The first party to kick off the wedding festivities was held on Mobor Beach under the stars at The Leela Goa. Bridget’s color palette was a perfect reflection of the Goan sand, sky and sea. Pale-grey crushed gauze tablecloths, 2,500 collected oyster shells shipped from New York, jute rope accents, driftwood and shells were all fitting elements for a पार्टी party on the sand. Bridget incorporated succulents and plant cuttings from local nurseries along with the bravely foraged floral and plant material she found at the crack of dawn for three mornings straight into beautiful windswept table arrangements. I love the purple blossom she collected which line every road in Goa.
The party was framed with a perimeter of billowing, gauzy ribbons on bamboo poles, lanterns on shepherd’s hooks and torches. What a welcome for the 300 guests!
Bridget orchestrating where to place the bamboo poles and lanterns with the local production company, Crosscraft.
When we moved over to the Leela from our first hotel, our bags were carried on top of the taxi as Bridget had filled the vehicle with foraged plant material early that morning.
Local tropical material arrived for day 2’s party just about the time we needed to be setting up for day one’s beach party.
Our sweet Goan helpers holding the boxes of arrangements steady as we hauled them to the beach in the hotel’s ‘buggy.’
A block of ice waiting to chill coconuts for guests was just right for cooling down a twisted ankle (shame on me, I know, for the shoes, but in my defense it was so hot and we were on sand!). And a tip I learned from some kitchen staff who recommended I put coconut oil on the swollen area of my ankle is the most amazing natural remedy. It works wonders and is anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling and thus pain!
Above photos Beth Horta.
Bridget took this of the party as it was just kicking off.
2 Comments
Loving every post on this great great excursion, working in exotic locations is tough! Sorry for the ankle injury, that’s tough with so much more to do!
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Thank you, Joy. Though it was work, it was all so new and marvelous! I feel so grateful for the experience.