Weddings
Nina & Abhi’s Vibrant Sri Lankan Wedding in the Yarra Valley
With colourful Saris, intricate henna and a ceremony under a dreamy Mandap dripping in delicate details, Nina and Abhi gave their guests a traditional Sri Lankan wedding with a modern Australian twist. Located in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, at boutique winery Bulong Estate, the couple created a relaxed vibe for their nuptials while celebrating Abhi’s roots. Snapping all the lively colour was Carina Sze Photography.
The bridal party
“We travelled to India for the wedding attire, Abhi’s mum insisted,” shares Nina. “I have always loved Indian fashion so I was more than happy to wear a Sari for my wedding. I felt like a queen in my silk embroidered Sari from Kay Fashion Bay.” Special touches included strings of perfumed Jasmine in Nina’s hair, intricate henna detailing on her hands and feet, and bold florals by Flos Botanical Studio. Complimented by Zara Hair and Makeup, a Maang Tikka headpiece adorned the bride’s forehead for extra glimmer. Nina’s bridesmaids also wore silk saris in hand-picked colours with jewellery purchased from their trip to India. Abhi and the groomsmen wore traditional Dhoti Kurta, silk shirt and skirt sets, with bare feet for the ceremony and leather sandals for the reception.
The ceremony
The 4pm ceremony was lit by the warm afternoon sun against the incredible backdrop of the Bulong Estate vineyard, under a traditional four-pillar Mandap. The structure was decorated by family and friends with cream muslin cloth and strings of paper daisies. “During the ceremony, a number of rituals were performed such as Jai Mala (the exchanging of garlands) and Agni Pooja (circling the sacred fire) which is lit as a divine witness to the union,” recalls Nina. “The whole wedding party and our parents surrounded the Mandap, taking part in the rituals until the final blessing where we were showered with flower petals and rice and greeted one by one by all our guests.”
The reception
The reception followed straight after the ceremony and was a relaxed, outdoor affair with banquet tables and picnic rugs, under a marquee and fairy lights from Betta Event Hire. “Guests enjoyed an open bar and buffet style Sri Lankan feast eaten off banana leaves harvested from Abhi’s mum’s backyard,” explains Nina. We were extremely happy with our caterers Melka Catering and the lovely Cassandra from Fig and Salt who made our stunning cake.”
Photography
“We were particularly blown away by our photographer Carina Sze Photography who went above and beyond to capture our magical day with such beauty and flare. She was also an absolute gem to work with and we would absolutely recommend her.”
Credits
Images Carina Sze Photography | Bride's Dress Kay, The Fashion Bay | Rings Single Stone | Hair Zara Hair and Makeup | Ceremony Venue Bulong Estate Winery | Flowers Flos Botanical Studio | Catering Melka Catering | Entertainment Ella Lyons DJ | Videographer White Heights | Prop Hire Betta Event Hire | Cake Fig and Salt |
The most perfect celebration
Love this colourful wedding.
ethenic and cultural weddings are love
hey!! i liked the photographs very much! please keep sharing!
thanks