Caroline & Gary's Maltese Wedding!
Two years ago at Café Vic Ryn (delicious as always!) my path crossed with a lady (Caroline) who knew she wanted to get married abroad, but needed help to find the right place. After a lot of chatting we both agreed Malta seemed the perfect place for their dream day.
As it was 20 years since I visited Malta, I thought it was time to go back and explore where Caroline and Gary would tie the knot! Our local wedding coordinator showed me various venues, however once I saw Palazzo Falson I knew this was the place for Caroline and Gary’s big day!
Fast forward to 2020 and Caroline and Gary are celebrating their 1st Wedding Anniversary next week. Caroline kindly agreed to share her experience of planning and getting married abroad, so hopefully this will provide some insight as to what you can expect.
Why did you decide to have your wedding abroad?
We wanted to get married abroad as we wanted a small intimate wedding with close family and friends, as well as combining our first overseas family holiday with our 2 children. We wanted to make it a special experience and have a relaxed stress free time in the lead up to our big day; and as we enjoy time away in the sun, we wanted to have that fun and relaxed feeling that you get on holiday.
How did you settle on the venue/how did you know it was right for you?
We had gone to Dubrovnik many years ago; and loved the old town feel with the high walls and narrow streets. We had always had that type of idea and place in mind for our wedding day. We didn’t want a beach / cliff location, but instead wanted to be in a place filled with history. Somewhere with beautiful architecture and those beautiful high walls and narrow streets…. and my word Mdina did not disappoint – it was everything we had hoped for and more.
We wanted our ceremony to be in a small venue to suit our wedding party of 25 so again an intimate location to suit - The Palazzo Falson was perfect - a small open air courtyard with beautiful natural stone walls, naturally growing flowers everywhere and very authentic and traditional. We wanted a relaxed day, so being able to walk through Mdina’s narrow streets with our guests was really special. We were able to walk round to our restaurant where we spent the evening dining alfresco with beautiful food and wine, and fantastic hosts.
How did you find the organising process dealing with everything in another country?
The organising process was fairly easy guided by Jen and her in-market person who were a great help in advising us of our legal requirements. All in all, the process was pretty simple - and the paperwork was in English which helped!
What tip would you have to anyone getting married abroad?
Enjoy doing the research part and have an idea of the type of wedding day you would like, give Jen your brief, and then just enjoy the journey of getting ready to go away. As a bride I think I was fairly chilled (Jen not sure if you would agree?) Embrace the fact that you are getting married abroad and things might be different to how weddings are planned and organised at home - go with the flow of that and enjoy the different cultural experience of it. The Maltese were well versed in foreign weddings and were fantastic hosts to us and our guests.
What did you feel was a benefit having me organise the flights/hotels/transfers for your group?
We basically gave Jen our list of confirmed guests and their contact details and she did the rest. Some stayed a week and others stayed for a long weekend. Jen took care of the needs of all our group, managing it individually from start to finish. We had the comfort of knowing everyone was financially protected should anything unexpected arise for us and our guests. We didn’t need to worry about different requests from everyone, and knew they were in safe hands with Jen - which allowed us to concentrate on the wedding and our own plans. Jen dealt with our group separately from us so we didn’t need to worry if everyone was ok with their bookings.
Did you and the group feel supported?
Absolutely! Jen had every detail down to a fine tee with each party, and sorted check ins and itineraries. She also checked in with us all when we were in Malta to make sure everyone arrived ok and all arrangements were as planned. She was available throughout our entire 2 week stay and we felt if we needed to check anything at all, she was there at the end of the phone - which was a great relief and allowed us to relax and enjoy our time away.
What was your highlight of getting married in Malta?
Can I have several highlights??
We loved Mdina - it was genuinely the perfect location for our wedding day. It was so beautiful and we loved the architecture, history and romanticism of the place. Mum giving me away was so special. We loved the buzz of being away; and the holiday vibe for us and our guests being away in the sun and everyone enjoying a new experience together. Watching our daughters being a big part of our special day and the emotion and atmosphere was just magical. Finally, it was the relaxed and fun day that we had hoped for - spending it with our daughters and close family and friends…. a day we will never forget.
Caroline and Gary’s daughters were so lucky to get to see Mum and Dad get married, here are their highlights –
Olivia’s highlights are:
1) Getting 2 weeks off school 2) Being on holiday with my family and friends 3) Seeing mum and dad get married
Lauren's highlights are when she doesn’t see her mum and dad kiss :)
Such a special day for everyone! If you would like any advice or information about getting married abroad please feel free to get in touch, I am happy to help.
T – 07904918070 E – jen.crowe@travelcounsellors.com W – travelcounsellors.co.uk/jen.crowe