyone is constantly learning and adapting to each other. But cultivating a spirit of tolerance can bring healing and meaning to your life in unimaginable ways.

“Tolerance is not looking with your eyes but rather with your heart”, says a Los Angeles based film editor-Katrina Taylor TOLERANCE IN MARRIAGE IS A MAGIC WORD THAT WORKS WONDERS IN A RELATIONSHIP Cultivating a spirit of tolerance can bring healing and meaning to your life. Tolerance is your ability to deal with the disagreeable. Sometimes, someone’s disagreeable nature can simply be an annoyance, while at other times it may be much more intrusive. The practice of tolerance, however, is more about your relationship. Many people have trouble being tolerant with others. As a living, breathing society, everyone is constantly learning about and adapting to each other.

PRACTICE TOLERANCE IN MARRIAGE Remember, nobody is perfect and you could often have bad moments in your day. But it is really not right to expect everyone to obey, act, believe and think in the way you want. It may be difficult at the start, but you would get surely used to it in time.

Tolerance is what makes us different from other living species.

Every single society and religion teaches tolerance. Having wealth, wisdom or power doesn’t give you reason to be intolerant.

OVERLOOK MINOR FAULTS A lot of people don’t know this, but overlooking people’s mistakes works in our favour. When someone makes a mistake, the natural response is to let them know. We hope by doing so, they will correct it. Different people go about this differently, according to their personalities. Some people are very direct and confrontational, others are indirect.

“A wise man restrains his anger and overlooks insults. This is to his credit.” (Ancient Middle Eastern Proverb.)

ONE BAD WORD DOES NOT MAKE A BAD MARRIAGE Realising that one bad word does not make a bad marriage, and accepting the fact that what was said in anger is often superficial, one would need to improve patience and endurance, which are basic to peace and happiness in married life.

In conclusion, one needs to go beyond tolerance itself, and apart from accepting the other partner as he or she is, also try to understand him or her as an individual person.

Pauline Bondin is a Senior Social Worker.

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INSPIRATIONS

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The latest wedding invitation trends

I

always get excited when I receive a wedding invitation. I open it very carefully and examine every little detail. The colour scheme, theme and paper, and then I start reading the message. The reason is that this gives me the feel of what to expect on the wedding day.

our local stationers to create a look that reflects your wedding-day image.

Here is a list some of the latest trends in weddings invitations:

Your wedding invitation is one of the first glimpses your guests will see of what’s in store for them on your wedding day. Guests can tell if it’s a formal or casual wedding, if it’s a morning or evening wedding and if there is a particular theme or dress code.

MIX ED METALS Metallic colour schemes have been quite popular in wedding décor for the past couple of years, and the latest trend now is to mix metallic hues on wedding invitations such as silver, gold and copper. One can use such styles in geometric designs to create a modern and innovative style.

In addition, your guests will learn who is getting married, where the wedding will take place, and when. Couples can personalise their wedding invitations by choosing a colour scheme, and the details they would like to include. Perhaps you can add some of the latest invitation trends to complement the rest of the wedding’s decor and theme. Work with

WATERCOLOURS A watercolour wedding invitation can include a painting of the couple, an image that reflects the wedding’s destination, the venue, the church, their hometown or the wedding’s theme. A lovely design can include a floral border with watercolours matching the flowers chosen for the wedding day, and matching insert cards and envelopes.

GREENERY OR NATURE-INSPIRED Nature-inspired wedding invitation designs can be as stylish looking as those with blooms; leaves and greenery can be just as stunning. Couples can choose from a range of leaf shapes from thin and narrow leaves to large and bold palms. This would make a great invitation if the wedding venue is somewhere in the countryside or in a garden.

BOLD & BOTANICAL ENVELOPE LINERS This is one of the most striking trends, an envelope liner is a decorative paper that is placed inside the flap of the envelope so when the invitees open it the inside of the envelope pops and complements the rest of the invitation design. Including envelope liners in your invitation suite is one of the most popular latest trends. One can opt for various designs that complement the whole look and these can be included with all types of wedding invitations.

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INSPIRATIONS

Cocktail Inspirations for Spring Weddings Give your guests a taste of spring with these seasonal drink ideas.

Before you decide on your drinks menu, review this guide to delicious spring cocktail ideas.

WHISKEY SMASH SERVES 1 TOTAL PREPARATION TIME: 5 minutes

3 tablespoons

fresh mint leaves (about 7 or 8 leaves)

½

a lemon, cut into four pieces

1 tbsp

white sugar

2 oz.

whiskey

1 cup

crushed ice

BLUEBERRY MOJITO ROYALE SERVES 1 • TOTAL PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes

1/3 cup

6-8 leaves 1 tbsp 2½ tbsp 2 oz.

2 oz.

METHOD – Place the blueberries, mint leaves, sugar, and lime juice in a (plus extra for decoration) glass. Crush the fresh mint ingredients in the bottom raw sugar of the glass until the blueberries have released fresh lime juice their juices. Fill the glass light rum with crushed ice, pour the chilled Prosecco or champagne rum over and stir. Top with chilled champagne or crushed ice Prosecco and garnish with extra mint and blueberries. blueberries

Source: domesticate-me.com

METHOD – Put the mint, lemon, and sugar into a cocktail shaker. Shake together until the sugar has dissolved and mixed with the lemon juices.

Add the whiskey, cover, and shake for 30 seconds.

Transfer mixture to a glass. Top with crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.

Source: thewanderlustkitchen.com

STRAWBERRY BASIL GINGER COCKTAIL SERVES 3 • TOTAL PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes

2 cups

chopped strawberries

4

large basil leaves

2 shots

vodka

1 can

Ginger Ale sugar, for rim strawberries, to garnish ice

METHOD – Blend strawberries and basil together until pureed. For the sugar rims, slice a strawberry in half and rub it around the edge of your tumbler glasses, turn tumbler upside down and dip it in the sugar. Carefully fill glasses with ice, then pour about 1/3 cup strawberry-basil puree into each glass. Add 1 shot of vodka to each glass, then top with Ginger Ale. Source: thymeishoney.com

Love in Bloom Photography Bernard Polidano Make up Natasha Polidano Dresses WeddingBells Hair Styling MAF Hairdressing Flowers Alistair Floral Design

Anna wears a perfectly constructed corseted gown with an ivory, sparkling tulle skirt exclusively from WeddingBells | Jewellery and headband by ZsaZsa| Flowers by Alistair Floral Design | Wedding Cake and sweets by Osborne Caterers 14 I DO

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Anna wears a perfectly constructed corseted gown with an ivory, sparkling tulle skirt exclusively from WeddingBells | Jewellery and headband by ZsaZsa

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Anna wears a narrow fully beaded bridal gown with gorgeous flared sleeves by Lorenzo Rossi exclusively from WeddingBells | Jewellery and headband by ZsaZsa | Flowers by Alistair Floral Design | Wedding Cake and sweets by Osborne Caterers

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Anna wears a Constance sequin embellished maxi bridesmaid dress by Monsoon | Jewellery from Accessorize | Flowers by Alistair Floral Design

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Anna wears a garland multiway jersey maxi dress by Monsoon | Jewellery from Accessorize | Flowers by Alistair Floral Design

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PHOTOGRAPHY Bernard Polidano 7947 2559 BRIDAL DRESSES Marquita at WeddingBells 2122 4234 DRESSES Monsoon 2134 6080 HAIR MAF Hairdressing 2144 0772 MAKE-UP & STYLING Natasha Polidano 9989 9760 ACCESSORIES Accessorize 2134 6080 FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS Alistair Floral Design 2722 3334 MODEL Anna Grech CAKE TABLE Osborne Caterers 2142 3214 LOCATION Villa Arrigo 2142 3214

20 I DO

Anna wears a narrow fully beaded bridal gown with gorgeous flared sleeves by Lorenzo Rossi exclusively from WeddingBells | Jewellery and headband by ZsaZsa | Flowers by Alistair Floral Design

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SLIEMA - VALLETTA - PAVI & THE DUKE, GOZO

THE THEME We wanted to create a soft-tone, flowery look, which is an undeniable look for a spring wedding.

HAIR Christian at MAF created a simple hairstyle with soft curls for Anna, which complimented our romantic and soft theme.

FLOWERS & DECORATIONS The most stunning flower bouquets and decorations were created by the talented team at Alistair Floral Design. They manage to create the perfect spring vibe in this wedding shoot by using a mix of different flowers, colours and foliage. The main flowers used are phalaenopsis orchids, spray roses, gerbera and many more.

MAKE UP Natasha created a flawless look, focusing on soft and natural colours for both eyes and lips – simply amazing.

MODEL Our model, Anna Grech, looks perfect and simply gorgeous in this shoot.

Behind the scenes ON OUR SHOOT

DRESSES ACCESSORIES Sophisticated jewellery and hair accessories, from ZsaZsa, complete the looks. Evening wear accessories, full of charm and detail by Accessorize.

Anna also wore two maxi dresses, from Monsoon, which are perfect as bridesmaid dresses: A jersey maxi dress, with design features allowing long straps be draped or crossed in any number of ways, and a Constance sequinembellished maxi dress, with a gathered tulle skirt and a mesmerising bodice of sequin and bead flowers.

VENUE

SWEETS & CATERING To complement the soft, romantic look, Osborne Caterers provided the most amazing sweets and wedding cake, to match the whole theme.

Villa Arrigo was the venue. The villa is spectacular and makes a wonderful setting for a memorable wedding day.

THE BRIDAL DRESSES Two bridal gowns are featured in the shoot, both available from Wedding Bells: A fully beaded bridal gown with gorgeous flared sleeves, by Lorenzo Rossi; and an amazing constructed corseted gown with a skirt featuring heavy layers of ivory, mauve and sparkling tulle that gives a dreamy, fairy tale feel to the piece.

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Just for you Photography | Annika Parks Studio LLC

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THE COUPLE

Raisa & Richard 17 November 2018 Raisa Piscopo, 27, a real estate agent and Richard Micallef, 36, a musician, got married at the church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Rabat followed by a reception at Villa Arrigo in Naxxar.

R

aisa and Richard got engaged whilst on a romantic trip to one of the most enchanting cities in Europe, Rome.

Richard proposed while at the Fontana di Trevi. He surprised Raisa with a song he had recorded, written specifically for the proposal and sang himself. He handed her a pair of headphones to listen to the song while near the fountain, and at the end of the song he went down on one knee and gave her a ring.

They got married a year later on November 17, 2018, just two days before Raisa’s birthday. They exchanged vows at the newly restored Nativity of Our Lady church in Rabat, known as ‘Ta’ Giezu’. The rings they chose were crafted by The Jeweller. The groom’s was a wide band in a mixture of yellow and white gold, while the bride chose an elegant ring with gems. »

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Richard sang the Ave Maria at the beginning of the ceremony, while the other songs during Mass were sung by his siblings accompanied by two of Richard’s close friends, Tony Polidano on the base and Jeje on the acoustic guitar. After the Mass they headed to Villa Arrigo for the reception in a classic car provided by Dalton’s Chauffeur Services. The venue was always their favourite mostly for the spacious and beautiful indoor area during the colder season and they were also allowed to bring their dog to join them on such an important event. Micsy the dog had

his personal pet sitter for the day, Emmalyn from Happy Dogs. It was a special moment for both having him with them on the day.

The theme for the wedding day was an allwhite look including all the flowers in the church and at the venue, together with all the décor provided by Twanny Florist. The invitations were personalised and quite original. They were a caricature portrait of the couple together with their adorable son Benjamin and Micsy the dog, drawn by Sean Cini. Instead of souvenirs they donated money to the association of Puttinu Cares to help people in need.

Raisa chose the most gorgeous, chic dress from Wedding Bells for their special day, an elegant dress that was comfortable enough for her to dance the night away. It was the perfect choice. Richard wore a classic navy blue suit with ivory accessorises from The Groom Collection.

Needless to say the music was one of the most important factors throughout the day and the couple were extremely happy with the band, Residents – one of Tunin Entertainment’s exclusive bands, who entertained them and their guests at their wedding reception. »

Richard re-recorded and produced the first dance song, the same song that he proposed with in Rome entitled Just For You. It was a very emotional moment for them both.

They had the time of their life during this special day, it was all they had planned for. A highlight at the reception were definitely the speeches especially the ones from their siblings. Raisa and Richard agreed that the whole night was a big success and they managed to enjoy every second of it, even though the time passed very quickly. All this was also a credit to the exceptional service of their wedding organiser Jurgen Briffa who made sure everything went according to plan on the day.

WEDDING CHECK LIST MAKE-UP & NAILS Gabrielle Zammit Grungo 9984 6627 HAIRDRESSER Mark Mamo Parnis 2788 6851 WEDDING ORGANISER Jurgen Briffa 9940 8897 PET SITTER Emmalyn Buttigieg 7989 0506

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BRIDAL WEAR TEXTILES READY-TO-WEAR

When two become one!

Photography | Kris Micallef, Brian Grech, Albert Camilleri and Stefan Varga

THE COUPLE

Christabelle & Jordan 20 September 2018 Christabelle Borg, 26, CFO, COO, accountant, entrepreneur and singer, and Jordan Camilleri, 26, medical doctor and a professional waterpolo player, held their wedding ceremony at The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul, Mdina, followed by a reception at the Reef Club, Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s.

C

hristabelle and Jordan met some 10 years ago while in sixth form, but it was not love at first sight, as they first got to know each other as friends and eventually started dating later in the year. Seven years later they got engaged but Jordan still managed to surprise Christabelle with a magical proposal. Âť

I DO 33

She was the first to surprise him by booking a trip to New York for his birthday.

Jordan knew they were going away but he did not know the destination; he thought they were going to Italy.

While in New York, Jordan planned to propose on his birthday but was sick so he had to change his plan. Two days later he proposed at the Empire State Building. This took Christabelle by surprise but without any hesitation, she said yes to the love of her life.

They tied the knot on September 20, 2018, at The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul in Mdina. “It is a beautiful church in one of the oldest, yet most magnificent cities in Malta”, Christabelle commented. A reception followed at The Reef Club at The Westin Dragonara Resort in St Julian’s.

The theme they opted for was quite simple and the overall look was traditional. They also wanted to personalise as many details as possible. In fact, they had their own monogram created for them by Sign it, C&J, and used it on various items, including the gift box, invitations and napkins. The colour scheme was white and gold, to add that extra traditional touch. The venue was dressed with lots of fairy lights and stunning flower arrangements, by Alistair Floral Design, whilst The Flower Shop was in charge of the beautiful flowers in the church and those for the bridal team. »

Even the invitations were kept very traditional, including their own personal touch. They were A5-in size and off-white in colour.

The monogram, C&J, in gold paper, was on the front of the invitations, which were made by Exclusive Creations. Instead of souvenirs, a donation was made to Richmond Foundation. However, small gift boxes also by Exclusive Creations full of perlini were given out on the day.

The bride walked down the aisle in the most stunning Cinderellastyle dress, featuring long sleeves and with over 200 metres of tulle for the skirt. Christabelle chose the dress just three months before the wedding day from Ivory & Co. The dress was accessorised with sparkling jewellery by Bulgari, from Sterling Jewellery. Her hair was styled by the brilliant team at Prive’, and her make-up was by Diane Nikolic. She definitely looked like a princess on the day.

The bridal team accompanying the bride had their dresses designed by local designers Charles and Ron. Jordan’s elegant suit, by Ermenegildo Zegna and shoes by Dolce and Gabbana, were both from Sarto. »

38 I DO

As Christabelle is a well-known talented singer, music had quite an important role during their wedding day. Their first dance, My Neverland, was sung by Winter Moods themselves, followed by a cover version of the Coldplay’s Viva La Vida by Brass House Unit. It is the song Jordan’s water polo team, Neptunes, play each time they celebrate a victory, and just seven days before the wedding, Jordan and his teammates won the water polo Summer League. “So it was extra special”, the couple said.

It was definitely a day to remember for them both. They celebrated their love for one another together with their families

and friends, and they will cherish the memory of such an important day for the rest of their lives.

WEDDING CHECK LIST WEDDING DRESS Ivory & Co 2142 3858 GROOM’S WEAR Sarto 2202 1985 INVITATIONS & SOUVENIRS Exclusive Creations 7984 5555 TRANSPORT Meli Car Rentals 2258 0300

It’s a fairy tale Photography | Katerina Vella Rybova, Wedding Photography Malta

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THE COUPLE

Amber & Salvatore 12 May 2018 Amber Micallef, 28, a director, and Salvatore Milioto, 30, a sales and marketing manager, got married at the Holy Trinity Church, Marsa.

A reception followed at Grand Hotel Excelsior, Floriana.

A

mber and Salvatore met some 10 years ago. At first they used to chat online, because Salvatore had just moved to Geneva, Switzerland. After a couple of months chatting, Salvatore asked Amber if he could come and visit her in Malta and since then Amber travelled to Geneva, very often.

Time passed and Salvatore introduced Amber to his family in Sicily, during a holiday there together. After this holiday, Salvatore realised that he could not live apart from Amber any longer so he decided to move to Malta.

Time passed and on Valentine’s Day in 2016, a magical proposal took place. After a romantic dinner, Salvatore took Amber to a hotel where he had decorated the room with a lot of red rose petals and candles to set the most romantic atmosphere. When they entered the room he gave her a card and put on some music and went down on his knees and asked her to marry him. It was a very well planned proposal with the help of Amber’s sister and her friend Elise, they all knew about it but managed to keep it a wonderful surprise for the bride to be.

They got married two years after the proposal at the Holy Trinity Church in Marsa. It was the same church where Amber’s parents and grandparents were married, and they wanted to continue the tradition. A reception followed at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Floriana. They chose this venue because they wanted an Italian style wedding which included an ‘Aperitivo’, a sit-down dinner and an after party. The venue provided an excellent location for every part of the wedding reception, including an amazing view.

Amber and Salvatore chose a fairy-tale theme for their wedding. They had beautiful flowers from Floreal; they decorated the church with white roses, hydrangea and fillers. The venue was decorated with various nice vases, lanterns, three massive tree structures with candle glass, a backdrop for the stage with a sheer full of fairy lights, a gold carpet under the top table and more by the talented team at Ruben Décor and some other touches of roses, hydrangea and peonies by Floreal. »

I DO 43

The theme was emphasises with some other delicate and personalised details From Creative Glams such as robes, hangers, slippers and champagne glasses. They also had a state-of-the art seven-tier cake, decorated with fresh flowers and a chandelier on top.

The couple wanted an exclusive style and chose a classic invitation suite featuring golden tones by the talented team at invites4u by Polidano Press. Some invitations were designed in Italian since many of their guests were Italian. Other printing items such as the ceremony booklets and menus carried the same style creating a cohesive look between the ceremony and reception . While for the souvenirs they had a custom-made Sicilian cream with pistachio and almond flavour, from a Sicilian company.

The theme was completed with the most fabulous wedding dress Amber chose in which to walk down the aisle by Pronovias Atelier from Ivory & Co. The dress was chosen by the owner Josef Gauci himself while at a fair in Paris. Amber loved the dress immediately so did her mother and sister. The dress was in two parts; a fitted dress in different three French laces, with a 3D lace on top with a long train and attached at the waist a fullover skirt in four different French laces and 3D lace. Amber said that she felt like a princess wearing such a beautiful dress. She was accompanied by her gorgeous bridesmaids and flower girls wearing dresses from Charles & Ron with matching headdresses from Ivory & Co and Monsoon Children. Meanwhile, Salvatore wore the most elegant black and white dinner suit from The Groom Collection. Âť

Amber and Salvatore had the time of their life on their wedding day, it was the perfect day they had imagined and planned. They said that it was a magical day for them both.

It was also perfectly planned thanks to their wedding organiser Twanny Sacco. The day was just like a fairy tale.

After such a special day they continued to celebrate their union during their honeymoon, where they visited America, all planned and arranged by ROCS Travel.

WEDDING CHECK LIST VIDEOGRAPHER Malta Wedding Films 7906 2751 HAIRDRESSER Screen Professional Hair Salon

by Illona 2144 2924 NAILS Beauty Team Clinic 2142 3939 TRANSPORT Dalton’s Chauffeur Services 7942 6332 DRONE Stephen Wellman 7940 6254 I DO 47

YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE.

Palazzo Parisio, Victory Square, Naxxar, Malta +356 21412461 • www.palazzoparisio.com

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THE COUPLE

Leanne & Kevin 7 April 2018 Leanne Sultana, 29, a teacher and Kevin Gatt, 30, a nurse, held their wedding Mass at Our Lady of The Angels in Kellyville, Australia and their reception at Le Montage in Lily Field.

K

evin and Leanne knew each other for many years, having met through mutual friends but their love did not blossom until years after they had developed a strong friendship. Then one night when they were out together their feelings towards each other changed and love flourished.

After being together for 10 years they decided to buy a house together and marriage was the next natural step. However, Kevin still managed to surprise Leanne with a romantic dinner. He took her out for dinner and a movie to celebrate their 10th year anniversary together, and while they were having dinner Kevin went down on one knee and proposed to Leanne. Even though they had been together for many years she still was not expecting it. After dinner, they went home and to her surprise 50 of their closest family and friends were waiting to surprise them, and to continue celebrating their engagement together.

They were married on 7th April, 2018, in Australia, where they live. The wedding Mass was celebrated in their favourite church of Our Lady of The Angels in Kellyville, and followed by a reception at Le Montage in Lily Field. It was the perfect venue for their theme which was black, white and luxe silver. They chose the venue because it has the most stunning water views. It was decorated with white, black and silver decorations, including the flowers, to their luxurious theme.

Leanne wore an ivory/blush dress with fine delicate straps, adorned with three layers of lace and textured flowers, with a trumpet hem and a detachable train, from Dianne Josephine Bridal Couture. She looked absolutely stunning.

While Kevin wore a black suit and bow tie, and looked lush for such a special day.

Their wedding day meant a lot to them both. It was a very special moment where they married one another after so many years together.

After their wonderful wedding day, they went on a relaxing and romantic honeymoon to Las Vegas, Canada, Croatia, Mykonos and Malta.

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You look perfect tonight Photography | Kitz Klikz

THE COUPLE

Diane & Kevin 6 June 2018 Diane Vella, 25, a primary teacher, and Kevin Zammit, 29, a pharmacy store manager.

Their ceremony was held at St Venera Parish Church, followed by a reception at Olive Gardens in Mdina

A

fter almost five years dating, Diane and Kevin decided that it was time for them to start planning their wedding day. They knew that marriage was the next step forward.

Their wedding day was on June 6, 2018, and they exchanged vows at the St Venera Parish Church. After the Mass a reception was held at Olive Gardens in Mdina. The venue was just perfect for them surrounded by lovely gardens, a nice pool area and the stunning views. And their catering by C. Camilleri & Sons (Catering) Ltd was just exquisite with exceptional service.

The venue was decorated with cushions spread along the garden walls, garden lights, fairy lights, lanterns of all sizes, draped bars and decorative candle-lit vases made the venue more attractive. All decorations were provided by the venue while Joel C was in charge of the lights and sound for the day.

They did not have a particular theme but chose various pastel colours for their bridal team, who all had different coloured dresses from C Moda. Even the flowers were in pastel shades from Carabott Florist. They completed the whole look which was simply beautiful. Âť

Diane walked down the aisle wearing a simple yet very beautiful ball-gown dress by WeddingBells. It made her feel and look like a princess. Kevin chose a classical navy blue suit from Aristocrat.

They had loads of fun on their wedding day. Everything turned out well especially

their first dance which was a mix of different songs they both like. The couple opened the dance floor with the song Perfect by Ed Sheeran. A few other songs followed and were danced together with their friends, choreographed by Maroushka Falletta from Dancing Feet

Studio. As soon as the couple finished their first dance, they surprised everyone with a fireworks display, by BG Malta Fireworks Display.

It turned out to be a spectacular moment for the newlyweds, as well as their guests. Âť

“Our wedding day was a dream come true.

We always dreamt of having a wonderful wedding. We created an amazing atmosphere for our guests to enjoy this special day with us, it was simply perfect. It was also made possible with the help of our wedding organiser Jurgen Briffa and his team, who made sure that everything went well both before and on the day”, the couple concluded.

After their wedding day Diane and Kevin went on a five day holiday to London and attended an Ed Sheeran concert at the Wembley Stadium. They are huge fans of the singer. Later in the year, they went for a second honeymoon in South Africa on a Safari experience, another dream came true for the couple. This was all booked and planned through ROCS Travel.

WEDDING CHECK LIST WEDDING DRESS WeddingBells 2122 4234 CATERERS C.Camilleri & Sons Ltd 2147 2255 WEDDING RINGS Tesor Jewellery & Gifts 2125 7507 HONEYMOON ROCS Travel 2015 1515

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HONEYMOON

Honeymoon in B PLANNING THE HONEYMOON IS ONE OF THE MOST FUN PARTS WHEN SOMEONE IS GETTING MARRIED. THERE ARE SO MANY PLACES ONE CAN CHOOSE TO VISIT, AS LONG AS YOU GO FOR A WELL-DESERVED BREAK WITH YOUR BETTER HALF. HERE WE HAVE COME UP WITH A GUIDE TO ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR PLACES ON EARTH, BALI

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Bali

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icture a private infinity pool with panoramic ocean views, or sprawling hillside temples set against historic volcanoes. If this is how you are imagining yourself on your romantic getaway then Bali is the place to be.

Located in the heart of Indonesia, Bali is an island province surrounded by the glowing waters of the Indian Ocean. It has long been a favourite for all kinds of travellers. The incredible scenery, experiences and serenity make Bali one of the most popular places to go on a honeymoon.

Bali has something to offer for all newlywed couples, whether you are into yoga and meditation, quad or bike riding, religious sites, food and drink opportunities or impressive beaches. Perhaps you are after all this, you are guaranteed to have a once in a lifetime experience.

When in Bali, newlyweds can decide to visit nearby islands, and spend their days exploring different islands that are within reach of the place they decide to stay.

Bali has a tropical island climate all year round, but certain months have less humidity and are less crowded.

It has two main seasons: the wet season which has more rainfall, cooler temperatures and is less crowded and the dry season, which is more crowded, and has higher temperatures and less rain.

The best time to have your Bali honeymoon is from April to September, during the dry season. The dry season brings beautiful weather with temperatures in the high 20s to mid-30s Celsius. This means you can enjoy the magnificent beaches surrounding Bali, water sports and more. The crowds are a little larger during the nicer weather, but for a good reason.

There are various places to stay in Bali. You can choose depending on your interests and budget. There is a vast number of different and affordable resorts in Bali to suit every honeymoon couple; from private villas tucked between rice paddies, to luxurious garden hotel rooms with infinity pools. There are even private bungalows in the treetops of the Balinese jungle, for the more adventurous couple.

Getting around in Bali is quite easy and cheap, it is best to travel around in taxis as there are various services available. Otherwise, you can hire a private driver who will drive you around to the different areas you like to visit. Usually, it is possible to pre-book this service through your travel agent when booking in Malta.

Places to visit in Bali include Canggu, located on the South-West coast of the island. It is a popular spot and is a great way to experience local life, including some of the best beaches and some of the greenest areas.

Legian is another magical place to honeymoon in Bali.

It is a place for serenity and relaxation. One can find some of the best beaches and private garden villas, but also some of the best clubs and shopping areas.

Seminyak is also a great place to stay in, it offers luxurious villa stays and plenty of renowned spas. It is also an ideal spot to take day tours and trips from, without getting too far out and wasting a lot of time travelling.

If you are after a romantic haven, with loads of breathtaking scenery Bali is one of the destinations you should look into when booking your honeymoon getaway.

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PROMOTION

Bridal hair do’s and don’ts

BY MAF HAIRDRESSING

DO always book a trial appointment Whether you’ve known your hairstylist for years or are booking with someone new, you should book a wedding hair trial. This is important if you are trying out a new bridal hairstyle. Some styles might look great in a magazine, but might look different on you! You might need more than one trial and that is totally normal.

DO be honest with your stylist Your hairstylist wants you to be totally satisfied on your big day so do inform them so they can provide you with their utmost service. It’s the best way to make sure you are completely happy with your wedding day hairstyle, so be as open and clear as possible in your communication.

DON’T try something that’s just not your style It might be tempting to try a hairstyle that is totally fresh and different, but do not go for something that is just not ‘you’. Don’t go for a style that’s completely out of character. Brides usually regret doing anything of that sort. Your wedding day is a day to shine and look your best, not like someone entirely different.

DON’T go drastic Weeks before your wedding is not the time to schedule a drastic haircut or colour change. Instead, make sure you’ve scheduled any needed hair maintenance at least a few weeks before the big day.

DO schedule a dress fitting on the same day as your hair trial There is no better way to get an idea of how you will look on your wedding day than scheduling your hair and makeup trial the same day as a dress fitting! You will be able to decide if your hairstyle matches your wedding dress and the whole look you would like to achieve. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures!

DO get a hair treatment for shiny hair Schedule a hair treatment a week before your wedding day. An in-salon deep conditioning treatment will help make sure your locks are in beautiful condition for your wedding day.

DON’T forget about hair accessories Even if you’re going for a classic bridal hairstyle, a beautiful bridal hair accessory is a gorgeous way to add a little oomph to your bridal look. Pins, headbands and floral hairpieces can make the whole look more complete for your wedding day.

DO take inspirational pictures with you Show your hairstylists various pictures of the hairstyles you like this will help them know exactly what style you are after, and he or she will be able to recommend which styles suits you the best. Magazine cut outs or images you find on the web or apps such as Pinterest are great sources of inspiration DON’T overthink it Sometimes, less is more. A simple, sophisticated hairstyle can look effortlessly elegant. And a glammed-up version of your everyday hairstyle (maybe with a gorgeous hair accessory), can be quite beautiful. I always recommend timeless styles that look good in your photo album in the future. Classic looks are always a smart idea for creating an everlasting photo.

Join our Facebook page MAF Hairdressing or Instagram @mafhairdressing for more tips and ideas.

Directory

Planning your big day?

Here is a guide to various wedding services.

Read through our comprehensive directory of service providers all around the Maltese Islands.

We invite you to visit db San Antonio Hotel + Spa and appreciate the wide selection of venues with fantastic views for your special occasion. The hotel has the perfect facilities to organize your wedding reception by the pool or on the roof terrace enjoying the open panoramic views and facing the sunset. We also offer an indoor venue, the Casablanca Suite which can host up to 600 guests standing. Contact our Events Department who will gladly arrange a show round and discuss our menu options.

Bookings for 2019 and 2020 are now being accepted.

db San Antonio Hotel + Spa, Triq it-Turisti, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay, SPB 1024, Malta • T: 2350 3750/1 • E: events@dbhotelsresorts.com W: www.dbhotelsresorts.com

FREE VENUE RENTAL AT PALAZZO DE PIRO Are you planning to get married in 2019 or 2020? Is the venue booked yet? If not, why not consider the noble palazzo in the stunning medieval city of Mdina? Palazzo de Piro offers spectacular views of the island from one of the highest points on the Maltese islands. Our elegant wedding halls adorned with golden damask and majestic chandeliers set the mood for a classy celebration of love, surrounded with family and friends. That’s not just it, for the remaining dates in 2019 and 2020 one does not have to pay a venue fee. Yes, the venue is free; all you have to do is choose our delectable food by our exclusive caterer, Xara Catering.

For more information get in touch on events@xaracollection.com or call on +356 22 567 567 for more information.

You can also visit www.xaracatering.com and have a look at the menus we offer. Terms & Conditions apply.

A cocktail bar is the symbol of style and fun; a centrepiece at your function where guests can socialise, while trying out a wide assortment of colourful and tasty cocktails prepared by highly skilled and amicable specialists. With over twenty years of experience at wedding receptions and just about every other type of function besides, Damian’s Mobile Cocktail & Wine Bar promises to be the detail that makes all the difference between an everyday event and a truly memorable occasion that people will remember fondly for years to come.

You see it’s not just about serving drinks and making delicious cocktails, but setting the scene for a magnificent event with a studied touch of effervescence and flair.

Damian Muscat M: 99847074 E: info@damianscocktails.com W: www.damianscocktails.com

Directory VILLA MDINA, THE VENUE WITH A HISTORY Villa Mdina boasts the villa, newly transformed into an elegant wedding venue. The treasured original features have been retained combined with lavish interior decor and with state-of-the art lighting. This perfect combination of vintage glamour and modern style creates the ideal setting for couples who desire the best of both worlds. It provides a timeless and sophisticated backdrop for a wedding reception and other celebrations. Villa Mdina can accommodate up to 500 wedding guests inside the magnificent air-conditioned historic halls and another 500 in the elegant, extensive, landscaped gardens. The stylish gazebo provides shade during sunny morning functions. Guests can opt for the comfort of the air-conditioned interiors, or relish the open-air areas. Choosing the unique Villa Mdina for one’s wedding reception will ensure that the couple’s special day is in expert hands. The bride and the groom can relax, knowing that the tiniest details are being taken care of.

Follow Villa Mdina / Busy Bee on Facebook or call for an appointment on 23344000.

A FLOWER THAT NEVER WILTS – A SUNFLOWER FROM HOSPICE MALTA Since 1989, Hospice Malta has helped thousands of people to live better and thanks to your help we shall continue to do so for those who need us.

When acute treatment is no longer an option, our team of specially trained medical professionals provide palliative treatment, pain relief and treatment for other physical symptoms to patients suffering from cancer, motor neuron disease, including ALS and other end-of-life cardiac, respiratory, renal and liver illnesses. Hospice also provides patients and their loved ones with emotional, psycho-social and spiritual support and bereavement support.

Donations help us continue our work so while wedding souvenirs are nice, donating to Hospice instead has everlasting value!

We will provide you with bookmarks to give to your guests informing them that you donated to Hospice Malta. May you both have a long and beautiful life together.

E: james.davis@hospicemalta.org

Thanks to Get Hitched, in just 3 easy steps, couples contact multiple wedding service providers in literally a couple of minutes. Additionally, once a request is submitted, couples only communicate with suppliers who can cater for their wedding date, budget and any specific criteria they may have, thus saving them the time they would otherwise waste contacting providers who cannot assist them.

Therefore, essentially, Get Hitched is able to find the right vendor, for the right price, on the date that one needs them.

The product also gives couples various options to choose from, all in the comfort of their own home, or even while on the road!

The Organizer started officially in 2014/15, although our experience in weddings began much earlier. Today it is one of Malta’s leading wedding organizer companies. The Organizer’s aim was always to reduce wedding stress for couples, as much as possible. That’s why we have created a one-stop shop for needs which can be acquired directly from the same place and company. We are also the only company to offer beverages for our clients directly, economically and hassle free.

The Organizer is not just one person. It has grown to a team of six Organizers, all looking forward to letting you enjoy one of the best days in your lives; while we check and manage all the rest.

Contact: 99207960 theorganizermalta@gmail.com fb/theorganizermalta

GEOFFREY AXIAK NUTRITIONAL SERVICES Registered Nutritionist with experience in giving personalised diets for weight loss, food allergies (including food allergy blood testing), training, common health problems and other nutrition-related issues. He has a vast experience in providing lectures, seminars and conferences related to health and nutrition topics. He also offers and coordinates fully accredited courses of various levels in nutrition and health and works with catering establishments on menu planning, calorie counting and menu classification.

He is a regular writer of articles relating to health and nutrition in various magazines and journals and a regular presenter in conferences both locally and abroad.

M: 9982 2288 E: axiakg@yahoo.com W: www.gaxiak.yolasite.com

Gaudi is a section within the JB Stores Shopping Mall in Iklin offering a vast range of supreme and exclusive fabrics that are suitable for all special occasions.

Our professional team will guide you to choose the perfect fabrics for your designed outfit. Having a broad range of fabrics, Gaudi specialises in bridal / team, mother of the bride / groom and guests outfits. The above picture is one of Gaudi’s creations – an A-Line dress having fine tulle as the top with a double embroidered and beaded skirt covered with fine crepe satin.

Gaudi by JB Stores, JB Stores, Iklin.

For more information kindly contact us on Facebook or call for an appointment on 23314343. www.jbstores.com

CATHOLIC MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSES April 2019 LOCALITY VENUE DATE & TIME TEL Attard Ċentru Ġwanni Pawlu II Wednesday 24 /Thursday 25, 7.15pm 21434949 Birkirkara – Sant’Elena Ċentru Parrokkjali Monday 22, 7pm 21444725 Bormla Ċentru Sagra Familja Tuesday 23, 7.15pm 21828413 Fleur De Lys Ċentru Familja Karmelitana Tuesday 23, 7pm 21441769 Ħamrun - Kunċizzjoni Ċentru Parrokkjali Friday 26, 7.15pm 21232643 Iklin Knisja Parrokkjali Friday 26, 7.15pm 99440595 Lija Sala Villa Lija FULLY BOOKED 21442553, 21435961 Mosta Ċentru Sant’Andrija Monday 29, 7pm 21433826, 99943365 Paola Kristu Re Kunvent San Ġużepp Wednesday 24, 7.15pm 21695022 Sliema Stella Maris Ċentru Parrokkjali Saturday 27, 5pm 21334941, 79593727 Università Chaplaincy Wednesday 1 May, 7pm 23402341 (for students, ex-students and staff) Żejtun Sala Parrokkjali Tuesday 9, 7.30pm 21694563 Żurrieq/Kirkop Żurrieq Ċentru Pastorali Friday 26, 7pm 21642010 Kappella tal-Lunzjata, Kirkop

Attendance at the Cana Courses, from two years prior to the date of marriage BOOKINGS FOR THE COURSES ARE TO BE MADE WITH THE PARISH PRIEST OF THE LOCALITY WHERE THE COURSE WILL BE HELD. Please call during office hours.

Il-Moviment ta’ Kana, Istitut Kattoliku, Floriana FRN 1441 Malta Tel: 2223 8000 Email: info@canamovement.org

www.canamovement.org

https://www.facebook.com/familjakana http://www.youtube.com/user/familjakana

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BRIDAL TEAM | MOTHER OF THE BRIDE & GROOM | GUESTS A: IKLIN RD, IKLIN | T: 2331 4343/1 | E: INFO@JBSTORES.COM