The couple’s first conversations revolved around dead dictators and Maltese bread strikes.

The setting: A hot day in May 2012, a history class trip to the National Archives. Following a tour of the Mdina premises and Santo Spirto archives in Rabat, the students finally settled for their lunch break, something a ravenous David was very much looking forward to. After munching on his ftira in the ex-Hospital’s backyard, he set eyes on his classmate, the curly, ginger-haired girl, who was always fashioning a large pair of headphones wrapped snug around her neck.

Now with a contented belly, he plucked up the courage to speak to her.

Giulia was happily reading her book when she noticed “the guy who sat next to the classroom door who usually would turn the lights off for presentations” making his way.

Thoughts spiraling for a good introduction, David asked:

“Hey, we haven’t spoken much before, but are you Irish by any chance?”

As the saying goes- the rest is history.

The two 17-year-olds became friends in Sixth Form, exchanging notes and glances in class. Sometime later, with the help of some Dutch courage, Giulia sent a text expressing her true feelings for David, and the two took a new step in their relationship, one which would see them study, graduate, travel, and grow up together, side by side.

Remember, David, thinking Giulia was Irish? Funnily enough, the Emerald Isle would feature prominently in their lives. A place where they would study, make new friends, and visit each other, making new memories over copious amounts of Guinness.

Twelve years from that fateful text, the two have been blessed to support each other through thick and thin. Now engaged and preparing for the next exciting chapter in their lives, they look forward to celebrating their love with family and friends on the 25th of April 2026.