Dolcy D’Cruz
Despite unexpected October rain, Goan couples and wedding crews turned chaos into celebration — with umbrellas up, music loud, and hearts full.
Wedding planning often revolves around décor, music, food, and perfect photographs. Yet one thing even the most organised couples can’t control is the weather. While some call rain on a wedding day lucky, most couples see it as an uninvited guest. But this October, several Goan weddings proved that even stormy skies couldn’t dampen the joy.
Dancing in the downpour
For Everleigh Mascarenhas and Tanish Fernandes, heavy rain was the last thing they expected. “It was my husband who kept me calm,” Everleigh recalls. “I was panicking, but he said, ‘It’s fine. We’ve done our part, now let’s surrender it to the Almighty.’ That helped me stay positive.”
Despite the weather, the couple had an impressive turnout. “We had planned for around 1,200 guests, and nearly 850 showed up,” she said. “Those who loved us made it to our wedding.”
The day began beautifully — the nuptials went smoothly until 6:20 pm, when rain finally arrived. Everleigh surprised guests by singing a heartfelt cover of Lorna’s ‘Tuzo Mog’, which went viral on social media. “It was emotional because my family played the music for me. My father’s brothers and cousins, all musicians, formed a brass band and even played a Saud song written by my grandfather over 50 years ago.”
Enjoying with the rain
For Gresley and Wilfa Fernandes, even the rain became part of the fun. “I was fully prepared for rain,” Gresley laughs. “The venue owner told me to cover the floor, but I said no — we’ll enjoy it with the rain.”
The nuptials stayed dry, but when it poured later, the celebration went on. “The MC even said, ‘Let’s make it a rain dance!’ Everyone — my parents, friends, relatives — joined the dance floor. People said it was a historical wedding. Even guests from Bombay said it was their first time dancing in the rain at a wedding,” he says.
Keeping the crowd cheerful
When weather disrupts plans, it’s often the emcee who saves the mood. Veteran MC Xavier Fernandes, who has hosted weddings for over 45 years, knows how to turn chaos into cheer.
“I would say it was a blessing. They had fun even in the rain,” Xavier says. “One wedding began late because of heavy showers. Guests arrived slowly, but I told the couple, ‘It’s your special day — whether it rains or shines, enjoy it.’ Soon everyone was dancing outside with umbrellas.”
With no indoor space for dancing, Xavier kept the energy alive. “Around 50 or 60 people stayed on the floor despite the weather. The buffet was indoors, but the music and dancing carried on in the rain.”
The beat goes on
Rain brings its own challenges for musicians.
Patrick Silveira, manager of the Goan band Alcatrazz, shared how his team played through two rain-soaked weddings in one week.
“For the entrance, the rain stopped for a few minutes — we got the crowd in, then it started again,” Patrick recalls. “Even the cake cutting happened on the band stage. But people danced with umbrellas and really enjoyed themselves.”
Attendance stayed strong despite the weather. “Around 75–80% of guests still came. The rain couldn’t stop the celebration,” he adds.
Melcon Texeira of The Big Country Band also faced tough conditions. “We had three weddings this week with rains. Even though the stage was covered, strong winds brought rain from the sides,” he says. “We always carry plastic covers for our instruments. At times, slight shocks came through the mics, but we handled it carefully.”
To keep things going, the band adapted quickly. “We moved the cake cutting and first dance to a smaller covered area meant for guests. Later, when we began the second set, the couple started dancing in the rain — and soon everyone joined. Once they began, their friends and family followed. The ballroom set was magical — they enjoyed everything from ballroom to cha cha.”
Capturing the chaos
Photographer Akshay Naik of Capture X India has covered weddings for over five years, but this was his first time shooting one in relentless rain.
“I told the couple it would rain and we needed an indoor option,” he says. “We shifted everything near the buffet area. Their positive attitude helped — they just accepted it.”
Despite the downpour, Akshay and his ten-member team captured every moment. “We had no choice but to carry umbrellas everywhere,” he smiles. “But everyone took it in good spirit.”
Filming through the storm
For videographer Flint Oliveira of Flintstudios, the rain was the biggest challenge in four years. “It affected a lot of what we could cover,” he says. “The reception was supposed to start at eight, but it kept raining. We skipped straight to the couple’s entry, cake cutting, and dance.”
Even with limited coverage, Flint says the night was unforgettable. “Once the rain slowed, the dance floor filled up again. They were mentally prepared for it — that made all the difference.”
Umbrellas up, spirits high
From soaked gowns to dancing under umbrellas, these couples and crews proved that love and laughter shine brighter than any storm. In true Goan style, they turned what could have been chaos into celebration — reminding everyone that sometimes, the rain just makes the memories stronger.
