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Neesha Siriwardane & Gauge Means

By guruscottyAugust 14, 2021August 15th, 2021No Comments

Neesha Siriwardane
& Gauge Means

AR Photography

April 10, 2021 / BRIK Venue, Fort Worth

NEESHA AND GAUGE began their love story as undergraduates at Louisiana Tech University. Five short years later, Gauge asked Neesha to marry him at Emory Peak during an unforgettable hike at Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas.

PLANNING DURING A PANDEMIC

Neesha and Gauge chose a wedding date a year and a half out from their engagement so that they would have plenty of time to plan. Luckily, their big day landed after the worst of the pandemic, so they were able to dodge some COVID-19 restrictions. However, they still wanted to optimize safety for their guests, so they made the decision to limit the guest list and encouraged everyone to get vaccinated before the wedding.

THE INSPIRATION

Neesha wanted their wedding to be “a little funky, yet fresh” and to showcase her cultural connection to Sri Lanka. She didn’t know where to begin, but her wedding planner KC Cloud was able to take that vision and bring it to life. Using elements that were authentic to the couple, KC created a ceremony with both traditional Sri Lankan and modern American components.

HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED

The industrial aura of Fort Worth’s Historic Southside district, where Gauge works, inspired their venue choice. The BRIK, a revitalized textile building, had the exact atmosphere they wanted.

Neesha wanted flowers to be the most sensational part of her décor, so she incorporated vibrant pinks, oranges and yellows into her bouquet and arrangements. Orchids were also included because they are a common flower in Sri Lanka.

Gauge’s father built the traditional Sri Lankan stage where the couple said their vows, which is meant to symbolize the bride and groom entering in as separate parties and leaving as one. During a traditional Sri Lankan ceremony, the parents escort both the bride and groom, with the family following behind. For ceremony music, Neesha and Gauge incorporated traditional Sri Lankan drums—they tried to keep the ceremony as traditional as possible.

Neesha always wanted to wear a sari on her big day. She and her mom were going to travel to Sri Lanka to find the perfect one, but the pandemic altered their plans. Neesha wound up getting a custom sari from designer Elizabeth Leese. She was able to turn Neesha’s dreams into a reality by capturing the essence of a sari while including Western wedding dress elements.

Gauge wore a custom fitted navy tux from SuitSupply in Dallas.

Their cake was simple and tied in the baby’s breath from their décor.

It was a colorfu, dreamy day filled with so much love and meaningful traditions.

Wedding Vendors We Love

Venue: BRIK Venue, Fort Worth; Wedding planner: KC Cloud, Fort Worth

More Vendors

Photography: AR Photography, Dallas; Flowers: Kate McLeod Studio, Dallas; Furniture rentals: May I Serve U, Haltom City; Lighting: Howse Lighting and Production, Monroe, Louisiana; Cake: Loft22 Cakes, Fort Worth; Caterer: Babe’s Chicken Dinner House, Frisco; Drink service: Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods, DFW; DJ: DJ D Smooth, Dallas; Wedding dress: Elizabeth Leese Bridal, Addison; Groom/groomsmen attire: SuitSupply, Dallas; Hair & makeup: BA Beauty, Fort Worth; Jeweler: Brilliant Earth; Invitations: Minted