I Do September 2018

NEWSPAPER POST

IDO AUTUMN 2018 | ISSUE NO 72 | ¤2.50

I DO AUTUMN 2018 ISSUE NO 72

Life is but a dream WALK INTO YOUR FANTASY WEDDING A GUIDE TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT WEDDING CAKE | LOVE GROWS ONLY BY SHARING | FALL DELICIOUS COCKTAILS | DREAM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY | DREAM BIG FOR YOUR HONEYMOON | TOP WEDDING VENUES

NEW COLLECTION 2019/2020

Coliseum Arcades, Zachary Street, Valletta Tel: 2122 4234 • Email: weddingbells@sis.net.mt Follow us on instagram and Facebook at weddingbellsvalletta LIKE US ON www.facebook/weddingbells.valletta

EDITORIAL

MOOD BOARD

W

e will soon say goodbye to summer and welcome another season, which brings with it whole new shades of beautiful colours. I associate fall with new beginnings, it’s the season when everything starts again, and it’s also a perfect time for weddings; where the days are slightly cooler (hopefully!) and the weather is neither too hot nor too cold.

Also, one would be able to choose very nice and vibrant colour schemes, such as greens, oranges, blues and gold.

MY KIND OF AUTUMN WEDDING Some of my favourite items for an autumn wedding.

In fact, for this issue’s photo shoot we chose a palette of oranges with a hint of green here and there. We wanted to create a dream photo shoot and it was only possible with such dreamy dresses as those from Wedding Bells, and Monsoon for the evening wear; and also because we had an idyllic venue, Palazzo De Piro - Infinitely Xara, and matching flowers by Romano Cassar Florist.

In this issue we were inspired by the various talented caterers we have in Malta and included a feature about wedding cake trends. I just wanted to eat them all!

Our guest columnist, Ms Pauline Bondin, has come up with an interesting article about the importance of sharing in marriage. I’d never thought about it but its true, marriage is all about sharing. Read more on this on page 6.

For our honeymoon getaway article we explore some of the long-haul destinations. One should always dream big, especially for such a once-in-alifetime holiday.

“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make” - The Beatles

Finally, we met with another five lovely couples who got married recently, including the talented Gianluca Bezzina who married Vanessa, and the Deċeduti actors Kim and Daniel.

We hope you enjoy this edition as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Until next time ....

Lots of love,

Claire xx

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contents 6

ADVICE

8

INSPIRATIONS

AUTUMN 2018 ISSUE NO 72

A word from the expert – Loving is sharing

Wedding cake trends

11 DELICIOUS FALL

WEDDING COCKTAILS

12

BRIDAL FASHION

21

BEHIND THE SCENES

Life is but a dream

On our photo shoot

12-19

23 WEDDING STORIES

Five couples share their wedding stories

54

GETAWAY

Long-haul honeymoon destinations

57 TOP WEDDING VENUES IN MALTA

61 I DO DIRECTORY 11

23-55

6

ON THE COVER

8

Photography Bernard Polidano Make-up & styling Natasha Polidano Hair Chris Mifsud by MAF Dress WeddingBells Flowers Romano Cassar Florists Model Julia Azzopardi

Get intouch...

54

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

LOVING IS SHARING Love only grows by sharing.

You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.

– BRIAN TRACY

I

t has often been said that ‘A wedding lasts a day, but a marriage should last a lifetime.’

While we love the big celebration; two hearts becoming one, the flowers, the matching bridesmaid dresses, the guests and the reception that follows, we know that the wedding day is just the beginning. The real journey starts when all the decorations have come down, goodbyes have been said, and there are two people left who have been joined together for a lifetime.

The first year of marriage is incredibly important for a couple’s happiness. It’s the time when both the spouses figure out how to live as partners without getting in a rut, without developing bad habits that might trap them later. It’s a time to establish good patterns and ways of being together that should last throughout their married life.

Sharing a cosy home is creating a space where a couple wants to spend time together and live happily away from the rest of the world.

Loving each other is a promise not just a feeling. Investing in time together is a priority. Romance is an essential part of married life and every couple needs to make an effort to win each other over and

over again. There should never be secrets between couples nor should they lie to each other. Lies break trust, the foundation of a strong marriage.

Sharing goals, priorities and dreams with their spouse is a great thing to do throughout the marriage. Marriage is more than two people living together; it is the intertwining of two lives to help each other and grow together as they achieve their goals — individually and as a couple. It is important for a couple to remember that many of their priorities will change according to the different phases of life. Priorities as a single individual do differ from priorities as a married couple.

In every argument every couple must remember that there won’t be a winner or a loser.

When a husband or a wife makes a mistake, it must be admitted, and an apology asked for. This will promote healing and create the opportunity to rebuild trust.

To conclude let me quote inspirational writer Lailah Gifty Akita ‘A shared life is a sacred love.’

Pauline Bondin is a senior Social Worker.

INSPIRATIONS

WEDDING CAKE TRENDS

F

rom floral cakes to dessert towers, these gorgeous cake style ideas will make a sweet statement and have everyone begging for another bite.

The wedding cake plays a very important role on your big day and nowadays you have a variety of options to choose from.

The problem is that all of them are state of the art pieces, so we have come up with a guide to the most popular wedding cake trends to help you make your choice. Now all you have to do is speak to your favourite caterer.

Caffe Cordina

Osborne Caterers FLORAL WEDDING CAKES Floral cakes have always been popular. They are stylish, delicate and pretty; exactly how a traditional wedding should be. One can do a lot with flowers they can be real or sugar, and now even painted flowers are becoming popular. Different kinds of flowers can be used, according to the season you are getting married in or the flowers that will match your wedding theme.

Caffe Cordina

NAKED WEDDING CAKES Naked, or nearly naked, cakes are very trendy now.

Even though cakes with icing look very delicate there is something extra appealing about naked cakes. I am sure your guests will be looking extra forward to the cutting of the cake. The exposed sponge is simple but can be just as versatile when decorated as an iced cake, especially if you are after a rustic look. Naked cakes look great when decorated with unusual fruits like blackberries and figs.

Infinitely Xara

DRIP WEDDING CAKES These cakes look so fascinating with the fun way splashes of colour or extra flavour are added. One can experiment with different textures, such as caramel sauce or chocolate ganache to make them a real indulgence.

Busy Bee

BLACK AND WHITE WEDDING CAKES White cakes have always been very popular. They look amazing when decorated with white petals, flowers or pearls. Even though coloured cakes look nice, nothing beats a classical white cake, in my opinion. Black cakes are now becoming popular. You can add a touch of metallic effect if you would like to create a little extra drama. However, if you are not willing to go all black or all white you can have a touch of both.

Ta’ Frenc Restaurant

DESSERTS We all have a favourite dessert that is not necessarily the classic almond cake or bacio cake, so why not go for it and make a tower of beautifully designed doughnuts or cupcakes. I am sure this would be a dream cake for many.

Osborne Caterers

James Caterers

SLIEMA - VALLETTA - PAVI & THE DUKE, GOZO

Distinctive Catering Entrusted with catering for lavish events since 1837, Caffe Cordina have truly mastered the art of wedding cuisine. Putting together an irresistible display of gourmet pleasures, our traditional methods and meticulous manner of food handling ensure it’s the finest of its kind. Choose Caffe Cordina for nothing short of exquisite gastronomy and first rate service.

Get in Touch Caffe Cordina 244, Republic Street, Valletta +356 2065 0400 | info@caffecordina.com

caffecordina.com

INSPIRATIONS

Delicious Fall Wedding Cocktails Are you getting married in autumn?

Why not incorporate these autumn-inspired recipes on the day.

MAPLE BOURBON OLD-FASHIONED PEAR MIMOSAS

SERVES 1 TOTAL PREPARATION TIME: 5 minutes

SERVES 4 TOTAL PREPARATION TIME: 5 minutes

3/4 cup

pear nectar

1 bottle

champagne pears slices, for garnish

METHOD – Into a martini or champagne glass, pour the pear nectar and top up with champagne. Garnish with pear slices.

2 tsp.

maple syrup

1 tsp.

water

1 dash

bitters

1

orange peel

2 oz.

bourbon

1

cherry, for garnish

METHOD – Combine maple syrup, water and bitters in a glass and blend well. Add a few ice cubes and the orange peel then pour bourbon on top. Garnish with a cherry and serve.

Source: delish.com

Source: delish.com

APPLE CIDER SANGRIA SERVES 4-6 TOTAL PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes

1 bottle

Pinot Grigio

2 1/2 cups

fresh apple cider

1 cup

club soda

1/2 cup

brandy

3

apples, chopped

3

pears, chopped

METHOD – Combine all the ingredients together and stir.

Refrigerate for an hour, or as desired, before serving. Can use cinnamon sticks to garnish (optional).

Source: howsweeteats.com

Life is but a dream Photography Bernard Polidano Make up Natasha Polidano Dresses WeddingBells Hair Styling MAF Hairdressing Flowers Romano Cassar Florist

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Julia wears a regal wedding gown by Millanova in Mikado and embellished beadwork exclusively from Wedding Bells | Jewellery from ZsaZsa | Flowers

by Romano Cassar Florist | Cake and sweets by Infinitely Xara.

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Julia wears a regal wedding gown by Millanova in Mikado and embellished beadwork exclusively from Wedding Bells | Jewellery from ZsaZsa | Flowers by Romano Cassar Florist.

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Julia wears a tulle dress with a delicate lace bodice and a gorgeous tulle skirt exclusively from WeddingBells | Jewellery from ZsaZsa | Flowers by Romano Cassar Florist.

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Julia wears Blondie, an artisan maxi dress with intricate hand-sewn embellishments exclusively from Monsoon| Jewellery and bag from Accessorize.

PHOTOGRAPHY Bernard Polidano 7947 2559 BRIDAL DRESSES WeddingBells 2122 4234 EVENING GOWNS Monsoon 2134 6080 HAIR MAF Hairdressing 2144 0772 MAKE-UP & STYLING Natasha Polidano 9989 9760 ACCESSORIES - BRIDAL GOWNS ZsaZsa 7982 8362 ACCESSORIES - EVENING DRESSES Accessorize 2134 6080 FLOWERS Romano Cassar Florist 7937 3100 MODEL Julia Azzopardi CATERING Infinitely Xara 2010 0560 LOCATION Palazzo De Piro - Infinitely Xara 2010 0560 18 I DO

Julia wears Lauryn, a short dress, embellished with sparkling sequins and intricate beading exclusively from Monsoon | Jewellery from Accessorize.

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115 NAXXAR ROAD BIRKIRKARA | MALTA FORTUNATO MIZZI STREET, VICTORIA | GOZO SYDNEY | AUSTRALIA +61 4112 54527 WWW.DIANNEJOSEPHINE.COM

+356 2155 7740

FEMALE MODEL

HAIR Christian at MAF created an up-style for Julia, which complimented her features just perfectly.

Our model Julia Azzopardi looks flawless, and simply gorgeous in this shoot.

MAKE UP Natasha created the perfect autumnal look, focusing on Julia’s eyes and with natural lips – simply beautiful.

ACCESSORIES Sophisticated jewellery and hair accessories, from ZsaZsa, complete the looks, while all the pretty, sparkly accessories and bags for the evening dresses are from Accessorize.

EVENING DRESSES Julia also wore two evening dresses, from Monsoon, to inspire guests attending an autumn wedding: Lauryn, a short dress, embellished with sparkling sequins and intricate beading, and Blondie, an artisan maxi dress with intricate hand-sewn embellishments.

Behind the scenes ON OUR SHOOT

THE BRIDAL DRESSES

THE THEME We wanted to create a warm, rich look, so we chose to focus on colours like oranges, burgundy, nude and green.

FLOWERS The loveliest burgundy roses and gypsophila flowers we used were created by the team at Romano Cassar Florist.

SWEETS & CATERING To complement the warm autumn look, Infinitely Xara provided the most amazing sweets and the state of the art wedding cake, to match the whole theme.

Two bridal gowns are featured in the shoot, both available from Wedding Bells: a regal wedding gown by Millanova in Mikado and embellished beadwork, and a tulle dress with a delicate lace bodice and a gorgeous tulle skirt.

VENUE Palazzo De Piro Infinitely Xara was the venue. The palazzo itself is breath-taking and makes a wonderful setting for the perfect wedding day.

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Contact us to book your appointment 307, Triq il-Kbira San Guzepp, St’ Venera T:2730 9108 M: 7931 8987 E: info@evamariee.com W: www.evamariee.com

CASABLANCA VINTAGE

INSPIRED WEDDING Photography | Andrew Rizzo

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THE COUPLE

Kim & Daniel 26 May 2018 Kim Dalli, 27, Corporate Affairs Senior Executive at Vodafone, Malta, and Actress, and Daniel Azzopardi, 31, Programmes Manager at SpazjuKreattiv and Actor.

Their ceremony was held at the Shipwreck of St Paul chapel in San Pawl tat-Targa, Naxxar, followed by a reception at Popeye Village.

K

im and Daniel met on the set of the popular TV comedy Deċeduti back in 2010.

They played the roles of two ghosts from different centuries who fell in love and even exchanged their wedding vows. They clicked immediately and fell in love in real life as well.

After six years of going out together, Daniel proposed to Kim at a little Chinese restaurant where they had dined together officially as a couple back in October 2010.

Their wedding day was on the 26th of May in 2018; they chose a 1940s Old Hollywood theme. “Both of us are fascinated by the class, elegance and style of men and women of the forties”, the couple explained. They had everything related to this chosen theme starting from their wedding invitations which were designed by award-winning illustrator Julinu, to look like a vintage movie poster and featured us striking the exact same pose as Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman did in a vintage movie poster of Casablanca, recalled the couple.

To mention a few other details inspired by their 40’s vintage theme, the decorations by Save the Date included Moroccan lanterns that decorated the wedding venue, and music by Steph and Co which created an incredible 40’s vibe, followed by their lovely DJ Ronald Briffa for the after-party, with a string of popular songs of the 90s and noughties. The wedding favours comprised different blends of fragrant, artisan tea leaves by the local tea company Tettiera. »

» Their wedding bands belonged to their late grandparents, both of whom they were very close too. And the rings matched the theme as well. Even the guests were asked to come dressed according to the period!

Kim and Daniel were married at the historic Shipwreck of St Paul chapel in San Pawl tat-Tarġa, Naxxar. The chapel was chosen for its sheer beauty and for the fact that it is steeped in history. They decorated the church with a couple of flower arrangements by Romano Cassar Florist, since it needed little decorations to keep its natural beauty. A reception

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followed at Popeye Village, this venue was chosen because it matched perfectly the chosen theme, thanks to its unique landscape and cinematic past. They decorated the venue with some catered light design by Nexos Lighting to enhance the venue’s most unique features and some vintage-looking props, as well as a family tree with vintage photos of their grandparents. The caterers chosen for their wedding reception were James Caterers and they appreciated the fact that they went the extra mile and impressed the guests with a sterling

quality of service and a bespoke menu of food items which were delicate, tasty and yet classic, to keep with the theme.

Kim wore a bespoke dress by Israeli haute couture designers Naama & Anat from Eva Mariee Bridal Exclusive. “The long-sleeved dress had a figure-hugging silhouette and boasted intricate beaded and embellished lace with a nude stretch lining”, Kim explained, in detail. Make-up by Karl Zammit Nash and hair by Soraya, were also vintage inspired.

Daniel chose a tailored-suit from Bortex which resembled the formal attire worn in the 1940s, matching the theme perfectly. »

» Both Kim and Daniel agreed that it was a very special, memorable day. Luckily they can relive their special day for years to come, thanks to their talented videographers at Three Wise Men Media, who captured this wonderful occassion for the couple. They had the wedding of their dreams. They said that this was possible thanks to the help of the incredibly hardworking and efficient wedding organiser Ramon Camilleri, at R. Creations. However, the most memorable highlight from their wedding day was when their eyes met for the first time at the altar. Daniel also added: “It was a very special day which will remain etched in my heart, when I got to marry my soul mate for life.”

WEDDING CHECK LIST WEDDING DRESS Eva Mariee Bridal Exclusive 2730 9108 WEDDING ORGANISER R. Creations 9946 8646 SOUVENIRS Tettiera 7961 7250 INVITATIONS Illustrator Julinu 7909 3612 28 I DO

Kiss Me Photography | Kristian Micallef

THE COUPLE

Vanessa &Gianluca 5 November 2017 Vanessa Callus, 28, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Gianluca Bezzina, 28, Medical Doctor held their wedding ceremony at Oratory MSSP, Birkirkara, followed by a reception at Villa Arrigo, Naxxar.

V

anessa and Gianluca had been friends for quite a few years.

They met while they were both singing for a conference for Jesuit Provincials. They had a lot in common at first and became close; dating for a short while. But it was not meant to be at the time, so they kind of went their separate ways. “At some point, years later, we met up along with a mutual friend and instead of going our own ways, we spent hours talking about anything and everything. Âť

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» We sort of wondered why we should not try again, so we gave it another shot.

And that was the beginning of it all”, the couple recalled.

They knew right from then, that their relationship was something special and that they were made for each other. Gianluca, still managed to surprise Vanessa with a simple and sweet proposal. “We hiked down to a swimming location and spent the day swimming, sleeping and eating. On our hike back up I was commenting on the scenery, with no response from Gian. I turned around almost in annoyance as to why he was not answering me and I found him on his knees, ring in hand! I was so surprised and happy, and immediately said yes”, Vanessa remembered.

The couple got married on 5 November, 2017, they wanted a fall wedding, since they love fall colours, and the weather at that time of the year as well. The ceremony was held at the Oratory MSSP in Birkirkara. It was the only place they ever imagined getting married in; they used to go to Mass there and it sort of became their second home, especially because they became close to Fr Martin.

It was therefore an obvious choice for them. A reception was held at their dream wedding venue, Villa Arrigo, they knew

right from the start that that was the perfect venue for them. It offers a lot of space both inside and outside and a lot of light, which is what they wanted. Also Osborne Caterers are one of their favourite caterers.

The couple agreed that they wanted to be surrounded by love for their wedding day and they were in fact overwhelmed and overjoyed to see that most of their invited guests attended. “The church was packed with people (both indoors and out) and I think it’s what made our wedding so special. The Mass was extremely important to us, and the priority of our wedding, and we made sure that we focussed on prayer and that everyone surrounding us was praying with us”, the couple happily recalled.

Both venues required little décor as they are quite elaborate, so they used beautiful fall flower arrangements by Floreal to decorate both the church and the reception venue. The wedding invitations and souvenirs were both home projects, the invitations were designed by Vincienne, Gianluca’s sister and printed by his uncle at Print Right Ltd. The invitations had a floral pattern in keeping with the colours of their wedding, which were burgundy and blue. »

» For souvenirs they gave Maltese honey in small jars with a honey dipper, by Michael Muscat.

Music was very special for them both so they chose the big Band Brothers for the reception, to set the party going. Their first dance was Kiss Me, by Sixpence None the Richer. “It was so special, also because Gian’s sister Francesca sang it for us. It was a song that had a lot of meaning for us”, Vanessa, explained. A few highlights from their wedding was when Gianluca’s dad sang a song he wrote for them. It was a sort of family tradition and he has done the same for every sibling so far. “It was so funny to hear all the details of how we started going out and the quirks of our relationship in song and was so much fun to see everyone singing along to the chorus together”, the couple recalled. The groom also sang a song he wrote which was very personal and beautiful.

Vanessa wore a very beautiful A-line strapless dress by Alamango Bridal Wear. It had a bodice made of lace, which tied up at the back, with elements of lace on the skirt, and she looked absolutely stunning. While Gianluca got his elegant suit from The Groom Collection. He chose a lovely navy blue colour for the suit with grey waistcoat, it matched the whole fall look perfectly.

They enjoyed every minute of it. “The wedding itself was the most beautiful day of our lives. It was so special to be surrounded by all our friends and family, celebrating our love”, Vanessa and Gianluca concluded.

For their honeymoon they went to the West Coast USA and Canada, it was planned

by ROCS Travel, and was the perfect honeymoon, since they wanted a mix of city life and scenery.

WEDDING CHECK LIST WEDDING DRESS Alamango 2131 4331 GROOMS WEAR The Groom Collection 2123 6327 BRIDESMAID DRESSES Eva Mariee Bridal Exclusive 2730 9108 CATERERS Osborne Caterers 2142 3214/5 I DO 35

116, Labour Avenue, Naxxar Tel: 2141 4071 dorboutique@gmail.com facebook.com/dorboutique

Photo: Miklos Xuereb Photography

Right from the start Photography | Aleksey Leonov

THE COUPLE

Polina & Brian 5 August 2017 Polina Karpukhina, 25, Marketing Analyst, and Brian Camilleri, 31, Senior Economist, held their wedding Mass at St Catherine of Italy, Valletta, and their reception at Villa Mdina, Naxxar.

A

fter just three weeks in Malta, Polina met the love of her life Brian. She was meant to stay here for just two months but was offered a job and decided to stay.

It was love right from the start, Brian used to pick Polina up every day after work and they would spend their evenings together. They just knew that they were meant for each other.

However, Brian still managed to surprise Polina with a wonderful diamond ring for his unexpected proposal.

They kept their engagement secret since they wanted their parents to know first. Polina’s father lives in Russia and she wanted to tell him in person. So they invited her father, uncle and aunt over to Malta for the summer (six months after the proposal) and shared the news with everyone when her family came to Malta.

They got married in August 2017. They chose the hottest month of the year but for them, August is quite special and they wanted all their foreign friends to enjoy the nice weather. The ceremony was held in Valletta at St Catherine of Italy, and afterwards the lovely reception was at Villa Mdina, in Naxxar. They chose the venue for its central location and because it provides an adequate indoor air-conditioned space with a nice garden for those guests who wish to stay outside. They also chose it because of the most scrumptious food offered by the sole caterers, Busy Bee. The theme for their wedding day was vintage inspired, including all their decorations which were created by the bride herself, the invitations, flowers by Mariella from Antoine Fenech Florist, the cars from Meli Car Rentals and of course their wedding attire. Polina walked down the aisle wearing a very beautiful princess gown with a lovely trail. The dress was by Crystal Design, she fell in love with the brand and found that their agent in Malta is Eva Mariee Bridal Exclusive. As soon as she saw the dress she knew it was the one. Even Brian’s suit was vintage inspired. »

» It was a beautiful light grey suit from the new collection by Cefai Formal Wear.

Brian and Polina were extremely happy with the outcome of their wedding. They said that it was thanks to their guests that this day was such a memorable one. They had guests flying in from Russia, UK, France, Italy and Germany. It was also a very unique day for the couple because it was the beginning of a new journey for them as a married couple, that of a lifetime commitment of joy and happiness.

After such a memorable day they went on a dream holiday for their honeymoon in the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Dubai.

WEDDING CHECK LIST GROOM’S WEAR Cefai Formal Wear 2155 0372 TRANSPORT Meli Car Rentals 2258 0300 CATERERS Busy Bee 2133 1738 DRINKS Alfsons 2122 2112

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Happily Ever After Photography | Ian Abdilla

THE COUPLE

Cassandra & Daniel 15 July 2017 Cassandra Cutajar, 27, Interior Designer, Stylist and Decorator, and Daniel Spiteri, 30, IT Engineer held their wedding ceremony at St Matthew’s Chapel, Tal-Maqluba, Qrendi, followed by a reception at Limestone Heritage, Siggiewi.

C

assandra and Daniel were friends before they actually started going out together. Daniel tried to flirt with Cassandra on quite a few occasions but, for her, he was just a friend. They used to spend a lot of time together since they had the same group of friends, but with no luck for Daniel. Then, one day they were meant to go for a day at the beach with the rest of the group, but Cassandra had to run an errand before heading to the beach, and Daniel offered to drop her.

The quick errand turned into an hour and he stayed waiting for her in the scorching sun. This made Cassandra realised that he really cared about her. From that moment she changed her mind about him and the rest is history. They both agree that the fact that they were friends before they actually fell in love with one another, made their relationship stronger. However one must mention that Daniel always knew that he would marry her one day, and he was right.

He surprised Cassandra with the most unexpected proposal while on a family vacation in the US. Daniel proposed on the Empire State Building, Cassandra knew that they would one day get married because it was the natural step forward, but she was not expecting such a proposal. He definitely took her by surprise and actually left her speechless, but she just managed to say yes, luckily for him.

Their wedding day was on July 15, 2017, and they married in the beautiful chapel of St Matthew, in Qrendi. They chose this sweet chapel also because of its close proximity to the reception venue, Limestone Heritage, which was their dream venue with loads of greenery and natural surroundings, plus the excellent caterering of Corinthia Caterers.

Since they are both into DIY they personally took care of all the decorations involved for their wedding day, including shabby-chic style furniture which completed their whole look. Âť

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A MARRIAGE MADE IN HEAVEN. A WEDDING OF EXQUISITE TASTE.

CASTELLO ZAMITTELLO

Corinthia Caterers has the vision and expertise to turn your dream into the most magical experience.

We understand how important this day is to you. Our team of award-winning chefs and expert planners work closely together to make your dream come true. Whatever style of wedding you are looking for, you can trust us to serve cuisine of exquisite taste.

CO M P E L L I N G C U I S I N E T +356 2144 8800 WEDDINGS@CORINTHIACATERERS.COM CORINTHIACATERERS.COM

» Their themed colours were a mixture of white, black, silver and gold for the decorations and pastel blue for the bridesmaid dresses. These colours were also used for their invitations by Bow & Ribbon an option of black and grey, whilst the souvenirs were bottles of Limoncello by Charles Grech placed in a box filled with perlini and tied with a black and white tulle ribbon. Flowers

by July Lupi added that romantic feeling to the wedding look, while the GO Pro inserted in the bridal bouquet was quite an original idea to record such wonderful memories.

Cassandra walked down the aisle wearing a mermaid dress with a scoop neckline that included a back necklace and a light ivory tulle overskirt, from Alamango. The beautiful bridesmaid dresses were handmade by Cassandra’s mother-in-law and herself for the special occasion. Meanwhile, Daniel wore a classic navy blue suit from Bortex.

It was definitely the best days of their lives

they worked so hard for it and were very happy with the outcome. Even their guests enjoyed their day and danced the night away together with the happy couple.

After such a memorable day they went on a fantastic honeymoon, to North Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur and Bali for three weeks. “All this was booked and organised by the talented Diane Mifsud Depasquale at Compass Travel”, the couple concluded.

WEDDING CHECK LIST WEDDING DRESS Alamango 2131 4331 INVITATIONS Bow & Ribbon 2141 0382 CATERERS Corinthia Caterers 2144 8800 HONEYMOON Compass Travel 2701 5813

WE EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS +356 9940 8897 +356 7740 8897

info@jurgentheorganiser.com Dream World, Triq L-Għenba, Attard

www.jurgentheorganiser.com

VILLAGE LOVERS Photography | Testa &Tesmar

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“Enhance your natural beauty on your special occasions.”

BRIDALS • FASHION • EDITORIAL mariah_makeupartistry

mariahmakeupartistry

Tarxien/ Homevisits based south and central areas Email: mariahmakeupartistry02@gmail.com

THE COUPLE

Ruth & Jurgen 15 April 2018 Ruth Cefai, 27, Finance Assistant, and Jurgen Attard, 26, Nurse, were married at Saint George’s Parish Church, Qormi, and a reception followed at Villa Mdina, Naxxar.

R

uth and Jurgen, both from Qormi, have a passion for their village feast, they are also both football fans and their favourite team is Manchester United. Therefore the first time they met, while at a football match in Qormi, they realised that they had a lot in common and were surprised that they never met before. Ruth made the first step after that and sent Jurgen a message, one thing lead to another and they started seeing each other as a couple.

Marriage was always mentioned by the couple, they both knew that they would get married one day.

In fact, they bought a house together and set a date for their wedding day. Even though all was set, Jurgen still managed to propose officially to Ruth, it was always her dream to have a ring and a proposal.

Jurgen surprised Ruth almost a year before their wedding day with a fabulous ring and a lovely proposal.

They tied the knot on April 15, 2018, at Saint George’s Parish Church, Qormi. It was an obvious choice for them, and it was always a dream for them both to get married in their favourite church. The reception was held at Villa Mdina in Naxxar. It was love at first sight when they saw the venue; they knew it was the perfect site for them as soon as they walked in.

The colour scheme they chose for their wedding day was burgundy, this included details such as the flowers by Il-Warda flower shop, the bridesmaid dresses by Eva Mariee Bridal Exclusive and the bride’s shoes as well which were by Joe Farrugia. »

» The touch of a burgundy knot was also used on the invitations by Bow & Ribbon.

Ruth walked down the aisle wearing the most romantic wedding dress by Eva Mariee Bridal Exclusive. She was looking for a totally different dress and as soon as she tried the dress on, she knew it was the one, she felt so comfortable and pretty that there was no need to look at any other dresses. Jurgen chose his chic suit by Aristocrat.

The highlight for their wedding day was definitely the souvenirs. They gave out clown noses to their guests in return for a donation to Dr Klown. They were so proud, seeing their guests wearing the funny noses, taking pictures and uploading them on social media.

It was their aim to raise awareness about a non-governmental organisation dedicated to providing clown doctor services at Mater Dei Hospital (Malta). Another highlight was the cocktail bar, organised by Kombi Bar, including two cocktails named after the couple’s surname ‘Attard’ and ‘Cefai’. “They were truly enjoyed by our guests”, the couple remembered. They also had a newlyintroduced mirror booth provided by Testa&Tesmar which was a big hit with their guests.

Ruth and Jurgen had the time of their lives on their wedding day, together with their guests. It was all they ever wished for, also thanks to their wedding organiser Jurgen Briffa, the day was an unforgettable one. After this wonderful day, they treated themselves to a memorable honeymoon in Scotland, Manchester and Wales. Their honeymoon was organised by Compass Travel. They enjoyed every minute of it and all the places they visited were just magical.

WEDDING CHECK LIST WEDDING DRESS Eva Mariee Bridal Exclusive 2730 9108 WEDDING ORGANISER Jurgen Briffa 9940 8897 CATERERS Busy Bee 2133 1738 MAKE UP Mariah Make Up Artistry 9988 3416 MUSIC AT VENUE Jason Monreal Mobile Beats 9980 9883

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HONEYMOON

Long-haul honeym DREAM BIG THEY SAY, AND AFTER SUCH AN IMPORTANT DAY IN YOUR LIVES YOU DESERVE THE PERFECT POST-WEDDING BREAK AND THAT IS WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE A LONG-HAUL DESTINATION. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE LONG-HAUL HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS TO GET YOU TEMPTED.

efore choosing your desired destination though, you have to consider the time of year you are getting married in, as there are some destinations where the weather and the activities available may depend on the month or season.

The Caribbean islands, for instance, have a hurricane season late in our summer. But with December to April being their peak season, it would be a great break from our winter. The Caribbean islands are famous for their long, sandy beaches and you can choose which island to spend a honeymoon on, depending on what you are looking for, total relaxation, water sports or partying.

Other destinations, with similar weather at the same time of the year, include The Bahamas, Maldives, South Africa and Thailand. These destinations are also very popular for their allinclusive paradise resorts, some of which are built out over the sea. Their views are breath-taking, and a once in a lifetime experience for many.

If, on the other hand, you and your better half are more into a white honeymoon and are after some real snow and skiing, visiting Canada between January and March would be a true winter wonderland. Winter activities last all season, but you can also choose one of the spectacular hotels or B&Bs, and stay snuggled up by the fire, while looking out at the spectacular views from your getaway. If you prefer warmer

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weather then you should visit Canada in its peak months, between July and August.

Other destinations worth a visit in the summer period include Bali, Indonesia, Kenya, Seychelles and Tibet. These are all quite exotic and magical places to visit for your honeymoon. It is best to book through a travel agent so you get the most out of these places. You could hire a driver to drive you around and take you to various places you may wish to visit.

Australia is another spectacular honeymoon destination you may wish to consider if you are after a real countryside side feel. There are various popular beaches but the best parts of Australia are the wildlife safaris and the exotic animals and birds in their natural habitat.

If you are considering a far-away honeymoon, it will take you a bit longer to get there and you will probably have to deal with some jet lag because of the time difference. However, remember that you are on holiday to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

Also, to make the most out of a long-haul honeymoon, consider spending more than 10 days.

Since the flights will be long and more expensive it would be worth the longer stay.

All of these destinations are dream holidays but they are all very possible, and can be easily booked through one of the local Maltese travel agencies; everything will be taken care for from their end. All you have to do is to choose a destination or two, as you may wish to combine more than one place to visit and enjoy. Your honeymoon only comes once in a lifetime and you deserve nothing but the best.

moon destinations

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Top WEDDING VENUES in Malta Stop dreaming about your fantasy wedding and make it happen at one of the best wedding venues in Malta & Gozo.

Soon after the joys and happy tears of the proposal, a couple starts to look for their wedding venue and in Malta, even though it is relatively small, we have endless wedding venue options to choose from. It’s hard to narrow down your choices and select a spot that fits your budget, location and style criteria.

Here you can find a guide to some of our favourite locations, with all the necessary information. Choose your favourite ones and call for an appointment!

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 Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, The Waterfall Garden offers an unparalleled venue for an unforgettable wedding. This unique location boasts a 30 foot high waterfall and peaceful surroundings of a colourful citrus garden. And it’s not just about the waterfall, this venue has a beautiful marquee which can be used as back up or for winter weddings. Whether it’s lavish firework fuelled excitement that you want or a simple yet exquisite wedding, The Waterfall Garden team will be only too pleased to harmonize all of your thoughts into one memorable experience you’ll never forget.

T: 21464931 • E: info@limestoneheritage.com

WEDDINGS? THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE PARADISE Be it a wedding for 20 or 500 guests, we can definitely make it a day to remember as our catering and banquet facilities are second to none. Moreover the resort’s professional and capable staff will assume responsibility for the details large and small to ensure that your dream wedding comes to fruition. Venues include the Island’s Edge Lido beach, Captain’s Bridge pool deck and the Moses Hall, all offering unobstructed views of the clear blue Mediterranean Sea. Why not have your wedding under a Bedouin tent on our private sandy beach? There is also extensive terrace space surrounding the outdoor pools overlooking the picturesque Paradise Bay, which can accommodate small or large parties. The private sandy beach is also an interesting option for an after wedding party. The choice of venues within the Paradise Bay Resort is endless! Paradise Bay Resort…

Malta’s best kept secret.

Marfa Road, Cirkewwa, MLH 9068, Malta T: 2152 1166 •F: 2152 1153 E: info@paradise-bay.com W:www.paradise-bay.com

A CASTLE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE Nestled right in the heart of Mgarr’s countryside, the stunning Castello Zamittello provides the perfect idyllic setting for the fairytale wedding you’ve always dreamed of. Steeped in history and tradition, and combined with modern facilities, this location offers easy access and ample parking. In fact, this gorgeous venue is as practical as it is versatile. Its charming interiors offer a unique space for bespoke civil ceremonies and sit-down dinners amongst others, whereas its landscaped gardens and spectacular views set the scene for the magical event ahead in this truly romantic venue.

If you would like to view the venue please contact our planners on weddings@corinthiacaterers.com Villa Arrigo established in 1986, is an elegant upmarket villa situated in San Pawl tat-Targa, a stone’s throw away from a nearby chapel, in an exclusive area in the Maltese Islands. This majestic villa offers you a delightful venue for any occasion. The décor, fabulous rooms, grand marquee and immaculately manicured gardens create a pleasant and tranquil atmosphere. An ideal setting for any special event. The colonial style villa has over the past 30 years provided a perfect setting for fine weddings and banquets for prestigious events and dignitaries. It is constantly being enriched, bringing the elegance inside the Villa into the beautiful garden. This venue is your home away from home for your next exclusive event.

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

Do you want that “Fairytale Wedding”? Get ready for the wedding of your dreams! Yes it can come true! With Infinitely Xara all possibilities are infinite and we are here to make sure that everything goes as planned, as dreamed of. Infinitely Xara offers an array of different venues from historical palaces perched on the Mdina bastions like Palazzo de Piro or the 5 star boutique hotel The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux. For those aiming for bigger weddings we have The Xara Lodge or if you’d like any other venue we can also provide outside catering.

Contact Martina Abela on 79493064 or events@xaracollection.com

Anne Hathaway wrote… “ Weddings are important because they celebrate life & possibility…” Let Palazzo Parisio help you to celebrate the start of your new lives together – we promise to do all we can to make the impossible – possible! Our experts will guide you through the whole exciting but often daunting process & allow our inimitable style to effortlessly combine romance, exclusivity & excellence with the added luxury of our in-house catering operation to making a wedding day to remember. Step inside the jewel that is Palazzo Parisio and make your dream wedding a beautiful reality…

The restaurant’s charming setting coupled with decades of experience of its staff has made Ta’ Frenc the obvious choice for a wedding venue for local people for many years. Ta’ Frenc can host weddings of any size, up to 300 seated guests. The flexibility of the restaurant’s structure allows for the use of different areas; the event can be held in a combination of both in-door and outdoor settings, including the tree-lined stone-flagged private garden, the wine cellar, the elegant 20-seat private dining room and the more spacious Frances’s Hall.

Ta’ Frenc has recently invested in a state-of-the-art all-weather structure which will allow guests the use of the Restaurant’s garden at any time of the year, whatever the weather.

T: 21412461 E: info@palazzoparisio.com W: www.palazzoparisio.com

www.tafrencrestaurant.com Marsalforn Road (Half way between Victoria & Marsalforn) – Gozo, Malta T: 21553888 • M: 79454794 • E: info@tafrencrestaurant.com

IMPRESS WITH HERITAGE MALTA’S UNBEATABLE HISTORICAL LOCATIONS Any special occasion deserves to remain engraved in memory throughout our lives. So go the extra mile to impress with your occasion or event at Heritage Malta’s unbeatable historical locations. Imagine the splendour of the Megalithic Temples, the elegance of the front courtyard of the Vilhena Palace, the esplanades and gardens of various sites or the surroundings of a historical fort to be your special scenario during your wedding reception.

Some of these sites provide also some breathtaking scenarios or views. Heritage Malta has various historical locations available for rent. These venues are not limited to wedding functions but are also available for other events.

For more information about Heritage Malta’s venue rentals visit www.exclusivevenues.org or send an email to venues@heritagemalta.org

VILLA MDINA, THE VENUE WITH A HISTORY Villa Mdina boasts of the new transformed villa 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 telephone 23344000.

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.

Glamorous, sexy and extravagant. It is an indelible mind-set with each creation a perfect complement to a bride’s attitude, style and spirit. Wearing EVA MARIEE dresses, a bride will truly be a STAR on her Wedding Day, adorned in a head turning creation that brings elegance and sophistication to life.

We work with the best designers around the World and our dresses have that exceptional fit that gives a body a perfect form. We strive very hard to offer our brides the best and professional service and, last but not least, a magical experience.

Contact us to book your appointment – www.evamariee.com

TRADITIONAL METHODS, EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS Combining a wealth of experience in fine foods with a passion passed down through generations, we guarantee a memorable experience for you and your guests. Choose Caffe Cordina for your wedding catering requirements for delicious cuisine and impeccable service.

244, Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1114 T: 2065 0400 • E: info@caffecordina.com W: www.caffecordina.com

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

THE PRINT Some prints never go out of fashion, and the leopard print is one of them. We might see it with a mixture of different colours, but throughout the years it’s been constantly present. We can say that it is a signature design of one of the leading designers in the high fashion industry, Roberto Cavalli, but we have also come across it in collections of Versace and Dolce Gabbana amongst others. This year we can also see it in the Tarik Ediz Collection 2018/2019 with a mixture of fabrics and black embellishments. Tarik Ediz is exclusively found at MILU’ by Mimi, Mdina Road, Attard.

Milù by Mimi, T: 2143 5412 F: facebook.com/Milubymimi

Book a vendor on Get Hitched and win €100!

How does getting paid to book a wedding vendor for your big day sound? Pretty sweet, right?

Tettiera is a Maltese artisan tea brand offering high quality whole leaf teas in various packs for daily consumption and gifting, together with B2B solutions. Our tea blends and tisanes are sourced from different plantations across the globe. Explore our Maltese blends - created and blended in Malta! Discover the beauty of whole leaf teas and fall in love again with the tea ritual.

Available online and at selected retailers, customized souvenirs and party favours on request.

www.tettiera.com | rediscover@tettiera.com

Too good to be true? Nope. What’s the catch? There’s no catch - we’re totally serious! All you need to do is book a service with one or more vendors subscribed to Get Hitched and we will pay you €100 in cash, as simple as that!

If you book a service with one of our enlisted vendors, you will earn yourself €100 which can be used on anything you like.

So what are you waiting for? Get booking & get winning with Get Hitched!

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.

E: info@kgeventsmalta.com W: www.kgeventsmalta.com M: 77618905

MAF Hairdressing was created by Christian Mifsud in 2008. Hairdressing is his love and passion these are infact the key ingredients for Christian’s success. Creativity is a must in all the sectors involved in hairdressing be it a simple blow dry or organising a hair show. MAF also specialises in male grooming including barbering services. Christian started his career at MCAST and later furthered his studies at Mayfair Academy, in the U.K. He is continuously seeking training and new experiences to broaden his talent. MAF Hairdressing has received various prestigious awards both local and international.

Christian welcomes you at MAF Hairdressing salon in St. Venera.

Find us on Facebook page and visit our website www.mafhairdressing.com.mt for further information.

Gaudi is a special enclosed section in JB Department Stores, in Iklin. It is the place to find the finest and most exclusive fabrics. At Gaudi you will find the perfect dress for every occasion; whether you are the bride, the mother of the bride or groom or if you require a particular dress for a special occasion. At Gaudi you will find a designer and also professional sales assistants who will help you choose from the variety of fabrics available. At Gaudi you will be able to choose the right fabric to enhance your shape and style. The staff at Gaudi can also help you find a good seamstress to complete your dress. Visit Gaudi by JB Stores, to see our wide range of fabrics.

Gaudi by JB Stores, JB Stores, Iklin.

Call for an appointment on 23314343 www.jbstores.com

CATHOLIC MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSES October 2018 LOCALITY Attard Balluta Birkirkara Santa Marija Birżebbuġa Blata l-Bajda Fgura Floriana Għargħur Ħamrun San Gejtanu Ħal-Luqa Ibra Marsa Marija Re ina Msida Mosta Paola Kristu Re Qormi San Ġorġ Qormi San Sebastjan Qrendi Rabat San Ġiljan San Ġwann Swatar Tarxien Żabbar Żebbuġ Żejtun Żurrieq Università ** (for students, ex-students and staff)

VENUE Ċentru Ġwanni Pawlu II Ċentru Parrokkjali Ċentru Parrokkjali Santa Marija Sala Parrokkjali Youth Fellowship, Gattard House Ċentru Parrokkjali Dar ta’ Kana, Il-Mall Ċentru Parrokkjali Skola St Joseph, Blata l-Bajda Ċentru Parrokkjali Ċentru Parrokkjali Ċentru Parrokkjali Ċentru Parrokkjali Familja Mqaddsa Ċentru Sant’Andrija Kunvent San Ġużepp Ċentru Parrokkjali Ċentru Parrokkjali Ċentru Parrokkjali Ċentru Pastorali Parrokkjali Kappella ta’ Santa Rita Ċentru Parrokkjali Ċentru Pastorali Dar Nażaret Ċentru Nażaret Dar San Ġużepp, Misraħ l-Isptar Sala Parrokkjali Ċentru Pastorali Chaplaincy - Dar Manwel Magri

TEL 21434949 21344306, 79708756 21448026 21651200 21241010 21661745, 99247304 99491670 21411853 21238593 21809310 21370196 21240661 21334949 21433826, 99943365 21695022 21492997 21486350 79280148 21454467 21380270 21386112 21498757 21828153 21824383 21460800 21694563 21642010 23402341

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

Palazzo Parisio, Victory Square, Naxxar, Malta Tel +356 21412461 www.palazzoparisio.com Find us on Facebook & Instagram ;-)

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