Ranjana and Harri’s Tropical Themed Wedding with Two Ceremonies and a Tortoise Ring Bearer by Kevin Belson 

I have a real treat for you today with this beautiful tropical themed wedding courtesy of Kevin Belson. Ranjana and Harri were married at the stunning Matara Centre in Gloucestershire, as they wanted a venue that allowed them to get married outside, as well as hosting their own gathering after the legal ceremony with more personal vows. They chose a strong and bright tropical theme with amazing colours that really pop against the ornamental gardens. I just love the vibrant colours and patterns in this wedding and I just know you will too.

Ranjana and Harri were married on 11^th May 2018 at The Matara Centre, Kingscote Park, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Harri and Ranjana wanted a venue with an outdoor component. They had previously travelled to Japan and loved the ornamental gardens there and are also huge fans of all things botanical. When they heard about a Japanese garden venue in England in which you can get married they knew they had to check it out. The moment they saw the bamboo and Japanese maples they were sold. They had approximately 130 guests.

How did you choose your photographer? 
Kevin and Carol were brilliant! We hardly even noticed they were there during the day which made seeing the final pictures all the more impressive. We couldn’t be happier with their service and the photos are perfect. The mix of documentary style and posed shots were ideal and they made us feel completely at ease. Couldn’t recommend them more highly.

The dress
Ranjana wore a gold Sari from India for the ceremony and a tropical dress in the evening

The suit
The grooms suit was by Harry Brown and the groom and groomsmen wore tropical ties to match in with the theme.

Theme or colour scheme?
The theme was tropical with bright colours, greens, oranges and pinks, Harri & Ranj’s pet tortoise Ravitoto was the ring bearer.  He was carried on a cushion with a little backpack made out of a tea-light holder sprayed gold and tied to him with ribbon – the rings were placed inside it.

Flowers
Tropical flowers which the couple did themselves.

Decoration
Bright colours with animal themed tables for the reception. The couple also did the decorations themselves.

Food
During the drinks reception they had Kottu Rotting – which is a kind of Sri Lankan street food and for the wedding breakfast they had rice and curries.

Wedding cake
Was made by Harri’s sister Durga – decorated with dinosaurs just because Harri likes them!

Who supplied the stationery? 
Harri and Ranj did it themselves.

Personal touches
During the meal guests were asked to make paper boats then they were floated on the pond with tea lights in them.

Special moments
After the ceremony there was a further gathering with more personal vows in the woodland area. Harri’s sister Durga was the celebrant.

Advice for other couples? 
Try and do as much stuff yourself. We ended up doing all the decorations, including the flowers, as well as the invitations ourselves. Although this was a bit of work it was really fun doing it together as a couple and made the day even more special. It also saves a lot in costs – money that you can spend on other important things like booze.

Supplier Shout Outs 

• Photographer: Kevin Belson 
• Venue: Matara Centre
• Caterers: Sri L Catering 
• Hair: Suzanne Hale 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON KEVIN’S WORK GO TO:

kevinbelson.com / [email protected] / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / PINTEREST / TWITTER

We are a team who shoot beautiful wedding photography for couples that are looking for a photojournalist approach and would also like some some cool, contemporary & creative portraits. We call it Creative Photojournalism.