I am excited to see that more and more couples are saying I'do in the beautiful Hawkes Bay, and with the stunning landscapes both coastal and inland, and an abundance of gorgeous wedding perfect wineries (the Hawkes Bay is NZ's oldest wine region!), you wont even need an RSVP option, because if ever there was an excuse for your guests to getaway, a winery wedding in the Hawkes Bay would be it!
Today's couple Pumudi & Neil said 'I do' at Mission Estate Winery, the bride wearing two dresses (both amazing!), celebrating her Western and Sri Lankan cultures. Listening to their wedding blessing song Jayamangala Gatha (performed on the day by the brides mum's friends and Aunties that had flown in from Sri Lanka) sent shivers down my spine, it is so incredibly beautiful and well worth a listen. A big thank you to the talented Michael Schultz Photography (who has a cool new website, so go check it out!) for sharing these gorgeous images with P&L.
We met at a work function while waiting for a glass of wine. We had both been working in the same place for over a year but our paths hadn't crossed before. We immediately hit it off and the rest is history.
Elegant, Vintage and Western-Sri Lankan
The hen and stag nights were both in the UK. The boys went go-karting followed by a big night out in Brighton. The girls went for a relaxing weekend away at a luxury villa by the coast with pampering, height tea and lots of prosecco.
Our splurge items were my two dresses. I wore a bespoke saree for the ceremony and a gown for the reception. We also splurged on the band because we wanted live music.
We saved on a wedding planner as The Mission provided a co-ordinator. Our friends who are florists (With Love) did our gorgeous ceremony and reception flowers. We also had the photos on site so didn't need to hire wedding cars.
Down the aisle Make you feel my love by Adele
During the ceremony Jayamangala Gatha (wedding blessings song) was performed by mum's friends and my Aunties that had flown in from Sri Lanka
Aisle exit Here comes the sun by The Beatles
First dance Thinking out loud by Ed Sheeran
Yes, my mum made traditional Sri Lankan wedding cakes that were the wedding favours. She had gotten all her friends together a few months before and it was a big group effort. Neil made the seating plan and table numbers and we printed our own wedding handouts so our guests could understand the Poruwa ceremony.
The most difficult part was planning the wedding from London. To make things even harder we chose a location that was at least 4 hours from where any of our family and friends lived. However, The Mission was worth it!
The most fun was the actual Wedding. Our wedding weekend was amazing. We were so humbled that our familiy and friends were willing to travel from all around New Zealand and some from around the world for us.
There was a hurricane in Fiji so our honeymoon was cancelled. But we managed to have a mini moon in the sunny Bay of Islands and we are planning a trip to Sri Lanka next year maybe with a stopover in the Maldives.
CREDITS
Photographer Michael Schultz Photography
Planner/Stylist Erin Speakman from Mission Estate Winery helped with planning and ran the co-ordination on the day
Reception Flowers & Boutonnieres With Love Florist
Bouquets Kim at Lushka
Venue/Catering Mission Estate Winery
Hire Company Elegant Rentals
Stationery & Signage DIY
Hair Mel at Makeup Cushla Bower
Cake Cindy's Cakes
Celebrant Sadun Kithulagoda
Brides Dress Saree by Thilaka Edirisuriya. Gown by Jenny Packham
Shoes Rachel Simpson
Bridesmaids Sarees Thilaka Edirisuriya
Grooms Suit & Accessories Debenahms, London
Rings Aurus Diamonds, London
Music Stolen Records
