Brides and grooms have their day

By Sinali Ranwala

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Nayana Karunaratne’s bride. Pix by Sameera Weerasekera

The Designer Wedding Show 2017 held on November 28 at the Shangri – La hotel’s Grand Ballroom Colombo was an amazingly luxe event with the lavish collections on the ramp coupled with carefully chosen songs from popular duo Rohan and Ishan De Lanerolle.

The event marked the 30th issue of the Bride and Groom Magazine.

The guests were welcomed by Aslam Hussein and Ramani Fernando’s outfits and hair design for a Bond-themed dance performance with the dancers in top hats and shorts.

The De Lanerolle brothers took the lead, setting the stage on fire with Elvis Presley’s ‘Burning Love’-the first time such a live performance accompanied a Wedding Show.

The Aslam Hussein Collection saw shimmering white satin v- necked dresses with stripes and dramatic dresses with ruffled-strapless bodice and a long embellished train. Simple tulip brocades and an unconventional updo made of fabric tulips caught the eye.

The Yoland Collection wowed as usual. It had something of Grecian charm combined with coloured headdresses, butterfly and flower patterned drapes.

Flowery embellishments on satin and lace sarees, featured in Dr. Premasiri Hewawasam’s wedding hair inspirations. His bridal outfits done together with Shashi Kumar featured a crimson Indian style saree in lace with puffed sleeves, and an illusion neckline.

Michael Wijesuriya’s collection, choreographed by Lou Ching Wong with their romantic couple themed number had the crowd enrapt. The first couple in Kandyan Bridal and Nilame attire, were followed by the Indian grooms in pearl white, embellished with studs (the fabric provided by Sarita Textorium).

The De Lanerolle Brothers took the stage again, this time singing an aria to Cheryl Goonerathne’s avant- garde presentation, mermaid waists in chiffon and heavy satin, floor length gowns done by Michael Wijesuriya.

From Cheryl Goonerathne’s avant- garde presentation

Amidst bera sounds from the Kandyan hills the designs of Dhananjaya Bandara were showcased. Also, in the collection was an exquisite silver appliqued Gujarati dress, that would make a bride feel like walking on a cloud. The jewellery provided by Gitano Collection was simple yet elegant.

Sarita Textorium, a co – sponsor presented its Bride and Groom wear with an Indian ethnic touch .

With the theme of Beauty and the Beast, Ramzi Rahaman’s collection featured simple satin, with eye catching designs.

Pubudu Jayarathne of PVS Jayarathne featured traditional Mul Adum for grooms in all their royal splendor, to the De Lanerolle brothers singing ‘Master Sir’.

Taking the stage were two little bridesmaids, bedecked in rosy hues in Thusitha Athugala’s collection. Sumudu Wasantha’s collection was rosy hued with silver appliqued flowers, for that special touch, with hair, outfit and bouquets all done by Sumudu himself.

Romesh Atapattu’s collection could have been inspired by a forest in autumn with golden hued ball gowns – embellished with leaves while Charith Wijesekara’s collection was an elegant affair with gold and white A – line dresses that seemed to float on stage.

Amante’s newest bridal lingerie collection was also in the evening’s lineup.

Hair and beauty expert Lou Ching Wong was presented with a lifetime achievement award for his contributions. He presented a tribal themed number as his own design, complete with dramatic headdresses.

The ‘Glow’ skin care brand also presented its own collection, resplendent with purple pallus and butterfly headdresses.

Bride and Groom magazine also unveiled its newest addition, the New Homes Magazine at the show.