Just think of celebrating that most important moment in one’s life on a beach with the whitest sand and turquoise water or in a specially created setting with dancers, music and choice dining. These are not any longer stuff of dreams. A three-day wedding extravaganza, perhaps Kerala’s first destination wedding abroad was held in Phuket from July 8 to 10. And it proved to be truly a fairytale wedding.
T.S. Kaladharan, chairman of the Dubai-based CSS Group and his wife Devika zoomed in on Phuket from the many romantic destinations as the venue for their daughter Sasikala’s wedding to Britto. After a lavish engagement function held at Thrikunnapuzha, Alappuzha, the family sat together with Kochi-based Rainmaker Wedding Planners to chalk out a plan.
Once the location was decided then preparations went on for a month long for the big fat Malayali wedding. “We had to organise the other events for the wedding, celebratory events, guests accommodation, vendor liaisons, get artistes and organise entertainment and more. We flew to Phuket did a recce and finalised the two venues, ultra-luxury resorts, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket and Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, both on the beaches,” says Jubin, of Rainmaker.
Themes and dress codes for all events were designed. A North Indian and Thai fused Mehendi ceremony named Daawat-E-Mehendi, a South Indian themed Sangeet, Why This Kolaveri Nite, a conventional Hindu Kerala wedding with traditional sadhya and a traditional Thai wedding called Thai Vows followed by Cherry Blossom themed western reception called Sakura Ball completed the grand event.
A wedding website, (www.sasikalabritto.com), was created to enable communication and operations for the 500 guests.
A crew of over 90 comprising the event management team, photographers, videographers, artistes, pandits and chefs from all over India flew to Phuket.
The Daawat-e-Mehendi saw the Serng Kratip Khoa performers – North Eastern Thai long drum musicians and dancers.On the Why This Kolaveri Nite evening guests dressed in specially imported Sri Lankan lungis, sunshades and half saris. The band Thaikkudam Bridge and a specially orchestrated ensemble by Stephan Devassy were the highlights.
A traditional Kerala wedding with sadhya prepared by Chef Noushad offered the guests a true taste of Kerala.
