Fusion Weddings
Natasha & Stanley’s Zim Lankan Wedding - 7th March 2020
‘We are both very proud of our heritage and we want to incorporate both cultures into our special day’ and that’s exactly what they did! Natasha and Stanley’s Zim Lankan wedding – a day that will be remembered by everyone forever.
On the 7th March 2020, just before the world went into lockdown, Natasha and Stanley celebrated their amazing Wedding Reception at Meridian Grand.
The couple first saw the venue in October 2018 and just knew it was the venue for them! As well as the luxurious feel of the venue, they loved that Meridian Grand were able to provide a complete service including the 5 star venue, event management, décor, catering and drinks.
After bringing their parents to the venue and seeing their excitement, they booked the venue and that’s where the planning began.
The Bride is Sri Lankan and the Groom is Zimbabwean, both have very strong and vibrant cultures and it was important for them and their families to embrace both cultures and follow certain traditions during the Reception.
The Meridian Grand team had been fortunate enough to hold many Sri Lankan Weddings as well as a Zimbabwean Wedding and were able to help the Bride and Groom to come up with ideas that will incorporate these traditions and make their wedding extra special!
The catering was a key priority for Natasha and Stanley, their traditional foods were very different from each other and therefore Meridian Grand suggested they go for the Fusion Catering Package. This package was a mixture of Sri Lankan, Indian, African, Caribbean & Chinese cuisine. Their delicious menu included Sri Lankan Style Mutton Curry, Jerk Chicken, Vegetable Fried Rice, Noodles and Plantain plus a whole lot more.
On each table were two menus, each had a beautiful picture of the couple and to add to the fun, inside the menu there was a section where guests could write some ‘advice for the Bride & Groom,’ it was a perfect little keepsake.
Having an event manager on hand meant that things were on time and to schedule (this could not have happened without the guests being on time too – thanks to all the guests!)
So at exactly 4.45pm, all guests were seated, and the MC began hosting, the atmosphere was buzzing and everyone was eagerly awaiting the Bride & Groom. Then, the music began (Fabolous and Tamia’s RnB classic ‘Into You’), the mirrored doors slowly opened, revealing the newly married Bride & Groom!! This was when the crowd went crazy!!! It was the perfect start to what would be an amazing night!
Whilst the couple made their way downstairs into the foyer, the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen danced their way into the ballroom, followed by Natasha & Stanley!
Full Exposure Media
As they entered, they lit an oil lamp, a traditional Sri Lankan ceremony, which signifies the start of a blissful and blessed married life.
After dinner, Natasha changed into a traditional Sri Lankan Saree and Stanley wore a dark co-ord with a colourful African print.
Throughout the evening, there was lots of food, lots of crying and laughter during the speeches and some special performances by their nearest and dearest.
Weddings are not only about the Bride & Groom, but also a very important day for both sets of parents. The father and daughter song (the bride’s father sang her a dedicated song) and the mother and son dance were heart-warming moments for everyone.
The most magical moment of the night was Natasha & Stanley’s first dance to an acoustic rendition of Sam Smith’s ‘Latch’ - it was so beautiful!!
To keep in line with the whole Zim Lankan fusion, DJ Mega Gee played a ‘Sounds of Africa’ set and then they had a non-stop baila session by Sri Lankan musicians, followed by a couple of hours of RnB, Hip Hop and Garage. It was truly a night enjoyed by everyone - young and older!
As the clock struck twelve, it was time for the couple to go home and start their new life together, but they couldn’t leave without saying a few words ‘it was the best organisation, it was such a beautiful event and I’ll never forget it, it was amazing. Thank you to everyone at Meridian Grand and Midnight Garden. You brought our vision to life and we can’t thank you enough’
It was a pleasure working with these suppliers - thank you for helping to make Natasha & Stanley’s Wedding Reception unforgettable!
Caterers: Meridian Grand Catering
Decor: Midnight Garden Events
DJ: Mega Gee
MC: Jackson Ogunyemi
Band: Chaminda Munasinghe
Cake: Bespoke Cakes and Treats
Cupcakes: Jennifer Choto
MUA & Hairstylist: Dulanjali
Photographer & Videographer: Full Exposure Media
Bridal Flowers: Nalika
Photobooth: Anita
Belinda & Sam - 4th November 2017
Bride and Groom, Belinda & Sam had their intimate and bespoke Wedding Reception in the Meridian Ballroom this Autumn. They celebrated in true, fun style in the elegant wedding venue with their joyful 270 guests for the fun filled Turkish Cypriot and Mauritian fusion of love and bliss.
On arrival, parked outside of the Entrance Foyer was a vintage police car, representing Sam, the Groom, being a policeman himself. It was a lovely surprise by his beautiful Wife Belinda. At around 4pm, guests were presented with welcome drinks and canapes including our very own Meridian Grand Vegetable Moneybags and delicious Thai Sesame Chicken. Belinda & Sam wanted to do something different for their Drinks Reception, and purchased some blue balls to put in the welcome drinks which expanded and turned the drinks into alcohol!
The events team created a bespoke welcome message for Belinda and Sam which involved a photo of the couple’s fingerprints, it was certainly a Wedding Reception tailored to the newlywed’s touch.
A personalised guestbook was created by the couple, with love heart notes for cherished messages to be placed inside a Mr & Mrs jar. It was a beautiful sight, with the stunning entrance foyer area glistening away during the twilight autumnal evening, whilst friends and family enjoyed a gathering of united love.
Shortly after, guests were ushered into the Meridian Ballroom, Belinda and Sam chose a royal blue theme with tables named after various police stations, which was a great added touch of quirkiness. With guests seated, the DJ made an announcement ‘’Please can everyone look up and give a round of applause for the newly married Mr and Mrs Mehmet’’. There they were on the balcony for their first appearance with the one and only ‘’All eyes on me’’ by 2Pac playing whilst they smiled away.
The wonderful couple made their grand entrance into the LED blue lit ballroom, making their way to the white gloss dancefloor, then took a seat on the head table in the centre of the ballroom. With tailored name tags on the table for all guests, sweet treats and traditional Turkish biscuits, everyone was made to feel super special.
After a beautiful opening prayer, the starters and then the mains were served by Meridian Grand Catering and then finished off with our delicious signature dessert – Gajar Hawla Crumble. Our team created beloved, personalised menus which were placed in the centre of the tables with photos of the couple.
Close Friends and family, including the Bride and Groom made memorable speeches whilst touching photos were displayed on the projection screens. All guests gathered together and made a toast to each precious speech. The Bride and Groom then made there way to the centre of the stage to cut the police inspired cake, with royal blue, white frosted colours, and a hand-crafted figurine of the newlywed couple for the icing on the top.
The couple got ready for their magical first dance as husband and wife, followed by a Father & Daughter, Mother & Son and Brother & Sister Dance. After these special moments, the bar was open, and the Reception was in full party mode. Families and friends got together to celebrate a union of two beautiful couples, with a traditional Mauritian Sega performance from the Bride’s cousins and a belly dancer on board, the party was in its full swing.
The charming night ended in bliss and with an amazing response from Belinda and Sam ‘’From start to finish its been wonderful. All of you have been fantastic, we’ve enjoyed all the experiences we have had. You’ve really taken the pressure off us. We recommend this place definitely’’.
