I DO November 2015

NOVEMBER 2015 | ISSUE NO 58 | 造2.50

Winter Charm 8 PAGES BRIDAL FASHION

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‘Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love’ –

THIS PAGE Simple yet stunning duchess satin gown with lace sleeve and lace back detail exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS | Majorica Sterling Silver with Gold Plated Pearl Set. All Majorica pearls come with a 10 year guarantee. Available at Sterling.

COVER Vintage inspired bridal ball gown in poet lace and bateau neckline. The bejeweled belt completes this very romantic look. Dress available exclusively at WEDDINGBELLS | A double string Majorica Pearls set. All Majorica pearls come with a 10 year guarantee. Available at Sterling.

Mother Theresa

welcome

2016 collections are about Old-Hollywood glamour. With well thought out combinations of clean classic details and graceful construction, there’s definitely something for every bride who has an eye for detail.

Wedding guests should meanwhile go for styles that complement the sophistication and style we’re witnessing in bridal gowns.

Do you want to be able to see the photos your friends take at your wedding?

Google ‘ways to create best wedding hashtag’ and you’re sure to be buzzing with ideas. The trick to make it work is to keep it simple and let people know about it. Prepare guests about this before the wedding and create reminders during the wedding so you don’t miss out on any of the beautiful moments of your day.

Don’t forget! We want to see how glamorous you looked on your wedding day and be able to share your story and your unique wedding details with our readers.

Send us your professional high-res photos for a chance to be featured in I Do! I Do team, Annaliza & Elaine

Get in touch with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/IDoBridalMagazineMalta

I DO NOVEMBER 2015 ISSUE NO 58

PUBLISHED BY Standard Publications Ltd, Standard House, Birkirkara Hill, St Julian’s STJ 1149, T 21345888, F 21344884 FOR EDITORIAL CONTENT AND STORIES CONTACT THE I DO TEAM ido@independent.com.mt DESIGN Christine Spiteri, Sean Ellul, Conrad Bondin ADVERTISING Marcelle Portelli PRINTER PrintIT

Coliseum Arcades, Zachary Street, Valletta – Tel: 2122 4234 • Email: weddingbells@sis.net.mt • Website: WeddingBells.bridemalta.com • www.theweddingsite.com/weddingbells LIKE US ON www.facebook/weddingbells.valletta

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Stunning mermaid dress in lace with illusion neckline by Justin Alexander exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS | Baroque Majorica Pearls set. All Majorica pearls come with a 10 year guarantee. Available at Sterling.

Winter Charm Photography Bernard Polidano Make up Natasha Polidano Gowns WeddingBells Hair Styling MAF Hairdressing Flowers Flower Arts Jewellery Sterling

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Vintage inspired bridal ball gown in poet lace and bateau neckline. The bejeweled belt completes this very romantic look. Dress available exclusively at WEDDINGBELLS | A double string Majorica Pearls set. All Majorica pearls come with a 10 year guarantee. Available at Sterling.

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THIS PAGE Maitza from the PRONOVIAS 2015 Dreams Collection. Dress in lace and tulle with gemstone embroidery appliqués.

Bodice with soft sweetheart neckline and tulle skirt with frills. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT PRONOVIAS. OPPOSITE Marianella from the PRONOVIAS 2015 Modern Bride Collection. Lace and tulle mermaid dress. Draped bodice with a sweetheart neckline, straps and lace appliqués. Skirt with irregular organza tulle with different edges. EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE AT PRONOVIAS.

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Simple yet stunning duchess satin gown with lace sleeve and lace back detail exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS | Majorica Sterling Silver with Gold Plated Pearl Set. All Majorica pearls come with a 10 year guarantee. Available at Sterling.

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Vintage inspired bridal ball gown in poet lace and bateau neckline. The bejewelled belt completes this very romantic look. Dress available exclusively at WEDDINGBELLS | A double string Majorica Pearls set. All Majorica pearls come with a 10 year guarantee. Available at Sterling.

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Simple yet stunning duchess satin gown with lace sleeve and lace back detail exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS | Majorica Sterling Silver with Gold Plated Pearl Set. All Majorica pearls come with a 10 year guarantee. Available at Sterling.

Stunning mermaid dress in lace with illusion neckline by Justin Alexander exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS | Baroque Majorica Pearls set. All Majorica pearls come with a 10 year guarantee. Available at Sterling.

PHOTOGRAPHY Bernard Polidano 7947 2559 http://bernardpolidano.tumblr.com/ BRIDAL OUTFITTING Marquita at WEDDINGBELLS 2122 4234 HAIR STYLING Christian Mifsud MAF Hairdressing 2144 0772, 9944 6929 www.mafhairdressing.com MAKE-UP Natasha Polidano 9989 9760 FLORAL DÉCOR & ACCESSORIES Joseph Baldacchino from Flower Arts Studio: 2726 0645, Workshop: 2125 0645, M: 9926 0645 www.flowerarts.net JEWELLERY Sterling Customer Care: 2124 5999 www.sterling.com.mt MODEL Madeleine @ Supernova Model Management SHOT ON LOCATION Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar 2141 2461 www.palazzoparisio.com

Coliseum Arcades, Zachary Street, Valletta – Tel: 2122 4234 • Email: weddingbells@sis.net.mt • Website: WeddingBells.bridemalta.com • www.theweddingsite.com/weddingbells LIKE US ON www.facebook/weddingbells.valletta

the couple MARIA NEIL

&

Maria Mifsud, 26, Bank AntiMoney Laundering Unit Head and Neil Buhagiar, 26, Managing Director

7 June 2015 NUPTIAL MASS AT HOLY FAMILY CHAPEL, SGĦAJTAR, NAXXAR AND RECEPTION AT OLIVE GARDENS PHOTOS George Scintilla

A Love Birds Wedding

M

aria and Neil met through her sister’s common friends just a week before she was moving to the UK for a year to read for her master’s degree. She was immediately drawn to Neil but being so very different she never imagined it would actually work out. Her departure felt “bitter sweet” and Neil assured he was willing to wait for her. They spent the first months of their relationship doing the long distance thing while she tried to fly back home as often as possible.

“Somehow we made it work,” Maria explains.

As they grew closer and learnt more about each other’s annoying habits and quirks, they instinctively knew they wanted to be in it for the long haul so marriage was the natural next step.

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With both not being very romantic and hating surprises, there was no proposal.

After months of badgering Neil for a diamond, she woke up one day to Neil’s decision to go diamond shopping. They visited a number of local shops and learnt a bit about diamonds and the different cuts.

She decided for the emerald cut diamond but no local store had it in stock. On a business trip to Amsterdam a short time later, she went to the Coster Diamond Museum where she picked the diamond and the setting.

“Within minutes … voila, my ring was made and slipped onto my finger. I loved Neil for allowing me the opportunity to get exactly what I wanted,” Maria says.

A love-birds theme was chosen so Maria and Neil picked the quote from Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook “ – If you’re a bird, I’m a bird”. They wanted a bohemian garden feel

which although not as laid-back as a beach wedding, is still fun and not too formal.

Invites had a very simple and soft design, font and colour scheme and included the chosen quote at the bottom. To go with the theme, they opted for a salt and pepper love bird set and a wine bottle stopper in the shape of a bird from Charming Diva as souvenirs. Both were made out of white ceramic which Maria loves.

Special gifts for the parents were meanwhile purchased from Vascas.

Being from Naxxar, Maria’s mum insisted she gets married in her home town and with the parish church being too classic and formal for their liking, they booked the Sgħajtar chapel where her sister had also got married. She made sure flowers at the church were all white and ordered the white carpet over two years before the wedding.

Having visited most of the local venues, none of them felt right but they immediately fell in love with Olive Gardens, Mdina. It was the last venue on their list and offered the garden setting they wanted to create.

The venue is gorgeous even in its barest form and this was enhanced with the decorative package provided by Camilleri Caterers. Additionally Maria ordered a lot of personalised touches and details over the internet. Instead of the guest book, they had a bird cage and people were asked to write wishes on tags and then post them in the cage.

The details and personal touches made the wedding feel their own.

“Everything was personalised from my floral head wreath, to the car (gorgeous American Cadillac), to the small details, choice of flowers, box for the rings, the bags to hold the cards in, the table for the wishing cage, the decorations, the band and songs chosen,” Maria notes.

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Some 460 people were invited and a good crowd joined the couple on the dance floor soon after the first dance.

With Maria being a huge lover of rock and metal music (she had actually been to watch Metallica live in concert some years ago), they agreed that ‘Nothing Else Matters’ was the greatest song ever written. Despite Neil not particularly agreeing on Maria’s musical tastes, this song was always special to them as a couple. It is the song they played over and over again on their Sunday drives and sung out loud to like two crazy people.

The first dance was definitely one of the wedding highlights: “We rehearsed some moves the week of the wedding (though we had said we’d start months earlier) and when it came to actually dancing, I forgot all that we had planned and we just winged it. We laughed all the way through it but I am so glad we did it. Neil hates dancing but throughout our relationship he always said he’ll dance just

that once, on our wedding day”.

The Crowns were absolutely brilliant to cover this all time hit and guests praised the band for the fun atmosphere they created.

Rings were identical; very plain and classic, in rose gold with comfort fit. These were custom made by Sergio Zampa within a few days of having jotted down what they wanted.

While the couple did not set a budget as they were willing to pay for what they wanted, they also kept in mind that other priorities required them not to splurge on the wedding since this was ultimately all for a few hours. When it came to some things such as the photography, they were willing to spend as much as necessary to get what they were after, and George Scintilla was definitely it!

They had a blast at the post-wedding shoot: “George made us feel so comfortable and we just laughed and ran and danced by the beach as the sun was setting over Golden Bay.

“Going into the sea and sand in your wedding dress is not something you’d do every day! We also stopped at Mdina to capture some shots there between the mass and the reception. That was also quite fun and helped us relax and let loose before going to the reception”.

Maria recalls two funny instances, both involving British guests. One phoned her at the time of the start of mass to ask for help when instructing the taxi driver where the mass was being held; only he did so a day early! Another happened when they arrived back home after the wedding. She received a call from another British guest asking why the caterers were packing and no one was at the reception. He too had got the

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time all wrong… No offence to the British intended!

Maria had two wedding dresses and changed into a short dress half-way through the wedding. She walked down the aisle in a mermaid lace dress from San Patrick by Pronovias. Havng sheer tulle straps and a crossover bodice it was accessorised with a chapel length train.

She always loved lace and having an hourglass body shape, a mermaid style complimented her figure. She envisioned something stunning yet not over the top with no beads or crystals whatsoever (which was quite an impossible task to achieve).

Months after having bought the traditional gown, she was shopping with her mum for

her dress at BVR Boutique and saw the short dress. It was a knee-length, strapless gown with ruching and a rose detail at the bottom.

At the time she had no plans to change dresses. Having immediately loved it, her mum encouraged her to try it on. It fitted like a glove and she decided to get it.

Looking back, she’s glad she slipped into the short dress before their first dance as it allowed her to dance and jump to the music a lot better.

The female wedding party clothes including those of the couple’s mothers were bought from BVR Boutique. The dress of Maria’s sister Christine, who was her witness, was designed by Jesmond Sammut at YesusDeMaris.

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The groom’s and groomsmen’s outfits were rented from Bortex. They went for something simple and not too fussy, appropriate for a morning wedding yet not too formal.

Maria’s advice for future brides and grooms is: “Do it your way… or the highway”.

It saddens her to see so many brides ask about etiquette and how things should be done: “This is your day and you should do it

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your way. Forget about other people’s perceptions and views. Plan and execute it the way you both dream; people get bored with ‘normal’ anyway. Make sure the wedding reflects you as individuals and as a couple and don’t worry too much about what people might think or people taking offence”.

They spent a few days on the beautiful island of Santorini followed by two days in

Athens, on their honeymoon. Loving simplicity, they wanted something low-key and stress free. Maria planned and made all bookings and arrangements herself and took pride in planning and organising something so important.

They hope to go on a skiing trip once they’ve settled in their new life together and winter-time comes.

place to

on your Wedding Day

db Catering + Events offers you with a turnkey solution to fit your Wedding requirements like a velvet glove, within the Maltese Islands. We help you create the wedding you want and the memories that will remain forever, with you and your guests. We will be there for you from your initial dreams to the going away.

We take care of every detail and concern, each one of your wishes.

And of course, we will help you select the best location in Malta for the happiest day of your life.

We invite you to get in touch with us on (+356) 2350 3750 or contact us on events@dbhotelsresorts.com

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Main image: Upper Terrace at db Seabank Resort + Spa, Mellieha, Malta First image from Top: Casablanca Suite at db San Antonio Hotel + Spa, Qawra, Malta Second image from Top: Kosy Lounge & Terrace at db San Antonio Hotel + Spa, Qawra, Malta Third image from Top: Grotta Terrace at db Seabank Resort + Spa, Mellieha, Malta

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the couple MARILYN

&NEVILLE

Marilyn Mallia, 31, French Teaching Assistant/Lecturer at University of Malta, and Neville Grech, 29, Software Engineer

9 November 2014 WEDDING MASS AT ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL IN MDINA AND RECEPTION AT RADISSON BLU GOLDEN SANDS BALLROOM AND TERRACE. PHOTOS Aleksey Leonov One Special Day

AUTUMNAL wedding bells

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arilyn and Neville just celebrated their tenth anniversary from their first date. “We met through my brother since Neville played in the same band with him. Neville used to come over to our house to fix our computer whenever there were any problems.

We eventually started chatting and dating, and from then on, I don’t know how the past ten years flew by!” Marilyn told I Do magazine.

In 2008, Neville went to Southampton to read for a Master’s in Software Engineering, and then a PhD in Computer Science. After two years through a long-distance relationship, Marilyn joined him to start reading for a PhD in Modern Languages.

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There they shared their ups and downs as doctoral students, made a lot of international friends, and explored a good part of Southern England.

On returning to their home land, Neville proposed to Marilyn in the most chivalric way with a romantic dinner at an Mdina restaurant. It felt natural for them to take their relationship to another level, after being together for so long. They decided to tie the knot on 9th November 2014.

The bride and groom opted to hold their catholic wedding ceremony at St Paul’s CoCathedral in Mdina. “Mdina was where Neville proposed and we are both really fond of historic settings. Moreover the beauty of the cathedral’s interiors is undisputable. We

also thought it would be a venue that our foreign guests would appreciate!”

The bride walked up down the aisle wearing a dress from Wedding Bells. The dress was structured in an A-line design and was made of lace and tulle, with an illusion neckline and back. “It was quite difficult to choose a dress, since there were a number of dresses that I really liked, including one that I had tried on in London. However, this one had all the features I was looking for, and it helped to have my mum and friend with me to give me feedback.”

Dresses for the female bridal party were from Aphrodite Bridal and Formal Wear while the suits for the groom and the groomsmen were hired from The Knot in Fgura.

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Mass was celebrated by the bride’s uncle Fr Pierre Bonnici. “On my uncle’s advice, during the ceremony, we recited the first passage from the Song of Songs, which we had chosen to be in the form of a dialogue between two lovers. The guests really enjoyed this original departure from tradition.”

Being a big film fan, Marilyn incorporated some film soundtracks throughout the ceremony. She walked down the aisle to the tunes of Ave Maris Stella, which is the song composed by Nino Rota for the scene in Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet, when the lovers get wed.

An intimate reception for around 200 guests was held at the Radisson Blu Golden Sands ballroom and terrace in Golden Bay. “We had already attended a couple of weddings there which we had really enjoyed. The view from the terrace is truly scenic.

Moreover we could rest assured that the catering would be in the expert hands of Island Caterers. The bar was supplied and taken care of by Antonio Piscopo Wines and Spirits”.

“The highlight of the wedding was our first dance.

We danced to the Landler Waltz from the film The Sound of Music. While watching the film, Neville remarked that the dance looked nice, and I took him up on his word! We attended dance lessons with Anne Marie from Paul Curmi dancers, who did a great job in preparing us for this particular choreography. I was impressed by how much Neville took this seriously. On the day, I was a bit nervous about doing the turns with my dress but it turned out fine, and the guests really enjoyed it, clapping to the beat!”

Instead of souvenirs, the couple made a donation to the Missionary Society of St Paul’s in Pakistan, where Marilyn’s uncle, together with his colleagues constantly work for a very honorable mission.

The newlywed couple spent their Christmas holidays touring Europe for their honeymoon. “We opted for a circular road trip in Europe. We started from Bergamo airport, rented a car there and visited Verona, Bolzano, Innsbruck, Liechtenstein, Zurich and Lucerne, Lugano and finally, Milan. It was a truly exciting trip, in which we enjoyed a white Christmas, gluwein at the Italian-Austrian Christmas markets, an introduction to skiing, and sightseeing of a number of historical sites in four different countries. We made all the arrangements ourselves, and we felt really pleased and satisfied with the end result!”

&

A dose of SOPHISTICATION STYLE If you’re among the many whose eyes light up when you see a cocktail bar taking pride of place in the middle of a wedding reception, then chances are that you’re already familiar with multi-award winner DAMIAN MUSCAT and his mobile cocktail and wine bars. With several years of experience under his belt, Damian is one of those people who take a deep personal interest and pride in their work.

COCKTAILS AND WINE BARS REMIND US OF FUN TIMES, IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE, WITH FRIENDS. HOW DO YOU CREATE THIS MOOD WITH YOUR MOBILE BARS AT WEDDINGS? A specialised cocktail bar makes a great centrepiece for any wedding. It will add a dose of colour, fun, and of course a large assortment of cocktails, which guests will no doubt appreciate.

From my experience, cocktail bars create a fun and vibrant atmosphere all throughout and people tend to gravitate towards them more than they would to the main bar. Our staff creates a fun mood while integrating with the guests and mixing up delicious cocktails on the spot, thereby creating a personalised service for everyone.

BEING A MULTI AWARD WINNER IN VARIOUS LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL COCKTAIL COMPETITIONS, WHAT SATISFACTION DO YOU GET WHEN WORKING WITH COUPLES IN PREPARATION FOR THEIR SPECIAL DAY? The satisfaction is great, especially when receiving positive feedback from clients after every wedding. We know and understand that to our clients, this will be one of the most special days in their lives so we put every single ounce of our experience to good use so as to ensure that

everything is just perfect. That’s one of the reasons why we’re not restricted to any particular cocktail menus or service requirements. We’re flexible enough to be able to cater to any and all of our clients’ unique preferences.

Our preparation requires painstaking attention to detail. In fact, our commitment to perfection is the main factor to success. Therefore being an award winner doesn’t really make a difference in what we do, or how we do it. At the end of the day it’s simply about doing what we love, and loving what we do. This is what enables us to give the best possible service time and time again.

WHAT SPECIALTIES DO YOU OFFER DURING WEDDING RECEPTIONS? Our famous speciality is our individualised Cocktail Bars, which are also main attractions and have been so for a number of years.

However, apart from that, we also offer various other services such as Wine Bars, Punch Bars, Whisky Bars and Cigar Bars to name but a few of our favourite features. Rapidly growing in popularity with our clients, these enable them to present their guests with something different.

WHAT STYLES CAN A COUPLE CHOOSE FROM WHEN DECIDING TO SET UP A WINE OR COCKTAIL BAR? Many bar styles are available, in different sizes and

For more info visit www.damianscocktails.com or get in touch on info@damianscocktails.com or mobile (+356) 9984 7074

colours. We offer a vast selection so as to adapt a bar to any particular venue, or even to the wedding theme. Nowadays, many couples opt to choose a theme for their wedding. The possibilities are all but infinite and we’ve seen styles including modern, glowing, cottage, vintage, classic and a whole host of others. Every single time, our bars were successfully adapted to accommodate any style, theme, or venue.

DESCRIBE SOME ORIGINAL COCKTAIL CREATIONS SERVED DURING WEDDINGS The cocktail world is simply vast, with a great many new ideas, trends, and so many classics and twisted classics to choose from.

I’m pleased to say that our world-class experience means that we’re familiar with pretty much all of them and that is why we can offer such a vast selection of different cocktails and styles. Apart from that, we also have quite a few creations of our own and, over the years, these have proved to be highly popular amongst clients and their guests. For example, one of our innovative cocktails, that has won local as well as international awards, has since been incorporated in our menus and has never failed to impress. This is classified as a fancy long drink, which I had dubbed ‘Highway to Heaven’.

JUST ENGAGED

Your wedding planning starts here Planning a wedding should ideally start with the couple setting a budget and drawing up a guest list around two years before the wedding day, but what else should be done to ensure that the big day goes on without a glitch. Wedding organiser, JURGEN BRIFFA, a key player in the local wedding industry, shared some exclusive tips with I Do magazine.

What should couples keep in mind when budgeting for a wedding?

Weddings are a once in a lifetime event, so couples cannot afford any disappointments or mistakes. A wedding organiser can help from the booking stage, through all the preperations involved, but also on the big day and after, much better than a professional best man.

We do our best to make any budget work for the couple’s tastes. We start with helping the couples make a breakdown of the costs and handle each situation according to the bride and groom’s financial requirements. For a standard wedding with up to 300 guests, the couple would need around €6000 to cover all the deposits.

As wedding organisers we offer a comprehensive service including assistance with bookings and purchases, so that one can get the best deals for a wedding. We also have a discount scheme, which allows our clients to benefit from several discounts offered by various local wedding suppliers.

How do you help couples plan a timeline ahead of their wedding day?

“In the six weeks before the wedding date, we usually meet the bride and groom three times.

We dedicate a meeting to discuss the amounts and quality of food items chosen for the reception to avoid any extra expenses and wastage.

We also give couples an indication of the amount and types of beverages needed, so one can rest assured that none of the drinks would run out.

In the second meeting, a time line of the wedding is devised to make enough time for each component of the wedding day. We would discuss the ceremony in detail, the setup desired, decorations, allocating time for taking photos and greet the guests, among other issues.

In the last meeting before the wedding a mass rehearsal is held so that all the wedding party members, including children, know what they should do on the big day. We also provide a list of things that need to be readily available such as wedding rings, guest book, souvenirs or confetti. We would collect the items before the wedding day so that the bride and groom can relax on their big day.

On the actual wedding day we will take care of setting up the venue as previously agreed.

We make sure that the wedding ceremony runs smoothly. At a reception our job is to stock the bar, prepare family members for photos, replenish souvenirs during the greeting of

guests, prepare food and drink for the newlyweds, and ensure all guests are being served.

How do you continue supporting the newlyweds?

Our work does not stop at the end of the wedding reception. When the couple leaves the venue, a stock-take of the beverages is carried out and suppliers are paid. Our company can also provide transport of beverages and food left overs, flowers and other items after end of the reception.

We meet the newlyweds once more after the wedding to provide an evaluation of the wedding day including information about the food, beverage consumption, settle any overtime charges and also to provide the receipts for all the suppliers which would have been paid on the day. We also support couples in submitting applications for the VAT refund on their wedding function and the government marriage grant.

Jurgen Briffa wedding organiser also offers security services both for the bride and groom’s family residences as well as for the venue, and hire services for bistro tables, linen, chairs, decorative lights, church carpet, personalised carpet, props and much more, which make your day extra special.

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the couple SHARON KRISTIAN

&

Sharon Mizzi, 47, Sales Assistant and Kristian Camilleri, 43, Sales Director

3 October 2014 ATTARD PARISH CHURCH FOLLOWED

BY THE CHOPHOUSE AT TIGNE POINT PHOTOS Jonathan Borg

A TIME TO remember

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K

ris and Sharon have been together for 15 years. She was married before at the age of 19 and had two sons from her first marriage, Kyle and Nick who today are 28 and 24 respectively.

The marriage broke down 13 years later and she met Kris at the age of 32.

Over the years they have been together, Sharon has been through a lot of emotions especially when her ex-husband passed away in April 2011.

But together with Kris, she was blessed with the birth of the daughter Chloe, eight years ago.

Kris was not keen on marriage and it was never really on the cards until February 2014. At the time, she was passing through a rough phase and was feeling down, which is not like her at all.

One evening, as she was in the kitchen cooking

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away she felt Kris wrap his arms around her waist and realised he was giving her a comforting hug. Turning her around, he held her face in his palms, looked her straight in the eyes and said, “You know I love you very much ….” She replied in the affirmative and as she was about to turn and carry on cooking he continued, “Will you marry me?”

Sharon says: “I thought I was hallucinating at that moment! …. I of course said YES and that took me on the greatest emotional roller coaster ride of my life! From the lowest low to the highest high!”

After breaking the news to everyone it was time to get planning and there were loads to be done.

They set the date based around Kris’s birthday and the wedding date happened to be just a couple of days after Kris turned 43.

Being a person who loves company, Sharon has many close friends but there are 11 women in particular she treasures. They have been close since they were at school and still meet regularly. She had promised them that if she ever got married again, she would certainly not do so without any one of them.

The bridal party consisted of 11 maids of honour, three bridesmaids, the couple’s daughter Chloe, Sharon’s two nieces and her in laws’ son, Zak, the one and only little page boy!

Yes they were 15 in total. Sharon admits this was quite a job but really fun; “I decided to keep my girlfriends a secret and surprise everyone on the day, including my husband to be, who probably would have had a heart attack if I told him I was having them all,” Sharon points out.

She also wanted to plan the wedding herself. They had two witnesses each; her sister Rebecca Mallia and her ex-sister in law Diane Borg. Kris had his uncle, Alfred Falzon Sant Manduca and his cousin Jeremy Salomone. The ushers were Duncan Stivala and Andrew Said, both Chris’ cousins. Their dear friend Adam De Domenico was bestman.

The bridal procession part needed to be planned carefully since there were a lot of people involved. Sharon booked the Hummer (party bus) to take them all to church together; “This was sooooooo much fun!! The vehicle could not even come up to the street where I live, so a friend of mine had to give me a lift to where it was waiting for us close-by”.

Witnessing the excitement, all her neighbours lined up outside taking photos.

Despite the large bridal party, the couple decided on a small wedding of 200 guests. As much as they wished to have each and every person they knew share this day with them, they simply had to draw the line. They reciprocated to all the people who had invited them to parties, weddings and dinners over the years. Close family members were invited but children were not on the guest list since their families are quite large. Other family members, friends and children were welcome to go to church and witness the ceremony.

Choosing a venue turned out to be very easy. Sharon’s friend Alexia Hathout, her ‘wedding planner’ got the ball rolling in no time. She suggested The Chophouse at Tigne Point. They checked it out and Sharon knew it was the place for them; “It ticked all the boxes, size was perfect, views amazing, location fantastic and most of all perfect if it was a rainy day,” Sharon says. “Steve, the chef is simply the best... food was out of this world and staff were lovely”.

Being non-traditional, they wanted a party-type wedding in a relaxed atmosphere. The events manager happened to be a friend of hers and she just made it all happen in a fun and enthusiastic way. Sharon notes, it wouldn’t have been the same without her.

A candle and crystal effect was created following some good research over the internet. Gorgeous candle holders from Monsoon gave the fabulous crystal effect. These were complemented with gold crystals, gold petals, a beautiful gold and ivory flower decoration for the top of the cake and a pretty gold diamante ribbon for around the cake.

an unrivalled backdrop for your wedding

If you’re after a dramatic setting, the Laguna Walk Fountain and the sweeping Mediterranean views will awe all your guests. Laguna Walk expansive space can cater for all your wedding day needs and provides a wonderful setting for both civil ceremonies as well as wedding receptions.

call: +356 2360 8104 info@smartcitymalta.com.mt smartcity.ae

The wedding cake was in almond and bacio but red velvet cake was also served to the guests “…. It was devoured. Again thanks to The Chophouse!”

Sharon received a recommendation to tie the knot at the Attard Parish Church and she booked it over the phone after seeing photos on the internet. Wedding planning time was hectic for the couple also because their daughter was doing her First Holy Communion that same year so most of the preparations happened on the computer, when Chloe was in bed. Kris and Sharon first went to see the church just two weeks before the wedding.

Their celebrant was none other than Fr. Stefan Attard as they both connected with him really well. Sure enough he made every moment so special and the homily was so relevant it was perfect. For Sharon, the exchange of vows is what marriage is all about and the reception is simply a celebration of this special event.

The band Skarlet, with Sandrina’s angelic voice, animated the mass before moving on to the venue where they warmed up the party.

Incidentally Sharon got to the church before her husband-to-be. Some quick thinking led the Hummer driver to take the party for a ride squeezing through the narrow streets of Attard.

Minutes later, Sharon’s son Nick the ring bearer, led the eleven ladies into the church. Each of them in a different dress and holding a single flower, they walked in a single file down the aisle. Once they got to their reserved places, the bridesmaids and page boy teamed up in front of the bride with

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one of them scattering gold petals on the red carpet along the way.

Accompanied by her other son Kyle, Sharon followed until they got to the altar. She was definitely moved witnessing her son and Kris greeting each other as she was given away.

The couple bought their rings from GB Jewellers and were surely satisfied with the service. Having discovered the company on a weddings-related website, they gave them a try and were happy with the reasonable prices and discount, including free engraving.

Mass started at 4.30pm and they got to The Chophouse by 6.30pm, in time for the beautiful sunset. The short walkway to the restaurant, with breathtaking views of Valletta, was definitely worthwhile. After the cutting of the cake and some speeches, DJ Mykill had the crowd dancing till 2am.

A few of the guests booked rooms at the same hotel where the couple spent the night and she recalls it was so much fun to wake up and have breakfast together, chatting about the night before; “Having people travel far and wide to share this special day makes a huge difference. My daughter’s godmother Christiane Ouimet came from Canada, my cousin Francesca and her husband Ed came from Abu Dhabi, my cousin John and friends Miles and Paolo came from the UK and Jonathon from Switzerland. We really appreciated it,” Sharon notes.

Having the right photographer meant someone who likes to capture the moment in a natural way.

After checking out some photographers’ work, she decided to go with Jonathan ‘Zigly’ Borg, whom she describes as “professional, affordable, relaxed and talented”. She was recommended V Squared as videographers and they too reflected the day which was really enjoyable in every way.

The bridal dress was in gold and the colour was chosen on the advice of her witness Diane.

The tone set the theme for the wedding. The bridesmaids wore gorgeous ivory and gold dresses from Monsoon. Being a sales assistant at the same outlet, Sharon admits she must have dressed up half her female guests who kept seeking her guidance.

Sharon’s talented friend Michelle sewed the bridal gown with material from Gaudi at JB Stores. This meant a lot to her not only because she loves her style, and professional attitude but they connected very well. The gown fitted like a glove the first time she tried it on.

As for the maids of honour, a nude colour scheme was chosen and they could wear any dress they liked so long as the colour and style were appropriate. They all put their energy

together and searched for 11 different dresses, sharing information on their private Facebook group. The system worked very well and the ladies were sure to consult the bride on each of the gowns.

Suits were rented from Bortex and since both the bride and groom were not keen on tails, Kris chose a smart black suit with a taupe waist coat and ties to match the colour scheme (a surprise to Kris till the end). He wore a bow tie to distinguish himself from the rest of the party.

On the recommendation of florist Julie Lupi’s, a gorgeous burnt orange flower was selected for the boutonnières which matched the bridal bouquet. The church’s decor is quite elaborate so simple floral decorations in ivory with touches of gold on the benches was all that was needed.

Sharon’s sister Rebecca Mallia did her makeup while her hair was done by her friend Lara.

The 11 maids of honour met at Sharon’s house about 20 minutes before it was time to leave for the church and at that point it was mayhem.

Nerves and stress levels were rocketing but together they pulled it off perfectly and Sharon

enjoyed the experience from beginning to end.

Invitations were printed at Bonavia in Sliema who were fantastic and very helpful with their tips. Sharon’s mother-in-law took care of the souvenirs.

Deciding where to go on honeymoon was a bit confusing. They thought about going to Vegas but for some reason I didn’t feel quite right. Since they were leaving Chloe behind, they didn’t want to be away for long. In the end they decided on Paris and Amsterdam which was a fabulous choice. Flights were a gift from Kris’s sisters and after five days they made their way to one of their favourite cities Amsterdam for another four days. A dance festival attracting around 300,000 people was on in Amsterdam at the time and the city was buzzing like never before.

All in all it was a fantastic wedding and they had a fabulous time during their honeymoon.

Guests kept telling them they hadn’t enjoyed a wedding like that in a long time! “I guess that sends out a message that people really do like to have fun and weddings don’t need to be stiff at all,” Sharon concludes.

BRINGING YOUR VISION INTO BLOOM Romano Cassar Florists has been providing beautiful floral creations since 1975. With a knowledgeable and dynamic background in the industry we possess all the necessary components required to create the perfect romantic setting. We believe that the core elements of every wedding are the couple’s individual personalities, their style and vision. At Romano Cassar Florists we use these qualities as inspiration, whilst giving every creation our unmistakable touch.

Whether through a profusion of pinks and peaches or sunny ensembles of bright yellow blooms, we tailor our service to every individual client so that each bouquet is a reflection of those who carry it down the aisle. We ensure that the uniqueness of every wedding is mirrored in an original and sophisticated ensemble made of the finest quality flowers.

romanocassar.com Romano Cassar Ltd. 24,Hammieri Road,Qormi.QRM1509

Tel: +356 21441264 / Mob: +356 79373100

find us on facebook

From the Traditional White Wedding to an ‘Out of the Box’ theme...

The Xara Lodge has seen

P

lanning a wedding is perhaps one of the most exciting times in a couple’s life. It is an expression of their joint identity and a celebration of their future journey together. We at The Xara Lodge take pride in being part of such a prestigious time in our client’s lives. What is most noticeable from the Infinitely Xara team, is that we take every little detail and sentiment, and translate this into their special day.

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Our Wedding Coordinators have seen it all from the traditional white wedding to an out of the box theme. Personal touches are really what can make a wedding so distinct; ‘There are a multitude of ideas and themes every couple implements however I have to say my particular favourite was one of the many we held last year. They opted for a vintage 50’s theme throughout the wedding and their choice of accessories such as the guest book table I fell in love

with... The vintage items where all taken from their families memorabilia. The groom being a soldier topped it off perfectly having him dressed in his soldier whites... all the pre back ground music was 40’s and 50’s war time classics also... very well put together, ’ said AnneMarie McAlister, Wedding Coordinator, Infinitely Xara.

The Team at The Xara Lodge is known to be extremely professional yet friendly and

n it all approachable; from the catering to the organisation, everything is given the utmost importance.

We have really been blessed with some of the best memories and experiences.

AnneMaire recollects these include; ‘..rubbing a bride’s feet with hand cream: she was lovely and I would do it again in a heart-beat... some couples put up pictures of their loved ones who have passed away, keeping them in mind on

their wedding day.’

Our years of experience in helping couples to plan their perfect day, allow us to provide an unrivalled level of expertise and attention to detail which affords the peace of mind that this important day is in excellent hands.

At Infinitely Xara, all catering is prepared by our in-house team. This means that your wedding fare is in the safe hands of the kitchen brigade led by

talented Chef de Cuisine Kevin Bonello a multiple winner of an array of prestigious culinary awards, both locally and abroad.

Infinitely Xara shall be participating in the Annual MFCC Weddings & Events Exhibition from Thursday 5th November to Sunday 8th November. This will be a chance for clients to explore everything we have to offer. We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you there!

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the couple

&

GERALDINE CLAUDIO

Geraldine Powell, 26, Learning Support Assistant and Claudio Cauchi, 28, Software Developer

18 April 2015 ST SEBASTIAN PARISH, QORMI AND RECEPTION AT PALAZZO NOBILE

PHOTOS Ben Camille at Capture Photography www.capture.com.mt

I

t was through a voluntary work experience in Naples that Geraldine met her future husband Claudio. It was Geraldine’s second experience and Claudio’s first. “We realised that there was more in common between us than the love for Naples, kids and Italian food! On the 18 October 2008 Claudio kissed me after we ‘randomly’ met at a club. The day after, I surprised him by going to one of his handball matches. We had our first official date the following week,” Geraldine told I Do. “After realising that we really wanted to spend more time together, we decided to start looking for a house to call home. Claudio’s proposal came after buying the house in Christmas 2012.”

Geraldine and Claudio tied the knot on the 18th April at St Sebastian Parish Church in Qormi, where Geraldine grew up. “I spent my childhood singing with the church choir and then going to the youth centre. I have so many fond memories and I love my home town.

I’ve always dreamed of walking down that aisle. Claudio agreed as long as we could have a private ceremony instead of the usual mass.

Therefore we had our wedding start earlier than usual.”

A red and white themed reception followed at Palazzo Nobile in Naxxar. “We knew we were going to have quite a large amount of people invited. Since the wedding was being held in April, we also wanted somewhere that could hold everyone inside, in case of rainy weather.

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RED

white &

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We immediately fell in love with the gardens and inside décor of the palazzo, so we thought that whatever the weather we could have a lovely place where to celebrate.

Furthermore there is quite a big dance floor and that was very important for us.”

“We wanted the details to reflect our characters and personality. From the bride’s dress, to the offerings during mass. Napkins with lettering saying ‘For tears of joy’ were given out at church. We also offered a theatre mask and a diving mask which represent our hobbies. The handmade cake topper was made by Claudio himself! We wanted to put in little surprises that would make everyone say ‘Oh that is so Ger & Cla’!”

“We made sure that all the details throughout the big day were meaningful and delicate. We had red roses decorating the benches in church and bouquets of red roses and white flowers on the altar and staircase. Palazzo Nobile is very majestic in itself so we didn’t add a lot of things. We had bistro tables decorated with red and white crystals and different photos of the bride and groom as center pieces. We also had a red and white bouquet on the guest book table which included a jigsaw puzzle for everyone to sign on! Islander transport took care of the bridal party’s transportation.

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“We had The Residents band, exclusive artists by Tunin’ Entertainment take care of the music and they did an absolutely fantastic job. Our first dance was ‘A Te’ by Jovanotti. I danced ‘You are so Beautiful’ with my father and then I surprised everyone by singing ‘Xemx’. I am a musical theatre performer and I knew that Claudio loves the song so that was my wedding present for him. After the cake cutting, the party continued with music by DJ Malcolm. My colleagues from musical theatre company

54 I DO

CentreSTAGE surprised everyone with a flash mob with some of our favourite music.

Drinks for the party were supplied by Antonio Piscopo Wines and Spirits while the catering was by Busy Bee.” Geraldine had always pictured herself wearing a big dress with red roses on her wedding day. “After looking through pictures online, I described my ideas to my seamstress, Jane Scicluna Frendo, and then we got the material from Alamango. A big red flower in my hair and a veil made out of

six and a half metres of material, a metre for every year Claudio and I spent together before the wedding, finished off the bridal look.” Suits for the groom and male wedding party were hired from Cefai Formal Wear.

“After a lot of pondering we decided to head off to Cuba and Mexico for our honeymoon.

We waited until June for our honeymoon but at least we managed to settle down in our new home before leaving. We booked flights, hotels and the car with Royal Travel but then we planned the activities ourselves.”

Armier Bay | Mellieħa | Malta

YOUR EVER AFTER STARTS HERE! There is no denying the irresistible pull of the Mediterranean Sea. Palm Beach Resort is the ideal beach wedding venue destination to make it all happen.

Our casual destination requires sand between your toes.

Indoor and outdoor options make your day, your way.

With 6 years’ experience in wedding organising both locally and abroad, our wedding on-site expert works feverishly to ensure your dreams come true. She will work with you or your wedding consultant to reserve your dates, plan the schedule of events, co-ordinate all details to the last minute and assist with other aspects of your wedding experience at the resort.

Allow us the privilege of helping you create the perfect ambiance – whether you prefer a romantic candle-lit setting or a fun-filled fiesta.

We listen. You’ll just savour every enchanting moment: butterflies of excitement, skipping heartbeats, twirls of laughter, tears of joy, love at last!

For general queries or information, you can contact us by email info@palmbeachmalta.com

the couple ROSSELLA

&ANDREW

Rossella Soler, 26, Notary Public and Andrew Agius, 26, Veterinary Surgeon

1st May 2015 WEDDING MASS AT BALZAN PARISH CHURCH AND RECEPTION AT

VILLA MDINA, NAXXAR. PHOTOS Gino Galea Photo Artist

MADE FOR me & you I DO 57

R

ossella Soler and Andrew Agius met in the summer of 2007 during a weekend break in Gozo with friends. Andrew was already studying in Italy whereas Rossella was reading for her degree at the University of Malta. The two became friends and started dating soon after Rossella decided to visit Andrew in Italy.

Dating was hard, due to the distances and long stretches without meeting, but somehow they made it work. Using Skype was essential to communicate, and the two made it a point to talk daily after a hard day’s study. Every two months or so they would meet, either in Italy or in Malta, and spend a

few days catching up on missed dates and quality time together.

Andrew popped the question to Rossella in Bologna’s Piazza Santo Stefano, in February 2011. An official engagement party was organised in Malta for the couple’s family and friends, however they decided to focus on finishing their studies before starting to plan the wedding. It wasn’t until two years into their engagement that the preparations began.

In the summer of 2013 they decided to start the initial planning of the wedding, starting with the venue and caterers.

Rossella had finished her studies by then, and Andrew was nearing the completion of

his degree. They decided to set the wedding date for 1st May 2015, a public holiday which in 2015 also happened to be a long weekend.

There was no set theme for the wedding, but both wanted their big day to be elegant and stylish.

The photographer, Gino Galea and the videographer Paul Vella, were chosen after due consideration, given Andrew’s keen interest in photography.

The bridal gown was designed by the bride together with family friend and experienced dressmaker, Jacqui Conti, who patiently attended to all of the bride’s requests. The dress looked simple yet elegant with layers of dreamy tulle and lace.

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The off-the shoulder bodice was embellished with hand sewn cut-work lace motifs. Small buttons fastened at the back and the cathedral veil edged with matching lace, completed the pretty picture. The bridal look was finished off by Vanessa Cuschieri of Lynx Hair Salon who also took care of the bridesmaid’s hair. She is a great friend of Rossella and went through a whole series of trial runs before the final day.

The bouquets of the bride and bridesmaids were a masterpiece in themselves, since they were handmade in ganoutel by the groom’s aunt. The suits for the groom and male wedding party were hired from Scicluna’s Wedding Hire.

The ceremony was held at the Parish church of the Annunciation in Balzan, chosen for its adequate size and interior décor. Mass was celebrated by Fr Luke Cutajar.

The couple decided to have no singing in mass, opting for a simple yet very elegant setup with piano and harp playing timeless classical pieces. Traditional and understated flower arrangements, were chosen to compliment the beautiful décor of the church.

Flowers chosen included roses and off-white hortensias with green foliage for the church.

After the wedding, a vintage Maltese bus took the foreign guests to the venue. Some of the Maltese guests also chose to board the bus.

Villa Mdina in Naxxar was chosen for the reception as the couple were decided on having Busy Bee as caterers. Additionally

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the venue offers the flexibility of having both an indoor and outdoor venue. The wedding hall was decorated with flower arrangements containing lime and pale pink hortensias and peach roses, offset with a selection of foliage.

A wedding speech given by a close friend and colleague of Andrew from Italy and a poem written by Andrew to Rossella gave the wedding reception a personal touch. The funniest moment was the couple’s first dance which was an improvised affair given that they forgot to practice it before the big day.

The newlyweds danced to Nat King Cole’s

song L.O.V.E played on piano, violin and cello and sung by male and female vocals.

The couple highly recommend pianist Norbert Borg, who took care of coordinating all things music and making the atmosphere of the whole celebration truly magical South Africa was always a dream destination for the couple, especially for the groom who has a great passion for wildlife.

Rossella and Andrew went on a South African Safari Adventure last July. They delayed their honeymoon by a few months to benefit from the winter season in South Africa, which is better for wildlife watching.

YOUR WEDDING AT VALLETTA WATERFRONT

L

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

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

MAGAZINO HALL Renowned for its versatility, Magazino Hall proudly displays its historical features from a glorious past. Built in 1727 to store oil for street lamps, it was later incorporated in the island’s first power station.

Once inside, there is an impressive arched ceiling and the golden limestone glistens with the cast of soft lighting. An adjoining outdoor courtyard nestled among the historic bastions can conveniently be used as a breakout area or as a stand-alone venue. Magazino Hall can comfortably accommodate 400 persons.

UNDER THE STARS The possibilities are endless – the open air venue is an artistic blank canvas with the Grand Harbour as a backdrop on one side and the Valletta Waterfront buildings on the other. The location is breathtaking and lends itself to the typical Mediterranean al fresco lifestyle.

OLD POWER HOUSE The original building came about during the construction of Floriana’s fortifications in the 1700s. This building has taken

THE SAGRESTIA VAULT Located directly on the Valletta Waterfront is a hidden treasure unknown to most – the Sagrestia Vault.

UNDER THE MARQUEE Located on the Valletta Waterfront quays, the marquee offers protective cover for up to 1,400 persons in a uniquely magical location.

Annexed to the 17th century vault, is a small but beautifully-detailed chapel dedicated to the Flight of the Holy Family to Egypt. In combination with the Sagrestia Vault, the Chapel can be utilised as a receiving area. It is truly a little gem on the Valletta Waterfront.

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

Civil wedding ceremonies can be officiated in Magazino Hall, and also on the quays facing the Grand Harbour and Valletta Waterfront.

Meanwhile religious weddings can be celebrated in the Chapel on the Valletta Waterfront.

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

For further details or to view any of the venues contact Anna Maria Cardona Schranz or Christian Saliba on +356 25673114 or info@vallettacruiseport.com

Gaudi by JB Stores We invite you to visit our newly refurbished db San Antonio Hotel + Spa offering a modern venue with fantastic views for your special occasion. The hotel has the facilities to organise your wedding reception by the pool or at our breathtaking roof deck enjoying open panoramic views facing sunset. We also offer an indoor venue in a modern suite that can host up to 600 people standing. In addition, the use of the venue is free of charge and we also offer a complimentary overnight stay to the married couple. Bookings for 2015, 2016 and 2017 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

Gaudi is a special enclosed section that you can find at JB Department Stores in Iklin. It is the place to find the finest and most exclusive fabrics. Whether you are the bride, the mother of the bride or groom or if you require a particular dress for a special occasion, Gaudi is the place to visit. At Gaudi you will find a designer and also professional sales assistants that can help you choose from the variety of fabrics that you will see. At Gaudi you will be able to choose the right fabric to create the perfect dress for your figure and style. The staff at Gaudi can also help you find a good seamstress to complete your dress. Visit Gaudi by JB Stores and you will certainly not regret it!

Gaudi by JB Stores, JB Stores, Iklin.

Call for an appointment on 23341343 www.jbstores.com

Pearls are synonymous with pure class and beauty, and are the perfect accessory for brides to wear on their special day. Vascas Jewellers are proud to present their top quality Pearl Collection, featuring a variety of South Sea, Tahitian, and Fresh Water pearls available in different styles, sizes, colours and shapes, all reflecting elegance and sophistication. Whether you’re looking for a strand of pearls or dainty pearl earrings, every bride is sure to find the perfect jewellery to make her sparkle on her wedding day.

Wedding Planners and Organisers in Malta do not come anymore meticulous in organisation, care and creativity than KG Events. Founded by Katia Gatt, who has dedicated her time and experience to planning many special days. The synchronisation of all sectors involved plays a crucial part to the success of memorable events, and the KG Events team ensures that it is reflected on the day of the event. Their commitment shows in the successful Weddings and Events they have lovingly organised.

For more details on the Pearl Collection, kindly contact Vascas on 22589200 or send an email to info@vascas.com.mt

E: gattkatia@gmal.com W: www.kgeventsandco.com • M: 77618905

MAF Hairdressing

Magical weddings at Villa Arrigo

MAF Hairdressing was created by Christian Mifsud in 2008. His secret to success in the industry is the love in doing what he does. Whether it is a simple blow dry to organizing a hair show creativity is a must, along the use of professional products in order to be able to offer his clients the best experience when visiting the salon.

MAF believes also in the importance of male grooming and hence barbering services are also available. Christians career started when he was enrolled at mcast and later continued furthering his studies at the Mayfair academy in the U.K. He is keen on continuously seeking training and other inspiring experiences. MAF Hairdressing has received various prestigious awards both national and international.

Villa Arrigo, one of Malta’s most extraordinary venues for church/civil weddings, conference dinners, seminars and any other reception.

A perfect setting with landscaped gardens, air conditioned – heated Marquee, fabulous rooms, and a setting ideal to capture that special moment.

The venue is conveniently situated within walking distance to a nearby chapel. Villa Arrigo hosts numerous weddings, where couples can also host their civil ceremony followed by a reception, dinner or a simple get together at the venue itself.

The wedding or event is organized completely around the individual client.

We welcome you to head your way to our salon, join our Facebook page and visit our website www.mafhairdressing.com.mt

Contact: Veronica Zammit Tabona, Jake Debono or John Vella Galea T: 21423214 • E: info@osbornecaterers.com

Dianne Josephine Bridal Couture We offer brides more option and choice, it’s not just what’s on the racks....unlike other stores, its choosing your own colours and designs that you have always desired. Every bride wants to be different and this is what we are always endeavouring to achieve.

Our gowns are designed and made exclusively for our clients.

Designs are constantly changing and anything can be made to suit your requirements. We promise to make choosing your wedding dress a memorable experience with a personal approach.

Dianne Josephine Bridal Couture – • Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria, Gozo • T: 2155 7740 • 75 Eucharistic Congress Street, Mosta Malta • T: 2155 7730 www.diannejosephine.com • info@diannejosephine.com Follow us on FACEBOOK Dianne Josephine Bridal

Your dreams come true at SmartCity Malta With its magnificent lagoon, lush promenade and fairytale setting, Laguna Walk at the heart of SmartCity Malta, is undoubtedly the ideal venue for your wedding day. Ringed by a shaded, verdant promenade that leads out onto the grand steps, Laguna Walk’s breathtaking views of the beautiful and expansive lagoon and the azure Mediterranean Sea, are nothing short of enchanting. With stunning facilities, including indoor backup, Laguna Walk provides an unrivalled venue to create special memories.

Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or larger celebration, Laguna Walk caters for a wide variety of wedding celebrations.

Contact us for more information on 2360 8104

The Villa The 19th century, tastefullyrenovated Villa is centrally located, overlooking the beautiful Balluta Bay and is run

by Chef Patron Chris Hammett.

At The Villa, we cater for small, intimate celebrations as well as larger scale events and bespoke weddings. Our three main outdoor terraces make the most of the beautiful spring sunshine and the large umbrellas make the terrace pleasant well into the colder months. We also have two large indoor venues as well as an intimate private dining room for smaller events. The awardwinning restaurant makes The Villa the perfect choice for any event or celebration of any kind, with a brigade of chefs to cater to your every requirement. Your every wish can be turned into a reality for any event as every detail is tailored to your specific wishes. Whatever the nature of your event and whatever your budget, The Villa can cater for your needs. We invite you to the make The Villa yours to enjoy for any occasion.

We started our business as gold and silver manufacturers in 1991.

Since then we have never looked back; we expanded our business and opened our retail jewellery shop in Qormi in 2006. Today our premises include a workshop on location, together with the shop, in which we make gold and silver articles of all kinds, repairs and jewellery cleaning. This is very convenient because certain repairs and cleaning can be done while you wait. All the jewellery is hand-made and our specialisation is in wedding rings, which we make according to the customer’s design at very low competitive prices.

Service to customers is our main objective and we offer a reliable after sales service together with relevant services in the jewellery field. We also sell silver ornamental gifts for all occasions and have a vast selection of good quality stainless steel jewellery, which is now very fashionable.

Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8am - 7pm; Wednesday & Saturday: 8am - 1pm.

Near St George’s Parish Church - Qormi

39, Main Street, STJ1543 Saint Julian’s • T: 2311 2273 E: info@thevillamalta.com.

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thevillamalta

Conrad Briffa We offer live music for both wedding ceremonies and receptions.

We do not believe in ready-made packages.

Your wedding day is as unique as you are - we offer this flexibility! You can have a combination of musicians or singers that is specially customised for you with our professional guidance.

You will be dealing with the same person who will be with you on your wedding day. From a soloist to a band, you can be sure we can meet any budget. Join the hundreds of satisfied couples and send us an enquiry before your date is fully booked.

Visit www.conradbriffa.com for more info E: info@conradbriffa.com • M: 99448717

www.savethedate.com.mt is the first one stop online wedding shop in Malta. It is the ideal place to browse a wide variety of products and the best thing is that we’re open 24/7.

Renting a gazebo or outdoor furniture, buying confetti or even booking your venue decorations has never been easier... we are just a click away. So what are you waiting for? Avoid all the hassle of having to go to different places in order to get your big day sorted.

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Visit us at the MFCC wedding fair on stand 62C T: 21436910 • M: 99468974 W: www.savethedate.com.mt • E: info@savethedate.com.mt

CATHOLIC MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSES January 2016 LOCALITY Attard Birkirkara (San Ġużepp Ħaddiem) Birżebbuġa Dingli Ħamrun - Kunċizzjoni Ibraġ Iklin Mellieħa Naxxar Qrendi Santa Venera Senglea Siġġiewi Sliema - Sacro Cuor Swatar Wied il-Għajn Żabbar

VENUE Ċentru Ġwanni Pawlu II Ċentru Parrokkjali Sala Parrokkjali Ċentru Parrokkjali Familja Mqaddsa Ċentru Parrokkjali Ċentru Parrokkjali Knisja Parrokkjali Ċentru Parrokkjali L-Oratorju Ċentru Parrokkjali Ċentru Parrokkjali Ċentru Marija Bambina Dar Ommna Marija Ċentru Sant’Antnin Ċentru Pastorali Ċentru Sant’Anna u San Ġwakkin Ċentru Nażaret

TEL 21434949 21483245 21651200 21454634 21232643 21370196 99440595 21523449 21437767, 21435376 21649395 21482851 21827203 21460827 21313505, 99841427 21498757 27633703, 21/79632283 21639310, 79048854 21824383

Attendance to the Cana Courses at least 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: 2203 9300 / 315 Email: info@canamovement.org

www.canamovement.org

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