Frank Sinatra's distinctive voice filled the air with nostalgia for love that knows no bounds. Let's be honest, who would even think of singing a love song in this day and age? Or declare passionate love by singing 'I've got you under my skin'?

The lyrics in the background also seem to work magic with 28-year-old lawyer Erika Briffa. She makes herself cosy on the sofa, fondly grabs her fiancé Mark Grech by the arm, and plants a kiss on his lips. He looks at her adoringly and reacts warmly to her gesture.

The couple, who met online, via Hi 5, through a common friend two years ago, are tying the knot on Valentine's Day, exactly a year after Mark proposed.

"We spent a good couple of hours chatting online and hit it off immediately," says Erika. "Mark is direct, has no frills and says what he feels. Some guys tell you what you want to hear and not what they really think."

Mark, a health centre doctor who is specialising in family medicine, smiles, flattered.

They have been busy over these last few months, getting their house done up and every little preparation out of the way, but are full of excitement about starting a new life together. The couple's first heated argument was about medical ethics. "I'm a lawyer, so I like arguing, and he's hard-headed," says Erika.

On their first date, the couple met up for a cup of coffee. Mark insisted on an early night because he had to cycle the next day. "But we just got on so well. We couldn't stop talking. The rest is history," says Erika.

An avid cyclist and motorbike enthusiast, Mark has taken part in a Lifecycle challenge and dashed up Mount Etna in Sicily on his bike, ignoring logical limits.

"It was pure joy; like formatting your brain. The only thing you think of is yourself, the road and what you're doing with the throttle," he says.

Mark's motorbike, which he didn't own when the couple met, is a big issue in the relationship, Erika's pet hate and her biggest compromise. "If you spend so many hours on a mountain bike on the streets, then you realise that a motorbike is safer," says Mark.

The bike was there in spirit even before Mark bought it. Mark had told Erika: "I really like you... but there is the bike issue. Please don't make me choose."

The couple, who are paying for the wedding themselves, are off to Rome for their honeymoon. Their first and only holiday together in Rome two years ago was unforgettable.

"We want the day to be perfect, the way we've dreamt it. I've always wanted a winter wedding, and the fact that it's happening a year from Mark's proposal is extra special," says Erika.

Erika's father wrote them a poem, which he will read in church. It will be a small wedding at Iklin church, simple and stylish, with the number of guests kept to a bare minimum.

"I recently dreamt I was ruining everything," says Mark, who is an only child and lived in Canada up till the age of six.

"I'm clumsy, but very meticulous in my work, especially when it comes to stitching," chuckles Mark.

Erika darts an indignant look at her better half, but mellows down almost immediately and says that the fact that they can have a proper discussion on anything is what draws her to her future husband... and he is romantic and comes up with funny surprises all the time.

Mark thinks Erika is extremely sensitive and understanding. He says: "I never thought I could find someone so lovely yet so down-to earth. I wouldn't be able to live with anyone who isn't like her."

Both have the same expectations out of life. Their aim is to work hard, enjoy life and spend quality time together. They see each other every day, even if he just pops over for lunch or dinner, says Erika.

The family is very important. Both are ready to give up their careers for family life. "I've seen too many people chuck their life down the drain, too many friends becoming chain smokers and neurotics because of too much work. Life is not just about work," says Mark.

Erika has rediscovered the joy of reading. She says she hopes to get back her outdoor life - her sailing adventures when she was a child, winning cups, her walks in the countryside.

"It's hard when you're just out of university trying to cope with working life. Now that I'm settled and starting a new life, I want to be active... catch up with reading, gardening and cooking," she explains. "My career will not take over my life. There is a possibility that I could stop working."

Everything is ready for the big day on Saturday. Erika can now relax, pamper herself at a spa and read more Terry Pratchett books. Mark has given her a pile.

"Not one single ex-girlfriend liked Terry Pratchett," says Mark. "I suppose this is a sign that Erika is the right one."

As to compromises, Mark says his biggest compromise will be waking up early. "I'm a night owl; Erika is an early bird. I can have my quiet time when she dozes off."

"Really?" she asks in disbelief.

He gives her a kind smile to which she reacts: "You see, that's what I like about him. I love him as a package."

This article appeared in the Valentine's Day supplement of The Sunday Times, February 8, 2009.