Brides and Grooms of Sri Lanka – reimagined

• Modern Brides and Grooms collection by LOVI Ceylon and friends

“Together we’re creating moments of happiness and cherished memories for the new couple and their families,” said LOVI Ceylon Founder and CEO Asanka de Mel, as he introduced LOVI Ceylon’s Groom collection. Each groom’s look was paired with extraordinary creations from Sri Lanka’s top bridal designers, jewellers, florists, hair and make-up artistes and was captured by story-telling photographers.

The presentation graciously hosted by the Taj Samudra and Shangri-La hotels saw 30 leading designers working hand in hand to infuse fresh ideas, celebrate cultural diversity and show-off Sri Lankan couture—the island’s handcraft heritage. 

The stunning bridal costumes were painstakingly made by renowned designers Dhananjaya Bandara, Rishard Raheem, and Michael Wijesuriya as well as Indi Yapa Abeywardena of Brides by INDI, Sonali Dharmawardena, Darshi Keerthisena of Buddhi Batiks, Ramona Oshini, Sandani Perera of IKIGAI Bridal, and Jaish Parathalingam of Aashkii. The newcomer, Anusha David also presented her couture creations under the label Gabriel. 

“We want our groom and all of the men in the wedding including the groomsmen, dads, young boys and friends, to be themselves – to feel rooted in culture, well-dressed and at ease on the wedding day,” says Asanka. Celebrating the religious and cultural traditions including Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Kandyan, Malay, Muslim, Sinhala, Tamil and western traditions of the island LOVI Ceylon’s grooms’ range presented modern sarongs paired with formal shirts, jackets, kurtas and more. They were paired with sarees, dresses, lehengas, pant suits and an array of breathtaking outfits. There were many looks offered for the Sri Lankan diaspora, as well as couples seeking inspiration for destination weddings.

As the designs progressed from sketch to stitching, their jewellery partners Careems, Lalitha, Mallika Hemachandra, Tiesh and Vogue jewellers added their brilliant sparkles with handcrafted fine jewellery made of precious metals encrusted with diamonds, sapphires and rubies. And what wedding would be complete without flowers? Bringing the latest floral creations were florists Designer Flowers, Flowers by Joan and Karen Forbes, Lassana Flora, and Supreme Flora who made the spectacular bridal outfits blossom with their creations.

Breathing life into these wonderful creations with superb hair and make-up was anchor of the shoot, Nadiya Fernando and her collaborator Omesh, while Ramani Fernando Salons, Shane Perera, Viran Peter, Brides by Leena and Talia, also worked magic on the models.

The father-son duo Dinuka and Dineth Fonseka of Studio3000 took on the herculean task of capturing all the creations as the anchor photography partner. The works of Ashene Bernard, Amarante Studio, Geeshan Bandara, and Portrait Culture were also presented in imaginative and artistic captures.

De Mel also expressed his thanks to the wonderful models from Brian Kerkoven and The Agency. He expressed his thanks to the wonderful models who brought the visions and fancies of the designers to life, as well as poet and author Ashok Ferrey for being the MC of the shoot and providing an eloquent commentary, delivered with his inimitable panache! 

“We have world-class craftsmanship here, it’s fun to work with so many experts, who just happen to be friends, to present a beautiful collection that could nudge the course of Sri Lankan clothing identity,” said Asanka when asked about the work that went into this. 

As he rightly reminded the gentlemen to choose wisely, “on that special wedding day, when all eyes are on her – her eyes are on you!”