Kalindika and Manusha’s wedding was a fusion of Sri Lankan and Western traditions, so marrying them was a fascinating experience.
No wedding ceremonies are ever the same so it’s always a constant learning curve for a Marriage Celebrant, however many ceremonies you’ve clocked up!
Kalindika and Manusha had a whole day of Sri Lankan traditions at their wedding at the Spit in Mosman. I came along in the evening to perform the legal part of their ceremony.
When I declared them to be husband and wife, everyone cheered and clapped. And when they shared their first kiss, the whole room erupted – which was wonderful!
Once we’d signed the Marriage Register, I stepped back as a hush descended on the room and everyone watched intently as the couple lit a traditional candle for each other, and then cut a small piece from their wedding cake to feed to each other.
This is a Western take on the Sri Lankan tradition of when the brides sister presents a plate of milk rice and kavum (traditional sweets), cooked with special ingredients befitting a marriage ceremony, to the groom who feeds a piece of each to the bride. The bride will then feed a piece of each to the groom in return. This is a symbolic pledge to take care of each other for life.
I have the pleasure of officiating at another Sri Lankan ceremony later this year so I can’t wait!
Kalindika and Manusha were married at Zest Restaurant at The Spit, Mosman
Written by Stephen Lee
Marriage Celebrant Sydney
ceremonies