Real Wedding: Hema + Nizar

Whilst yesterdays wedding was very crisp and classic and timeless, today's is a complete feast of yummy colour! This gorgeous wedding shot by Susanna Burton, was held at The Wharf. Hema's stunning sari was made by Roop Darshan, Nizar was dressed by Suits on Broadway, and the flowers were by the Flower Factory.


How did you meet?
Nizar and I met in at Auckland University in 2001 through mutual friends who later became our best man and maid of honour.
Tell us about your proposal:
We were on holiday in Queenstown in November 2007 and had decided to drive to Wanaka one day for lunch. Little did I know that on that beautiful sunny day against the backdrop of Lake Wanaka and the mountains that Nizar would ask me to marry him.
Nizar: I had actually told Hema that I wouldn't even consider proposing until we had been going out for 2 years and since the trip to Queenstown was only just over a year into our relationship I was hoping to surprise her. I picked Lake Wanaka because it is so beautiful and I wanted somewhere where we had never been before. We packed a picnic lunch and about midway through the lunch I started getting serious talking about the future and just popped the question right there and then. Hema was very surprised to say the least...and luckily for me she said "yes"! :)
What was the design inspiration for your wedding?
We found an elegant scroll pattern that we used for our invitations this set the scene for the style we wanted. I was also very keen on using silver as a change from gold which is usually used and I have adored shades of lilac and purple for many years.
Describe your wedding flowers:
My mum prepared all of the bridal party flowers which was very special. The main flowers used were white and pink roses. The bridesmaids held round bouquets of white and pink roses with a touch of ivy, while the longer bouquet I carried also included white lilies, white spray carnations, and asparagus fern that was grown in my parent’s garden. The boys all wore white rose button holes with a single ivy leaf and asparagus fern. The flowers at the reception included white roses and white lilies like in my bouquet as well and purple and lilac flowers to compliment the bridal party colours.


Describe your wedding cake:
We had three tiers of chocolate cake, covered in white icing and decorated with a maroon swirl pattern the same as on our invitations.
Favourite detail of the day:
A beautiful silver, pearl and diamante hair pin that I wore. It was lent to me by a friend.
What advise would you give out to someone planning their wedding?
Start preparing early to avoid the stress at the end and get your friends and family to help wherever possible - it takes the pressure off you and they love to be involved.
Were there any special traditions that you included?
We had a separate Hindu ceremony a week before our civil ceremony to respect Hindu traditions for my family. Then at the civil ceremony we recognised Sri Lankan traditions to honour Nizar's family. Firstly, at the venue we had a selection of traditional sweets placed on a small table near the entrance to where our ceremony was held. After we exchanged rings Nizar placed a gold necklace around my neck to welcome me into the family and also during the ceremony we lit a traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp called a Pahana. The Pahana symbolises hope and success and the act of the bride and groom lighting it signifies the start of a bright new future together.
Finally, towards the end of the night after dancing to Sri Lankan Baila music I changed into a red sari for the "going away" ceremony. This is the last part of the reception and is used to show our appreciation for our parents for all their hard work raising us. It was very emotional.
Most memorable moment?
Apart from getting locked in to the Auckland University clock tower while taking photos before the ceremony, my most memorable moment was hearing my heart thumping louder than I have ever heard it before as I reached the altar. There was a very intense "this is it!" feeling that was unexpected and positively overwhelming.
Also....when I had to throw the bouquet to the single girls at the end of the night, I threw it over my shoulder but forgot the low ceiling - and it hit the roof and crashed to the floor in pieces which was a bit embarassing!
What’s next for you as a couple?
We are both very keen to travel overseas. Nizar would love to see the pyramids in Egypt and I would love to visit Spain and Greece.