One minute they’re holding their baby daughter in their arms, and the next they are giving her away. Two fathers share an emotional moment with Veronica Stivala.

Frank Pace and his daughter Laura. Photo: Andrew Gauci Attard

Father of the bride: Frank Pace
Wedding day: May 5, 2012
Church: Balzan parish church
Reception: The Corinthia Room, Corinthia Palace, Attard

The days leading up to the wedding

I knew what to expect because Laura’s brother and sister got married before her. Since Laura and Daniel are very mature, reliable and good organisers, everything was well-planned. Luckily all those on whom we depended didn’t let us down. Still, you just have a feeling of uncertainty that final hitches may occur. But Laura was extremely calm and happy so there really was nothing to worry about. Perhaps the final touches to their new home were more demanding. I frequently went to their future home, on Laura’s request, to supervise the workers.

The big day

In the morning I had to drive a carload of ladies and girls to the hairdresser in Valletta. Back home I did try and give some make-up advice, but I was completely overruled and was sent away to another room.

The drive to the church

We were all very calm on the way to the church. Laura was radiant and she transmitted this feeling to everybody.

Walking Laura down the aisle

The church was packed. Walking slowly down the aisle with my daughter made me feel a little bit awkward. Luckily there was good music to usher us in. My gaze fell on my wife May who was waiting in front. I was concerned about her feelings because Laura and her mother are very close and returning home alone was going to be a little bit daunting for us, especially for my wife.

My most precious memory

The most exciting part of the ceremony was the kiss of peace, when Laura and Daniel left their place to greet their parents. It was probably the saddest moment too as I realised the new family was now independent. But I strengthened my will to continue to be of support to both of them in the future.

The reception

We danced and danced. The energy was unbelievable. I overcame all my inhibitions and felt 20 years younger. My only worry left was Laura’s honeymoon. They had planned three weeks in Canada and this included a cruise to Alaska which started with a drive through the Rocky Mountains. They managed perfectly but I have to be honest that I could not sleep properly until they had returned safely from their honeymoon. I kept thinking about them, followed their itinerary online and was unreasonably worried about their safety. But this, I suppose, is what comes from being too possessive, which I still try to overcome till the present day.

A word of advice

Plan ahead, get reliable and professional people for the organisation of the wedding and ask for advice when you feel you need it. Try to limit the number of guests and choose them wisely. Make sure the couple love each other and God will do the rest.

Mark Grima and his daughter Gisèle. Photo: Rene Rossignaud

Father of the bride: Mark Grima
Wedding day: October 13, 2012
Church: Church of the Holy Cross, Floriana
Reception: Villa Arrigo, San Pawl tat-Tarġa

The days leading up to the wedding

I was obviously very excited and enthusiastic, especially with our house having guests frequently over as the day approached. During that week, I clearly remember that every hour of every day was important as there were many loose ends to tie.

The big day

When I woke up, I thought, the big day has arrived. I remember the house was full of people, from hairdressers to make-up artists and close family members. As others kept themselves busy dolling up, I sought refuge in the kitchen and kept myself busy making sandwiches for everyone.

Get me to the church on time

The drive to the church took longer than we expected because we got stuck in traffic. I remember joking with Gisèle that her dress seemed to occupy most of the backseat, leaving me with little room to sit. Having said that, the drive was pleasant and we were both calm and composed. I was hanging on to the last few minutes of having my daughter to myself before giving her away. I vaguely remember thinking how quickly time flies and I kept thinking about the day when I first held her in my arms as a newborn baby. Although not many words were exchanged on our way to the church, we cherished every minute, joking like we always do. Both Gisèle and I couldn’t believe the day had arrived.

Walking Gisèle down the aisle

I was worried I would trample over Gisele’s dress or veil. It was certainly a happy and proud moment walking her down the aisle. I noticed some of the guests were getting emotional but I did try to hold back my own tears.

The ceremony

It was beautiful. The exchanging of the vows was no doubt a moment of great happiness and you could feel it in the church, among those present. The beautiful music that accompanied the ceremony was also a highlight for me.

The reception

After the ceremony, everyone seemed more relaxed. I still felt an enormous amount of pressure and wanted things to go according to plan. During the reception, the sudden change in weather added to the excitement as we quickly shifted indoors. This made guests even more happy and relaxed, and the impromptu nature of the event turned out to be more enjoyable.

A word of advice

Enjoy every moment with your daughter until the day arrives because before you know it, all the excitement will be followed by an anticlimax and a feeling of emptiness.