Inside Sanya and Hriday’s Corbett wedding that quietly redefined tradition

Some stories feel written long before they unfold. Sanya Bimal and Hriday Chawla met on the very first day of law school in 2014, seated just two desks apart before their first lecture. There was an instant spark, though neither could have imagined that the next 11 years would take them from India to Hong Kong to Germany. Today, the two are practising lawyers at international law firms in Munich, still carrying the same connection that began in a classroom.

A Bali proposal filled with meaning

In June 2024, Chawla planned a proposal in Bali that felt deeply personal. On June 17, a date he chose because the number 8 has always brought him luck and Bimal's birthday adds up to it, he took her to a lush rice terrace in Ubud under the pretext of a romantic breakfast. As the morning sun filtered through palm trees, he went down on one knee. With just the two of them, nature all around and a hidden photographer, Bimal said yes. Two days later, he surprised her again by flying in their closest friends and family to Bali, knowing how much celebrating together would mean to her.

Choosing Corbett as their wedding destination

For the wedding, it was important for the couple to celebrate in India so their grandmothers could be present. They chose Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, a place close to Chawla's heart. As a wildlife photography enthusiast, Corbett had always brought him a sense of calm. 

Set along the Kosi river and surrounded by nature, the property felt like the perfect setting for a wedding rooted in stillness and intention. The celebrations were planned and designed by DB and Spaces.

The celebrations began on November 20, 2025, with a welcome dinner that brought together friends and family from across the world. Instead of table numbers, each table was named after a place the couple had travelled to together, from Cinque Terre to Majorca and Val d'Orcia. Hand-painted stationery added a personal touch, while sage green decor, soft earth tones and cascading florals created an intimate, forest-like setting. The evening flowed with heartfelt toasts, shared tears and a beautifully curated five-course dinner.

Haldi and mehendi with personal details

On November 21, the haldi and mehendi ceremonies unfolded with a colour palette of pastel pinks and soft greens. Inspired by the aesthetics of an Indian flower markets, the decor layered artisanal details with the natural beauty of the surroundings. The bride wore not just her engagement ring, but also her mother’s, nani’s and dadi’s rings, bringing generations together in one quiet gesture. 

Thoughtful details filled the tables, from custom coasters featuring the couple’s dog’s paw prints to block-print stamps, ghungroos, potlis and origami birds.

A candlelit sangeet under the stars

In the evening, the sangeet took on a dramatic yet intimate mood. Free-form arches replaced symmetry, with waves of florals and deep red accents running through the space. Nearly three thousand candles were lit by hand, giving the venue a soft, glowing rhythm. A canopy of tiny lights overhead echoed Corbett’s clear night sky, while warm woods and darker tones set the stage for performances and celebrations that went on well into the night.

A wedding shaped by nature and equality

The wedding day began with a private first look and personal vows, allowing the couple a few moments together before the ceremonies began. As Bimal walked down the aisle at sunset with the Kosi river behind them, a flock of white egrets rose from the riverbed and flew across, a moment that felt quietly profound. The decor followed the landscape with sculptural, asymmetrical arches framing the mandap and mirror-topped tables reflecting the changing light.

The rituals were designed to reflect partnership and equality. The couple chose to move away from traditions that did not align with their values, focusing instead on shared gestures. Bimal tied a black-bead bracelet on Chawla as he tied the mangalsutra, and during the sindoor ritual, she placed a tilak on him. A Kosi Aarti performed before the pheras honoured nature and the setting they had chosen.

Giving back and celebrating with intention

Beyond the celebrations, the couple made space for gratitude. They donated winter essentials to 150 students in a nearby Kumaon village, grounding the wedding in a sense of responsibility. The entire creative team was women-led, a choice that reflected the couple’s commitment to supporting women-run businesses. 

From start to finish, Bimal and Chawla's wedding felt less like a spectacle and more like a reflection of who they are: thoughtful, equal and deeply connected to each other, nature, and the world around them.

All images: The Blemished Tales

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