When Kajal Agarwal and Gautam Kitchlu, Nikki Galrani and Aadhi Pinisetty, Alanna Panday and Ivor McCray, Rayane Radhika Sarathkumar and Abhimanyu Mithun and most recently, Aishwarya Arjun and Umapathy Ramaiah and other such stars and celebrities walked the aisle in style, everyone who attended the wedding went gaga. One name that was synonymous with all these big fat Indian weddings was Ambika Gupta.

A celebrity event designer, successful entrepreneur and inspiring single mother, Ambika is a name to reckon with in the industry. Having designed so many celebrity weddings and events not only in India, but also internationally, including locations in the UAE, Europe, US Turkey, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Serbia, Nepal, Bahrain and others, she manages to balance her work and family life as a single mom to her adorable daughter. She was also the name behind the decor design and styling for Mona Kattan for the soft launch of her brand “Juice” in Emirates hills, Dubai featured in the Season 2 finale of ‘Dubai Bling’, set dressing and styling Amazon Prime Video’s show “Made In Heaven” season 2, set design and florals for Papa Don’t Preach by Shubhika’s bridal campaign shoot, to name a few. With roots in Chennai, she has been invited as a speaker at some of the most prestigious platforms in Turkey, London, Kuwait and India.

After a degree in Bio Tech Engineering and a Masters in Mass Communication from Xavier’s Institute of Communication, Mumbai, Ambika started The A Cube Project, an internationally renowned, award-winning, bespoke wedding designing company, to weave themes from personal stories and create truly memorable settings for a D-Day. A TEDx speaker, International public speaker and Masterclass teacher, she has continued to stay on top of her game by learning the art of florals from London Flower School & Berlin Flower School, besides online courses in leadership and design from Harvard Business School and Parsons New School of Design.

Where did you study and how did you decide to take up this profession? What was the turning point?
I pursued my Mass Communication degree at St. Xavier’s College, where I had a small module on Events Management. At the time, I didn’t realise how significant it would become in my life. The turning point came in 2012 when I planned an event for a close family member’s birthday. That experience sparked my passion for creating bespoke decor, which led me to establish The A-Cube Project. My vision was to craft events that were not just visually stunning but also deeply personal, reflecting the couple’s journey and story.

Would you like to share the themes you used for each of these celeb weddings you designed – Kajal Agarwal and Gautam Kitchlu, Nikki Galrani & Aadhi Pinisetty, Alanna Panday and Ivor McCray, Rayane Radhika Sarathkumar and Abhimanyu Mithun, Aishwarya Arjun and Umapathy Ramaiah? Also, share a memorable moment where you felt your vision truly came to life?
For Kajal and Gautam’s wedding, the design was based on Kashmir as Gautam’s heritage is from there. We used a shikara theme and had a mirror to give an illusion of water and the side tables had flowers, depicting the floating flower market.

Nikki and Aadhi love Bali, so we brought in Bali theme for them as the first part of their story with a tropical paradise as Bali was their first travel destination after falling in love. The wedding was envisioned in dreamy white as they wanted something serene so we used sustainable shola flowers. For haldi at Taj Connemara we used two Amaltas – The Golden Shower trees coming together and starting a new life.

For Rayane and Mithun it was a production house with a cricketer so we based it on complete Indian kitsch with elements of Chennai and Bangalore, quirky quotes like whistle madi, filter coffee glasses, handpainted autos with street artists and the likes.

Aishwarya and Umapathy Ramaiah’s wedding was about Aishwarya’s love for Paris so the entire set was inspired by Pari. The wedding was in a temple so that was inspired by Chettinad architecture where we had floral valleys, handpainted backdrops of Rama and Sita and beautiful old world lost Hindu cities adorned with flowers.

One of the most fulfilling moments was designing Alanna Panday’s haldi ceremony. The couple wanted to bring their love for Italy into the decor, so we recreated an Italian farmer’s market. We incorporated grazing tables, intimate seating, and vibrant elements that reflected the charm of sun-drenched European marketplaces. Seeing the joy on their faces and how seamlessly the concept translated into reality was incredibly rewarding.

We are also love pushing the boundaries with technology-driven experiences. For the Sangeet of Mehzabeen and Ammar – Starry Night, we used advanced video projection mapping to create immersive storytelling backdrops, transforming the venue into a dreamlike setting. Motion-sensing technology added another dimension with an interactive floor that lit up and changed colours based on movement, making the experience truly magical. The client gave us the freedom to create something new and we pushed our boundaries and created an experience that the internet hadn’t seen before. This was one of the most talked about events of the season. It was truly a magical and immersive experience walking through the event.

How do you balance traditional elements with modern technology in your designs?
At The A-Cube Project, we seamlessly blend heritage with innovation. For example, we use holographic projections and motion-sensing dance floors at modern Sangeet and after-parties, while still incorporating traditional handcrafted elements in our wedding designs. Whether it’s using Athangudi prints in a South Indian wedding or Phulkari fabrics for a Punjabi ceremony, we ensure that every event tells a culturally rich yet contemporary story.

What challenges did you face when starting The A-Cube Project, and how did you overcome them?
Breaking into the luxury wedding design industry as an outsider was a challenge. Unlike established markets like Delhi or Rajasthan, South India had limited access to high-end decor rentals, making it difficult to execute large-scale luxury events. This led me to launch Luxury Furniture Rentals, bringing premium furniture and decor options to South Indian events. Additionally, building a network of trusted vendors, artisans, and florists took time. Overcoming these hurdles required persistence, innovation, and the ability to deliver consistently high-quality work.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in wedding and set design?
I continuously evolve my skills by studying at top institutions like the London Flower School and Berlin Flower School. I also take leadership and design courses from Harvard Business School and Parsons New School of Design. Traveling extensively exposes me to different design philosophies and cultural aesthetics, which I integrate into my work. Additionally, I keep an eye on global trends through fashion, architecture, and art, ensuring that my designs remain fresh and cutting-edge. I attend biennale’s whenever I’m traveling and if there’s one in the city / country I’m visiting. This helps me look at new art, new materials, patterns, textures people are working with in the present times. It inspires me to incorporate some of them in our wedding design or at least try and experiment with some of them.

What advice would you give to aspiring event designers who want to make a mark in the industry?
Invest in education and exposure—travel, study, and observe trends.
Master the art of storytelling—great events aren’t just beautiful; they tell a story.
Stay resilient—this industry demands patience, quick problem-solving, and adaptability.

Tell us about your experience working on Made in Heaven.
Working on Made in Heaven was an exciting challenge. Unlike real weddings, where we work over months to create a highly personalised experience, designing for a TV series required adapting to a director’s vision, tight deadlines, and budget constraints. Every set had to be visually impactful while seamlessly fitting into the narrative. The biggest takeaway was the ability to balance artistic expression with production limitations, a skill that translates into my wedding designs as well.

How has your multicultural background influenced your design philosophy and approach?
My extensive travels and exposure to diverse cultures fuel my creative process. Every year, I take time off to explore new countries, absorbing their art, architecture, and local traditions. This allows me to blend global aesthetics with Indian sensibilities. For example, my Middle Eastern projects incorporate intricate geometric patterns, while my European-inspired weddings focus on vintage elegance and layered textures.

How did you spend your earlier days in Chennai and how was the shift to another country? What are your other passions and interests?
I started with advocating for mental health, building women and their careers, interior design, flowers, traveling, going for biennials around the world, visiting exhibits and experiences.

What role does storytelling play in your design process, and how do you weave personal stories into your events?
Storytelling is the essence of every wedding I design. Before starting a project, I dive deep into the couple’s journey, cultural heritage, and personal aesthetics. This helps us craft a unique concept that is more than just decor—it’s an experience. For instance, in Aishwarya Arjun and Umapathy Ramaiah’s wedding, we used Athangudi prints, brass kuthuvilakkus, and traditional South Indian elements to honor their heritage. Similarly, for Priya and Nimlan’s Haldi, we infused Phulkari patterns and Punjabi motifs to reflect her roots.

Looking ahead, what are your future goals and your personal career aspirations?
The future of The A-Cube Project is global expansion and education. With our growing presence in the Middle East, we are diversifying into interior design, retail spaces, and large-scale event installations. Beyond business, I aspire to establish a design school to mentor aspiring wedding designers, teaching them about florals, storytelling, and luxury event design. I want to create a legacy that goes beyond aesthetics—one that inspires and nurtures creativity in the next generation.