After meeting on a night out, 23-year-old childcare practitioner Michaela and 30-year-old staff nurse Antoine weren’t expecting to fall in love instantly. The couple went on their first date shortly after and you could say everything fell into place from then on.
About two years into their relationship, Michaela and Antoine decided to take the leap and move to Ireland together in May 2016. The following February, they got engaged – but it wasn’t the kind of traditional engagement you’d expect. “It was more of a discussion than a proposal. We both felt it was time to take our relationship to the next level. On Valentine’s Day, Antoine surprised me with a trip to the city to choose my engagement ring,” Michaela reveals.
And just like their relaxed view on life, wedding planning was very much the same. “Since we live abroad and go married in Malta, our parents took care of the wedding preparations, consulting us along the way,” the couple shared. “We are both quite relaxed and just wanted a simple wedding which brough both our families and all our friends together. Since we live abroad, having all our loved ones together in one place was a special feeling.”
As for the wedding theme, Michaela and Antoine didn’t particularly have one. However, with preparations in their parents’ hands, the couple were pleasantly surprised on their big day. “Our family, together with our florist (Diva Floral Events) turned the Villa Blanche into a fairy-tale venue which truly exceeded our expectations.”
Michaela and Antoine opted for a traditional Maltese wedding; a type that is very popular with locals. On 6th July 2019, they first celebrated their nuptials at Qrendi’s Parish Church of the Assumption from where they headed to the stunning Villa Blanche in Zurrieq. Their celebration was a stand-up wedding that included scrumptious food, drinks all around and lots and lots of dancing, followed by more dancing at the after party! As for wedding favours, they went the traditional route and handed out perlini, while also giving a donation to charity.
A big part of any bride’s wedding day is her dress and Michaela recalls the emotional moment when she found her dream dress. “I absolutely loved my Stella York dress from Eva Mariee, it was strapless with a lace bodice and a long train. I will never forget the look on my mum and sisters’ faces when I tried it on the first time. It was a moment filled with happy tears and I was glad they loved it as much as I did.”
As for their 300-guest celebration? That went off without a hitch, with the couple saying, “everything went smoothly, and we enjoyed every second.” However, Michaela remembered a little mishap that was actually a little funny. “I gave Antoine the wrong hand during the vows and also forgot to say his name before I started saying my part, which meant I had to repeat them all over again!”
When asked what their favourite part of their wedding day was, Michaela and Antoine had one particular moment in mind. “We will never forget the beautiful speeches our bridesmaids and best men read out to us during the reception. Words from the heart from people we love dearly.”
Jonathan Borg