Sejal Kumar and Bharat Subramaniam, JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa
A love story that was built over the years, enjoyed its celebrations in the warmth of the winter sun.
When the time came to plan their wedding, Sejal Kumar and Bharat Subramaniam wanted a celebration that was intimate and a reflection of their story. Their wedding, meticulously planned by WeddingSutra Favourite – DB & Spaces, was centred on authenticity, with events unfolding organically.
How They Met
Having studied at the same school in New Delhi from pre-primary to Class 12, Sejal and Bharat have known each other since they were children. However, the one-year age gap and different social circles meant that they barely spoke. A chance conversation that led to a deeper connection led to a steady relationship, warmed up by the capital’s winter sun. When the time came to plan their wedding, the couple wanted a celebration that reflected this intimacy and chose JW Marriott Mussoorie. Their wedding, meticulously planned by WeddingSutra Favourite – DB & Spaces, was centred on authenticity, with events unfolding organically.
The first real conversation that the couple had was at a family wedding. His best friend was Sejal’s cousin, and the two found themselves eating gol gappas together. Later, in 2019, a Facebook birthday notification prompted an impulsive message from Sejal. The two then made plans to meet during the winter break. The coffee date stretched into hours. Soon after, the pandemic brought them both back to Delhi, and the relationship settled into something steadier.
Wedding Planning
Dakshita Bhatla Gangola of DB & Spaces says that planning a wedding in the mountains comes with its own set of nuances, especially at a property like JW Marriott Mussoorie, which sits at a high altitude and experiences intense winter temperatures. “Guest comfort became the starting point of every design and planning decision. From increasing the number of heaters to thoughtfully planning transitions between spaces, the intention was to ensure warmth—both literally and emotionally,” she says.
She adds, “The couple was clear about keeping everything natural. They didn’t resonate with choreographed entries or over-curated moments. Instead, the celebrations were designed to unfold organically, allowing conversations, laughter, and shared experiences to take centre. The focus was never on spectacle, but on authenticity. At its core, the wedding was about joy—unforced, honest, and shared with the people they love most.”
Dakshita adds, “One of the most beautiful aspects of the celebration was witnessing how the Kumars and the Subramaniams came together. Each family brought its own cultural identity, rituals, and emotional rhythms to the wedding, and both were honoured with equal respect. Rather than blending cultures into a single narrative, each tradition was given space to tell its own story—resulting in a celebration that felt layered, inclusive, and deeply meaningful. The harmony between the two families became one of the most memorable elements of the wedding, making it as heartfelt as it was visually timeless.”
Wedding Functions
Mehendi
The mehendi was held at the amphitheatre with green and pink florals and dhol players. From the get go, each detail reflected thoughtfulness and the bond the couple shared. The save-the-date began as a watercolour painting of the mountains that the bride made herself.
The mehendi venue sported childhood photographs of the couple. Interestingly, both had won Best Personality Award in Grade 1. The passport-sized pictures were printed and placed around the space, a private joke made visible.
Haldi
The haldi took place on the terrace, with the mountain view as a backdrop. Marigolds, pastel seating and large rustic bowls made up the décor of the rituals.
Sangeet
The sangeet leaned into a terracotta angan palette, with rust tones, European-style cabanas and lights strung overhead. Family performances in this earthy space added to the sense of community.
Wedding
The wedding had a “Whispers of the Backyard” theme. A wooden pergola draped in trailing greens, jasmine creepers, amaranthus and rajnigandha stood at the centre, surrounded by curved and mismatched wooden chairs arranged garden-style.
The rituals had an easy hybridity between the two cultures. Sejal’s mom wanted a Sindhi chooda puja, and a Tamilian priest facilitated the wedding ceremony.
Reception
The reception dinner at Mussoorie closed the weekend on a different note entirely, inspired by Sejal’s older brother’s wedding. Long tables, speeches, live music and karaoke turned the space into what she calls “a western jazz bar come to life.”
The Wedding Makers
Venue: JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa
Planner: DB & Spaces
Bride’s Outfits: Papa Don’t Preach (Mehendi), Seema Gujral (Sangeet), Raabta by Rahul (Jewellery, Sangeet), Sabyasachi (Wedding)
Groom’s Outfits: Rahul Mishra (Mehendi), Shyamal & Bhumika (Sangeet), Sabyasachi (Wedding)
