Inside the Design Mind: Ethereal Creators on the SAWC Podcast
Where Artistry Meets Emotion
Every unforgettable event starts with a story. For Abdul and Hafsa Qureshi — the husband-and-wife duo behind Ethereal Creators — design isn’t about decoration; it’s about emotion, architecture, and storytelling.
As guests on the SAWC Podcast, they shared how Ethereal Creators evolved from a small creative studio into one of Toronto’s most sought-after names in luxury wedding and event design. Their philosophy?
“Design should feel intentional — every structure, petal, and flicker of candlelight should tell part of the story.”
From romantic floral ceilings to sculptural mandaps and backdrops, their team transforms spaces into living works of art.
The Ethereal Approach: Turning Vision into Experience
In the episode, Hafsa and Abdul unpacked their design process — one rooted in collaboration, emotion, and technical precision.
Every Ethereal event starts with a conversation about feeling. How should the space make guests feel when they enter? What emotion should linger when they leave?
Through custom sketches, design boards, mockups, and site visits, Ethereal bridges creativity and structure, crafting weddings that balance modern luxury with timeless romance.
“We build moments that don’t just look beautiful — they feel beautiful.”
Design Trends They’re Obsessed With
When asked about the design trends shaping 2025 weddings, Abdul and Hafsa pointed to a clear shift: couples are moving away from maximalism toward intentional, architectural minimalism.
Here are some highlights they discussed:
Floral ceilings and suspended installations that blur the line between decor and art.
Candlelit layers and reflective surfaces for warmth and dimension.
Architectural builds — arches, stages, and walls that define space and flow.
Monochrome palettes with a focus on tone, texture, and light play.
These are the elements that have made Ethereal’s designs at venues like The Arlington Estate, Casa Loma, and Fairmont Royal York instantly recognizable.
Behind the Scenes of Iconic Events
The podcast also revisited some of Ethereal’s most memorable projects — each with its own story and emotion.
Casa Loma (Sapphire & Nadeem) — a fairytale Nikkah surrounded by soft florals, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of cherry blossom season in Japan.
The Arlington Estate (Mauj & Samy) — an all-ivory transformation filled with candlelight and layered draping.
Globe & Mail Centre (Four-Colour Sangeet) — a modern celebration defined by color-blocked design and cultural vibrancy.
Universal EventSpace (Red Masquerade Corporate Gala) — a high-impact, brand-driven production proving Ethereal’s mastery beyond weddings.
Each design reinforced Ethereal’s belief that the best spaces are built on collaboration, trust, and the freedom to create.
Building a Brand that Inspires
For Ethereal Creators, success has never been about the spotlight — it’s been about creating a community of artistry and integrity. The duo credits much of their journey to the planners and partners they’ve worked alongside, including Roxy from Art of Celebrations, Diana Pires, and Lida from The Creative Studio Toronto.
“We’re always grateful for the people who trust us to dream with them — that’s what allows us to create magic.”
