Church in Purley, London
How we have met Jey and Janakan was quite coincidental. We were holidaying Hong Kong in the winter and so were they! We thought whilst we were both there, why not meet? We got to chatting and I found out they both converted from Muslims to devote Christians, and wanted me to capture their hybrid Sri Lankan-Christian wedding. On today’s blog we walk through their wedding at St Swithun’s Church, followed by the Edwardian building One Great George Street in Westminster.
One Great George Street, Westminster, London
St Swithun Church was perfect for the occasion, but the One Great George Street was something out of Cinderella. The hall was made from tall marbled columned walls with golden leaves and shiny oak flooring and two scenic crystal chandeliers. The natural lighting from the floor-to-ceiling windows made all the photographs all the more beautiful, making it a perfect wedding venue.
Purley, London
Purley, London
Jey just looked the part of the glowing bride, with her fresh-faced makeup and her hair done in a sweet up-do. Her family helped her into her beautiful white wedding gown, traditionally known as the Kandyan sari. Her silk and peplum-style ruffle dress with silver embroidery just screamed elegance, and her gold necklace and earing tied the look all together, showcasing her Sri Lankan heritage. Once Jey finished getting ready with her family at home, we took photographs of her family feeding the bride sweet treats and sweet drinks.
Purley, London
Croydon, London
Meanwhile Janakan smile reached both his ears while getting dressed in his three-piece tailed suit, with grey trousers and a grey waist coat. Alike with his groomsmen, he matched his suit a white shirt, red tie and a white rose pinned on his left shoulder.
At the wedding, the bride’s family sat on the right side of the hall and the groom’s family sat on the left. Behind the groom, there was a beautiful flower centre piece with mixes of white, green and a hint of yellow, filled with white lilies, hibiscus’, carnations and hydrangeas.
Purley, London
Everyone in union stood up as the bride entered with her arm linked with her fathers. Jey’s veil cascaded her face and trailed down all the way to the floor. Jey’s veil had a lot of sentimental value, as she was the last of her three sisters to get married, and all three of the sisters wore the same veil.
As with tradition, bride’s father placed her right hand on the groom’s right hand, as a traditional symbol of giving away of the bride. Janakan took Jey’s hand and the ceremony began. Jey then put necklaces on Janakan which I thought was just a sweet gift, but later I found out that every necklace had a different meaning. The first necklace is known as the Nalapata pendant, placed near the bride’s heart. The first chain was the longest chain, known as The Peti Mala which encircled the pendant and the second chain. The second chain is the Hansa, which represents the bride’s beauty and purity.
Purley, London
One Great George Street, Westminster, London
Afterwards, the bride and groom hand in hand went over to a table with two candles on it. It was brilliant to be able to experience all these traditions, as the ceremony ends with the bride and groom lighting a bass oil lamp together, promising to keep their hearths burning for always. How romantic! Now as husband and wife, Jey and Janakan walked hand in hand down the aisle, Jey holding a grand bouquet of white roses. The quartet played as Jey and Janakan walked down the grand red carpeted staircase, her veil draping down the stairs.
Following the ceremony, everyone proceeded to the One Great George Street. They cut their towered white wedding cake and proceeded to eat with the live band playing in the background. Jey changed her sari into a regal red and gold sari and listened to speeches made by friends and family.
Finally, at the end of the day Jey and Janakan shared a dance, neither of them could contain their smiles. The fun didn’t end there as we got to throw petals from white roses over them. This Sir Lankan wedding was a brilliant and beautiful experience, and we wish Janakan and Jey a blessed marriage.
One Great George Street, Westminster, London
One Great George Street, Westminster, London
One Great George Street, Westminster, London
One Great George Street, Westminster, London
One Great George Street, Westminster, London
One Great George Street, Westminster, London