Cultural Fusion Wedding of Guernsey and Sri Lanka to Be Featured in Hello!
The wedding of Thelanki Wimalaratne and Matthew Ashton showcased a blend of Guernsey and Sri Lankan cultures, highlighted in Sri Lankan Hello! magazine. The event featured a registry ceremony in Fitzrovia and a celebration at the Natural History Museum, including traditional performances and a planned homecoming event in Guernsey. The ceremony not only honored the couple’s heritage but also marked their life journey post-marriage, combining elements from both cultures seamlessly.
A recent wedding celebrated the cultural fusion of Guernsey and Sri Lanka, featured in Sri Lankan Hello! magazine. The union of Thelanki Wimalaratne and Matthew Ashton began with a personal registry ceremony at Fitzrovia Chapel, followed by a celebration at the Natural History Museum under a suspended whale.
Evening festivities commenced with a traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist ceremony, showcasing dancers and drummers. This was accompanied by performances from Dhol drummers and the renowned Sensation Band, known for its appearances at celebrity events.
Matthew Ashton moved from Guernsey to London in 2021 for a job at the Cabinet Office and met Thelanki shortly thereafter, who had recently relocated for a position in property development. Their first meeting took place during a walk with her Shih Tzu, Toby, who served as the ringbearer, dressed in a tuxedo.
Mrs. Ashton’s family is prominent in Sri Lankan society, leading Hello! magazine to reach out for a feature on the wedding. The event was a harmonious blend of both cultures, with Mr. Ashton’s family wearing traditional attire including sarees and suits. The color scheme echoed the Guernsey flag in white, red, and yellow.
A traditional Sri Lankan Poruwa ceremony took place, marked by Kandyan dancers and drummers leading the groom’s procession with his parents, followed by the bride’s entrance with her parents. The celebration will extend to Guernsey in June with a homecoming event at the OGH, representing a traditional Sri Lankan welcome into the groom’s family.
Although currently based in London, the couple frequently visits Guernsey to maintain connections with friends and family, continuing to celebrate their cultural heritage.
The wedding of Thelanki Wimalaratne and Matthew Ashton exemplified a successful blend of Guernsey and Sri Lankan cultures. With features in Sri Lankan Hello! magazine, the couple’s celebrations began at iconic London venues. The integration of traditional elements such as the Poruwa ceremony, attire reflecting cultural heritage, and a future homecoming event in Guernsey highlights the importance of familial and cultural identities in their union.
Original Source: guernseypress.com
