Meet the Dreammakers Redefining Modern Weddings
In today’s vibrant wedding and event scene, creativity has become a language of its own — one that fuses tradition with bold, contemporary storytelling. From intimate nikkahs to grand, transformative wedding stages, two women have been quietly yet powerfully redefining how we celebrate.
Ayesha Akram of “Daisay Dot Events” and Cyra Ali of “Caisha & Co.” have each crafted a distinct design identity in an industry overflowing with ideas. Ayesha is known for her meticulous approach to atmosphere — where every flower, hue, and light placement feels deliberate — while Cyra has become synonymous with playful color, bold contrasts, and artful detail.
Together, their work captures two sides of the same creative coin: elegance and exuberance, vision and precision. In candid conversations with Mindful, both planners reveal what it takes to turn imagination into reality, share the stories behind their most memorable projects, and reflect on how they continue to push the boundaries of beauty, emotion, and experience in Pakistan’s ever-evolving event landscape.
Ayesha Akram
Daisy Dot Events
What inspired you to start Daisy Dot, and how did your journey into event and wedding planning begin?
My inspiration for Daisy Dot came from a lifelong fascination with storytelling through spaces and a deep appreciation for the beauty of our local celebrations. Growing up in Islamabad, I was surrounded by vibrant traditions and artistry, but I always felt there was room to reimagine them — to bring a more personalized, cinematic touch to the experience.
My journey started organically, helping friends and family with their weddings. I discovered how much joy I found in curating every detail — from the first floral arrangement to the final sparkler send-off. That passion, paired with my love for design and cultural heritage, eventually led me to create Daisy Dot — a brand that crafts weddings with heart, soul, and a hint of luxury.
Daisy Dot Events has a detail-rich aesthetic. Is it inspired by your own personality, travels, or something else entirely?
Absolutely — the Daisy Dot aesthetic is very much a reflection of my personality: meticulous, imaginative, and always drawn to beauty in the details. My travels across Pakistan exposed me to an incredible tapestry of colors, textures, and traditions that continue to inspire my work. I’m also deeply influenced by the art of storytelling — where every scene, every setting, has meaning. This blend of personal experience, creative exploration, and cultural richness is what shapes the immersive, detail-oriented style that defines Daisy Dot.
Can you walk us through your process when designing a bespoke wedding or event? Where do you begin, and how long does it usually take?
Every bespoke wedding begins with listening. I start by understanding the couple’s story — their dreams, their personalities, and the emotions they want their guests to feel. Inspiration often comes from their heritage, shared memories, or the overall mood they want to create.
From there, I translate those ideas into visual form through mood boards — blending classic elegance with modern artistry. I focus on color palettes, luxurious fabrics, and statement décor pieces, whether it’s a cascading floral installation or a crystal chandelier that anchors the space.
Planning a luxury wedding usually takes about four to six months. That time allows for custom designs, meaningful collaborations with vendors, and the kind of meticulous execution that ensures every detail feels both grand and deeply personal.
What’s one of the most meaningful or emotionally powerful events you’ve curated — and why does it stand out to you?
One of the most moving weddings I’ve curated was for a couple who wanted to celebrate both their family traditions and their modern love story. We wove together classic rituals, vibrant floral garlands, and a stage inspired by timeless architecture — all set against a canopy of fairy lights and live classical music.
The moment that still gives me goosebumps was a surprise performance by the bride’s grandmother, who sang an old family song. It was deeply emotional and filled the space with love and nostalgia. That night reminded me that beyond all the grandeur, it’s the intimate gestures and heartfelt moments that truly make a wedding unforgettable.
In a world full of Pinterest boards and Instagram trends, how do you encourage clients to express their personal story through their event?
While trends are a great source of inspiration, I always encourage clients to look beyond them and dig deeper into their own stories. We talk about family traditions, heirlooms, and cherished memories — the details that make their journey unique. Sometimes that means weaving a childhood motif into the décor or designing a stage that reflects their shared experiences.
My role is to guide them toward authenticity, helping them create a celebration that feels personal and timeless — a wedding that tells their story, not just one that fits the latest trend.
Have you noticed a generational difference between how parents and their children view weddings? How do you mediate when there’s a clash between tradition and modern tastes?
Absolutely — generational differences are very common. Parents often value tradition and symbolism, while couples today lean toward modernity and self-expression. My role is to bridge that gap through open, respectful conversations, helping both sides feel heard.
We often find creative middle ground — pairing a traditional ceremony with a contemporary reception, or blending classic motifs with modern décor. The goal is always harmony: creating a celebration that reflects the couple’s vision while honoring the family’s legacy, so everyone feels seen, included, and celebrated.
Running a creative business is no small feat. What have been some of your biggest lessons as a founder — especially as a woman entrepreneur?
As a woman entrepreneur in Pakistan, I’ve learned that resilience and community are everything. The creative industry can be demanding, but building a supportive team and trusting my own vision has been essential.
I’ve also learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Above all, I strive to uplift other women in the industry, believing that our collective creativity can continue to transform the landscape of event planning in Pakistan.
What does a Mindful life look like for you, both personally and professionally? Do you have any rituals or practices that help you stay creatively fulfilled?
For me, a mindful life is about presence — being fully engaged in every moment, whether I’m designing a wedding or spending time with my family. I practice daily meditation and carve out time for creative rituals, like sketching or visiting art exhibitions, to nourish my imagination.
Professionally, mindfulness means prioritizing meaningful connections with clients and collaborators, approaching every project with intention and care. These practices keep me inspired and grounded, even amidst the whirlwind of wedding season.
What advice would you give to young women in Pakistan hoping to start their own creative business?
Believe in your vision and don’t be afraid to take risks. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who uplift you, and remember that your unique perspective is your greatest asset. The creative journey is rarely linear, but persistence, authenticity, and a willingness to learn will set you apart. Most importantly, celebrate every achievement and use your platform to inspire others.
What’s next for Daisy Dot? Are there any dream projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to explore cross-cultural collaborations — perhaps designing a wedding that fuses local elegance with international minimalism, or curating destination weddings that bring the magic of our traditions to new locales. My dream is to keep pushing creative boundaries, crafting experiences that are both luxurious and deeply personal. Stay tuned — the next chapter of Daisy Dot promises even more unforgettable moments.
Cyra Ali
Caisha & Co
What inspired you to start Caisha & Co, and how did your personal journey lead you into the wedding and event industry?
After graduating with a fine art degree, I often found myself drawn to the world of events—helping friends and relatives with their weddings and parties. Around the same time, my husband was running an event company, which gave me a closer look at the industry from a professional perspective. Combining my artistic background with his event experience felt like a natural evolution, and that’s how Caisha & Co was born.
It became a space where I could channel my love for aesthetics and storytelling into creating weddings and celebrations that went beyond the expected—events that felt deeply personal, considered, and full of meaning.
Caisha & Co weddings are instantly recognizable — bold palettes, vibrant textures, and a sense of joy that jumps off the screen. What draws you to such a fearless use of color and creativity?
That definitely comes from my personal style. I’ve always drawn energy from boldness—whether it’s in how I dress, decorate my space, or the kind of art I create and admire. Color, texture, and contrast just feel like second nature to me.
What’s your process for collaborating with couples to bring their vision to life?
We start with simple questions—getting to know my clients, their likes and dislikes, and what feels most authentically them. From there, we exchange ideas, experiment, and refine until the vision starts taking shape.
It’s a collaborative process, but we always love adding that extra spark—something unexpected that makes the design truly unique and unforgettable.
What wedding trends do you see emerging now?
Couples today are moving away from cookie-cutter celebrations and gravitating toward weddings that are out of the box—events that feel personal, intentional, and story-driven.
Have you ever done a wedding or event that challenged conventions or pushed your creative boundaries? Can you share an example and what you learned?
Once, while designing bows for a traditional Christmas party, none of my samples turned out quite as I’d envisioned. Instead of forcing the idea, I decided to experiment with a completely different material—acrylic—and incorporated internal neon lighting. The result was a set of giant illuminated bows that transformed the entire space.
What began as a design setback became a creative breakthrough, reminding me that constraints can be powerful catalysts for innovation. Sometimes, the most memorable ideas come from thinking beyond the expected.
How do you balance tradition and innovation in your weddings?
For me, it’s about reimagining tradition rather than abandoning it. That often means taking a symbolic element—a cultural ritual, a family heirloom, or even a traditional color palette—and presenting it in a modern, meaningful way that still honors its roots.
What are some “behind-the-scenes” rituals or philosophies in your design process that contribute to your final creations?
Before starting any project, I always begin with a prayer—a quiet moment to center myself and set the intention to create beauty that uplifts everyone who experiences it.
Another guiding philosophy is that creativity doesn’t always come from abundance. When budgets are tight or materials are limited, I turn to nature as my co-designer. I’ve used fallen palm fronds, foraged leaves, and even rescued discarded plants from garden waste piles—breathing new life into them through design.
What has been your most challenging project so far, and what lessons did it teach you?
It’s hard to single out one project—every event brings its own set of challenges and lessons. Some of the most valuable learning happens in real time, on the job, when things don’t go as planned.
One key takeaway has been the importance of checks and double checks. From logistics to lighting cues, even the smallest oversight can have a big impact. Experience has taught me to always anticipate the unexpected—and to build flexibility and contingency into every plan.
Do you think couples today are becoming more open to unconventional décor ideas? How do you encourage them to take creative risks?
Absolutely. Trying something new always takes a bit of bravery, and my goal is to create a safe, trusting environment where couples feel comfortable taking that leap—knowing their vision will be respected, even as we explore fresh, creative directions together.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Caisha & Co? Are there new services, markets, or creative directions you’re excited about?
We’ve been creating so many distinctive décor elements—custom lights, sculptural screens, and interactive pieces—that it feels natural to expand into product design as our next step. We’re currently working on a line of signature pieces that other designers and clients can incorporate into their own spaces.
It’s an exciting way for Caisha & Co’s creativity to live beyond the events we design.
Coordinated by Durrah Aman
