The adventure of a lifetime
Rea and Vishesh’s story has taken them on many escapades over the years. We are so thrilled to celebrate the next step in their great big adventure with the people who matter most to them — all of you. Join us on an epic journey of a lifetime, in Goa on January 5th and 6th at the Taj Holiday Village.
Our Story
10 years of being best friends! This is our love story.
Rea and Vishesh met in 2016 at UC Berkeley. Rea had grown up in the United States, a dedicated student who loved dance, debate, and building organizations. Vishesh had grown up in Ahmedabad, India, equal parts clever and mischievous, with a love for sports, the social sciences, volunteering, and bringing people together.
Their paths first crossed in an introductory anthropology class.
Before long, they became best friends. Much of college was spent side by side, co-founding the Jain Students Association, planning garbas and game nights, hosting philosophical discussions, working through problem sets, and dreaming on Memorial Glade about how they would change the world together.
Somewhere along the way, friendship became something more. Their college friends still joke that no one was quite sure when Rea and Vishesh officially started dating, because friendship had always been at the heart of their relationship.
After graduation, they both moved to San Francisco and ended up working just across the street from each other. They explored the “real world” in lockstep, navigating first jobs, discovering new hikes and restaurants, and creating new traditions together.
They supported each other’s dreams fearlessly. Vishesh moved back home to India to build something for his country, while Rea moved to Boston to pursue her MBA at Harvard Business School. Later, Vishesh moved back to the U.S. for his MBA at Harvard, while Rea returned to San Francisco for work. Through years of long distance, long-haul flights, and odd-hour phone calls, they never stopped choosing each other.
Rea and Vishesh have always been committed to helping each other pursue their dreams and, often, building those dreams together. They have volunteered with nonprofits across India and built an award-winning clean-energy startup, Zor, supporting hundreds of farmers in eastern India. They’ve also co-founded and co-led Jain organizations. One of their favorite things about their relationship is that whenever either of them pitches a crazy new idea, the other always responds, “Yes, and when can we start?” Whether creating organizations, working on ideas they care about, or staying close to family and friends around the world, service and community have remained central constants in their lives.
In 2025, Vishesh brought their story back to where it began. On the Berkeley campus, surrounded by their closest family and friends, he surprised Rea with an elaborate proposal.
These days, not much has changed. They still love board games, ma po tofu takeout, spontaneous walks through new cities, and, of course, plenty of dancing.
Over ten years after meeting in that anthropology classroom, Rea and Vishesh are beginning their next adventure together, with the same friendship that started it all still at the heart of their relationship.
The Family
Behind every great celebration are the people who made us who we are. We are so grateful to be surrounded by both our families as we begin this next chapter.
Travel & Stay
We’ve covered your stay at our wedding resort, the Taj Holiday Village in Candolim, Goa, for check-in on January 5th and check-out on January 7th, 2027.
- Fly into either airport, both about the same distance from the hotel, so pick whichever’s cheaper or better timed:
- GOX — Mopa, North Goa
- GOI — Dabolim, South Goa
- From overseas: connect via Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru. Leave 3+ hours between legs and book them on one ticket.
- Within India: direct flights to both airports. Book early — early January is peak season.
- By train: Thivim (THVM) is ~40 min away; Madgaon (MAO) is the larger hub.
Our planners will follow up to check on your travel plans. We’ll arrange pickups on the 5th and drop-offs on the 7th, to and from airports and stations.
Our wedding resort is the Taj Holiday Village in Candolim, Goa, with check-in on January 5th and check-out on January 7th, 2027. The families have subsidized rooms to a special rate of $150/person per night.
- Fly into either airport, both about the same distance from the hotel, so pick whichever’s cheaper or better timed:
- GOX — Mopa, North Goa
- GOI — Dabolim, South Goa
- From overseas: connect via Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru. Leave 3+ hours between legs and book them on one ticket.
- Within India: direct flights to both airports. Book early — early January is peak season.
- By train: Thivim (THVM) is ~40 min away; Madgaon (MAO) is the larger hub.
A few practical things
- Flights. We recommend booking your flights ASAP, as flight prices can spike nearing the holiday season.
- Visas. Most passport holders, including US citizens, need a visa for India. The e-Visa is the simplest route and is applied for online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Apply at least a month out. Flag it in your RSVP if you’d like help.
- Weather. Early January in Goa is about as good as it gets, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F).
- Money. Cards work at the resort. Carry some cash for markets and taxis.
FAQs
All celebrations will be held at the Taj Holiday Village in Candolim, North Goa. Every event takes place on the resort grounds.
The celebrations run from the afternoon of January 5th to the morning of January 7th, 2027.
Please RSVP by October 11, 2026 so we can coordinate rooms, transfers, and meals. You can RSVP using the form linked on this website.
- Check-in: 2:00 PM, January 4th or 5th, 2027
- Check-out: 12:00 PM, January 7th, 2027
We’ll do our best to process earlier check-ins and later check-outs, subject to availability.
Yes, you can extend your stay based on availability. We’ve arranged a group booking rate of $370/room (2 pax) on January 4th and January 7th. Please let the wedding planner know as soon as possible if you’d like to extend your booking — janice.weddingtantraindia@gmail.com.
All food will be vegetarian and without any eggs by default. Please note any allergies or dietary preferences (Jain, vegan, gluten-free, and so on) in the RSVP or hotel form. Our catering team will make sure there are suitable options at every event.
Yes, we’ll arrange airport transfers and shuttles around the event days, January 5th and 7th. Our planners will follow up with you to collect your travel information and we’ll take care of the rest. Once you’re at the resort, everything happens on site.
If you’d like to explore, you can hail a taxi or autorickshaw. Ridesharing apps like Uber and Ola do not operate in Goa. For a digital option, you can download the local app, GoaMiles, but we recommend hailing in-person transportation.
Each event has its own dress code and theme. See the Events information above for detailed dressing information.
If your invitation includes a plus one or kids, you’re more than welcome to bring them. Please note the details in your RSVP so we can plan rooms and meals accordingly.
Early January in Goa is about as good as it gets: daytime highs in the high 20s°C (low 80s°F) with pleasant evenings. Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and something light for the night events.
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Candolim sits in North Goa, so the North Goa spots are closest to you.
North Goa highlights
- Beaches: Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim
- Restaurants & bars: Thalassa, Gunpowder, Soro, Olive
- Markets: Saturday Night Market (Arpora), Anjuna Flea Market
- Sightseeing: Fort Aguada, Chapora Fort, Reis Magos Fort
South Goa highlights
- Beaches: Palolem, Colva, Agonda, Cavelossim
- Experiences: Sunset cruises, spice plantations, wellness retreats
- Culture: Portuguese-style houses, churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus
- Restaurants: The Fisherman’s Wharf, Martin’s Corner, Pousada by the Beach
We’ll share a “Local Guide” with more ideas on restaurants, bars, and experiences to try while you’re here.
Our wedding planning team — The Wedding Tantra, Janice D’Souza
- WhatsApp: +91 89837 16416
- Email: janice.weddingtantraindia@gmail.com
RSVP
We'd love to know you're coming. Please RSVP by October 11, 2026.
