Ekta believes that weddings are far more than beautifully staged events. For her, they are emotional milestones, deeply personal stories, and once in a lifetime memories that deserve to be told with heart and intention. As the Founder of Weddings by ESL, she is quietly redefining the art of luxury wedding planning and design, bringing together hospitality precision, creative storytelling, and a deep respect for human connection.
Ekta’s journey into the world of weddings began during her days as a hotelier. Working closely with families during celebrations, she witnessed the joy, anticipation, and gratitude that surround a wedding. “I saw how much meaning these moments carried for people,” she shares. “It wasn’t just about décor or logistics. It was about emotion, memory, and connection.” That realisation stayed with her long after she left the hotel industry, eventually inspiring her to build something of her own.
That something became Weddings by ESL. From the beginning, Ekta approached wedding planning as a form of storytelling. Each couple, she believes, brings their own quirks, traditions, and love story into the room, and her role is to translate that into an experience that feels unmistakably theirs. “For me, weddings are cherished milestones,” she says. “I take pride in turning a couple’s personality and journey into moments that feel deeply personal and unforgettable.”
Over the years, Ekta has curated a wide range of celebrations, from intimate seaside vows to multi day cultural extravaganzas. Her work has taken her across India and into international destinations like Dubai, Qatar, Muscat, and Montenegro. Each location, each culture, and each couple brings new creative challenges, and she thrives on that diversity. “Every wedding teaches me something new,” she reflects. “No two stories are the same, and that is what keeps this work exciting.”
Her entrepreneurial journey has been marked by significant milestones. Opening Weddings by ESL’s first international office in Dubai was a turning point that signalled her brand’s growing global footprint. Recognition soon followed, including honours like ET Panache Women of the Year, WOW Middle East Gold for Best Intimate Wedding, and Wedding Sutra Platinum for Best Overall Wedding of the Year. Yet, for Ekta, the most meaningful moments are not always tied to trophies. “Watching a couple moved to tears when they see their love story brought to life through décor, music, and thoughtful details, that is everything for me,” she says.
Like most founders, her path has not been without challenges. Limited resources in the early days tested her patience and creativity. The pandemic disrupted the wedding industry in ways no one had imagined. But each obstacle strengthened her resilience and sharpened her instinct to innovate. Inspired by her couples and by global creative visionaries, Ekta continues to push boundaries through sustainable practices, technology integration, and trend forward design that remains rooted in authenticity.
Looking ahead, her vision is clear. She wants Indian weddings to be celebrated not just for their grandeur, but for their creativity, innovation, and artistry. “I want Indian weddings to be firmly on the global map, while still staying true to tradition,” she says.
In Ekta Sehgal’s world, a wedding is not just an event. It is a story waiting to be told, and she is making sure it is told beautifully.
