Guernsey-Sri Lankan Wedding Blends Cultures, Featured in Hello! Magazine
Thelanki Wimalaratne and Matthew Ashton celebrated their wedding in London with a blend of Sri Lankan and Guernsey traditions, featuring a report by Sri Lankan Hello! magazine. The festivities included a registry ceremony and vibrant evening celebrations, culminating in a further celebration planned in Guernsey. The couple shares a unique love story rooted in cultural heritage and tradition.
The marriage of Thelanki Wimalaratne, of Sri Lankan heritage, and Guernseyman Matthew Ashton symbolized a harmonious fusion of both cultures, celebrated in two London venues and soon to be featured in Sri Lankan Hello! magazine. The couple’s journey commenced with an intimate registry ceremony at Fitzrovia Chapel, which was followed by a grand celebration at the Natural History Museum beneath a majestic suspended whale.
The evening’s festivities commenced with a Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition that showcased vibrant dancers and drummers. The renowned Sensation Band also contributed to the evening’s lively atmosphere, performing alongside Dhol drummers, well known for their appearances at high-profile events. Following his relocation from Guernsey in 2021 for a position at the Cabinet Office, Mr. Ashton met his fiancée shortly thereafter.
Mr. Ashton recounted, “I first saw her while she was out walking her small Shih Tzu, Toby, and stopped to say hi, and that was the start of everything.” Toby, the couple’s pet, served as the ringbearer adorned in a tuxedo that matched the groomsmen’s attire.
Mrs. Ashton hails from a prominent Sri Lankan family, prompting Sri Lankan Hello! magazine to reach out for a feature upon learning of their wedding. The celebrations included elements from both cultures, such as attendees embracing Sri Lankan attire—women donned sarees while men wore suits. The color palette of white, red, and yellow was inspired by the Guernsey flag.
Mrs. Ashton elaborated on the traditions, saying, “We had a traditional Sri Lankan Poruwa ceremony, which included Sri Lankan Kandyan dancers and drummers performing during the ceremony. They led the procession as the groom entered with his parents first, then the bride with hers last.”
The couple has plans for a homecoming celebration in Guernsey in June at the OGH, marking the Sri Lankan tradition where the groom’s family formally welcomes the bride to their household, representing her transition into married life. The couple currently resides in London but frequently visits Guernsey to maintain close ties with family and friends.
The wedding of Thelanki Wimalaratne and Matthew Ashton exemplified a beautiful melding of Guernsey and Sri Lankan traditions, marked by personal touches and cultural significance. With celebrations continuing in Guernsey, the couple is set to further honor both heritages while their story gains recognition in Sri Lankan Hello! magazine. Ultimately, their journey showcases the rich tapestry of cultural integration and familial bonds.
Original Source: guernseypress.com
