When two hearts from diverse cultures and countries decide to unite, the celebration is nothing short of a grand spectacle. That’s exactly what the wedding of Tanisha Sharma, the CMO of an International Dairy Business, and Matthew Lakajev, the CEO of an Australian Sales Consulting Firm, was. They shared a remarkable journey of love that culminated in a breathtaking wedding at The Hilton Goa Resort in March 2023.
Tanisha and Matthew’s story is no ordinary tale. Their romance bloomed back in high school, navigating the challenges of growing up, maturing into adults, and accommodating their individual cultural backgrounds. They carved their unique culture, integrating elements from their diverse heritage, which resulted in an unbreakable bond. After a 13-year journey filled with laughter, love, and growth, Matthew proposed in the most intimate setting — their home, surrounded by candles. The joy and humor, true to their spirit, resonated through their proposal.
Choosing the Perfect Venue
Choosing India for their nuptials was an instinctive decision, attributing to the unparalleled charm of an Indian wedding. They selected Goa for its balance of tranquility and vibrancy and its universal appeal, especially to their international guests. Their venue, The Hilton Goa Resort, offered an enchanting hillside location, nestled within a forest, offering breathtaking views and traditional Goan vibes.
VLW Global, their wedding planner, curated a fantastic fusion of Indian and Australian cultures throughout the wedding events. Every detail, from décor to production, was meticulously executed, enhancing the authentic Goan feel. The wedding events unfolded over three unforgettable days:
Cocktail Night
The rooftop of the Hilton turned into a starlit dance floor with neutral, dazzling decor. Tanisha looked stunning in a Oscar de La Renta off shoulder stretch velvet mini dress, and Matthew complemented her in a sea-blue velvet jacket. The live musicians and acrobats created a perfect party atmosphere, making it a night to remember.
Mehendi Ceremony
The poolside venue embraced an Indie-pop culture theme with a vibrant floral decor of yellow and orange marigolds. Tanisha stunned in a non-traditional Bottega Veneta black one shoulder cutout satin jersey maxi dress, while Matthew kept it casual in a blue shirt. Halima Khan Nizami’s intricate henna designs added an artistic touch to the celebration. A lively blend of music, dance, and fun marked this traditional event.
Sangeet
The Sangeet ceremony of Tanisha and Matthew, held beachside, was a mesmerizing evening under the shimmering Goan sky. As the sun set, the beachfront transformed into a bohemian paradise, filled with dry pampas and florals coordinating with the tranquil sea in the backdrop. The bride looked stunning in a Mahima Mahajan black crepe lehenga setand the groom looked regal in a black Indian wear. The setting provided an almost ethereal vibe to the event, an ode to their unique love story.
VLW Global, the team behind the event’s planning and design, envisioned a scene straight out of a fairy-tale. The open-air setting allowed the salty sea breeze to mingle with the infectious laughter and joy that surrounded the occasion. The natural light from the setting sun, paired with twinkling fairy lights and lanterns, added an alluring charm to the ambiance.
The Sangeet ceremony, a vital part of Indian weddings, is traditionally an event full of dance and music, and this was no exception. The live band performers brought the vibrant spirit to the Goan shore, creating a fusion that was truly one-of-a-kind. Their electrifying performance set the stage on fire, inciting a wave of energy among the attendees.
Studio RDP, the photographers, and cinematographers did a splendid job capturing these candid moments. Their attention to detail allowed them to encapsulate the essence of the ceremony, from the joy on everyone’s faces to the overall electric environment.
Baraat and Wedding
Matthew’s Baraat was a lively event that started the day with great energy and excitement. The groom, dressed in an off-white embroidered sherwani from JJ Valaya, looked every bit the regal Indian groom with his red stole adding a splash of color. The Mandap, set against the serene Goan landscape, was a sight to behold. It was adorned with lush floral arrangements, courtesy of Oriental Florals Goa, and the elegant design and setup were brilliantly managed by AMSA Production. The floating mandap on the pool gave a heavenly feel to the whole atmosphere, adding a magical touch to the proceedings.
Tanisha made her grand entrance, looking resplendent in a red lehenga with heavy golden embroidery designed by India’s leading fashion designer Manish Malhotra. Her makeup by Minette Pereira highlighted her natural beauty, making her look radiant and stunning as she walked towards the Mandap.
The Hindu rituals began with the Jaimala, where Tanisha and Matthew exchanged floral garlands, symbolizing their acceptance of each other. This was followed by the ‘Kanyadaan,’ a poignant moment where Tanisha’s parents gave their daughter’s hand to Matthew.
Following this was the key ritual of ‘Saat Phere’ or the seven rounds around the sacred fire, where the couple made seven vows to each other, each representing a pillar of their marriage. As they took each round, the priest explained the significance of the vows they were making, from being there for each other in sickness and health to promising to love and respect each other.
The After-Party
The final reception was an elegant end to the three-day celebration. Tanisha in her dazzling Elie Saab embroidered tulle gown and Matthew in his classic tuxedo looked straight out of a fairytale. The event orchestrated by VLW Global was a testament to their unmatched professionalism.
Tanisha and Matthew’s wedding was beautifully captured by Studio RDP, encapsulating precious moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Advice from the Bride
Tanisha had two valuable tips for soon-to-be-married couples. Firstly, she emphasized the importance of living in the moment during the wedding celebrations. And secondly, she strongly recommended hiring professional planners like VLW Global to ensure a seamless, stress-free wedding experience.
The wedding of Tanisha and Matthew was more than just a marriage ceremony. It was a celebration of love, an amalgamation of cultures, a gathering of joyous laughter, and a union of two hearts. Here’s wishing them a lifetime of love, happiness, and togetherness.
Vendors Behind this Unforgettable Wedding:
Florals – @Oriental Florals Goa
