Bluebell BrideCast Shenali’s Journey: From Salon Manager to Bride

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After nearly a decade helping brides find the dress at Bluebell Bridal, Shenali is stepping into the spotlight—this time as a bride herself. We sat down with her for a heartfelt, funny, and refreshingly honest conversation about her engagement, planning a destination wedding, and what it’s like to finally be on the other side of the fitting room.

Q: You’ve been with Bluebell Bridal for almost ten years. Now you’re a bride! How does it feel?

It honestly feels surreal. Everyone keeps asking, “Do you feel like a bride?” and the answer is… not really. It hasn’t fully registered. It’s weird seeing myself as the bride after spending so long helping others get to that moment.

Q: And you’re also the first from your team to get married, right?

Yes! I’m the guinea pig.

Q: Tell us about how you and Andy met.

We met in 2019 at Lupa, a wine bar in Melbourne. He was late—like 20 minutes late—but he called and sent over a drink with a message: “Have this while you wait.” It was so thoughtful that I decided to stay. Thank god I did.

Q: When did you realize he was “the one”?

Not right away, actually. Things started casual. He was moving to New Zealand for work, and we figured we’d just keep in touch. But then COVID happened, and suddenly we were doing long distance without planning to. When he surprised me by coming back in late 2020, that was the moment I knew. I saw him, and it just hit me—he’s it.

Q: And then came the proposal…

Yes! In August 2023, during my 30th birthday trip to Italy. Andy had planned this romantic boat proposal, but nothing went to plan. The weather was wild, I got seasick, we couldn’t anchor the boat properly, and at one point, I even left my bathers in the car. Total chaos. But somehow, in the middle of all that, he found the perfect 15 minutes to propose. It was so us—messy, imperfect, but magical.

Q: Did you see it coming?

Not at all. I was so oblivious. He handed me a little bottle with a note inside. I read the message, thought it was sweet, and didn’t even notice he was holding the ring. He had to literally say, “Shenali, will you marry me?” for me to catch on!

Q: Now you’re planning a wedding in Sri Lanka. How did you pick the destination?

We had three main options—Scotland (where Andy’s from), Australia, or somewhere in between. We even considered Italy since we got engaged there. But Sri Lanka felt right. It’s where my family is from, and it felt like a meaningful middle ground. His family has never been, so it’ll be an adventure for them too.

Q: What’s the venue like?

It’s a beautiful indoor space near the beach. I always thought I’d do an outdoor wedding, but the tropical weather is unpredictable. Andy will be wearing a traditional Scottish kilt, so we needed something climate-friendly too!

Q: Are you working with a planner?

Absolutely. That was one of the first things I decided on. I wanted to be fully present on the day—and I didn’t want my family stressing either. Having someone on the ground in Sri Lanka is a game-changer. I’d recommend it to anyone doing a destination wedding.

Q: What’s it been like planning a wedding while working in bridal?

It’s definitely helped me understand our brides even more. Dress shopping is one part, but there’s so much else—emails, logistics, venue stress. I’ve always tried to be empathetic, but now I really get it.

Q: Speaking of dresses… what are you thinking for your own look?

I’ll be wearing two outfits: a traditional white Sri Lankan saree for the ceremony, and then changing into a more modern wedding dress for the reception. I might even do a third change for the after-party!

Q: How will you approach dress shopping?

Even though I work in this space, I’ve never imagined myself in the dresses. So I’m planning two separate sessions. The first will be intimate—just me and my family. I want time to take it all in. The second will be with my bridal party so they can see the front-runners.

Q: Any style preferences so far?

I love A-line shapes. Comfort is big for me. I also like textured fabrics that travel well and don’t crease—very important for a destination wedding. I’ve been eyeing the new gowns from Floral Studio too. They’ve got a lightness to them that I love.

Q: Are you open to input from your family and bridal party?

Yes, but I want it to feel like me. My mum loves sparkle and glam, I’m more minimalist. I’ll definitely try to meet halfway—but if I love something and feel amazing in it, that’s what matters most.

Q: Any tips for brides planning a destination wedding?

• Visit the venue if you can.
• If not, get videos—not just photos.
• Use WhatsApp or video calls to stay connected.
• Have a planner on-site. They’re your eyes and ears.
• And plan early. Especially if guests are flying in—it gives everyone time to prepare.

Q: Final thoughts as you go from stylist to bride?

It’s still sinking in. But being on this side of the journey has made me appreciate our brides even more. There’s so much emotion and excitement tied into a wedding dress. I’ve seen it a thousand times—and now, I get to live it.

Shenali will be tying the knot in January 2026 in Sri Lanka, and we can’t wait to follow her wedding journey. Stay tuned for Part Two