The wedding of Thelanki Wimalaratne and Matthew Ashton showcased a blend of Guernsey and Sri Lankan cultures, beginning with a ceremony in London. Their celebration included traditional rituals and performances, with a future Guernsey homecoming planned. Their unique story attracted the attention of Sri Lankan Hello! magazine for a feature.
A recent wedding merging Guernsey and Sri Lankan cultures gained notable attention, as it is set to be featured in Sri Lankan Hello! magazine. The celebration of Thelanki Wimalaratne and Matthew Ashton commenced with a registry ceremony at Fitzrovia Chapel, followed by festivities at the Natural History Museum, highlighted by the striking sight of a giant whale suspended from the ceiling.
The evening commenced with a traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist ceremony, showcasing dance and music. Dhol drummers performed in tandem with the globally recognized Sensation Band, known for their performances at prestigious celebrity events. Matthew Ashton, who relocated from Guernsey in 2021 for a role at the Cabinet Office, met Thelanki shortly thereafter, when she had just moved to London for a property development position.
Their first encounter occurred during a chance meeting while Thelanki was walking her Shih Tzu, Toby, who later participated in the wedding as the ringbearer, sporting a tuxedo that harmonized with the groomsmen’s attire. Thelanki’s family is prominent in Sri Lanka, prompting Hello! magazine to reach out for a feature on their wedding.
The wedding seamlessly blended Guernsey and Sri Lankan traditions, with Mr. Ashton’s family honoring Sri Lankan customs by attiring themselves in sarees for women and suits for men. The color palette was inspired by the Guernsey flag, utilizing shades of white, red, and yellow.
Mrs. Ashton recounted, “We had a traditional Sri Lankan Poruwa ceremony, featuring Kandyan dancers and drummers leading the wedding party, with the groom entering with his parents and the bride with hers.” The couple plans to continue their celebrations with a homecoming event in Guernsey this June at the OGH, which marks the groom’s family formally welcoming the bride into their new life together, reflecting local traditions.
Although currently residing in London, the couple frequently returns to Guernsey to maintain connections with friends and family.
In conclusion, the wedding of Thelanki Wimalaratne and Matthew Ashton beautifully incorporated the customs and traditions of both Guernsey and Sri Lanka, earning a feature in Hello! magazine. Their festivities, commencing in London and continuing with a planned celebration in Guernsey, emphasize a deep cultural homage and familial bonds as they embark on their married life together.
Original Source: guernseypress.com
