New Delhi [India], April 24: DWP Privé, the limited edition of one of the most globally distinguished B2B wedding platforms curated by QnA International, came to a successful close after three days of engaging conversations, cultural exchange, and industry-defining dialogue. Held at the iconic Cinnamon Life, City of Dreams, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, this edition brought together some of the finest minds in luxury weddings, design, planning, and hospitality from across continents.
Speaking of the extravaganza on behalf of the host hotel partner, Sanjiv Hulugalle, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Colombo, Sri Lanka, shared a bold vision — reimagining Colombo as a global luxury wedding destination, highlighting how storytelling, innovation, and powerful partnerships are key to transforming perceptions and placing Colombo firmly on the world stage.
Commenting on the huge role Cinnamon contributed, Lisa Mendis, Director of Events, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka, shares, “I think for us it’s a first time, and it’s been phenomenal. We have met so many lovely people, a lot of planners and vendors, and all industry people related to weddings. It has been an amazing experience. So, as a host hotel, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Sri Lanka, I think it gave us an exposure, put ourselves in the map of international market giving us that opportunity where we can tell people our story and also take their story to us and kind of create a nice marriage between the two. It has given us that opportunity, and a room for more business collaborations.”
The event combined business with experience, from high-level dialogues to unforgettable gala evenings, and cultural performances that celebrated Sri Lanka’s gracious welcoming and stunning culture. It opened with an introductory cocktail night, where delegates connected over curated experiences and meaningful introductions. Day 2 unfolded with keynote conversations, masterclasses, and deep dives into creativity, storytelling, and the evolving landscape of weddings. Top designers opened up the day, holding conversations that deeply reflected on the event and design space. Preston Bailey, globally renowned floral and event designer, reflected, “One advice I’d give anyone entering this space is to create your own story. Don’t copy, especially if you want to be in the luxury space, where uniqueness is everything. Indian weddings are setting global benchmarks, and they’re rooted in detail, warmth, and structure. Even the most intimate Indian wedding feels elaborate, and that’s what makes it extraordinary. DWP has created a rare space that honours this global exchange, and I’ve felt like royalty here.”
Adding to the design perspective, Sumant Jayakrishnan remarked, “At the heart of any good design is a story. Whether I’m working with florals, set pieces, or spaces, I always ask, ‘What narrative am I building?’ Technology and trends can be exciting tools, but they should never replace intention. True design doesn’t come from spectacle; it comes from meaning. And that’s what makes platforms like DWP so essential. They bring together diverse voices, cultures, and sensibilities, reminding us that while our languages may differ, emotion is universal. That shared connection is what takes creativity beyond aesthetics. Whether it’s 3D mapping or a floral skull sculpture, it has to serve the story. That’s what young designers need to remember: we’re storytellers first. DWP has become a beautiful meeting ground for these stories to collide, inspire, and evolve.”
Day 2 also featured masterclasses by esteemed voices, including Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Aarti Manocha and Nadia Duran, who each brought regional insights and global learnings to the fore and a fabulous mind blowing experience by the renowned mentalist and hynotist, Juliet Arndt that left the audience with the important faith of manifestation and power of positive thinking.. Commenting on the same, Tapiwa Mukoti, Managing Director, RSVP Events, Africa, shares, “A refreshing experience with a vibrant new lineup of delegates, bringing fresh perspectives to the event. The well-curated topics, insightful speakers, and high-quality presentations made it a standout gathering.” The day closed with a gala dinner, followed by a cultural performance and live music that celebrated the essence of Sri Lankan artistry. The afterparty saw OneEmpire light up the evening, offering a powerful close to an inspired day.
Day 3 opened with sharp and impactful perspectives from industry leaders such as Elizabeth Solaru, Aime Bone, Kathy Wang, Hemant Dadlani, Emma Pope, Mahesh Shirodkar, Rhiannon Downie-Hurst, and Costanza Giaconi, each bringing a distinct regional lens to a global table. The finale day closed with Innovation Pod discussions, with several speakers like Cyrielle Mohara, Bryan Tachie-Menson, P. Taufiq, and Rani Moriani initiating scintillating conversations. One in particular as the Innovation Pod speaker was Devika Narain, one of India’s most influential planners, sparked critical discussion around sustainability in weddings, stressing that “Sustainability doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s about awareness, education, and finding beautiful alternatives that reflect values like avoiding single-use plastics or supporting local artisans. It’s not a perfect path, but it’s one worth choosing.”
DWP Sri Lanka Edition has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the attendees across the world. Acting as a huge platform for veterans around the world to connect and understand the nuances of this industry, it has laid the foundation for the coming years. Alluding to the success and contributions that transpired at this event, Digvijay Singh, Director of Sales & Marketing, Alila Fort Bishangarh, shares:
“DWP Privé overall has been fabulous, it’s been great to interact with stalwarts of the industry who are into high-end weddings, and the meetings have been really fruitful. We are almost discussing closures at this point in time.” While Pervez Taufiq, Founder, P. Taufiq Photography, USA, commented, “I feel like this allowed us a more intimate kind of look at people and be able to get to know so many people. It gave us an opportunity to create collaborations and partnerships that, in my opinion, are going to create some amazing, amazing work out of this.” Also commenting on the format and structure of the edition, Guadalupe Alvarez, Director, Penzi Weddings, Mexico, shares, “Love the new format and loved getting to know colleagues from all over the world, it was insane!”
DWP Privé Sri Lankan chapter proved to be truly remarkable in the DWP legacy. As relationships grow and ideas continue to unfold, this edition stands as a shining reminder that the future of weddings is as much about stories and not just stages.
Reflecting on the success of the edition, Sidh NC, Director, QnA International, shared: “There’s nothing quite like DWP Privé. It’s intimate yet global, deeply insightful yet warm in spirit. This edition in Sri Lanka reminded us why we do what we do, be it the energy, the exchange, or the powerful conversations that inspire real change. Bringing the best of the best under one roof was no small feat, and the three days turned out to be intellectually rewarding. We’re proud to carry this forward, and this is only the beginning. Looking forward to the Jordan event commencing later this year.”
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