The wedding ceremony lasts only for a day but with the right photographer it’s memory will last a life time. This is why Wedding Photography in Sri Lanka has become a competitive and a booming profession. The bride and the groom search high and low for the best wedding photographer in Sri Lanka and reserve him at least a year in advance, since it is the only remembrance that will last for years. Even years after your wedding you can still re-live that special day by looking at the wedding photographs.

Wedding photography came into practice since the invention of photography in 1826. People did not hire a separate photographer to their wedding. The couple and their families went to the studio and had their formal wedding photo taken. Due to the difficulty of carrying large objects such as lights, curtains and background settings, most wedding photographs were taken inside a studio. But today as a result of the technology, every equipment has become portable. Sri Lankan wedding photography is at a very advanced stage that by the end of the ceremony the visitors will receive a wedding photo as a token of gratitude for their presence. This is mainly due to the introduction of digital cameras to the Sri Lankan photography. This advancement of digital convenience enables quick detection of any lighting mistakes and deleting any unwanted shots taken.

Even if the photos were taken against a dull monotonous background, Sri Lankan wedding photographers use modern techniques by replacing the background with another vibrant setting. To bring in lot colour and life, Sri Lankan photographers place the bride, the groom or both of them in completely different places such as attractive gardens, artistic places, beaches or other breathtaking landscapes. Wedding photographers in Sri Lanka use the technique of remote flashes and are even capable of using creative lighting.

The modern wedding photography in Sri Lanka includes making a wedding album. This album will include the photos from the start until the end of the ceremony. These photos can be printed in matt, glossy surface or even Dura-guard which will give an extended life span. Thus creating wedding albums has become one of the most essential things at Sri Lankan Weddings.

The Poruwa Ceremony, although a Sinhalese tradition, is mostly practiced by Sri Lankan Buddhist couples. This tradition is followed with great respect and care making sure that all customs are completed accurately. In the past the Poruwa Ceremony was as valid as a registered marriage which was introduced by the British. The couple stands on a beautifully decorated Poruwa (similar to a stage) and conducts different customs such as offering 7 betel leaf bundles to the Gods which symbolizes requesting for protection for the lives of seven generations that will come to be from the marriage, tying the little fingers of the bride and groom with a golden thread to symbolize bond and unity, breaking a fresh coconut in front of the couple to drive away evil spirits, and many more which usually goes on for about 45 minutes. This beautiful and vibrant tradition is followed by many young couples, Sri Lankan and foreign both, who understand the value of Sri Lankan heritage and the importance of preserving the customs of the Lankan past. These customs bring excitement and colour to their wedding with Kandyan dances, elephants dressed up in shimmering attire, and having an elaborately decorated Poruwa.

The Settee Back is the backdrop of the settee where the couple will be seated after the Poruwa Ceremony is completed. The bride and groom will be given a specially designed settee which is usually decorated with flowers, candles, greenery, etc… May different Settee Backs are created by professionals which would match the theme or the colours used for the wedding.

When it comes to Sri Lankan Weddings, there are many customs which are being practiced from ancient times. These customs and practices are unique to Sri Lanka. According to each one’s religious beliefs or preference it can be a civil wedding, a Buddhist Wedding, a Hindu Wedding, a Muslim Wedding or a Christian Wedding.

Since Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country Buddhist weddings are the most common and they are celebrated in a grand manner. In Buddhist weddings Poruwa Ceremony is a major event during the wedding ceremony. The proceedings take place on a decorated wooden platform called “Poruwa”. These platforms can be made in various designs according to the bride and the groom’s wishes. Usually Poruwa decorations are done by professional decorators. From exchanging the rings to blessings and other rituals all take place when the bride and the groom are standing on the Poruwa. Various rituals such as tying the little fingers of the bride and the groom, the couple worshiping their elders with betel leaf bundles, breaking a fresh coconut to ward off evil spirits and then lighting the oil lamp after getting off from the Poruwa. The ‘Poruwa Siritha’ was initiated in the 3rd century B.C and is still practiced by the Sinhalese Buddhists.

The Hindu Wedding in Sri Lanka is another elaborate grand ceremony which is very colourful with lot of gold jewellery and fashionable saris. Throughout the ceremony the bride changes into three outfits along with different hair-do’s and jewellery. The Sri Lankan Hindu wedding ceremony lasts for about 3 hours throughout which they do various rituals. The bride and the groom usually walk around the fire 7 times while chanting holy verses. Same as Hindu and Buddhist weddings, Islamic (Muslim) and Christian Weddings also follow different customs and styles. Christian weddings in Sri Lanka are not so different from the Western weddings. The couple gets married in the church which is attractively decorated with flowers and other wedding decorations, following which there will be a small reception in a hotel.

Accompanying the bride and the bride groom are several other bride’s maids, groomsmen and little maids. There are bridal designers and fashion experts who undertake this whole retinue. From the bride’s maid’s attire to their hairstyle, shoes and posy they will offer their expert advice in selecting the suitable colours, fabric etc.

The Sri Lankan Weddings are usually a once-in-a lifetime event since Sri Lankan marriages last long. Therefore the events and practices of a Sri Lankan wedding are planned much ahead and put together by consulting the best photographers, beauticians, bridal designers and other professionals.