Ruhi Meman and Manmath Shilke, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa
Inspired by a terrarium and surrounded by lush green plants, this eco-friendly wedding mandap is bookmark-worthy!
Content creator Ruhi Meman and Manmath Shilke, Managing Director of Sogo India’s wedding at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa was an absolute stunner with its varied themes and eco-friendly decor. Planned and decorated by WeddingSutra Favorite – Castle Rock Events, this sustainable and gorgeous wedding was filled with quirky elements and elegant flowers.
Wedding Venue
Located on the South Coast of Goa with direct access to Benaulim Beach, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa enchants the senses from the minute you step into it. Ruhi shares, “We had an interfaith wedding on the cards and wanted to celebrate our love at a serene location with the closest of our circle. This hotel checked every box on our list and its variety of in-house venues, like the beachside lawns and the stunning fountain by the lobby fit perfectly into our vision.”
Wedding Planning
The team of Castle Rock Event shares, “Ruhi and Manmath wanted a simple yet stunning wedding. Ruhi wanted every function to stand out and look different from the others. Details were to be the main focus, as opposed to structural grandeur. For the phere, Ruhi was very specific about wanting an eco-friendly mandap.
We were brought onboard a month prior and we were all on-site as it was peak wedding season in February. The biggest challenge was convincing the couple and production to get the glass mandap approved, designed and ready in time. It was such a unique concept but only a bride like Ruhi could say ‘yes’ to it! The inspiration was a tabletop terrarium and we created the same into life-size so it was a really special design for us.”
Bride Ruhi adds, “Team Castle Rock Events has my heart. I have so much admiration for them. I contacted them just a month before the d-day and they were extremely quick to come up with a plan! Initially, I was stressed out but the moment they stepped in they promptly actioned everything. They wanted to create something special and unique just for my wedding and they put in all the hard work and effort to execute it. The décor was super important to me and I am so happy with how it all turned out.”
Weddings Functions
Haldi
The team of Castle Rock Events shares, “This event was along with the guest check-ins and Ruhi wanted to use the beautiful fountain area that sits in the middle of the hotel’s lobby. She was keen on a flower market vibe, so we decided to create a carpet of marigolds surrounding the entire fountain area. Over this, we had guest seating lounges and hand carts with a variety of fragrant flowers in tokris. A classic mandi bazaar of sorts, this whole area exuded a sense of serenity with its bright florals and sweet fragrances. We also added personalized coasters and cute clay owls as table decor.”
Mehndi
The team shares, “This was one fun event! Doused in pink, Ruhi’s favourite colour, we decided to add a Kate Spade-like colour palette with monochrome details and paired it with the bright hues of pink. An unconventional seating included cabanas with roman pillars, ceiling lampshades and cane furniture details. Tall giraffes with chandeliers added a quirky and fun element to this evening. Table details with zebra print overlays and hot pink chair cushions, complete with a variety of centrepieces were the highlight. Details, like, frames with quirky quotes, an Island Bar and the photo memory wall with black and white images of the couple were all carefully thought of to add extra character to this celebration.
The extremely unique and fun entrance decor which resembled a maze and had multiple entrances created an element of surprise as the guests walked in. This also became a photobooth favourite!”
Wedding
The team shares, “For the morning wedding, we were equipped with a brief of executing everything in an eco-friendly manner. The mandap was designed with utmost detail and was inspired by a centrepiece of a glass terrarium. We conceptualized this structure to look exactly like a life-size terrarium, complete with the most beautiful details of lush green plants that we sourced from a local nursery and then returned thus adhering to the ‘no wastage’ policy. Minimal florals, paired with crystal birds from the ceiling added an enchanting touch to the big day. Lounge seating details included palm print cushions and miniature house props to match the home-like vibes of the mandap.”
Sangeet and Reception
The team shares, “The wedding theme continued to the evening reception too. Lush green tablecloth-clad long tables with a ceiling decor full of warm lanterns and white florals, lounges wrapped in greens paired with glamorous chandeliers and dramatic cocktail tables with lampshades adorned the venue. The backdrop was the star of the show, however, with multiple arches with palm print details, warm rope lights and chandeliers. The perfect setting for a night of love and dance!”
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa
Wedding Planner and Décor: Castle Rock Events
Production: Propshop Goa by FM Events Productions
Groom’s Outfits: Kunal Rawal (Mehndi, Sangeet and Reception), Anamika Khanna (Wedding)
Bride’s Outfits: Anita Dongre (Haldi), Rahul Mishra (Mehndi), Anamika Khanna (Wedding), Falguni Shane Peacock (Sangeet and Reception)
Makeup: Doll You Up by S
Photography: House On The Clouds
Videography: Sam and Ekta
