Renowned actress Surbhi Jyoti’s debut scene in her first television show involved portraying a runaway bride. Since then, she has often been cast in several similar roles and most celebrated for her performance Naagin 3, leading her to joke, “When my big day came, I didn’t run away!” Her real-life love story, however, unfolded quite differently.
Surbhi met her now-husband Sumit Suri a few years ago while setting up her apartment in Mumbai in 2018. A mutual friend recommended that she check out Sumit’s newly designed home. “I was impressed by his incredible design sense, so I asked for his help in a professional capacity to bring my vision to life,” she recalls. Once the project was completed, both found themselves missing each other’s company. “He then asked me out.” This led to a blossoming relationship that transitioned from professional collaboration to personal connection.
The Wedding Venue
Almost six years into a solid relationship, the couple decided to seal the deal with an intimate wedding in October 2024. Eschewing tried-and-tested destinations in India like Goa and Rajasthan, they chose Uttarakhand for their wedding. They finalised Aahana Resort, a unique location that would go on to serve both as a picturesque setting for their celebrations and a serene vacation spot for their guests. Aahana Resort, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Jim Corbett National Park, offered the perfect blend of natural splendour and luxury. The resort’s timeless architecture and surrounding natural beauty provided an idyllic backdrop for their dream forest wedding and multicultural celebrations. “We both love nature and desired a unique place that would be a perfect setting our celebrations and a vacation for our guests. With its natural beauty and impeccable hospitality, Aahana was love at first sight.”
The Wedding Vision
While Surbhi and Sumit’s parents had envisioned a grand Indian wedding with all the pomp and fanfare, the couple chose a more intimate approach. “We wanted our wedding to feel personal, cozy and fun,” Surbhi explained. “It was important for us that our friends felt as if they were part of a ‘ghar ki shaadi’ and at the same time, like they were on a mini vacation.” She added, “There was no dress code, no hectic itinerary, just space for everyone to relax, enjoy and celebrate with us.”
The Celebrity Guest List
Their three-day wedding festivities reflected this ethos beautifully. Alongside traditional ceremonies honouring the five elements of nature (earth, water, fire, air and space), the celebrations were designed with sustainability in mind, echoing the couple’s love for the environment. Close friends and celebrity guests, including Rithvik Dhanjani, Asha Negi, Kishwer Merchantt and Vishal Singh, joined in the festivities, adding warmth, laughter and memorable moments to the occasion. Every element, from the décor to the ceremonies, was carefully curated to feel intimate, joyous and connected to nature.
The Mehndi
The festivities kicked off with a playful mehndi that unfolded the serene beauty of the forest. “We had minimalistic décor, done by DB Spaces, featuring our favourite flowers, plush furniture and accent pieces. The idea was to highlight the enchanting, earthy location.” For the ceremony, Surbhi embraced a minimalistic yet traditional approach, opting for a delicate olive green ensemble by Gopi Vaid. The silhouette, a salwar suit, was a nod to her Punjabi heritage. The outfit featured the designer’s fine gota patti work, adding a subtle shimmer that resonated with the organic theme of the event.
“For each function, I chose outfits that celebrated different facets of my style,” revealed Surbhi. Another nod to her roots was paranda and jewellery by Aren Jewellers Jaipurwale.
The Haldi
Held at the serene Ashok Vatika and surrounded by lush greenery, the haldi was vibrant and an explosion of colour, laughter and love. A charming gazebo was the highlight of the décor. It was adorned with vibrant marigolds and fragrant white mogras that created a warm and traditional atmosphere. Surbhi opted for an effortless yellow anarkali and Sumit wore a pastel kurta, both by Pallavi Jaipur.
“The menu for the haldi ceremony was curated to evoke nostalgia, featuring traditional dishes that delighted our guests and added to the festive mood. The highlight of the day was the live dhol performance, which had everyone dancing and celebrating our new journey together.”
The Sangeet
The sangeet was nothing short of a Bollywood blockbuster that blended old-world charm with modern elegance. The setting was inspired by the bygone era, with shimmering decor, candles and a grand dance floor. “It was a whimsical carnival of romance inspired by enchanting yesteryears. It felt straight out of a film and set the perfect mood for electrifying performances.”
Surbhi looked radiant in a teal gharara by Pitambara, adorned with intricate embroidery that added a touch of traditional elegance. Her ensemble was complemented by gold jewellery from Aren Jewellers Jaipurwale, enhancing her regal appearance. Sumit, on the other hand, wore a terracotta kurta paired with white trousers and an embroidered jacket by Rachit Khanna, exuding a refined charm that matched the evening’s grandeur.
The Wedding
On October 27, 2024 Surbhi and Sumit’s love story came full circle. With a beautiful tree as the backdrop and white florals adorning the space, their Hindu ceremony was deeply traditional yet profoundly meaningful. “The magnificent tree didn’t just add an ethereal touch, but it symbolised strength and rootedness. These roots run deep, carrying stories of sunshine and rain, resilience and grace,” Surbhi said.
Emotions ran high as they performed sacred rituals. As they circled the holy fire, it was clear: this wasn’t just a wedding, but a tribute to love and a future that promised nothing but the best. Speaking of her most memorable moment, Surbhi said, “Since Sumit and I have known each other for many years, I thought I’d land up going with the flow. But when I walked down the aisle and Sumit was on the mandap waiting for me, I started crying.”
The bride was a vision in red. “I’ve always been a fan Neeta Lulla’s work. I remember meeting her years ago at an event and telling her I’d wear her lehenga the day I got married. So, when it came to finalising my trousseau, she was the first call I made. I wanted a red lehenga that exuded old-world charm and my Punjabi roots.”
The Cocktail Party
The celebrations ended with a cocktail evening. filled with music, dance and laughter, as close friends and family gathered to celebrate the couple’s love. The festivities culminated in a lighthearted moment as “the night ended with a comforting bowl of Maggi, which was the most beautiful and nostalgic end our our journey to forever.”
The Bride’s Checklist
The Bride: Surbhi Jyoti
The Groom: Sumit Suri
The Location: Aahana Resort
Photography: Knotting Bells by Rajesh & Sachin
Wedding Décor: DB Spaces
Bride’s Outfits: Neeta Lulla, Gopi Vaid, Pitambara
Bride’s Jewellery: Aren Jewellers Jaipurwale
Groom’s Outfits: Pitambara, Rachit Khanna, Pallavi Jaipur
Stylists: Victor Robinson, Sohail Mughal
Makeup: Dose of Glamour by Afreen
Hair: Fatima Mehfooz
Wedding Coordinators & PR: Madstir Media, Brand n Buzz
