Saaksha and Karan, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa
Saaksha and Karan created a splash at their wedding by kicking off their wedding celebrations with a cool pool party at Goa's Marriott Resort & Spa and concluding with an elegant 'English' reception
The enchanting environs of the sea-facing Goa Marriott Resort & Spa played host to the wedding celebrations of Saaksha and Karan. From the beautiful bridal fashions to the fun functions, everything was planned to perfection. Here bride Saaksha shares more details.
How We Met
“Karan and I met at a family friend’s place and hit if off immediately at the first meeting itself! We then continued to date for a brief period and even had a long-distance relationship for almost two-and-a-half years! Finally, Karan mustered up the courage to propose to me under the Northern Lights during a family trip to Iceland!”
Wedding Venue
“We always wanted a destination wedding in India as our extended family and close relatives reside here. We were aware of the quaint surroundings of the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa and chose it as our wedding venue.”
Wedding Functions
Pool Party
“We started our fun-filled wedding festivities with a casual pool party. Since most of my friends reside in the UK, it was a perfect occasion for them to get to mingle with my family and cousins while sipping on colorful cocktails.”
There were funky neon sunglasses and party bags which contained a piece of childhood memories which guests could open and enjoy. The younger lot dived into the infinity pool and relaxed with sundowners.
Sangeet
“We are all Bollywood buffs, and the sangeet ceremony included all the drama, song and dance, ‘thumkas’ (dance moves) and impromptu performances from my friends and family. It was very special to have my friend and actress Shruti Haasan and her father, Superstar Kamal Haasan shake a leg at the event. I wanted to be comfortable yet look elegant for this event, so I chose to wear a beautiful black and white lehenga by Sabyasachi Mukherjee which was perfect for the sangeet.”
Saaksha’s bridesmaids were all color-coordinated in black lehengas and pink dupattas, or conversely pink lehengas and black dupattas. All their lehengas has broad golden borders at the hems and tassels down one side.
Wedding
“Both Karan and I wanted light and sophisticated décor arrangements, so we opted for a muted, nude color palette for my wedding ceremony. Since the wedding was conducted in a typical South Indian fashion, I chose to go with a beautiful rani pink Kanjeevaram saree with gold borders from the famous Nalli Silks store. I accessorized it with loads of ‘gajras’ (floral garlands for hair) and traditional gold jewellery from Prince Jewellery in Chennai. I wore a simple small ‘maang tikka’, ornate earrings and three neckpieces. My makeup was kept minimal by makeup artist Vimal Gudka who focused on a flawless base with a nude colored blush and lipstick which made me glow all evening!”
The mandap was on the grassy lawns facing the sea, and was draped in bright yellow fabric along the pillars and on the canopy. Cheery floral arrangements with yellow, orange and white blooms alongside pretty danglers from the canopy ensured this mandap stood out in its surroundings. Karan wore a simple off-white kurta pyjama set with a bright pink stole for the traditional wedding ceremony.
Reception
“Growing up in the UK, I had always envisioned a very ‘British style’ reception ceremony with a first dance and innumerable speeches from my loved ones! I finally made it come true by organizing an all-white ‘English’ reception which included all the above. I looked like a modern-day princess in a beautiful lace gown designed by the fashion label Saaksha & Kinni.”
Karan looked dapper in his white shirt, black pants with slim suspenders ensemble at the reception. The outdoor evening event saw fireworks light up the sky as couples posed near the romantic photowall, lots of dancing and guests in glamorous evening wear.
Advice For Couples
“It is very important to find a wedding planner who understands your vision and makes life easier and simpler. Also research extensively to find a photographer and videographer duo who can capture all the magic and emotions exactly as you want on your big day!”
The Wedding Makers
Location- Goa Marriott Resort & Spa
Wedding Planner – Palkan Bandekar and Iris Tung
Bridal Trousseau: Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Sangeet), Nalli Silks (Wedding), Saakshi and Kinni (Reception)
Bridal Jewellery: Prince Jewellery, Chennai
Makeup Artist – Vimal Gudka
Photography & Videography – Reels & Frames
