real weddings

Krista Antignolo and Matthew Spiteri

Matt’s proposal came as a complete surprise for Krista, who like most girls had dreamt of this moment for a long time. “Whenever I’d mention marriage, I got the feeling he was somewhat scared, although he started warming up to the idea the year he proposed,” Krista explains.

Ten is Matt’s favourite number, so with 10-10-10 coming up, he told Krista he wanted to do something special, although unfortunately the ring he wanted remained out of his budget.

“Silly me I believed him. On the day, he picked me up and started explaining that he still wanted to make it special – out came the wine, flowers and, of course, the ring. I was over the moon!”

Krista recalls that it was while one of Matt’s friends (eventually an usher at the wedding) was dating a friend of hers that they were introduced, although they both noticed each other before.

Matt was shy to ask Krista to accompany him to an upcoming engagement, but they exchanged mobile numbers, and although they didn’t attend the engagement together, a restaurant launch of one of Matt’s clients brought them together.
After the proposal they showed Krista’s parents the ring and had a little get-together with friends, before setting a date and starting on the wedding plans.

“I was all about an original wedding day, and detail was very important to me. The theme I wanted was elegant and modern, so I chose white and silver,” Krista explains.

A primary school teacher, Krista wished to involve some of her pupils on the day and invited them to take a candle up during the offertory. The couple also wanted to give their parents a gift on the night, but this proved problematic as the tradition is to give a framed pre-wedding photo, which they didn’t want. Luckily photographer Matthew Mirabelli managed to take a photo on the day.

Having a summer wedding meant they wanted to make sure venues were air-conditioned, and both wanted a modern church with a long aisle. Ibragg Church fit the bill. Rev. Ghirlando, one of Krista’s lecturers, celebrated mass.
Although a wedding planner was never on the agenda, they did choose to have John Cassar, who would ensure that Krista’s carefully laid plans were followed on the day.

The day itself passed like a dream. “I wasn’t emotional when we got to the church, as I kept telling myself to enjoy the moment, even though my maid of honour almost tripped me up as I walked down the aisle,” Krista jokes.
“Although I never thought I’d get to dance with my dad, as he’s not the type, he made my day, literally lifting me off my feet.”
After the wedding, the couple booked a Therapeutic Spa room with a private pool at the Fortina, where they continued to celebrate until early morning with their closest friends.

“I can truly say it was my dream wedding. I loved planning it with my family and husband-to-be. The best thing was that Matt told me he was really enjoying it towards the end, even though he had been very worried.”