The Coroanvirus pandemic has wreaked havoc for brides and grooms all over the world, however for one local couple forced to postpone their wedding just one day before, the experience proved a devastating one.
Aloisia Cutajar and fiancee Joseph Zahra had been preparing and planning earnestly for their March wedding for a year and a half: "We wanted it to be perfect and we worked so hard to make our wedding day memorable for us and our guests," Aloisia says, adding that even the weather had been on their side.
"The first cases of Coronavirus in Malta were found on the 7th of March 2020 and this is when we started to really worry. We were worried that many people would not attend the wedding and as the cases continued to increase we got worried for our health and our guests’ health," she explains, admitting that the couple remained hopeful till the Prime Minister's fateful 12th March speech announcing the closure of all educational institutions, the banning of mass activities unless necessary and the discontinuation of Mass at Church.
The couple were left in a fix: "The priest had told us that the only way we could get married in the Church was if only the witnesses and parents were present. He also told us that a full Mass was not possible and that we would just say the vows. It was a tough decision for us because although we just wanted to get married to one another, we really wanted our loved ones including our relatives, best man, maid of honour, bridesmaids and other friends to be present," Aloisia continues to explain.
Ultimately, there was only one way forward for them: "On the 13th of March 2020, just a day before our planned wedding day, we decided to postpone the wedding. We were heartbroken. We could not believe that after a year and a half of preparation and dedication, we would have to postpone our wedding day," the bride says. "It was a difficult decision to make but we felt it was the wisest."
The situation didn't end with the postponement and the couple had to deal with some unpleasant aftermaths: "The worst part was quarreling with some of the vendors, who wanted us to pay for some of the things which were ready," Aloisia says, adding that this heightened their devastation. Despite losing money through this, other vendors proved more understading and a compromise was reached.
The day of the would-be wedding proved a painful one for Aloisia: "I woke up feeling a sense of disappointment. Postponing a wedding just a day before, is truly a devastating experience. However I believe that these experiences will only test one’s character and relationships," the bride says.
Reflecting on the situation, Aloisia says: "Throughout these sad times, we learnt a lot about ourselves as a couple and also about the ones around us. We are now stronger more than ever as a couple and know well enough who are real friends are," she asserts, adding that she would not wish this experience on any other couple.
Looking onwards, the couple have yet to chose a new wedding date, instead opting to wait to see how the pandemic pans out: "I do get sad sometimes, especially when I take a peek at my wedding dress and my bridesmaids’ dresses, still neatly hanged in our spare bedroom, but I’m trying to stay positive and focus on what is important at the moment," the bride concludes.
Stay strong Aloisia & Joseph!