YOUR WEDDING STORIES

THE COUPLE Charlene & Chris

25 June 2021

Charlene Grima, 32, a senior manager, and Chris Gatt, 32, a programme officer and musician - front man for the Travellers, were married in Gozo Cathedral.

CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL A fterover seven years, growing closer in so many ways through their different adventures, Chris decided to go to the next level by proposing on Christmas Eve,during a casual sunset picnic at one of their favourite sunset spots in Gozo“Probably my love for sunset made him do it”, Charlene suggested.

When planning the wedding we decided to go for an intimate and limited number of very close friends and family.

Two dear friends Jo and Kim, directors of Wedding Invitations Malta did an awesome jobfor the couple’s chic invitationsidea usingdried flowers on the front and floral envelopesmatching the theme of the wedding. They also designed the menucards on each tableand the souvenir tags.

A CATHEDRAL WEDDING

As both Charlene and Chris wereborn and raised in Gozo they decided tostick to their roots and get married there. Gozo Cathedral was a natural choice as they both lived in Rabat,Gozo,for a good part of their lives. Once availability of the cathedral was confirmed they looked no further for theirceremony venue. »

» To compliment the beauty of the cathedral’s marble floor they opted for a blue carpet on the stairsup to the altar.Two flower arrangements stood at the door, and there were flowers lining the isle and on the altar. The light from the cathedral chandeliers completed the ambiance.

The couple wanted to give the celebration a spiritual feeling and so they chose some religious Hillsongs to be played thoughout the ceremony. Pamela Bezzina and her pianist filled thecathedral with their beautiful melodies.

“The wedding Mass was celebrated by one of my cousins, a very young priest – he made the whole ceremony personal and a lot about us both. We tried to involve our family and those close to us in some way or another during the wedding Mass and that made it more intimate,” Charlene concluded.

BEAUTIFULANDORIGINAL

Charlene wanted anoriginal wedding dressand chose an ivory two-layered gown with a corseted waist and embroidered tulle, over a simple heavyweight slip dress in dark ivory pure silk crepe, designed by Luke Azzopardi.

Her unique and stunninghairpiece was designed especially to match the leaves embroidered on her dressthen custom made, in gold,by Gozitan goldsmith Lukas Farrugia,at George Farrugia Jewellery, Gharb.

To complete the lookshe wore her late grandma’s gold earrings and carrieda boho bouquet combining wild greens like eucalyptus and pampasgrass and flowers including semprevivasantini, wax flower, and different sized roses, boundwith material from the bridesmaids’ dresses. »

» Chris wore a black tuxedo,lined with the Luke Azzopardi Studio ‘Tree of Life’ print in silk.

And they exchanged simple gold rings with a matt polish,which they can wear every day– rose gold for Charlene.

A LITTLE PARADISE

Every year Chris and his fellowTravellers play a special, intimate,event at the Marsovin Antonin vineyards, Ramla Bay, so Chris and Charlenewanted tomakethis venue a little paradise for their reception. And do it themselves.

Helped by family and several of thevendors, they ensuredthe whole field was equipped to host a wedding; includinga portable kitchen and bathrooms,lighting and sound systems. Covering the whole vineyard in warm yellow fairy lights and tea lights on each stationgave it a really romantic feel.

Long, Tuscan wedding style tableswere decorated with flower-filled bottles, and old wine bottles bearing table numbers.

Guests’ places were personalised by a eucalyptus branch with a copy of the food and gin bar menus. The head table, seating the couple and their families,was decorated with a metres-long garland of greenery, wooden candle chandeliers,handmade by Chris’s father, and glass tea light holders. »

“We had agreed the most important thing is to celebrate us and our love, and have fun surrounded by close friends and our dear family.” –Charlene and Chris

» Chris’s father also adapted an old well in the middle of the vines to display the wedding cake, which was made as a gift by a dear friend Angie, decorated with a green garland andgold leaf leavesand surrounded by candles.

Guests were treated to a six-course meal, from Joseph at Ta’Frenc,each one served with wine from grapes produced in the same vineyards.

There was also a gin bar with six types of gin cocktails using fresh fruits and herbs, and named after the Travellers songs, Xemx u Xita, Iljuni fis-silg etc.

A boho style swing hung on a wooden structure over the vines. And Charlene’s father’s old bike was covered in flowers and recycled as a gift station for the souvenir ceramic trays Charlene had handmade and fired, plus rattan fans and flipflops for anyone needing to change their shoes.

“All our families and close friends helped with the wedding, especially when it came to postponing the wedding by a year due to COVID. They were all there giving us their love, opinions and support.So they all deserve a big thank you” the couple pointed out.

A whole new world

Photography | Ian Abdilla & Albert Camilleri

THE COUPLE Thea & Mario

11 June 2021

Thea Saliba, 29 a lawyer and piano tutor, and Mario Camilleri, 33 a lawyer, were married in Mellieha Parish Church.

A PERFECT PROPOSAL A t a family dinner over Christmas, Thea’s favourite time of year, the couple were taking photos by the tree, their favourite music playing in the background. Suddenly Mario went down on one knee.

“He opened a ring box, and asked me The Question! I was so overwhelmed with happiness and of course immediately said ‘yes’! I’m so lucky that the proposal was how I’ve always imagined it to be, surrounded by the people I love most, during the time of the year that is very special to me, at my parents’ home which where I lived all my life”, Thea explained.

Thea designed the invitationsfor their fairytale themed wedding herself. They were then handmade and embellished with a cute bow.

A CHURCH FULL OF MEMORIES

Thea and Mario’s choice of church was easy. When they were first dating,they spentmany summer weekends in Mellieha, at the beach, restaurants and Mass in Mellieha Church. “Apart from it being a beautiful church, it brings back beautiful memories of our first few months together” they said.

“One of the most special and magical moments that I shall treasure forever is surely the walk down the aisle with my dad, who has always been my rock and supporter”, said Thea.

Music was by Analise Mifsud and Thea worethe first wedding dress she had ever tried on in her life! She added a tailor-made long veil to fulfil her grandmother’s wish to see her wearing a nice long veil on her wedding day. »

» For jewelleryshe wore a beautiful pendant – a surprise gift from her parents on the day ofher wedding. And, as her favourite flowers are roses she carried a beautiful bouquet of lovely white roses and her bridesmaids carried bouquets of pink and lilac roses, created by Flowers by Anna Zammit.

A MUSICAL RECEPTION

Palazzo Promontorio, having both indoor and outdoor space with a pool and a gorgeous view, made a perfect venue.

Thea’s parents designed the whole décor, for the wedding reception,including beautiful fresh flowers, again from Flowers by Anna Zammit, and organising the seating plan “They worked so hard to make sure that every last detail was perfectand the final result was breathtaking”, Thea explained. »

» “We also printed various photos of our pre-wedding photo shoot and placed them around the internal areas of the reception venue which gave it a cosy, homey feeling”, she added.

Ascrumptious six- course Gala Dinner by James Caterers, was served. And Thea designed the wedding cake herself too. “I’ve always liked white wedding cakes so we decided to go with white. We added different styles of white lace and fresh white flowersto the cake. The topper was a cute bride and groom statue, chosen by my mum”, she said.

THEIR WHOLE NEW WORLD

As big Disney fans the couple wanted a Disney song with meaningful lyrics for their first dance and chose an instrumental version of A Whole New World, with a violin played by Puse. The whole beautiful and romantic experience was lit by pyro fireworks, and captured by a drone. Having done ballet for 16 years and modern for two, Thea choreographed the dance herself.

And as a pianist she loves and appreciates good music and was very happy to have her good friend George Curmi Il-Pusè and his band to entertain the guests during the wedding celebration. »

» “Since it was Father’s Day, I dedicated a special song to my father and father-in-law – I played the piano and sang a lovely song especially themed for father’s day.

I also surprised my husband with a song that I sang with Pusè’s live band during the wedding”, she says.

ANDTHERE ARE SPECIAL MENTIONS FOR...

Mario’s parents who were always there to support the couple through the months of planning.

Mario’s best friend and best man for all his efforts especially on the day and with a great speech mentioning some fun experiences that he and Mario had during their teenage years, together with some other fond memories.

Thea’s friend and cousin the bridesmaids, her best friend and maid of honour who was so helpful and supportive through all the wedding preparations. Her adorable flower girl, cute ring bearer and sweet cousins who were ushers with her brother in law.

Thea’s aunt and Mario’s older brother,who were the witnesses

Her fabulous hair stylist friend Tracy and amazing makeup artist Leanne Mallia.

And for the sweet pic Thea took in her wedding dress with her adorable cat Shelbie.

Mario and Thea were super excited for their wedding, having had to postpone it for a year due to the current situation. But it all turned out perfectly and they are so glad that they all got to experience this memorable day together as one big happy family.

“The day was extraordinary, unique and just perfect.” –Thea & Mario

THE COUPLE Tara & Patrick

11 June 2021

Tara Giacchino, 30, a speciality trainee doctor in obstetrics & gynaecology, and Patrick Briscoe White, a chartered company secretary, were married at St Patrick’s Church, Sliema.

A PARISIAN PROPOSAL Patrick and Taraknew each had been together since 2013.In 2017, whenthey moved to UK to pursue their careers, marriage was thenatural next step.

“The proposal was perfect; Patrick chose a gorgeous restaurant on top of the Pompidou Museum,with spectacular views of Paris. He waited until 10pm when the Eiffel Tower was sparkling right in front of us then asked me to marry him”, Tara remembers.

The couple‘s plans for a short engagement were halted by Covid-19. Their 2020 wedding was postponed twice; the hardest and mostheart-breaking decisions they had to make, with literally 90% of the wedding planned and booked. But, in the end it was the right decision. Their families and friends were a huge support and evenmade a video for them for the original wedding day,which was full of messages of encouragement and left them in floods of tears.

SUCH A SPECIAL CEREMONY

As a St Edward’s old boy Patrick wanted their wedding to be in the school chapel. But Covid restrictions demanded a bigger church so they chose St Patrick’s because that was where they grew up going to Sunday Mass, Tara celebrated her Holy Communion,and Patrick’s grandparents were married.

The wedding ceremony was streamed to include everyone kept away by Covid. Patrick’s cousin recorded the opening song, The Prayer by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. Another cousin who couldn’t make it wrote a bidding prayer.

TheMass stood out as one of those forever special moments. Tara’s dad,never one to show too much emotion, had tears in his eyes. Fr Brendan personalised the Mass using the couple’s listsof things they love about each other – some very romantic, others not so romantic. The whole church was laughing out loud at one point.

Tara felt like a princess in her dream dress, by Millanova, from Wedding Bells. It had a gorgeous bodice with sequins and pearls and was slightly off the shoulder with a V at the back, with a plain, long skirt whichmatched beautifully.

Her custom-made, cathedral veil, with crystals and pearls,was held in place by a headband from Zsazsa. She borrowed diamond earrings and a necklace from her aunt and grandmother and carried a hanging bouquet of green foliage and white flowers, by Flowers by Anna Zammit.

The couple wanted blue tail coats for the boys, inspired by the TV series Peaky Blinders. And the braces and engraved pocket watches worn by the groomsmen looked so good.

For their handmade, bespoke rings Patrick chose a classic gold band and Tara a customised gold band with three diamonds, to compliment her engagement ring.

A RECEPTION BY THE SEA

Since Tara and Patrick live and work in the UK, they really wanted to get married by the sea and The Reef Club, Westin Dragonara Resortwas always their top choice.

Guests sat at tables decorated with fruit and flower arrangements by Flowers by Anna Zammit. This was something she had not done before, but they looked amazing and really complimented the colour scheme.

Everyone enjoyed an exquisite five- course meal, and a five-tier cake, with ivory icing to match Tara’s dress and fresh flowers. »

» “We were so apprehensive about a sit-down dinner as these aren’t the norm for weddings in Malta. It turned out to be better than we ever expected. And I’m sure this type of set up will now become more popular”, said Tara.

Curtains of fairy lights made the venue look stunning and magical.The New Victorians played duringdinner.Then entertainment from Gianni and his band created a fantastic party atmosphere, even with Covid restrictions in place!

“My sister Hannah sang the first dance with Gianni and the band. We chose Afterglow by Ed Sheeran. Anyone who knows me well knows I love Ed Sheeran”, Tara explained. Adding,“Just when we were coming to the end of the song, Patrick jumped on stage and played the guitar and finished off the song with Hannah. Very few wives can say their husband serenaded them on their wedding day.My dad and bridesmaids joined me on the makeshift dance floor for these special moments, and I just remember feeling like the luckiest woman alive. I thought I planned every second of the wedding down to a T- little did I know Hannah and Patrick were meeting Gianni for secret rehearsals.” »

SPECIAL THANK YOUS

» Tara and Patrick have so many memories including: The best man and maid of honour included messages from our overseas loved ones who couldn’t make it which were so special and emotional! Snapshot photo booth, which was a huge success and so much fun and even set up the guest book for them with pictures and messages from their guests which they will treasure forever Tara’s mother Yvette and mother-in-law Karen who were a huge help and were very much involved in the planning. “There is no way we could have organised the wedding without them”, the couple agreed. The father of the bride whose speech left everyone all in tears, and the best man for his speech including a poem ‘The Our Patrick’, which was so well written and hilarious And finally, Tara concludes: “our gorgeous niece and flower girl who insisted on walking down the aisle with her sparkly crocs (and not the pretty wedding shoes which were bought for the occasion) and her infamous rag doll ‘Dolly’. I’m sure we will be laughing and smiling at that memory for many years to come.”

BOTH CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY

Photography | Andrew Gauci Attard

THE COUPLE Nikita & Roderick

7 July 2021

Nikita Alamango, 32, an ARMS chief operations officer, and Roderick Spiteri, 38, an architect & civil engineer, were married at Sant Ubaldeska, Paola.

LUCKY BIRTHDAY PROPOSAL R oderick proposed last year on Nikita’s lucky birthday. The couple planneda civil wedding and a ‘normal’ large wedding once Covid had passed.But then they decided to take control of their lives rather than wait. In April it was pretty clear the summer would be okay. Plans for fewer restrictions were being announced. “I didn’t want to change the date. July is my birthday month and seven is my favourite number. A very close relative passed on this day as well,so it is also quite sentimental. We decided to plan everything in a few weeks –two months really”, Nikita explained. »

» With Nikita loving classical themes, and Roderick preferringa contemporary style, they achieved a good mix of both, and include their shared love of travel. Colours were neutral with touches of gold for the decor and blush pink for the bridesmaids.

They browsed the web for ideas forwedding invitationsand Roderick combined and designed the invitations, menus, table chart and table names and numbers.

Classic perlini and paper hand fans, against the heat, made lovely wedding favours, but Nikita and Roderick gave a donation to The Richmond Foundation instead of souvenirs. “We are both supporters of mental health and wanted to use our special occasion to raise awareness”, they said.

A VERY PERSONAL CEREMONY

Roderick is from Paola and was mayor for several years, so the church was his choice and Nikita agreed. The church is quite small so they wanted to bring out its best aspects without going over the top. Decorations were in the hands of their very talented florist. They both love flowers and the atmosphere they create and decided to keep all the flowers white for the church. »

» The couple discussed their relationship,how they became friends and theirfriendship developed into a serious relationship,with Dun Marc Andre, chaplain of Poala church. He delivered a very personal service with a few anecdotes which made the service very special. The exchange of marriage vows was carried out by Fr Luke, a friendwho also undertook the couple’s spiritual journey,through the Ta’ Cana course. For music, NikitachoseMezzo-Soprano Christine Dalli, who sang with her in a choir when they were young.

Nikita wore a dress by Alamango. In spite of the short notice, worry about alterations and getting material from abroad with the Brexit and Covid delays, all the staff worked magic. Her jewellery was a beautiful three- piece set-collar, earrings and ring; her ‘something borrowed’from her witness and dearest aunt Renate. Andshe carried a bouquet of blush pink Vendela roses.

The groom wore a detailed grey jacket.

They chosethree-coloured gold bands, the groom’s was plain,the bride’s set with a diamond middle band. “We also got our rings blessed at Santu Wistin in Valletta, as I am a devotee of St Rita. Special thanks to Fr Alex”,Nikita added.

The Mass was streamed live on a private channel so that family and friends who could not attend because of Covid could follow from abroad. They had people following from London to Sydney.»

“We decided we need to take control of our lives rather than wait for this pandemic to pass” –Nikita and Roderick

FROM DREAM TO REALITY

» With its beautiful garden,Mdina in the back ground, decorations by florist Fiona Azzopardi and Andrea and Heather from iCan, Xara Lodge was their dream venue

Dinner is definitely more complicated than a reception,but Nikita and Roderick made sure there would be something for everyone on the menu,which included salmon & scallop roulade; pumpkin and cheese ravioli and then either a local sea bass or a fillet of beef.The wedding cake, was a mix of traditional ground almonds but also a tier of Baci for chocolate lovers. There were also wines for each course, a selection of aperitifs including Prosecco and gin, digestifs and the couple’s favourite single malt whiskeys.

Ira Losco and her band provided the entertainment. And for their first dance Nikita and Roderick asked the Xara to switch off all the lights except a curtain of fairy lights,and danced to All Of Me. by John Legend. Their song for the dance with their parents was Because You Loved Me, by Celine Dion.

THE SPECIAL EXTRAS

The couple had special thanks for both sets of parents who stood by them through it all and organised exciting surprises like sparklers going off at the start of their first dance, andIvan Grech turning up to sing a few songs after the cake cutting, which made their night complete.

Nikita says her maid of honour,Mariette, and her bridal team: Alison, Rodianne, Kayleigh and Jessica were simply an exceptional support system before and on her special day, always there to share a laugh or help with a problem.

“I had my twin cousins turn up as flower girls –the best surprise of the day, it was all my mom’s doing”, Nikita concluded.