We have always envisioned our wedding to be a mix of the two cultures we have been brought up in, both Kiwi and Sri Lankan. Although a traditional kiwi-styled ceremony, we incorporated cultural touches such as our bridesmaids wearing sarees and having a traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp ceremony and Sri Lankan dancers at the reception!
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
We are highschool sweethearts and got engaged in Queenstown in the remarkable mountain ranges in June 2021. The helicopter almost got cancelled due to the weather which led to some nervous moments for Raki! But he managed to pull it off, a stunning proprosal with the most perfect view.
We love to explore new places and enjoy each other’s company over a delicious meal and wine whether that’s home cooked or out and about at a restaurant. We have a love for travel and are experiencing new things with one another. As much as we love adventure, we are very much home bodies, love a cosy night in watching a good movie or spending time with our massive families who we are fortunate enough to live so close to.
I work in health, Raki works in banking so we balance each other out well! We are both Sri Lankan and immensely proud of our culture and never shy away from embracing our roots.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We first met when we were 13, Raki had asked me out to a date at the movies, that was now 14 years ago. While we were still young, we both remember the immediate attraction we had for each other which hasn’t faded away after all these years.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
There was no moment exactly, we’ve grown up together, learnt from each other and we have such a strong bond and love between us. Our love has grown and stronger over the years and the older and more mature we became, the more our paths aligned of the idea of spending the rest of our lives together.
Was there a proposal? Tell us a little about it…
Yes, Raki planned the most amazing proposal on the remarkable mountain ranges in Queenstown. As I was the one who suggested that we should go on a Helicopter ride, I had no idea what was coming. After sharing a warm hot chocolate overlooking a stunning view, Raks dropped on one knee and asked the question, the rest is history!
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood or style of your wedding…
We have always envisioned our wedding to be a mix of the two cultures we have been brought up in, both Kiwi and Sri Lankan. Although a traditional kiwi-styled ceremony, we incorporated cultural touches such as our bridesmaids wearing sarees and having a traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp ceremony and Sri Lankan dancers at the reception! In terms of style, we went for the boho chic vibe with light pastel coloured flowers, signery, catering and photo wall accessories, etc. It all tied in so smoothly together and we couldn’t be more happy with how it all went and looked!
What was one element you were happy to splurge on?
Everyone put so much work and love into making our day special, we are so pleased with all our vendors and the amazing job they did. If we had to choose one aspect of our wedding, it would likely be the amazing photography and videography.
In 10 years time, when we look back on our wedding day, it’s the amazing photos and videography that will remind us of our beautiful wedding day which is why we couldn’t be any happier with the work that David Le and Ben Maurice have done for us. They have captured lifelong memories that we will cherish forever.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
Raks: I have always enjoyed the quality of clothing that Barkers has produced, I didn’t even bother looking into any other fashion retailers and the process of choosing mine and my groomsmen’s suits was seamless.
Dushanka: Living in Wellington, I decided to venture out to Auckland as I just hadn’t found the perfect dress for me. That’s where I decided to go for a fitting at Vinka Design and was absolutely in love with all Anita’s pieces. Anita is a phenomenal designer and was able to design my dream dress (I never thought this was possible as I can be quite picky) and I was just over the moon and overwhelmed with happy emotions when trying on my completed dress for the first time. Anita and all her staff at Vinka design have been so amazing to work with throughout the journey of creating my dream dress! I could not be more happy with my bespoke dress as it was literally the star of the show! Anita has such a great eye for detail and would go out of her way to ensure that the dress was completed to perfection! Not only was the dress everything I have ever dreamed of, visiting Auckalnd and Anita for multiple fittings was a really fun and amazing experience I will cherish forever.
Ceremony + Reception Location: The Milk Station, @the_milk_station_otaki / Photographer: David Le, @davidle_nz / Videographer: Sink or Surface, @sinkorsurface / Celebrant: Thisula Kithulagoda, @mynameis_dish / Styling (Photowall and photobooth) Bespoke Event Styling, @bespokeeventstyling_; Hot Shots NZ, @hot_shotsnz / Flora: Juliette Florist, @juliette_florist / Catering + Beverages: Simply Food, @simply_food_catering_company / Cake: Em & Skye Cake Co., @emandskye / Stationery: The Signery, @thesignerynz / Registry: Wishing well / Bride’s Dress + Veil: Vinka Design, @vinkadesign / Groom’s Attire + Shoes: Barkers Clothing, @barkersclothing / Ring/s: Partridge Jewellers, @partridgejewellers / Bride’s Shoes + Earrings: Harlo, @harloau / Makeup: @ishaliartistry / Hair: Nisha Makeup Artistry, @nishamakeupartistrynz; Miss Dom Styling, @missdomstyling / Fragrance: Narciso Rodriguez, @narciso_rodriguez / Groomsmen’s Attire: Barkers Clothing, @barkersclothing
