Anne-Marie was not an easy catch for Richard; she kept him on hold for a couple of months. However, Anne-Marie's sister convinced her that he was a good guy and she should give it a try. Anne-Marie messaged him at 00:30 and to her surprise, he was still awake!
Ten years later they decided to buy a house together, and while signing the contract they thought that it would be a good idea to start the Cana Movement course, which is mandatory for anyone getting married in a church in Malta. Even after so many years together it is expected that marriage would be the next step but there was still a proposal from Richard's side. He booked a weekend break for their anniversary. "I bought her a ring and engraved the words will you marry me on a champagne glass that I was going to use as a prop for my proposal", Richard explained. After a few hiccups at around 00:30, which was always Richard's plan, they went to their room where they opened a bottle of sweet wine to finish off the night. He brought out the engraved glasses and the box for the ring and to Anne-Marie's surprise he proposed and she said yes.
Their wedding day was on April 23rd, 2017. It was a Sunday morning, a week after Easter Sunday, which is known as the feast of Divine Mercy and symbolises a Divine Mercy blessing for a new beginning. It was also the feast of St George, who is the patron saint and protector of soldiers. Both feasts mean a lot for the couple.
They got married in the small Sanctuary of tal-Ħerba in Birkirkara, followed by a reception at Officers' Mess, in Luqa Barracks. "We chose this venue as it is a classic military Officers' Mess and we both felt it would be the most appropriately fitting venue in conjunction with our theme. We had both indoor and outdoor areas which were perfect for our guests to move around and admire the hall and its military characteristics", the couple explained.
They had a military theme since Richard is an AFM Captain, even though it's work; both have military family backgrounds. Consequently, they both wanted a military theme. Richard and all his colleagues wore their winter uniform and carried swords.
The bridal party had pastel light green dresses, which were tailor made for them by Jacqui Conti. While Anne-Marie wore an ivory white, mermaid shaped dress from Mariage. The top part of the gown was made of lace meeting at the shoulders with small sleeves and joining a transparent material all the way down the back. While the skirt was mainly layers of a tulle-like effect. Peonies were the flowers for Anne-Marie, these were chosen because they are April's flowers and also because they symbolise honour, kindness, nobility, purity and a fortune for a happy marriage. The other flowers they chose as decorations and for the bridal team were roses for the symbol of love, all flowers were from Julie Lupi.
The invitations, by Foilplus, were custom designed with a military theme, according to the couple's requirements. They showed two swords arched over a shield with the couple's names printed in gold foil stamping, which is one of Foilplus' specialities.
Their wedding was definitely a different one. Being a military wedding it also included a couple of traditions. "We walked beneath an arch of 10 swords held by the sword party, and there is a traditional tap on the bride's bottom as a 'Welcome to the Army', I am now officially an army wife", Anne-Marie remembered fondly. At the reception they also had a port and cigars bar for officers only. "This is also a tradition whereby all the officers and the male parents and siblings are invited for a toast to the groom with some port wine and cigars. No ladies allowed during this celebration, unless they are officers", Anne-Marie explained.
The first dance was chosen by Richard Beautiful in White by Westlife; Anne-Marie felt emotionally connected as soon as she first heard it. This followed a dance for the bride and her father who is, of course, her first love. After these emotional dances the couple did a surprise dance for their guests.
They both really enjoyed dancing with their families and friends.The couple were very happy everything was just perfect, they also said that it was a milestone "We both worked hard for this day although we have been together for over 12 years, this was the start of a new beginning, a beginning full of mysteries which we chose to live together", said Anne-Marie and Richard.
They thanked their guests with heart shaped tea infusers, Anne-Marie loves tea and wanted a souvenir that represented her and that guests could make use of.
Their advice to other couples who are organising their wedding; is to do things their way and to do it simply, it is guaranteed that everyone will enjoy such a special day!
Wedding check list
Invitations: Foilplus 2180 2210
Groomsmen attire: The Knot 2166 1699
Drinks: Hansa Wines & Spirits 2158 1111
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2DO9taB
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