Tarini Sardesai and Zico Bahl, Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage
Celebrating heritage, the beauty of Goa and their love, this wedding unfolded as a heartfelt ode to family and home.
A destination inspires some weddings, while others are shaped by legacy. For Tarini Sardesai and Zico Bahl, their wedding in early January was a seamless blend of both. Hosted at Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Goa, and thoughtfully orchestrated by WeddingSutra Favorite – Purple Tree Event Solutions, the multi-day celebration paid tribute to family, heritage and the Goa that had shaped some of the couple’s most treasured memories. The bride, Tarini, comes from a family whose contributions span journalism, politics, literature and sport. She is the daughter of renowned journalist Rajdeep Sardesai and Sagarika Ghose, and the granddaughter of legendary cricketer Dilip Sardesai, the first Goan to represent India in Test cricket. On the other side was Zico’s close-knit, football-loving family, whose warmth and exuberance infused every celebration. Bringing these two worlds together, the couple created a wedding that felt intimate, deeply personal and unmistakably Goan.
How They Met
Although they had attended the same school, Tarini and Zico never actually crossed paths until after the pandemic, when Tarini moved from Delhi to Mumbai for work. What began with memes, mutual friends, and conversations about their beloved dogs soon blossomed into a relationship that felt wonderfully effortless. “We had existed in total parallel for years before meeting at the right time,” Tarini shares.
The Proposal
Tarini believed they were heading to Goa for an anniversary getaway. Instead, Zico surprised her with a secretly planned trip to Mauritius, having coordinated leave with her workplace months in advance. Following a morning of scuba diving, he proposed on a quiet dock at sunset. “The moment felt calm, intimate and surreal,” she recalls. “And when I turned around and saw the photographer hidden in the bushes, I realised how much thought had gone into it.”
Wedding Venue
For the couple, Goa was never simply a destination. It was home to cherished childhood memories, family traditions and countless summers spent together. They wanted a venue that reflected the state’s character while welcoming every member of the family, including their dogs. Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Goa, proved to be the perfect setting. Its iconic Charles Correa architecture, Portuguese influences and unmistakably Goan spirit offered a timeless backdrop that felt authentic, elegant and deeply connected to the celebrations.
Wedding Planning
Working closely with Purple Tree Event Solutions, Tarini and Zico envisioned their wedding as an immersive journey through the Goa they love. Every detail reflected that philosophy, beginning with illustrated invitations designed like nostalgic holiday postcards and extending to bespoke bars, signage and thoughtful styling details inspired by the artwork. A life-sized recreation of the couple’s Save the Date illustration became one of the weekend’s most delightful interactive moments, while sculptural florals, cane textures, terracotta accents and locally inspired design elements created spaces that felt rooted in place rather than conventionally decorative.
Among the most meaningful installations was a bespoke mural honouring Tarini’s grandfather, Dilip Sardessai, the first Goan cricketer to represent India in Test cricket, celebrating both his extraordinary legacy and the family’s enduring connection to Goa. Regional flavours, feni cocktails and leisurely culinary experiences further deepened the sense of place, while the celebrations concluded on a vibrant note with WeddingSutra Favorite – DJ Zal and WeddingSutra Favorite – Akash Harmalkar keeping guests on the dance floor well into the night.
Reflecting on the celebrations, Nafisa Sheikh Afonso of Purple Tree Event Solutions shares, “The vision was always to create a wedding that could only belong in Goa. Every detail was rooted in the couple’s memories, their families and their connection to the destination. When every element has meaning, the celebration naturally feels timeless.”
Wedding Functions
Welcome Lunch
The celebrations commenced with a vibrant welcome lunch that introduced guests to the spirit of Goa through coastal flavours, local music and charming details inspired by vintage holiday postcards. Bright, relaxed and full of character, it set the tone for the weekend ahead. As evening fell, the rooftop transformed into an elegant all-white sundowner where sweeping ocean views, flowing cocktails and golden hour conversations took centre stage. The following day embraced the essence of susegado, Goa’s famously unhurried way of life. Friendly football and cricket matches, leisurely cocktails, massage stations and a traditional Goan feast encouraged guests to slow down and savour the experience, creating the feeling of an idyllic summer holiday shared with loved ones.
Wedding
Bathed in the warm glow of the Goan sunset, the ceremony beautifully reimagined tradition through a deeply personal lens. Instead of a conventional baraat, Zico walked down the aisle alongside his sister and the couple’s two golden retrievers. Personal vows replaced customary recitations, while ceremonial candles lit by family members took the place of the sacred fire, lending the ceremony an intimate and heartfelt quality. Readings from Shakespeare, Rabindranath Tagore and Khalil Gibran reflected the importance of literature, storytelling and art within both families. Presiding over the ceremony was renowned Bharatanatyam exponent Alarmel Valli, the bride’s beloved grandmother, whose presence added extraordinary emotional significance. Framed by elegant florals and the soft hues of the setting sun, the ceremony struck a beautiful balance between tradition and individuality.
After Party
The celebrations concluded with an exuberant after-party that reflected the couple’s playful spirit. Neon installations, glitter bars and a glowing ball pit transformed the space into an immersive late-night celebration, where guests danced, laughed and celebrated well into the early hours. It was a spirited finale to a weekend that honoured family, friendship and the stories that had brought everyone together.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Goa, Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, Goa
Wedding Planner & Decor Design: Purple Tree Event Solutions
Florals: Durga Florist
Officiant: Alarmel Valli
Entertainment: XaniCroy (Welcome Lunch), Rudi Tiessler (Welcome Lunch), Prashant Mahale (Wedding), A26 (After Party), Akash Harmalkar (After Party), Shelton Afonso
DJ: DJ Zal, DJ Zehaan, Tafti, DJ Afroz
Wedding Invitation and stationary: Vivan Kamath
Caterers: Padaria Prazeres, Creme Choc Gelato, Kokum Curry
Bar: Ali the Mixologist
Makeup Artist: Mansi
Photography: Flashbakc Studios
