What a total treat we have today with Nuwan and Heshani’s Melbourne wedding, captured by the AH-mazing Shevan J Photography. We were super chuffed to have him even reply back to us! The gorgeous mixture of traditional Sri Lankan ceremonies with a little Western outfit change for the evening party, was originally planned for May 2020, but was of course rescheduled (to Jan 30th) so this one is hot off the press guys! We are just melting at the first look pics, and the initial portrait images of them even arriving have knocked our socks off, before we even get to the ceremonies. Congratulations guys and to Shevan too! Who left us a little note about them and the road ahead:

“Hesh and Nuwan were such a lovely couple, they were so relaxed and easy going on the day, I truly felt like more of a friend capturing their day and was so happy that they were able to make it happen after being affected by the first lockdown.
My advice to couples for 2021 would be, it’s definitely a tough time at the moment for everyone, but trust the process, everything always works out for the best!”

Who are you both and what you do?

My name is Nuwan and my wife's name is Heshani, we are both optometrists at Specsavers (different stores haha!)

How did you meet?

We met through friends during late high school, but it wasn't until we went to The University of Melbourne and started our undergraduate degrees that the romance started to blossom. We started dating during out first year of uni!

What’s your fave thing about each other?

Heshani: “I love Nuwan’s sense of humour and I know he will always be there for me.

Nuwan: “I love that Heshani is smart, beautiful and most of all, patient with me.”

“Our wedding was originally supposed to take place on May 23rd 2020,’ describes Nuwan, “however due to strict lockdown we had to cancel the reception, and proceeded with just the registration/signing with 10 people. We had a zoom wedding!” This January reception and traditional Sri Lankan wedding took place at Melbourne’s Lakeside Banquet & Convention Centre. “We had and did every thing we wanted in the end! Luckily all our suppliers and vendors were available again on short notice! it was truly a miracle and we wouldn't have it any other way. The weather was actually better too on our second take haha!”

We were dressed in very traditional Sri Lankan wedding clothing, Heshani wore a Kandyan Sari (bought from Sri Lanka) and Nuwan wore a Nilame outfit (hired by Savish) - and outfit that was once worn by the Kings of Kandy in ancient Sri Lanka. The Bridal Kandyan outfit has many jewellery, over 20 pieces!

There is the main headpiece that is the Nala Patiya -This piece of jewelry is considered as one of the most important pieces in the Kandyan jewelry culture as once it was worn by kings and royalty on special occasions and it is used to distinguish the bride from others since only she is allowed to wear it. Apart from the “Nalal Patiya” two circular shaped pendants that represent the sun and the moon called “Ira, Handa“are also pinned to her hair on either side of the middle chain. They are thought to symbolize the hope for an eternal happy marriage. A kandyan bride is supposed to wear 7 pendents (Hath male) on her wedding day and this includes the pendent from Nalal patiya, karapatiya and 5 pendents from the padakkam mala. According to local beliefs these 7 pendents represents the blessings from seven generations of kin. *Nuwan supplied this info from Trekking in Couture

The proceedings started with our traditional Sri Lankan 'Poruwa Ceremony', this is a very auspicious ceremony where certains things must happen at certain times, such as getting on/off the Poruwa (the wooden structure), exchanging of rings and pouring holy water over couples hands to cleanse them.

What was your favourite part of the day?

Our first dance, it was a beautiful intimate moment, which made it almost seem like we were all alone in the room, with clouds on the floor and the lights on us. Our first dance song was sung by a close friend of ours, Madhawa Mapa who played an acoustic cover of John Legends 'You and I'

What have you learnt about married life so far!

It's not easy, compromise and learn it's part of the process. Especially as we hadn't lived together beforehand. But at the end of the day as long as you love each other, are open and honest - everything else will fall into place.

And other advice for couples going through putting their wedding together right now.

When it comes to the big day, there'll be a lot going on - just remember to stop, breathe and take in all in, because it'll be over before you know it! Enjoy the small moments at the wedding, sit back and admire your months of planning/work and be happy! If you're in the planning process, there is hope! Trust me. It gets easier, don't stress too much over the small details, just do what makes you and your partner happy!