The Rocks & Walsh Bay Engagement Session: Ben & Manasi

Ben and Manasi have been planning their Sydney wedding long distance from two different cities. In fact, they’re no strangers to long distance, because for some time now Ben has been living in Melbourne and Manasi has been living in Brisbane. When we first met them, we were surprised to learn that they both think they’re “totally boring”, as Manasi put it, and also that they’re non-photogenic. But as I’m sure you can already see, neither is true. Ben and Manasi have the cutest story and it’s certainly not boring. Since neither of them live in Sydney currently, we decided to head down to an iconic area of Sydney—the Rocks—for their pre-wedding portraits while they were in town.

For three whole years Ben and Manasi’s friends tried to get them to meet, but seeing as they lived in different cities, the nagging fell on deaf ears. But eventually they obliged their friends, and got in touch. The chat went well and so they made plans to meet the next time they found themselves in Sydney together.  I imagine their friends must have given each other high fives at this point (and there might have been a few I-told-you-so’s mentioned here and there). They hit it off and not long after, Manasi began plans to move to Sydney. That was, until a wrench was thrown into the works when Ben was offered a great job in Melbourne. Manasi encouraged Ben to take the opportunity, and so they continued their relationship long-distance. They’ve been planning their Sydney wedding from afar too, and we can totally sympathise. But we know it’s going to be amazing—Ben and Manasi’s families are both from Sri Lanka, and we are super excited to experience their big, two-day Sri Lankan wedding this April!

I love all these photos that we grabbed in the narrow space of Nurses’ Walk.

Non-photogenic? Hah, these two are totally adorable! You can’t tell at all in these photos but Manasi was a bit ill on the day we did this shoot. Um… I sure wish I looked this good when I’m sick!

Looking gorgeous, Manasi!

These two were up for anything we suggested. Sit on the ground? Why not. And it was worth it−I love this set of photos!

I am crazy in love with Manasi’s engagement ring. Her emerald cut diamond is to die for! Excellent choice, Ben!

Another one of our favourite shots!

For the last part of our session, Ben and Manasi wanted to change into their traditional Sri Lankan outfits. I absolutely love the sparkle and colour of saris!

Their outfits looked absolutely beautiful in the setting sun.

We couldn’t resist taking another panoramic shot with the beautiful view. Click below to zoom in.

After their wedding this year, Ben and Manasi will finally get to call the long-distance thing quits. They seem super compatible and we couldn’t be more delighted for them! Ben and Manasi, we had such a fun afternoon with you and we can’t wait for your wedding!