Christaline & Asho's Wedding 12.02.11

Back in February of this year I was given the opportunity to photograph another completely different style wedding, a Sri Lankan Church wedding followed by reception celebrations. The day was brimming with colour, the family and guests in their vibrant and decorative sari’s and suits. Christaline looked stunning. It was a very long day but it was fascinating to be a part of and I felt honoured that myself and Jamie had been allowed to enter into both their celebrations and their personal prayers and traditions.

First on the agenda, photographing Christaline getting ready for the ceremony. The finishing touches to her hair and make up were underway as I arrived and then she was dressed in her Sari.

The couple had booked a videographer as well who had set up a blue curtain backdrop at the home where the family were getting ready so I was lucky enough to be able to use this for a few photographs of Christaline with her bridesmaids and the children. Christaline’s family were all at the house while she was getting ready so it was jam packed with people rushing to and fro with preparations.

Before leaving the house we managed to grab a few quiet moments for some photos of Christaline around the home and in the garden.

  After some group family photos, Christaline's Veil was placed over her face.

There were prayers and a short ceremony with family members before Christaline stepped out of house and into the beautiful car, in which she was driven to the church to meet Asho.

The service itself was a catholic service in a church, where Christaline wore a white Sari glittered with gems and a veil with a long train. After which there followed a big reception buffet at a beautifully decorated local venue, you could see everything had been thought about and designed right down to the smallest detail.

After some speeches, the first dance and cutting of the cake, the immediate family went back home to get changed into evening attire. For Christaline this meant a traditional red sari and a change of hair & make up. Asho the groom also changed into a decorative white suit.

Throughout the day there were many traditional details and rituals for us to capture, including the lighting of candles and exchanging garlands. Asho presented Christaline with the Thaali during the ceremony, a gold necklace engraved with their initials to symbolise their marriage.

A week later I was asked to come back and photograph further celebrations called the ‘Homecoming’ which symbolise the bride being brought back by the groom to enter his home for the first time. A smaller celebration with just immediate family, Christaline this time in a soft pink sari, with amazing detailed decorations in her hair and Asho suited and booted in a matching pink tie. I took some couple and group photos and some relaxed snaps of everyone enjoying the celebrations.

A great experience for me, my first Asian wedding! Both families went out of their way to make us feel welcome and it was fantastic to photograph! A splash of colour for my portfolio!

Thank you Jamie for assisting me once more, driving me all over the place, taking more photos and just for being there :o)