Amangalla, with its historic architecture and lush tropical gardens, was the perfect setting.
We’re originally from New Zealand, now based in Melbourne. I run an event management company, and Robert owns a vegetable importing business. We’ve been together for nearly 15 years, and from the very beginning, it felt like we had waited our whole lives to find each other. It was simply meant to be. We were married at Amangalla, a beautiful heritage hotel in Galle, Sri Lanka, a country that holds a special place in our hearts. We had visited many times before, and it’s where we got engaged. It was only natural to return there to celebrate with our closest family and friends.
Amangalla, with its historic architecture and lush tropical gardens, was the perfect setting. Our ceremony took place by the pool under the trees, surrounded by greenery and gentle light. It was peaceful, romantic, and everything we had imagined. The reception was held indoors, designed to feel relaxed yet elegant.
Every detail was carefully considered across the three-day celebration. Styling was a major focus for us — I loved being involved in this part of the planning. Highlights included custom table gowns, candle skirts, and silk napkins — all designed and made in Australia with Erika, a close friend and creative collaborator. We brought them over with us, and they added such a personal and tactile touch to the table setting. We also included handmade paper by Feather and Stone Paper from New Zealand, as a quiet tribute to our roots. We definitely splurged on the table linens — and, of course, the ring.
My wedding dress was by Zimmermann. It was so beautifully made. I truly loved wearing it. It felt like a dream to walk into that celebration in a gown that felt entirely like me.
We wanted the wedding to be more than just a day, so we hosted a full weekend of events to bring everyone together. The celebrations began with a welcome soirée at a private villa just outside Galle. We served cocktails by the award-winning team at Smoke and Bitters, with traditional Sri Lankan entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display to set the tone. The day after the wedding, we hosted a relaxed lunch at Lunuganga, the former country estate of legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. It was the perfect way to unwind, reflect, and enjoy more time with everyone, in a place that holds such rich history and beauty.
Everything about our wedding felt deeply personal and considered. We wanted our guests to feel looked after and inspired, and to experience a destination that means so much to us. Every element — the styling, the venues, the rituals, the people — came together in the most meaningful way. Everything was perfect. The only thing we would change is how quickly it all went by. After so much planning, the days flew past in the most joyful blur. But the memories, the setting, and the love we felt will stay with us forever.
LOCATION & CATERING Amangalla, @amangalla PHOTOGRAPHER Ashane Bernard, @ashanebernard BRIDE @corina_baldwin BRIDE’S WEDDING DRESS & SHOES Zimmermann, @zimmermann BRIDE’S WEDDING RING Sourced by antique dealer from Miami BRIDE’S ACCESSORIES Vintage pearl drop earrings STYLIST Corina of Bigger Than Ten Bears, @bttb_biggerthantenbears; Erika Hirzinger, @erika.hirzinger PLANNER Corina of Bigger Than Ten Bears, @bttb_biggerthantenbears HAIR Robert’s sister, Pauline BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE Dominique Ropion, @dominiqueropionparfumeur WELCOME SOIREE COCKTAILS Smoke & Bitters, @smoke.bitters CUSTOM TABLE GOWN, CANDLE SKIRTS & SILK NAPKINS Designed by Erika & Corina STATIONERY Feathers and Stone Paper, @feathersandstone ENTERTAINMENT Managed by Amy Vaughan Creative, @amyvaughancreative; DJ Nico Deoki, @nicodeoki DAY AFTER LUNCH Hosted at Lunuganga, @geoffrey.bawa.lunuganga
