Vibrant Traditions and Regal Charm at Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Guests stepped into a bygone era of elegance and vibrant cultural fusion, where the opulence of Bridgerton met the allure of Sri Lankan traditions. Nestled within the majestic halls of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a Sri Lankan Bridgerton-esque wedding unfolded, enchanting guests with its regal charm and captivating atmosphere.

From the Bride: How we met: In a modern twist of fate, our paths crossed through the wonders of online dating. Our profiles revealed a shared love for dancing and a common faith, igniting an instant connection. Our first date unfolded effortlessly, conversation flowing for hours until the restaurant closed its doors. It was then, in that moment, that we both knew we had stumbled upon something extraordinary—a connection worth cherishing and nurturing for a lifetime. The Proposal: Little did I suspect that a simple photo shoot turned luxury picnic would unfold into a life-changing surprise. As I arrived at the park, expecting only a picturesque session, I discovered that my love had orchestrated it all. From afar, he appeared, having traveled from Toronto to Charlotte to surprise me. The photoshoot was a guise—a beautiful ruse to set the stage for the true moment. With heartfelt words and a sparkling ring, he proposed, transforming the day into an enchanting engagement shoot. It was a surprise that surpassed all expectations, forever etching this moment of love and devotion in our hearts.

From the Bride: To honor my Sri Lankan heritage, I envisioned a regal, South Asian vibe for my wedding outfits. Collaborating with a talented tailor (Bride In Style) in Sri Lanka, I embarked on the journey of designing a bridal saree and a bridal reception dress. The saree, a fusion of modern fashion and traditional elements, featured delicate mesh and intricate beading, lending it a unique allure. While it deviated slightly from the conventional Sri Lankan sarees, it perfectly captured the look I had envisioned. The bridal reception dress, adorned in customary red, elegantly blended the essence of a dress and a saree, creating a captivating fusion. To complete the royal aesthetic, I opted for a tiara and a headpiece, radiating a regal aura throughout the wedding. Despite the challenges of taking measurements over Zoom, I placed my trust in the process, and fortunately, the outcome exceeded my expectations. It was a testament to hope, faith, and the craftsmanship that brought my vision to life, infusing the wedding with an undeniable touch of grandeur.

Manisha's bridesmaids were draped in ethereal blush satin sarees, a vision of grace and femininity for her chateau wedding. The soft delicate pleats of the sari created an enchanting drape, while the subtle sheen of the satin catched the light, casting a radiant glow. The pallu, intricately embroidered with shimmering threadwork and delicate sequins, adds a touch of opulence to the ensemble. A true embodiment of timeless elegance.

The groom, dapper and debonair, donned a fusion of classic Western attire and the regal elegance of Sri Lankan tradition.

In honor of the Bride’s 10 year anniversary as a vegetarian that year, she worked diligently with her planner Elise of Toast Events the chef from the Chateau Laurier to curate a delicious set of two entrées that would have even die-hard carnivores obsessed. In addition to the sumptuous vegetarian feast, the late night table showcased a fusion of Sri Lankan culinary delights. From the aromatic dishes to gold flecked sorbets, each dish tantalized the taste buds and offered a sensory journey through the flavors of Sri Lanka with Western fusion.

The grand ballroom, where Queen Victoria and many Heads of State have sat, was adorned with grand chandeliers and exuded a timeless grace that effortlessly melded with the rich hues of Sri Lankan heritage. As the doors swung open, guests were greeted by a breathtaking sight—a color palette that whispered romance. Gold, nude, cream, and blush hues converged, weaving a tapestry of timeless beauty. Arrangements of snow white orchids, gold painted foliage and towering crystal candelabras adorned each table. Gold dipped cutlery, floating candles with Manisha & Dinu's bespoke monogram added a special personal touch. Elise from Toast Events took special care in bringing Manisha's wedding vision to life through their intricate and lengthy design process with multiple floor plans, sketches and mock ups to help Manisha visualize her intentions. Paired with Moe Signature Designs, the scene was perfectly set, no detail overlooked, executed effortlessly by Moe's talented team.

Manisha's best friend (and bridesmaid) designed and baked her wedding cake. A touching display of thoughtfulness and love. The tiers of the cake stood tall and elegant, a testament to the bond shared between the bride and her best friend. A cherished symbol of their unbreakable bond.

Strains of a melodic orchestra filled the air as Manisha & Dinu's love story unfolded amidst the gentle sway of traditional Sri Lankan dance performances, transporting guests to an era where romance reigned supreme. Officiated by Manisha's close family friend Uncle Nalaka Gunawardhane guided guests through a traditional Sri Lankan wedding ceremony vibrant and culturally rich with celebration that showcased their country's deep-rooted traditions and customs. The ceremony took place on a grandly decorated wedding platform called a "poruwa", the central focus of the wedding, a beautifully adorned structure elevated from the ground. The bride and groom, dressed in traditional attire, stepped onto the poruwa, symbolizing their union. The wedding ceremony began with the recitation of auspicious verses known as jayamangala gatha which invoke blessings followed by an exchange of rings, betel leaf offerings, a presentation of jewelry, lighting of oil lamps to invoke blessings from deities and ancestors and finally a guided meditation by honorary monks to evoke a peaceful, clear and wholesome mind so that guests had a energized aura to kick off the wedding celebrations.

Tea and Traditions: Sri Lanka is renowned for its tea production, and as such Manisha, in good Sri Lankan Bridgerton-esque fashion provided her guests with imported high-quality Ceylon teas and cake parcels as her wedding favours.

In a moment that left the bride awestruck, the groom orchestrated a truly remarkable surprise during their intricately choreographed first dance. As they gracefully moved across the dance floor of their chosen song, suddenly, as if by magic, a dazzling pop-up orchestra emerged from the shadows. A gesture of love that transcended words, a testament to the groom's unwavering devotion and his desire to make their wedding day an experience beyond imagination.

As the guests settled into their seats, little did they know that a truly unforgettable surprise awaited them. Manisha and her bridesmaids, a group of lifelong friends who had been dancing together since they were children, had meticulously crafted an epic dance performance as a gift for their loved ones. As the music started, the room transformed into a stage, and the bridesmaids gracefully took their positions. The synchronized movements were a testament to the countless hours they had spent rehearsing, each step flowing seamlessly into the next. Manisha radiant and filled with joy, joined her bridesmaids on the dance floor, adding her own elegance and flair to the routine. The energy in the room soared as the bridal party showcased their undeniable talent and camaraderie. It was a testament to the unbreakable bond between Manisha and her bridesmaids, a celebration of friendship, love, and the power of shared memories. Rather than just featuring speeches and dances, an unforgettable moment unfolded when Manisha's father took the stage to perform a heartfelt Sri Lankan wedding song in honor of his daughter and new son-in-law. To add to the magic, he was joined by their longtime family friend, Mehalon Lowe, with whom he had shared a musical journey as band members during their time in Washington D.C. The collaboration created an exquisite and cherished experience that touched the hearts of everyone present.