The location was ethereal and straight out of the movies. “He wanted this to be a surprise for me. It was only when I arrived for the wedding that I realised this was where we would be wed,” gushes Christy, even as she describes how the beautifully decorated altar, decked in blue and white, had transformed the otherwise crowded Kollam beach to be the perfect wedding destination.
Owners of Jo and company, the event managers from Thiruvananthapuram, who conducted the wedding claim that this was the first time that a beach wedding was held at Kollam.
However, the trend has already caught on in bigger destinations like Kovalam, Varkala, Vypeen and Cherai beaches.
“So far, we have done over 10 beach weddings during the past two years. What is attracting youngsters to the idea is the ambiance that it provides. Secondly, they believe it will make the perfect photography material,” shares Greto Chacko, the Kochi-based manager at Lumier Wedding Company. The weddings are often held during the sunset and early mornings, to provide the perfect aura.
There are other reasons why beach weddings are only gradually making its grand entry to Kerala. “Beach weddings are a Western concept, where the bride and the groom hold a closed ceremony attended only by friends and immediate family. But, in Kerala, nobody, especially of the older generation, can think of restricting the crowd to just a 100 or 150 guests. If a marriage or a reception has to be held at a beach, limiting guests is a priority,” adds Greto.
Sofia Mathew, director, weddings at Watermark says that beach weddings could be the most challenging for planners. “Nothing is really in our hands. The wind could be too strong or the weather difficult. But making the arrangements is unique, as it requires decking up the altar for Christian marriages and mandapams for Hindu ceremonies. The aisle and the chairs are also decked up to lend in a special feel,” Sofia added.
Most of Sofia’s clients have been foreigners and North Indians who prefer destination weddings in the backwaters and on beaches.
Source newindianexpress.com