Inushi + Kusal by Shot From The Heart - Together Journal

I am always at my happiest when I’m with her and feel most at home when I’m around her.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

Kusal is an optometrist working between several practices, including out in Wonthaggi, and I (Inushi) am a doctor training in paediatrics. When we aren’t spending time catching up with friends, family, and our family dog Punchi, you can usually find Kus out at a cricket match, golf course or off on a hike and me at a cafe with a good book.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met nine years ago when we were both involved with the Melbourne Uni Sri Lankan Student’s Association (the start of any great love story, obviously!). The club throws an annual charity play, and I acted while Kus ran backstage. The first time we saw each other was at a mutual friend’s house during a rehearsal (this friend ended up being the celebrant at our ceremony, which was really special).

Inushi: My first impression of Kus was that he seemed funny, kind and the life of the party – everyone was always gathered around him. I had an instant sense that I’d known him for a long time even though we were just meeting.

Kus: My first impressions of Inushi were that she was very outgoing, bubbly and thoughtful – characteristics which have not changed over the course of our relationship – and although I’m not usually one to simply go based on first impressions, Inushi always gave off magnetic energy that made you always want to be around her, and I’m so glad that I did just that.

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

Inushi: I don’t think there was a single moment for me – rather, each day, I saw all the little thoughtful and selfless things he’d do not just for me but for our families and everyone we love, and I would often think to myself that this was a very rare type of person that I was very blessed to have crossed paths with. I knew quite quickly that this was something I wanted to hang onto for life.

Kusal: I also don’t think it was a single moment, but I would say it was quite early on in our relationship that I knew she was the one I wanted to spend my life with. I am always at my happiest when I’m with her and feel most at home when I’m around her.

Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…

Kus had planned a date for our 6th anniversary and asked me to dress up for a winery lunch. We got in the car that morning and started driving; however, it didn’t go in the direction I expected. Instead, we went towards Tullamarine and all the places. Kus stopped the car in front of our friend’s old house, which they no longer lived in, and got out. I was confused initially, then realised we’d stopped there because this was the place we had first met. I burst into tears, and Kus hugged me and spoke about what went through his head when he first saw me and all our memories of that day. After that, Kus drove us around Melbourne and stopped at several other places that meant a lot to us, such as the spot along the Yarra where he first asked me out and spoke about his memories and appreciation for those moments. It was really special and perfect for me as I am a very sentimental person. We ended up at Olinda Teahouse in the Dandenong Ranges for lunch, and Kus had organised a photographer and hid the ring under my napkin (classic!). Afterwards, we went back to his family home, and all our closest friends and family had gathered there as a surprise. It was such a beautiful day.

What was one element you were happy to splurge on?

To be honest, a lot of elements were splurges for us, as our overall vibe of marquee wedding/garden party was probably the more expensive option to have chosen. However, we were set on this as we felt it perfectly reflected us and our relationship. One decision that felt like a big splurge for me was videography, as we probably went for one of the more expensive options. It felt more selfish as it was something that would be just for Kus and me rather than for all the guests to experience. However, I don’t regret it at all, as all we are now left with after all of this are the photos and videos, and the amazing people we chose to do these preserved our memories so beautifully. It was very worth it.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

There were definitely a bunch of things that happened, and probably even more that we don’t know about because our amazing wedding coordinator (Elizabeth) and our wonderful bridal party dealt with issues without bringing them to us. One thing we’ll never forget is that when we were standing on the Poruwa (Sri Lankan traditional wedding stage), Kus and I started feeling something crawling up our legs. We looked down and realised that the floor was swarming with ants! We spent the second half of our ceremony attempting to wipe ants off each other, including our faces, subtly! At the time, it was annoying, as I felt it somewhat distracted me from the emotions we were feeling at that moment, and we were covered in ant bites afterwards! But I also think the moment was so beautiful and emotional that we were still very in it, and one of the celebrants running up with a can of aeroguard was still a hilarious and very Aussie moment.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story? The history of the ceremony dress…

So, for the ceremony, we wore traditional Sri Lankan wedding garments. I (Inushi) wore a Kandyan Saree (or Osariya in Sinhalese). This is a style of saree draping that is traditional to Sinhalese women from as far back as 500 BC and is unique due to the ruffle worn around the midriff and specific wedding jewellery consisting of 26 pieces. This is the first time I’ve worn a saree in this style as it is more formal, so it felt so special, and I truly felt connected to my ancestors and history when I put it on. My outfit was extra special as it was made by my mother-in-law, who is a very well-known tailor in our community and is always in demand for sewing wedding outfits! I had a vision of what I wanted my saree to look like, as it was a slightly modern take on the traditional Kandyan, and I drew the design for her. We then bought the materials locally and overseas, and she made the design come to life so perfectly. Another special moment was when my parents placed the ‘ira handa’ on my head – the two hair clips made to look like the sun and the moon, and said to symbolise an ‘eternal and happy marriage’.

Kusal’s outfit is called a ‘National’, and is the traditional garment for Sinhalese men worn for formal occasions. It’s the first and probably the only time he will wear this, so again, we very much felt connected to our heritage and roots at this moment.

For the reception, we went for the traditional big white dress and suit vibe and were keen to keep it summery with light fabrics (linen). I had a third little white mini dress that I changed into once the dance floor got underway – which I would recommend for everyone!