A Hinge match, a fairytale venue, and a celebration bursting with colour. Ratha an Rath tied the knot at Hylands Estate on 23 August 2025, and what a day it was.
From a serene outdoor ceremony to a high-energy reception with choreographed dance routines, their wedding was every bit as joyful and vibrant as the couple themselves.
How it all began
Like many modern love stories, theirs started on a dating app. “10th September 2022 was our first date at a cute pub under the railway at Waterloo — a Hinge success story!” they shared. It didn’t take long for them to realise this was something special.
Choosing the date
The couple knew they wanted to marry close to their first-date anniversary. “We wanted to get as close to 10th September as possible, and a weekend so our loved ones could attend without having to use leave,” they explained. With Hylands already booked for early September, they opted for 23 August — a date that turned out to be serendipitous. “It was perfect weather, and it was also auspicious according to our Hindu star and birth charts. We chose 2025 because, why wait?!”
Falling for Hylands
When it came to the venue, Hylands ticked every box. “It was right for our budget, gave us exclusive use for the day, and looked breath-taking and regal when we came to visit. Such a stunning and staggering venue!” The wow-factor continued on the day itself. “Our guests were taken aback as they drove up. We’ve had so many comments on how beautiful the house was.”
For their Sri Lankan Tamil wedding, Hylands also offered something essential — the space to host their loved ones. “The maximum capacity of 300 was a selling point, as it meant we could keep our wedding ‘small’ — usually they’re between 300–400 guests!”
A vibrant day to remember
The day itself was filled with meaningful moments, laughter, and plenty of dancing. The outdoor civil ceremony was a highlight, being “peaceful and wholesome”. The reception, meanwhile, was all about fun: colourful sunflower and mystical fairy garden-inspired décor, heartfelt speeches, and high-energy performances from friends and family.
One particularly memorable moment? A slightly too-snug Etsy suit that led to an unplanned (and very public) wardrobe malfunction. “There ended up being some questionable-looking help from another bridesman in front of a lorry. Grace knows!”
The performances, however, stole the show. With Rath’s dance crew friends in attendance, the couple kicked off the evening with a medley that everyone loved.
Their advice to future couples
Planning a wedding with three parts — civil, Hindu, and reception — is no small feat. Their advice? “Have a moment to yourselves, especially if it’s a three-part day like ours. We ate lunch together privately away from everyone, and it helped us get through the rest of the day by grounding us.” They also recommend hiring a coordinator. “Shai was amazing!”
A few favourites
When asked to share three things they loved about their day, they couldn’t stop at just three:
- “Reading our own vows in nature — what a gift!”
- “The wedding collages and photo seating plan — best reception foyer ever thanks to Kim Gill!”
- “The dance routines, speeches, and dancing at the reception.”
“It’s hard to narrow it down, because the whole day was magic!”
A heartfelt thank you
In the days after the wedding, the couple sent a note to the Hylands team:
“We really don’t know how to thank you all and the entire Hylands team for helping us have THE BEST day! We really don’t know how you all had the energy for the three events, but it all went seamlessly and that’s due to how positive and professional you all are. It was literally the most magical day and we felt all the love, especially coming from all of you!”
From the colourful décor to the laughter-filled dance floor, Ratha and Rath’s wedding was a true celebration of love, family, and joy. And as their photos show, it was every bit as vibrant as they had hoped.