Nikita and Chris, Goa

Nikita had always wanted to get married in Goa and Chris, who is an Irishman, just wanted to get married anywhere being barefoot. Check out highlights of the couple’s charming white wedding on the beach at the Cidade De Goa hotel in Goa. The festivities, decor and themes were planned and executed by WeddingSutra Favorite VLW Global.

How They Met
Chris Kearney first met Nikita Kearney at a charity event where she welcomed and directed him to his seat for the evening. A while later Chris found his way back to Nikita as there was a spare seat at the welcome desk were she was at. They talked for three hours and came back with a positive impression of each other. Three months later, after Chris had returned from a trip to Ireland he made the decision to pursue this beautiful Indian girl who he had met a few months earlier. At the end of October, Chris and Nikita had their first date which was a double date with a couple of friends. They soon realized that they couldn’t be more different. Their love story is an example of how opposites attract!

The Proposal
Through many more dates in the months that followed, Chris and Nikita became best friends and fell deeply in love with each other, leaving Chris convinced that she was the one for him. A year after they first met, Chris went down on one knee and asked the love of his life to marry him, to which Nikita’s reply was an immediate “Yes!”

Wedding Venue
Nikita had always wanted to get married in Goa since she was a young girl, whereas Chris just wanted to get married on a beach – bare feet; hence Goa was a perfect choice. Nikita’s parents checked out several hotels and resorts there and were very impressed by Cidade de Goa. They convinced the couple to book it for the wedding as the sprawling property offered a private beach and spacious gardens that featured some striking views. The enchanting decor was conceptualized and executed wonderfully by VLW Global, and every little element enhanced the picturesque venue.

Wedding Planning
“VLW Global fulfilled all our requests to perfection. They enabled us to enjoy the three days peacefully and harmoniously. The team outdid themselves and tried new things as per our requests such as building the wedding website and creating weekly countdown creatives on social media two months before our big day. Most importantly, they made our guests from India and overseas feel immensely welcomed and relaxed.”

Wedding Functions

Welcome Dinner
The welcome dinner kickstarted the wedding festivities and allowed members of both families to mingle. The tropical decor by the beach worked as an excellent mood setter for the evening. The long dinner tables were adorned with floral elements and lanterns, while the trees surrounding them were lit up creating an enchanting environ.

Haldi
The lawns of the venue were decorated with yellow canopies staying true to the theme of the function. Nikita and Chris chose to wear a Kasavu saree and mundu respectively, as they happily posed on a swing decorated with floral arrangements that made for stunning photos. This was then followed by a traditional sit-down dinner served on banana leaves.

Mehndi
The mehndi ceremony was a simple one filled with intimate emotions and special moments that made it a memorable affair. The bride opted for a subtle Arabic mehndi design with Chris’s name written in the center of the pattern. A bangle ceremony too was held where Nikita was made to wear the traditional green bangles.

Sangeet
The sangeet ceremony was a fun-filled affair with everyone grooving. Nikita took to the stage with her bridesmaids, and they danced to some popular numbers. The stage for the night had beautiful designs on the dance floor teamed with emerald green drapes, chandelier hangings, and white blooms. The bride opted for a gold and red embellished lehenga while the groom wore a royal blue kurta which he paired with a gold Nehru jacket with blue motifs, and trousers.

Wedding
The nuptial ceremony was a surreal one by the beach. As the sun gradually began to set, the soothing sea and the golden sand enhanced the decor for this evening. The minister performed the ceremony with the couple looking happier than ever. Nikita looked gorgeous in a white Aurora styled gown paired with a tiara and Swarovski diamond set, while Chris chose to wear a beige suit. The serene decor for the ceremony was subtle with white and pink blooms festooning the arch. The nuptial ceremony was followed by a celebration where the couple danced under starry skies and the venue was enhanced by a lit-up ceiling.

Advice For Couples
“For any couple doing a destination wedding we highly recommend using a local wedding planner as it makes your lives so much easier.”

The Wedding Makers
Venues: Cidade De Goa, Goa
Wedding Planner: VLW Global
Bride’s Outfits: Bride Selection (Welcome Dinner), Nalli Silk Sarees (Roce, Haldi), Wedding Galleria (Mehendi), IRA – House of Designers (Sangeet), Dion For Brides (Wedding)
Jewellery: Swarovski (Wedding)
Makeup Artist: Minette Periora
Cake: Mog. Cake Studio + All Things Good

Photography: Joshua Fernandes
Videography: Taylor Brant

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