Melanie and Andrew used to live close to each other and started dating when they were only 17 and 19 years of age. Their love for each other was natural; they grew up together as they dated for 10 years before they tied the knot.

THE PROPOSAL

Even though to get married was a natural step and preparations for the wedding were happening just six months before the day, Andrew surprised Melanie with a very sweet proposal. They went for a romantic dinner on Valentine's Day and he presented Melanie with a card with a letter inside and a bouquet of roses. Melanie asked if she could read the letter later because she is very emotional and knew that she would end up crying. But, of course, Andrew wanted her to read it right then. "As soon as I read it, I received a WhatsApp message with a picture of our beloved nephew asking the most awaited question! I cried my heart out before I could say 'yes'! It was a sweet and intimate proposal indeed", Melanie recalled.

THE WEDDING

The couple got married in August in Mosta, it is their hometown so it was always a dream for them to get married in the iconic Rotunda Dome. It was decorated with village feast decorations which were extra special for them since they had first dated during the village feast. A reception was followed at The Xara Lodge; it was a perfect venue for them since they wanted an inside and outdoor venue with a modern yet a classical look. Also, they really liked the catering they offer at the location.

THEME AND DECORATIONS

Melanie always dreamt of a white wedding and that is what they had, both the church and the reception venue were decorated with lovely white hydrangea flowers and clear glass vases. »

"The aisle was decorated with 10 candelabras (five on each side) with white flowers on top of each. Bjorn from Floreal managed to create a fairy tale!", Melanie explained. Anton's Décor decorated the outside lawn of the reception venue with lanterns and two chandeliers, which surely completed the elegant look. Also, the stage was decorated with fairy lights by Sounds Good, everything looked magical.

The colour scheme was a combination of mint and gold used on both the invitations and souvenirs together with their favourite quote 'you will forever be my always'. These were also the colours used for the bridal team dresses; they each wore a Grecian mint dress with a beaded lace bustier in champagne and champagne knee-length dresses for the flower girls, all bridal team dresses were from Monsoon.

WEDDING ATTIRE

Melanie had her dream wedding dress by Anna Romysh from Wedding Bells made with "different types of delicate lace, puffed, 80's-inspired shoulders and a very long train. The whole dress was heavily beaded and embellished giving it an extra sense of sophistication, explained the bride. She later changed to another dress by Gusber featuring two long slits so that she could dance freely during their after party.

The groom had a classic navy blue suit from JD Formal Wear. "The tie and pocket square had a bespoke design by SefFarrugia. The design was inspired by the Rotunda Dome, the same church we had the privilege to tie the knot in". Andrew explained. The pageboy who was his nephew also had a matching bow tie.

HIGHLIGHTS

They were very happy with the outcome of the day, they had prepared every single detail and in fact had quite a few highlights from the day. They were very happy to have Melanie's grandpa at the wedding, he was hospitalised a few months prior to the wedding but managed to be there. "It was pretty emotional". Melanie recalled.

Also, the day before was Melanie's mum birthday so they surprised her with a birthday cake and Kurt Calleja and his band sang her favourite song.

They also surprised their guests with a mash-up dance together with their bridal team and groomsmen, witnesses and close friends.

FROM THE GROOM

"I still remember the day I laid my eyes on Melanie and for some reason I knew she was the one! Like any other couple, we had our ups and downs but we always managed to move forward and I must admit that difficult times strengthen our relationship. Marrying her was marrying my best friend and my childhood crush!" Andrew remembered.  »

"Excitement kicked in once I was home getting ready. I was overwhelmed with emotions while at the church waiting for my bride. As soon as she appeared on the church doorstep I couldn't stop crying. She looked so radiant! The image of her walking down the aisle made me feel the luckiest person on earth! I was so emotional that I couldn't stop telling her how beautiful she looked", the groom recalled.

It is a day they will cherish forever, it was everything they had dreamt of, and it was simply amazing!

HONEYMOON

For their honeymoon they went to Italy. First, they visited the Amalfi Coast for the most picturesque views and afterwards, they went to Rome. It was the most relaxing honeymoon they always wanted.

Invitations - Boo & Co  2732 7800

Shoes - Aldo  2123 4017

Bridal Team Wear - Monsoon  2131 7951

Make up - Gabrielle Zammit Grungo  9984 6627