A Fusion of Cultures: The Wedding of Thelanki Wimalaratne and Matthew Ashton

The wedding of Thelanki Wimalaratne and Matthew Ashton combined Guernsey and Sri Lankan cultures, culminating in ceremonies at Fitzrovia Chapel and the Natural History Museum. Celebrations included traditional dancers and drummers, with their dog Toby serving as the ringbearer. The couple’s wedding will be featured in Sri Lankan Hello! magazine, and further festivities are planned in Guernsey for June.

A captivating wedding merging Guernsey and Sri Lankan traditions recently took place across two London venues, garnering attention from Sri Lankan Hello! magazine. The union of Thelanki Wimalaratne, a member of the Sri Lankan community, and Guernseyman Matthew Ashton was marked by a registry ceremony at Fitzrovia Chapel, followed by extensive celebrations at the Natural History Museum, dramatically held beneath a giant suspended whale.

The evening festivities commenced with a traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist ceremony that showcased traditional dancers and drummers. Later, the well-known Sensation Band performed alongside Dhol drummers, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Mr. Ashton relocated from Guernsey in 2021 to join the Cabinet Office, where he met Ms. Wimalaratne, who had recently begun a new job in London Bridge.

In a heartwarming detail, Toby, Mr. Ashton’s pet Shih Tzu, served as the ringbearer for the wedding, dressing in a tuxedo that matched the groomsmen’s attire. The family of Mrs. Ashton holds significant recognition in Sri Lanka, prompting Sri Lankan Hello! magazine to reach out about featuring their wedding.

Integrating both cultures was paramount, as Mr. Ashton’s family donned traditional Sri Lankan attire, including sarees for the women and suits for the men. The color scheme was inspired by the Guernsey flag, featuring white, red, and yellow. “We had a traditional Sri Lankan Poruwa ceremony, which included Sri Lankan Kandyan dancers and drummers performing during the ceremony,” remarked Mrs. Ashton, highlighting the cultural fusion.

The couple’s wedding celebrations will extend to Guernsey in June, with a planned homecoming reception at the OGH. Mrs. Ashton explained that this event will include a traditional Sri Lankan post-wedding celebration, welcoming the bride into her new household and symbolizing her transition into married life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ashton currently reside in London, yet maintain close ties with their Guernsey roots, visiting regularly to reconnect with friends and family.

In summary, the wedding of Thelanki Wimalaratne and Matthew Ashton exemplifies a rich blend of Guernsey and Sri Lankan cultures through a series of heartfelt ceremonies and celebrations. The couple’s story is one of love, tradition, and cultural inclusivity, showcased by their participation in a feature from Sri Lankan Hello! magazine, emphasizing the significance of their union. As they prepare for further celebrations in Guernsey, this couple continues to honor their heritage while embracing their future together.

Original Source: guernseypress.com