Couple brings taste of Britain to Sydney summer garden party wedding

Aussie expats Leisha and Joe married at their summer garden party in Jaspers Berry, NSW, on December 23, 2017.

Because Leisha is Sri Lankan-Australian and Joe is a Queenslander “with a bit of Italian”, they wanted to celebrate the fusion of their mixed heritage – as well as London where they currently reside. “We had a Sri Lankan Buddhist slash English colonial garden party theme with lots of food including woodfired pizzas,” explains the 33-year-old bride of her wedding to her 37-year-old groom.

“We thought it would be a nightmare planning a wedding in Sydney from London but it was surprisingly easy,” describes Leisha. Their Sri Lankan Buddhist Poruwa ceremony, including rituals like tying the pinky finger and breaking a flaming coconut, was followed by drinks and canapes in the grounds of Jaspers Berry. “We had a vintage van and ‘pimp your prosecco’ stand serving Aperol Spritz, rosé , prosecco and slushies as guests played with the giant Jenga, quoits and a life-size marble chess-set.”

“Afterwards, guests moved to The Orangery for a sit-down meal, a few speeches, the vintage Gatsby chocolate dessert table, espresso martinis and a live band,” recalls the bride.

Photos courtesy of Hilary Cam Photography.

“She pre-pleated and pre-sewed the bridal saree so that all I had to do was zip it up like any other dress,” Leisha says of her dress designer.

Tying the ‘pinky’ finger of the bride and groom together symbolises the union.

“Our wedding theme was English summer garden party with a Sri Lankan-colonial flavour,” explains the bride.

International bride Leisha had a second wedding gown; a Zuhair Murad design purchased in Amsterdam.

The couple enlisted the popular Baker Boys Band to entertain their 145 guests.

“We love everything about our photographers from the pre-wedding catch-up over wine and nibbles in inner Sydney, to the day and their superb ability to capture everything so discreetly,” praises Leisha of Hilary Cam Photography.