Gihan serenaded Sanjana (aka Sanj) with a ukulele rendition of Can’t Help Falling in Love With You, before getting on one knee. “It was special but also casual,” said the bride. “We were both in jeans and a T-shirt, at home on our couch.” We first shared the couple’s big day in our Real Wedding Special Volume 9. But a moment this magical deserves a revisit, don’t ya reckon?
Hosted at Brisbane’s well-known The Calile Hotel, Sanj and Gihan’s day was a recipe of heartfelt moments, giggle-inducing moments, a whole lot of happy times, and meaningful cultural traditions. “We both come from different cultural backgrounds – Gihan is Sri Lankan (Catholic) and I am Indian (Hindu). We wanted a ceremony that honoured both of these cultures equally and, as such, got creative,” explains Sanj.
“We loved all our vendors,” shared the couple, who gave a special shoutout to Marina Machado (cake designer), Jump Jive and Wail (entertainment), Natasha Schweitzer (rings), and the bridal glam team. And, of course, the duo responsible for capturing it all, photographer Janneke Storm and videographer Luke Bickley. “They make a great team and both made us feel super comfortable the whole way through. Janneke has this way of making you feel like you’ve known her forever, and she even steamed my skirt on the day!”
But enough yappin’ from us. See more of Sanj and Gihan’s celebration below.
Getting married at The Calile
“We actually never looked at any other venue. The Calile has always been special for us. We lived in different cities when it opened and it used to be the place we stayed when we were in Brisbane or had other events to go to. We love the space, the style and the feeling that you are a million miles away while still being right in the centre of it all. Also we could never forget the taramasalata!”
FIRST LOOKS, SPIRITUAL MOMENTS, AND A SURPRISE PERFORMANCE
“We had a first look about an hour before the ceremony began. It was just the two of us (and our photographer Janneke and videographer Luke) while we read our vows to each other. It was nice to share more intimate and calm moments together beforehand. The second special memory was sitting down to do the Hindu blessing, we looked out and saw a sea of our favourite people – words cannot describe the happiness that we felt in that moment. We were really lucky to have family come all the way from various parts of the world to celebrate us. Last and definitely not least, Gihan, the groomsmen, our MC and my brother prepared a dance to surprise me at the reception. Gihan made a mix of all my favourite songs and instagram reels, and incorporated lots of my own, “cool” dance moves of the day!”
Wedding outfit shopping
“Shopping for my wedding outfit was one of my favourite experiences. Mum, Gihan and I flew to India for a week in May. It was Gihan’s first time there – he had a great time rock climbing, eating and exploring with my cousin Ishaan, while Mum, my aunty Radha and myself shopped. The trip was also really special because my (Sunil) dad brought my paternal grandmother down to Delhi to visit us. It was so sweet to see her happiness, particularly in meeting Gihan for the first time! I don’t think either of us will ever forget that.”
HONOURING FAMILY
“My dad passed away from motor neurone disease in 2021. He was a talented chef and master in the home kitchen. Sanj had the brilliant idea of serving authentic Sri Lankan fish buns (Malupan – a dish he was renowned for). Our wedding date was also on the same day as Sanj’s maternal grandmother’s birthday – she was a true matriarch of the family. Our wedding became a bit of a family reunion, which was really special.”
ON DOING THE LEGAL BITS BEFOREHAND…
“We got legally married a few days before our ceremony on October 7th. This was for a few different reasons. It turned out to be one of the best things in the end. We did a Hindu ceremony in our backyard, and a catholic ceremony at St Anthony’s Church in Alexandra Hills (the church Gihan and his family went to with their dad when growing up). We just had our parents, Gihan’s grandparents and our siblings, niece (Vienna) and cutie gal Luna (our pup) there. This was probably one of the most relaxed and personal memories for us.”
More good stuff
Visit the directory to see more gorgeous photography from Janneke Storm (one of our top Sunshine Coast wedding pros). Or maybe it’s a venue in Brisbane you’re after – The Calile Hotel simply has to be on your shortlist, get in touch here. While we’re on a roll, why not start assembling the rest of your team. Visit the directory to browse Brisbane and QLD vendors we love.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Janneke Storm Cinematographer Luke Bickley Stylist & Hire Items For Love & Living Florist Fontana Floral Ceremony, Reception Venue & Catering The Calile Hotel Cake Marina Machado Photo Booth HeyOk Sparklers Dance Floor Hire Co Signage Paper Paper Co Entertainment & Sound Hire Jump Jive and Wail Celebrant Dhruv Dang, Priyangika Hapuarachchi (family) Rings Natasha Schweitzer Floral Garlands Nina’s Design Studio THE BRIDE Gown & Veil Sunaina Khera Reception Dress Shona Joy Jacket A&R by Rhea Kapoor Hair Piece KK Jewelers Shoes Aquazzura Accessories KK Jewelers, Sarah & Sebastian Henna Henna by Azra Hair Soja Studios Makeup Helena Chapman Fragrance Chanel Bridesmaid Dresses Billy J THE GROOM Suit, Shirt & Groomsmen Suits Oscar Hunt Tie & Cufflinks Amazon Shoes Aquila Watch Citizen Grooming Bou’s Barber Shop
