From schoolmates to soulmates—the fairytale wedding dreams are made of

We all love a good childhood sweetheart story—the kind where two people meet young, grow up together, and somehow, despite all of life’s twists and turns, find their way back to each other. For Avantika Chhabria and Divyamm Batra, that story began in the seventh grade when their school branches merged, turning a simple friendship into an unbreakable bond. By the 10th grade, they were inseparable. Now, years later, they sealed their love with a wedding that was as magical as their journey together. As one-half of TheCisterCo, Chhabria’s eye for luxury and detail ensured a celebration that felt uniquely theirs—intimate yet grand, rooted in tradition yet refreshingly modern. Brides Today caught up with the couple to chat about their wedding vision, personal touches, and the moments that made their big day truly unforgettable.

Brides Today: How did you two meet? Tell us about your love story leading up to the wedding?

Avantika Chhabria: We first met in school when two branches of Arya Vidya Mandir merged in the seventh grade. What started as a simple friendship grew into a deep bond, and by the 10th grade, we were inseparable. That’s when we officially started dating, and the rest, as they say, is history!

BT: What was the vision you both had for your wedding—was there a particular theme or vibe you wanted to create?

AC: Our vision was “minimal magic.” We wanted the venue, entertainment, and food to shine, while keeping everything else understated. Even though it was a destination wedding, our priority was a relaxed, stress-free experience for both us and our guests. So, we carefully spaced out the wedding events to ensure a smooth and enjoyable celebration.

BT: Avantika, as a digital creator, how much did your work and style influence your wedding planning and shopping choices?

AC: As a content creator, my work definitely influenced my choices—especially when it came to outfits. The challenge was finding designs from my favourite designers that felt fresh and unique. I wanted to wear pieces I had admired for years, but in a way that hadn’t been seen before. Styling them in an unexpected way was key!

BT: Tell us about the process—were there specific designers you absolutely knew you had to include? Any memorable shopping moments?

AC: I always knew I wanted to be a Tarun Tahiliani bride—I love his minimal yet intricate craftsmanship. Initially, I had my heart set on a unique fishtail outfit for the wedding. But just as I was leaving the store, my mum spotted a lehenga and insisted I try it on. I wasn’t convinced at first, but the moment I put it on, it came alive, and I instantly knew it was the one!

BT: Which outfit of yours, Avantika, holds the most sentimental value, and why? And what was Divyamm’s favourite look from the celebrations?

AC: For me, it has to be my bridal outfit—there are just so many emotions tied to it! Divyamm’s favourite look was his Abhinav Mishra mehendi outfit—it was something he truly loved wearing.

BT: What were some of the most unique or personal touches you incorporated into the wedding—from décor to traditions?

AC: For the pheras, all my bridesmaids wore coordinated pastel outfits from Label Naibah, and it looked absolutely surreal. We also had a special counter where guests could write notes to us before the ceremony—it was such a meaningful touch! One of the most personal choices we made was asking our pandit to skip the kanyadaan ritual, as we didn’t believe in the concept of "giving the bride away."

BT: Planning a wedding can be overwhelming—how did you both divide tasks and keep the process enjoyable?

AC: I personally loved planning every little detail, but I knew my strengths and weaknesses. I focused on aesthetics, decor, and overall experience, while food and drinks were areas I left to those who knew best!

BT: Looking back, what advice would you give to couples planning their weddings, especially when it comes to balancing personal style with tradition?

AC: Enjoy the process and keep it as stress-free as possible! Make sure your wedding reflects you rather than just following trends. Incorporate personal touches that feel meaningful, and don’t be afraid to make unconventional choices if they resonate with you.


All images in the story are credited to Play The Novel.


Also read: Here’s everything we know about Neeraj Chopra’s wedding to long-term girlfriend Himani Mor

Also read: Sana Grover and Swadheet Chaturvedi's love story rooted in London, celebrated in Goa