Mitali Gupta and Nick Ruzicka, The St. Regis Goa Resort, Goa
The Indian-American couple found the perfect balance between modern aesthetics and Indian traditions for their relaxed beach wedding.
While the New York-based couple met and fell in love in the US, Delhi-born Mitali Gupta and Nick Ruzicka, who is half-Indian, always wanted to tie the knot in India with a wedding that celebrated their roots. Their destination wedding at The St. Regis Goa Resort was exquisitely brought to life by WeddingSutra Favorite – VLW Global, filled with personal touches and warm emotions.
Wedding Venue
For the US-based couple, the decision to hold their nuptials abroad was to celebrate the joining of their two families, a symbol of them going on an adventure together with all their loved ones. Goa was a place that held warm memories for Nick, who had visited the state as a child, and it seemed like the perfect setting for a relaxed, intimate celebration of about 150. Not to mention, the proximity to the beach and the vacation vibes would make it feel like a getaway, even for their Indian guests.
The couple ultimately zeroed in on The St. Regis Goa Resort for a number of reasons. Right next to the beach, it allowed them to host events right on the sand, while the architecture and landscaping, with its traditional Indian charm and lotuses everywhere, offered an ambiance of warmth and luxury. Finally, its location in South Goa offered them seclusion and privacy, ideal for their intimate gathering.
Wedding Planning
While they were first considering Delhi-based wedding planners, they decided instead to go with Goa-based VLW Global for a better understanding of local vendors and logistical concerns, as well as better availability on the ground to tackle any issues. Apart from two trips over their 1.5 years of planning, the bride coordinated all aspects of planning over Zoom, trusting the team to understand and execute their vision to perfection. The couple chose local DJs and entertainers for their events and opted for locally grown flowers to make the most of what was available in the region.
Wedding Functions
Mehndi and Cocktail
After a warm welcome, the festivities commenced with a lively Mehndi ceremony on the lawns. Drapes and linen in bright jewel tones, vividly colored flowers, ornate Moroccan lamps, and more set the ambiance for the occasion, complete with trays of spices and favor carts. The guests had a gala time mingling and getting their hands painted with henna. As the evening progressed, the revelries shifted inside for cocktails, music, and dancing as the couple let loose and enjoyed with their loved ones.
Haldi
The next day dawned with a serene yet fun-filled Haldi ceremony. Swapping out the usual yellow hues and marigolds for a dainty white and green color palette, the occasion saw the decor of soft drapes, banana trees, rajnigandha flowers, roses, and lotus blooms. A nostalgia corner, with fruits and candies, was a big hit among the guests. The couple looked radiant in pink as they came dancing in with their friends, and the ceremony was filled with love and laughter as they all smeared the couple with turmeric.
Wedding
Their two days of celebrations culminated in a stunning sunset wedding ceremony by the beach. Soft pastels set a romantic tone, while a vivid floral aisle and mandap looked spectacular against the backdrop of the sea.
True to his unique style, the groom arrived in a vintage car and rolled up to the mandap on a skateboard, while the resplendent bride chose to have both her parents walk her down the aisle and wore a long, trailing veil. Their priest translated and explained the ceremony in English as he went, and printed materials were distributed to guests so they could follow along as well. It was an occasion filled with love and inclusion, and everyone left with memories they would forever cherish.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: The St.Regis Goa Resort
Wedding Planner: VLW Global
Makeup: Aman Mendiratta
Entertainment: Sambucada, Bors Bey
Photography and Videography: Light Chamber
