Greta + Marc by Vivid Symphony - Together Journal

I knew I wanted to have something by the sea—but I also have a huge love for botanical gardens and palm trees.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We’re both from Malta and in our late 30s. We absolutely love to travel! Whether it’s exploring new food, cultures, scenery, or sights, we’re always up for an adventure. Road trips are our go-to for discovering new places, and after all the exploring, we love recharging with some time at the spa or by the sea. At home, we’re just as content spending time with our two cats or heading out for cocktails and dancing with friends. We’re people who love a good time and enjoy showing others a good time, too. We love genuine people who mean well, and we love to seek out exciting new experiences and make memories along the way!

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We first met in Malta in 2006 through mutual friends, and we’ve been together ever since. It’s funny – even though Malta is such a small island and we shared quite a few mutual friends, our paths had never crossed until then. Greta: From the moment we met, I remember thinking how fun, kind, and adventurous he was. He was also incredibly smart and just so easy to be around. There was an instant connection, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. Marc: My first impression was that Greta was a great person who projected a lot of positive vibes.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

From Greta: Having always lived on an island, I knew I wanted to have something by the sea—but I also have a huge love for botanical gardens and palm trees. So when we found a venue that gave us both, it felt like a dream come true. The mood we aimed for was elegant but relaxed, with nature playing a big role in the backdrop. I chose soft, romantic tones—shades of peach, pink, and ivory—layered against the lush greenery around us. Touches of gold during dinner added just the right amount of glow. Entertainment was a major priority for us; we wanted the whole day to feel joyful and full of energy. We had music at every turn: a string duo for the ceremony, a sax player and electric violinist for the aperitivo, a live band during dinner and dancing, and finally, some of our friends (who also happen to be DJs) kept the after-party going well into the night.

From the wedding planner: Decor Concept

The overarching theme of this wedding decor is lush romance with a refined, garden-inspired elegance, enhanced by the villa’s natural grandeur.

Here’s a breakdown of the design choices evident in the photos:

The Ceremony: A Floral Paradise
- A long, flower-lined aisle creates an ethereal pathway for the bride and groom, leading guests’ eyes to the altar.
- Floral Colour Palette: Blush pinks, soft peaches, cream whites, and light greens evoke a delicate, romantic atmosphere that blends beautifully with the surrounding tropical gardens.
- The floral arch is the centrepiece, composed of roses, hydrangeas, and cascading blooms, mirroring the villa’s lush greenery while providing a striking focal point for vows.
The Reception: Elegant Under the Stars
- A mix of long banquet tables and round tables, adorned with soft table linens and elegant centerpieces, encourages a balance of intimacy and grandeur.
- String lights hung above the reception area bring warmth and enchantment, creating a soft glow for the evening celebration.
- Candles in ornate holders enhance the tablescape, lending a cozy, romantic ambiance as the sun sets.
The Couple’s Portraits: Timeless Beauty by the Sea
- Captured against the sparkling blue waters and elegant terraces of Villa Astor, the bride and groom’s portraits highlight the venue’s dramatic, coastal charm. The bride’s flowing gown perfectly complements the villa’s regal setting.
The Getaway Car: Classic Luxury
- A vintage ivory-colored convertible adds a touch of nostalgic glamour, echoing the villa’s timeless aesthetic and providing a sophisticated exit for the newlyweds.

Overall Design Inspiration

The wedding decor at Villa Astor draws on the villa’s historic elegance and natural beauty. The floral arrangements and candlelit reception align with the villa’s lush gardens, while the vintage details (like the getaway car) emphasize a storybook romance. The result is a refined yet enchanting atmosphere, where every element—flowers, architecture, and scenery—harmonizes to create an unforgettable celebration.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

The venue did a lot of the heavy lifting. The natural greenery in the gardens and the incredible views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius from every terrace were all we could’ve asked for. We didn’t need much more than that! The beautiful decor inside the villa itself added its own charm, but it was the flowers that really made everything pop. Our floral designer team went above and beyond—roses individually planted down the aisle, a beautiful dinner setup… It was exactly what we’d imagined, but seeing it all come to life on the day? It was even better than we could’ve hoped for!

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

I’ve always known I wanted a destination wedding, something more intimate than the big, traditional weddings we have at home—where guest lists are large in number and sit-down dinners are more of a rare sight. So, a lot of the planning was new territory for me, but that’s what made it exciting! It felt like something that would be unique to us. Instagram and Pinterest were lifesavers in helping me get my ideas across—there’s no better way to gather inspiration and start piecing everything together visually. My tips for couples: Stay true to yourselves and focus on what really matters—whether that’s the food, the music, or the vibe you want. Don’t be afraid to delegate and trust your team; they’re there to help. And don’t forget to enjoy the journey—take time for each other and remember it’s about celebrating your love, not stressing over every detail.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better team of vendors. Everyone we worked with was so professional, talented, and genuinely lovely to be around. They all brought so much care and passion to what they do, and it made the whole experience feel easy and exciting from start to finish. It’s really hard to pick just one standout because every single one of them played such an important part in bringing our day to life. We’re so grateful to each of them for helping make our wedding so special—it truly wouldn’t have been the same without them!

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

I knew I wanted something timeless—something I could look back on in years, not a piece that would feel too trendy. When I first tried on my dress, I wasn’t a fan of the puffball sleeves at all, but when I tried it on again after trying a few different other styles, I couldn’t imagine the dress without them. They really brought the whole look together. I knew I wanted an A-line shape, and even though I did try on some more fitted styles too, I kept thinking, “When am I ever going to wear a big white dress like this again?” So, I went for the full circle skirt with a long train and a longer length veil for that extra bit of drama—and I’m so glad I did!

My after-party dress kept popping up every time I opened Instagram, and I couldn’t get it out of my head. I just knew it was the one. It was so comfortable and turned out to be the perfect choice for dancing the night away. I only wish I had worn it for longer!

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

This is a tough one to answer because we really wanted everything to come together perfectly, and each element played its part, so trying to prioritise one element over another always came with a challenge. We were extremely happy with our wedding planners—they gave us the freedom to choose anything we liked, but also offered incredible guidance. They provided us with vendor recommendations they knew would work well together, and having that trust and peace of mind was invaluable. They helped reduce the stress throughout the whole planning process and especially on the big day, allowing us to truly enjoy every moment. So, if I really had to pick just one thing to invest in, it would definitely be to have a great wedding planner.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

Yes! In the days leading up to the wedding, I was feeling a bit run down with the excitement and preparation that I ended up completely losing my voice the day before. It was totally unexpected and something I could have never planned for. I remember stressing about all the details, and then the thought hit me: “How am I going to say my vows if I can’t even talk?” I honestly wondered if I’d be whispering them!

But, as with most things on the day, it all worked out. My voice came back just enough for the day, and when I finally said those vows, it made the moment feel even more special. Looking back, it’s a funny reminder that things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. It just added to the whirlwind of the day, and I’m so grateful it all came together in the end.

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

There wasn’t one single lightbulb moment—it was more of a slow burn. We met as teenagers, so it wasn’t about grand gestures or sudden realisations. It was the feeling that grew over time, quietly but consistently. Greta: He became the person I wanted to share everything with—the highs, the lows, the random little things that make up a day. Somewhere along the way, it just became clear that this wasn’t just a phase or a fling. Marc: This came about gradually, but a big part of this was that I always felt better seeing and knowing Greta was happy, that her being happy aligned with my own happiness.