Dubai’s culinary scene is home to some of the world’s most talented chefs, and among them is Nelly, a renowned pastry artist known for her exceptional craftsmanship and innovative approach to desserts. With a deep passion for flavors, textures, and artistry, she has captivated dessert lovers with creations that are as stunning as they are delicious.
Nelly specializes in crafting breathtaking luxury wedding cakes that make a statement at grand weddings, luxury events, and exclusive celebrations. Her attention to detail and artistic vision turn each cake into a masterpiece, blending elegance with unforgettable flavors.
In this exclusive feature, she shares her insights on the art of pastry-making, her inspirations, and some fascinating stories from her experience.
What was the most challenging cake design you’ve ever worked on?
One of the most challenging cake designs I’ve ever worked on is the one you see in the picture. It has been featured multiple times in the work of pastry chefs from different countries. What makes this luxury wedding cake unique is that it doesn’t get sliced like a traditional cake – it opens up.
Once opened, a small black box is revealed inside, containing a key. The bride and groom use this key to unlock a specific tier of the cake, where they find a locked compartment. Inside, they discover a red heart, which they then share as their first bite. This cake also included a staged element for the guests, where the bride or groom would refuse to take the knife, adding a dramatic moment before the reveal.
There were many technical challenges in making this cake, making the process two to three times more difficult than a regular design. The opening mechanism had to be flawless, with no visible indications that the cake could open. The layers of both the decorative outer cake and the real edible cake had to align perfectly to avoid any structural damage. Initially, we planned to use a remote-controlled mechanism for the opening, but due to the weight and risk of damage, we decided to operate it manually instead.
Another major challenge was assembling the final details on-site with millimeter precision to ensure everything looked perfect before the big reveal.
What made this particular project stand out from other luxury wedding cakes?
The bride and groom wanted a fairytale-inspired wedding cake that would be truly one of a kind. After exploring many different ideas, we decided on this unique mechanism, where the key to the heart became the central theme. The idea was for the couple to unlock the heart together, symbolizing their love and commitment.
Another special detail was the crown placed on top of the wedding cake, which matched both the venue’s name and the couple’s vision. Though it was primarily an aesthetic choice, it also carried a deeper symbolic meaning.
Were there any specific design elements that were especially difficult to achieve?
One of the most challenging design elements was creating the small door that would open with a key. During the preparation process, this section was damaged multiple times, making it one of the most delicate parts to perfect.
The biggest difficulty was ensuring that the opening and closing mechanism was sturdy enough to function properly while still blending seamlessly with the soft, creamy texture of the cake. It had to be both durable and aesthetically compatible. In the end, after multiple adjustments, we managed to get it just right.
What innovative techniques or materials did you use to make this luxury wedding cake unique?
To make this cake truly unique, we incorporated several innovative techniques and materials. One of the standout features was the mechanism that allowed the cake to open. Inside the opening layer, we added a soft light source to create a beautiful illuminated effect. The small door, the key, and the heart inside were all carefully crafted to ensure they worked perfectly within the design, adding both an interactive and visually stunning element to the overall cake.
What was the client’s reaction when they first saw the finished cake?
The couple was truly impressed when they saw the finished cake. They probably had no idea about the technical challenges we overcame to bring their fairytale vision to life. With their permission, we shared a video of the cake on Instagram. They also took to the comments section to express their gratitude and share their appreciation for receiving such a unique and special cake.
How did you ensure the wedding cake met both aesthetic and structural requirements?
Every aesthetic detail was carefully coordinated with the client, from the design and gold detailing to patterns inspired by the bride’s dress. As for the functional and structural aspects, we not only ensured they aligned with the client’s vision but also exceeded their expectations. We took great care in balancing the artistic elements with the necessary support to ensure the cake was both beautiful and stable, as we always do while crafting our luxury wedding cakes.
Did you face any unexpected challenges during the process? How did you overcome them?
While the challenges related to the cake’s preparation were mentioned earlier, we did encounter some unexpected difficulties during the event itself. One of the main challenges was coordinating with the musicians and the filming crew. Despite having everything planned on paper, some details were overlooked, leading to a few unplanned moments:
- The music stopped earlier than expected, just before the cake was about to be opened.
- The couple didn’t position themselves in a way that allowed for an effective shot during the filming.
These small details became apparent when we watched the wedding video later. Moving forward, we’ll ensure that every aspect, especially those related to the coordination with the wedding planners, is thoroughly planned to avoid any surprises.
