Rose + Shehan | A Sri Lankan Catholic Wedding

It was a massive honor to photograph this wedding last January. I lived with Rose for a year, and the more I got to know her the more I admired her. I’m proud to say Ben and I bought them the first celebratory engagement cake (were there more celebratory engagement cakes? If not, good thing we got them one).  I looooove this wedding album for personal and creative reasons. Each new location could have been an album all on its own. We got to photograph in sooo many styles, and they sold the heck out of every one. We have more variety here than any other wedding I’ve done. These two are simple and detached. I said I admire Rose, and one thing she rocks at is living in the present moment and not getting attached to things or plans. That being said, she loved her day, and her groom adored her all day long. And of course, getting to see Rose in her sari and her epic second entrance into the reception tops the charts for wedding stories. Happy Anniversary, Pereras! Check them out.  I think the question was if she was going to have to leave Chonch (llama friend stage right) behind once she was married or not…
Shehan’s mama did gorgeous work on the flowers!
Meanwhile…
The girls really took care of Rose. They just really didn’t want her to get hungry.
Groomsman goals. Right here. Hide the groom and bring out the BRIDE!I’m getting nervous just looking at these. Last prayers before mass!!!! Have you noticed how much Shehan loves his mom??? And dad 🙂 Holy cow! Getting real! Here we goooooo!Rings!!!They’re like “oh my gosh. We are married.”The Eucharistic prayer. Even when I’m editing these I can’t have any other noises around. Because WHOA!! There He is!I love Shehan in this one. You know he’s a happy man!!Sign their lives away, Clare! That’s a marriage licence! And I always love the parents. So cute.
Annnnnd groom photo of the year goes to…..Poofy dress brides need all star maids of honor. Rose: 1 Bathroom: 0
Onto the reception!! Their timeline included photos at the hotel lobby. Normally that is a bad idea. Not this time. Not a bad idea at all.  See what I’m saying? We got a LOT of different styles. Throwing in the creepy shoulder touch for fun. We were having fun.  Note to groomsmen: There is a possibility of you being photographed at any moment. Just know that. And be yourself. 🙂 Llama cake top. Not even kidding. Shehan and the dads. Man stuff.
Ok here’s where I melted. Shehan’s mom gave Rose this gorgeous sari for this big moment. Rose had a special entrance, and the circle of joyous friends and family welcomed them onto the dance floor. Sri Lankan music, everyone glowing with pride, and one very happy couple. Family is the most amazing thing, and this tradition made it visible that Shehan’s bride was now part of the family. And have you ever seen a family so thrilled?! UH! Sooooo good!    I secretly wanted to name this blog Sari Not Sorry…..funny right…Last song farewell to the bride and groooooom. Farther Along by Josh Garrels. Oh my heart.