Guernsey-Sri Lankan Wedding Celebrates Cultural Fusion

The wedding of Thelanki Wimalaratne and Matthew Ashton, blending Guernsey and Sri Lankan cultures, will be featured in Sri Lankan Hello! magazine. The event included a registry ceremony, a vibrant cultural celebration, and will continue with a homecoming in Guernsey, highlighting both families’ traditions.

A recent wedding that seamlessly blended Guernsey and Sri Lankan cultures is set to be featured in Sri Lankan Hello! magazine. The marriage of Thelanki Wimalaratne, of Sri Lankan heritage, and Matthew Ashton from Guernsey commenced with an intimate registry ceremony at Fitzrovia Chapel, followed by a celebration at the Natural History Museum beneath a stunning giant whale.
Evening festivities kicked off with a traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist ceremony, featuring vibrant dancers and drummers. This was complemented by performances from the renowned Sensation Band alongside Dhol drummers, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Mr. Ashton relocated from Guernsey in 2021 for a position at the Cabinet Office and met Ms. Wimalaratne shortly thereafter after she moved to London for a career in property development.
Mr. Ashton recalled, “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 not only played a significant role by serving as the ringbearer but also wore a tuxedo that resembled the groomsmen’s outfits.
The couple’s wedding harmoniously blended traditions, with Mr. Ashton’s family embracing Sri Lankan customs and wearing sarees and suits. The color scheme of white, red, and yellow was inspired by the Guernsey flag. Mrs. Ashton remarked, “We had a traditional Sri Lankan Poruwa ceremony, which included Sri Lankan Kandyan dancers and drummers performing during the ceremony.” The couple’s wedding will continue with a homecoming celebration in Guernsey planned for June at the OGH.
Mrs. Ashton shared that the homecoming is a traditional Sri Lankan post-wedding ceremony where the groom’s family officially welcomes the bride, marking her transition into married life, stating, “We will be doing this in a setting that reflects Guernsey’s traditions.” Although they reside in London, the couple often travels back to Guernsey to connect with family and friends.

In summary, Thelanki Wimalaratne and Matthew Ashton’s wedding elegantly combines Guernsey and Sri Lankan traditions, showcasing the beauty of cultural fusion. Their celebration featured ceremonies, performances, and rich customs, notably receiving coverage in Sri Lankan Hello! magazine. Planned subsequent festivities in Guernsey will further highlight this blend of cultures, symbolizing the couple’s shared journey together.

Original Source: guernseypress.com