Contest Winners
" Love conquers all; let us surrender to Love." Virgil
The Roman poet Virgil wrote: Amor vincit omnia … love conquers all. This could have been the theme of Joanne Farruggia’s and Mario Fargnoli’s wedding, our 2010 contest winners. Joanne and Mario have been together since they were teenagers. And in that time, their love has come full circle, conquering all that life set before them.
Their story is inspiring and a true testament to the power of love. It began appropriately on Valentine’s Day, while they were still in high school. Mario asked Joanne out and she said “yes!” They dated for a long time and their relationship grew in wondrous and unexpected ways, with one thing remaining constant—their love for each other. Then in 2006, Mario was diagnosed with cancer. That same year Joanne’s mom received the same diagnosis: cancer—that word which turns your whole world upside-down, spins it out of control, and makes you question everything you’ve ever believed in. “It seems like a blur,” Joanne told me when recounting the events that ensued. Through it all, it was Mario who gave her strength and hope. He gave her the courage to conquer fear, to fight, and to believe in happy endings.
“When it rains, it pours,” she said softly, simply. “These obstacles made us stronger.” They grew together, developing extraordinary strength. They are both happy and optimistic as they speak openly and honestly about their journey and the lessons that have been learned along the way. “Anyway, we’re married now.” Joanne wraps up with that one powerful line. Her smile and the tone of her voice affirm: that’s all that really matters.
Mario wanted to bring this relationship to the next level; he wanted to surprise Joanne, to tell her that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. That perfect moment took shape during a trip to Mexico for her cousin’s wedding. Mario brought the ring along on this special trip and kept it out of sight until the day before they left to go back home. “I was beginning to get the feeling he might ask me. We were together for so long…” she says, “…but nothing happened, so I thought it was just my wishful thinking.” As they strolled along the golden sand one last time that evening, Mario made his move. It was spectacular and romantic. Mario says, “I wrote: ‘Will you marry me Joanne?’ right there in the sand”. Like a scene from a movie, “I got on one knee and asked her to marry me.” It was magical. It was a moment to be treasured, like a rainbow after a storm. “God gives us everything for a reason, and we learn to overcome obstacles,” Joanne replies, when I ask her about the last couple of years. All the shock and confusion, everything has now dissipated as they enjoy being together.
To have and to hold…from this day forward…in sickness and in health…
Their wedding day was a remarkable culmination to that chapter of their lives. It was also the beginning of another chapter: the boundless future. On September 26, 2009 they said their vows before 300 friends and family. As Joanne walked down the aisle, her long brown locks touched her ornamented strapless dress from France B. Pronuptia. Her tiara fit for a princess, sparkled almost as brightly as her eyes. Everything was perfect. Following the religious ceremony, they greeted their guests at the magnificent Le Buffet Crystal reception hall. It was a day filled with joy and sentiment. “For me, it’s a dream that’s finally coming true.” Mario proclaims.
The reception hall was decorated in white and silver with hints of purple, Joanne’s favourite colour. Their bridesmaids and groomsmen were comprised of friends they knew since elementary school and family members, including Mario’s brother. The bridesmaids held bouquets made of flowers accented with purple shades, matching the colour of their gowns. A hint of purple also found its way on the groomsmen’s’ attire, in flower form on the boutonnière of their jackets. A superb white on white multi-tiered cake prepared by Pâtisserie San Marco, was garnished with silver edible pearls and featured a big purple flower bringing all the elements together. This evening of sheer celebration created new memories that will last a lifetime. Their photographs, taken by the incomparable Pacifica, have captured a story that will remain forever. Their pictures translate the emotions and capture the special moments of their wedding day.
The white damasked tablecloths shone amidst the glamorous ambiance that evening. The catering was impeccable. The music connected everyone in that venue, bringing joy and happiness to all that were present. A photograph of Joanne’s mother rested on the head table and although she was not physically there, her spirit was ever-present, enveloping them with her love. Joanne describes her wedding day as “…the perfect day. The sun came out and I knew she was there with us.”
Whether it was the light autumn breeze or divine intervention, as Joanne and Mario went about their wedding day, they felt blessed knowing, that love truly is enough to conquer all.
