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Here’s to highlighting this magnificent milestone that Marriage Maestros has achieved with their win at the DWP ACE Awards! The premier luxury wedding and event planning company specializes in creating exquisite, signature weddings and one-of-a-kind events throughout Southeast Asia, China and Europe. We had a chat with Evelyn Mills, the Founder of Marriage Maestros who spoke about the awe-inspiring ‘works of art’ and unforgettable experiences that her company is passionate about creating.
How does it feel to win this prestigious award?
Winning this award is an incredible experience and feels a bit surreal! When our name was announced, I was so ecstatic that I literally ‘happy danced’ my way right on to that stage! What a tremendous honor it is to receive such a prestigious accolade, which I attribute to my dedicated team of maestros – for without them, none of this would have been possible. Thank you DWP Congress for giving me the opportunity to celebrate and share my life’s passion on this momentous occasion with my esteemed industry peers, whom I have the utmost admiration and respect for. I am so grateful to everyone who supported our nomination and am especially thankful to those who continue to believe in our vision throughout this fairytale journey.
How was your experience at the luxurious Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2019 that took place in Dubai?
I had a wonderful experience and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been invited to be a part of this prestigious event. Not only is the DWP Congress an exceptional networking platform for international and domestic businesses alike, but also for rekindling old and forging new, lifelong friendships with like-minded industry professionals that hail from every corner of the world. This is my third time at DWP and every year the team manages to outperform themselves. All the meetings were planned and executed like clockwork and when it was time to let our hair down, each event was curated and orchestrated to perfection. Everything from the food to the decorations and entertainment was top-notch, getting better and better each night; culminating to the fabulous gala dinner. Dubai is such a dynamic and fascinating city with so much to offer, so where better to showcase the largest luxury Wedding Planners Congress in the world, than in the ‘City of Gold’ itself?
What motivates you to be so active within this dynamic wedding world?
LOVE – of course! The love I have for my family is what motivates me and the love for what I do is what inspires me. I am blessed to be constantly surrounded by love in this industry. Whether it’s my wonderful clients, who’s love for one another literally shines right through them; my amazing vendors and suppliers (whom I prefer to refer to as my partners) or my fabulous teammates, who fall in love with each new wedding that comes their way – love is always in the air! For me, every event is a work of art that comes straight from the heart, which means that my team and I are constantly evolving and coming up with creative ways to translate our clients’ dreams into realities. We’re always innovating, putting a new spin on things and encouraging ourselves to think outside the box, whilst remaining true to our clients’ personal stories by ensuring that each wedding is given its own unique signature style. Ultimately, it’s that sheer look of joy on our clients’ faces when they see all our hard work come together, that makes the challenges and sleepless nights all worthwhile.
Tell us about your overall journey and how you have achieved this milestone.
I founded Marriage Maestros in 2002 (or rather, Marriage Maestros found me) a few years after true life circumstances changed my path and brought me to my calling. There have been many ups and downs, all of them learning experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. When it comes to weddings, the end result is always very glamorous and seamless, but the process leading up to each event can be filled with restless nights and sometimes even blood, sweat and tears, literally! In the end, it’s all a collaboration between our creative teams; fueled by inspiration and brought to life together through hard work from all of our industry partners. It is important to acknowledge that successful wedding planning takes teamwork, love and trust in all your partners, your clients and most importantly your team. Be true to yourself and whenever you get stuck, always look on the bright side, just as every cloud has a silver lining, every problem will have a solution.
According to you, what are some of the best weddings you have planned till date and how have they shaped your incredible career pathway?
Honestly, some of the best weddings I have ever done are really the ones that have presented the most challenging ‘opportunities’ for me to learn from and improve myself. They have been the most significant and impactful events in my professional career, that also inspire me in my day to day life. I love when an opportunity presents itself for us to really wow and exceed a client’s expectations. It is very exciting and encouraging when couples show complete faith and trust in our team as it motivates us even more to really think outside the box on how to help them create that special once in a lifetime experience. The greatest gift is to work with a couple from the beginning of their journey and to share it with them as it progresses into a beautiful family life! I have done weddings that have led to baby showers, milestone celebrations and even beyond. To be able to see a couple blossom and grow, and to then be welcomed as part of their family is a true blessing and one that I cherish most. What I do goes beyond just planning a wedding, it is a labor of love that leads to a lifelong marriage between my clients and me. Our bond does not end after the wedding, on the contrary; it is when our friendship truly begins.
Please provide a word of inspiration for the new, upcoming set of individuals who strive to follow in your footsteps and make it big in the industry.
“When love and skill work together expect a masterpiece.” – John Ruskin (1819-1900)
My motto is: Attitude Fortitude Gratitude.
Be confident because if you believe in yourself, others will believe in you. Trust your own instincts. If you don’t feel a special connection with a potential client or partner, don’t take that plunge. There will always be other opportunities that come your way, which more often than not will grant you some of life’s best ever experiences and most everlasting relationships. Know that without passion or compassion, creativity is difficult to find. Be kind, be gracious and always be grateful. Appreciate that everyone you meet is your teacher. Work hard and never give up. For every problem, there is a solution – think it through and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Some moments will inevitably be difficult but when you get to the end and see the smiles on your clients’ beaming faces, you’ll be rewarded with the greatest sense of achievement that will make you want to do it all over again!
All Photographs Courtesy: Marriage Maestros
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