Shahili is no stranger to Colombo; with her vivacious personality and impeccable style, she is the co-founder of The Design Collective, a multi-brand clothing store showcasing the work of over 50 designers, as well as Creative Director at Gandhara, the sought-after interiors store in Colombo 6.

She divides her time between Colombo, where her businesses operate, and London, where she resides in Chelsea with her lawyer husband, David. Outside of work, Shahili’s twin passions are traveling and HIT––She can be found at a Barry’s Bootcamp studio on most weekends.

Shahili tied the knot in Sri Lanka in 2018 with her nearest and dearest across continents by her side. She opted for an Online Wedding Gift Registry––very similar to Silver Aisle––that was based in London, as she and David were headed back right after the festivities concluded!

She loved her experience with an Online Wedding Gift Registry and graciously agreed to share a few fun deets and BTS...

What made you opt for an online gift registry?

Using an online gift registry was the simplest way to convey to a large number of people what we needed to start our new life together. One of the great benefits is that you can create a range of items to match all budgets. It was a straight forward process from start to finish and I would recommend an online gift registry to everyone. 

An online registry means you can choose from many different vendors all from the comfort of your home. It also means guests can choose something they know will be loved by the couple and something no one else will buy; because once an item is bought it drops off the list so as to avoid duplication.

I was so pleased when Silver Aisle was launched in Colombo so that the platform can promote great vendors in Sri Lanka all while helping newlyweds!

What was the process like for you?

The process was really simple––You literally register and create your account. Then, you create a list of gifts you’d love to receive from a range of vendors who have an amazing selection of products. Finally, you confirm the list and share it with your guests via the invite. After your wedding guests make their respective purchases, the gifts get delivered. So simple!

Totally generalizing here, but men are typically not fellow shopping junkies; what was it like collaborating on the registry with your now hubby?

David actually loves shopping in general! So this was a really fun thing to do together. In fact, it was one of the parts of the wedding process he was most involved with. He also loves home interiors and we have similar taste so it was not a difficult process agreeing on items for our registry.

What were your 3 favourite items from the registry?

We use most of our gifts on a daily basis; nothing is kept for special occasions. It's hard to pick just three items! Off the top of my head, I would say: (1) the Dyson vacuum cleaner which is not sexy but it is very useful, (2) the set of 20 dinner plates which come in very handy when we have dinner parties, and (3) the very generous gift of holiday vouchers for a much needed weekend away after the wedding. 

Who wouldn't want one?

What was the quirkiest item on your registry?

A Magimix Food Processor - I Know! I thought I was going to become a domestic goddess straight away but actually it has taken a while. I had no choice during the lockdown. This is truly a magical gift!

How did your guest react to the registry?

They totally loved it! Since we are based in London it was perfect for guests from Sri Lanka to get something that would be delivered directly to our home. It's nice to use these items on a daily basis and think of all of the lovely friends and family who were so thoughtful and generous.  

In hindsight, what were your favourite things about using an online gift registry? any dislikes?

(1) We knew we would like and use and cherish all the gifts without any awkward returns, (2) it was a centralized process with an online portal we could access and review, and (3) it was such an exciting day when all the gifts finally arrived!!