Where Love Blossomed: A Sri Lankan Wedding Celebration at Roselands
What happens when a care home becomes the setting for something rarely seen within its walls, a wedding?
What unfolds is not just a ceremony, but a powerful reminder that love knows no boundaries, no timelines and no limits on where it chooses to bloom. And last week, at Roselands Care Home in the quaint village of Brede near Rye, love took centre stage in the most breathtaking way.
A Love Story That Crossed Oceans
Seventeen years ago, in the warmth of their Sri Lankan hometown, Apeksha and Inosh met as teenagers in high school. What began as a gentle friendship soon blossomed into a love that withstood time, distance and continents.
From shared classroom laughter to grown-up dreams, their bond only deepened over the years.
Their love didn’t just grow, it sailed.
From the shores of Sri Lanka to the landscapes of the UK.
From youthful promises to a heartfelt wedding surrounded by the Roselands family.
A Wedding Unlike Any Other
Roselands is known for its warmth, support and strong sense of community, but this was something truly magical.
For the first time, our home transformed into a vibrant wedding venue, honouring Apeksha, a beloved team member, with a celebration filled with culture, colour and connection.
Under the loving leadership of Home Manager Adriana Porime and with contributions from every member of the Roselands team, the event unfolded with grace and joy. At the heart of the celebration was a traditional Sri Lankan Poruwa ceremony, rich in heritage and symbolism:
- The offering of betel leaves
- The tying of the couple’s fingers with golden thread
- The lighting of the oil lamp, symbolising unity, hope and an eternal flame of love
The space came alive with ceremonial chanting, traditional attire and the beat of authentic Sri Lankan drumming — bringing the spirit of South Asia to the heart of East Sussex.
Food, Music and Moments to Remember
The celebration wasn’t just visual and emotional, it was flavourful too.
Guests were treated to a spread of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, lovingly prepared and served with pride. From aromatic curries to sweet treats, every dish added warmth to the celebration.
As the ceremony gave way to festivities, the sounds of Sri Lankan songs, live music and cultural dance performances filled the room. It wasn’t just a wedding, it was a celebration of heritage, identity and pure joy.
A Community Celebration
This wasn’t a quiet affair, it was a moment shared by all.
- Roselands residents looked on with joy, many touched by the beauty and meaning of the ceremony.
- Families of residents, sons, daughters and grandchildren, joined in with heartfelt support.
- Staff members and their families came dressed for the occasion, bringing warmth and cheer.
- Local villagers stopped by to witness the rare, beautiful celebration.
- And in a moving display of unity, Eleanor Healthcare Group CEO Marc Santhi, alongside senior colleagues, attended in person to show their support for both the couple and the culture of togetherness we cherish at Roselands.
More Than a Care Home
At Roselands, we do more than provide care, we nurture joy.
We honour traditions.
We embrace moments that matter.
From birthdays and cultural festivals to milestones like this, Roselands is a place where life is not only lived, it’s celebrated. This wedding wasn’t just about two people in love; it was about what happens when a workplace becomes a second family, where every story is respected and every joy is shared.
