When Jeanette, 27, and Ryan, 28, met for the first time seven years ago, they were at a church rehearsal for Jeanette’s cousin’s wedding. Back then, they exchanged nothing more than a few glances, and hardly expected that they would be the ones tying the knot themselves a few years down the line.
“We were at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Rahal Gdid for the church rehearsal when our eyes met and I felt a little flutter. Funnily enough, we never talked throughout my cousin’s wedding, all we did was exchange looks with each other. We actually started dating 2 years later, when we spoke through social media and met up,” says Jeanette, a senior creative designer by profession.
Their relationship grew and matured over the years, and Ryan, head of project management, chose a special occasion to get down on one knee. “Ryan proposed on 29th December 2016, while surrounded by my close family and friends on my 25th birthday. It was such a magical evening, I couldn’t believe it! I wasn’t expecting a proposal at all – he took me by surprise and planned it very well indeed.”
The couple went on to set the date for 29th June 2019, with mass held at Balluta Church in St Julian’s followed by a reception at Palazzo Candela at Montekristo. “We were both involved in the wedding preparations, however my main focus was to create a personal identity for our wedding. There were many details that I concentrated on,” she says, “namely the bridal party wear, floral decorations, the entertainment, wedding invitations, the photography and videography.”
Jeanette and Ryan were in mutual agreement on the wedding theme: a royal, chic and romantic style which could be felt in many aspects of their elegant wedding, ranging from the grand location to the bride’s stunning look.
“The colour scheme revolved around dusty blue hues, blush and gold, and with quite a bit of attention to detail we managed to project the theme we desired,” says Jeanette, who says that they’re both grateful for all the people who were involved and who helped make their wedding day a dream come true. “Thanks to Ramon Camilleri, our wedding organiser, the whole event would not have been such a great success. His attention to detail was remarkable throughout.”
Jeanette and Ryan’s wedding day was largely traditional, but with a few twists and surprises for guests. “Thanks to my dance colleagues and the bride and groom teams, we managed to rehearse an original dance which I personally choreographed,” says Jeanette.
The performance started with the couple’s first dance, followed by a number performed by the bridal party and Jeanette’s dance colleagues. Next up were the men, who showed off their moves in an original dance inspired by the ’Haka’. “Finally, we ended the dance as one big group, and with a bang too, as fireworks went off at the end. The atmosphere was intense and joyful, which led most of the guests to join us all on the dance floor. Our amazing band – Lara and the Jukeboys – amplified the fun atmosphere. It was simply fantastic!”
Jeanette’s parents also took to the dancefloor soon after to surprise the newlyweds with a sweet dance of their own, while wishing the couple a happy marriage.
For their wedding invitations, Jeanette fulfilled a personal wish of hers and designed them herself. “We opted for a floral theme, including our names in gold foil, and finished with a delicate translucent envelope and fresh olive leaves sealed with a customised wax stamp that included our initials and wedding date. The design of the invitations was implemented throughout the rest of the wedding décor, such as the guest book, photobooth and our love story sign.”
Jeanette also had someone specific in mind for photography and video – they opted for photographer Andreea Adelina Mărgăian and videographer Film3221, who came all the way from Romania to capture the couple’s big day. As for the catering, “it was provided by Palazzo Candela, and the Schiavone brothers behind Tartarun Restaurant truly surpassed our expectations. The food and cake were sublime.”
Turning to her stunning wedding dress, Jeanette says that her final choice was not quite what she originally had in mind. “I always dreamt of having the white ‘puffy’ dress, but it didn’t suit me at all. The first shop I went to, and the last dress I tried on is when I found my dream dress!”
Her gown, from Diane Josephine Bridal, featured an ivory and blush ‘A-line’ shape with floral rose details, crystal beading and a low back. “It was perfect, just the romantic style I was looking for. I also had for a 4metre ivory veil which we customised with the same rose details as my dress around the edge,” she explains. “It’s true what they say, that once you find the dress, you’ll know – waterworks and all. That was when it really hit me – I was getting married!”
Jeanette completed her royal-inspired look with a shimmery crown and matching earrings from ZsaZsa and roped in seamstress Mariella Barbara for the bridal party’s robes and dresses, who also managed to avert a last minute crisis.
“The zip on one of my bridesmaids’ dresses tore, and thankfully my seamstress was present on the day and managed to fix it on the spot. But this led to us running slightly late,” she says. “We had a Maltese vintage bus waiting for my family and bridal team to hop on and pick up Ryan and his family before heading to church. Thankfully, however, the ceremony started right on time.”
Looking back, Jeanette and Ryan say their favourite part of the day was undoubtedly the ceremony, specifically when they said their vows, thanks to the beautiful words of their celebrant, Fr Julian. Overall though, they add “it was such a memorable occasion which we enjoyed from start to finish.”
Watch highlights from Jeanette & Ryan’s big day:
Andreea Adelina Mărgăian