As founder of Marriage Maestros and Wedding Maestros, Evelyn Mills has mastered the art of orchestrating the most unforgettable weddings and special events. “It happened quite organically. Weddings literally found me,” she says. “I’ve always been drawn to meaningful experiences that bring people together, celebrate love, embrace family, and honour both tradition and individuality.” After graduating in hospitality at Les Roches Hotel Management School in Switzerland, Evelyn embarked on a journey that would lead her to her life long passion and calling.
Behind the scenes, creating the perfect wedding for clients demands no less than close attention to detail and countless hours in pursuit of perfection. “Sleepless nights and long intense days on your feet–and becoming personally invested–all come with the territory,” she confesses. Her sage advice: Trust your instincts and listen to that little voice. Have faith in yourself, your journey, your teammates and industry partners.
Whether she is busy creating unforgettable moments for couples or relaxing in the company of loved ones, Evelyn stays true to her tried-and-tested formula for style. ”True investment pieces feel like a part of you – season after season, it reflects your style, energy and spirit.” And among those, a trusty pair of pearl earrings.
1. What keeps you busy these days?
On the business side, I’ve been focused on nurturing and growing our brand, strengthening relationships with our partners, and training our team – many of whom come from different generations and backgrounds. Our team brings together a range of life experiences, perspectives, and energies — a rich blend that constantly teaches and inspires me.
I’m also passionate about supporting and mentoring individuals from all walks of life -- from fellow entrepreneurs to disadvantaged youth and those navigating personal challenges.
On the personal front, I’ve been embracing a new season of change into the next phase of womanhood. It is one that calls for strength, patience, and a deeper kind of self-awareness. I’ve been more intentional about my health, lifestyle, and the way I show up for myself. It’s a time of recalibration, of listening inward, and staying anchored in something greater than myself. That quiet connection to faith, purpose, and grace has been a steady guide.
2. How did you come to find your current career or life’s work?
My first business, a travel agency co-founded with my husband and best friend, shut down in the wake of 9/11. I found myself at a crossroads. A close friend offered me a role at her bridal boutique, and that’s where I first stepped into the world of weddings. I quickly fell in love with the process - the brides, the creativity, the emotion - and I was hooked.
When a client’s destination wedding in Bali was cancelled due to a bombing, my bestie and I helped her move the celebration to Hong Kong. Without realizing it, I had planned my very first wedding. Soon after, another bride came to me with a similar crisis during the SARS outbreak. We somehow pulled that one off too. It was a much larger wedding that spanned over three days in three different venues, with the grand finale held at the Convention Hall at the HKCEC. That’s when I knew that this was my calling.
With the encouragement of friends and family around me, along with my bestie’s blessings (she married my husband’s best friend and the four of us remain very close until today), I launched Marriage Maestros in 2002 as Hong Kong’s first international luxury wedding firm.
Shortly after, my husband Anthony joined me and we worked side by side together for eight years, laying the foundation and building the business together – a journey I’ll always treasure.
In 2015, my now 10-year business partner Tammy joined me, and together we've continued to shape our Maestros journey in new and meaningful ways. Our passion lies in creating all life's celebrations that are personal, culturally respectful, diverse and timeless.
3. What is it about your work or career that you enjoy most?
The connections - with people, with stories, with moments that matter. I love being part of our couples’ journeys, from engagements to marriages and eventually growing their own families. Some clients have become lifelong friends. I’ve had the privilege of naming a few of their children and even becoming godmother to some.
I cherish being able to see our team flourish together, and as individuals, and not just professionally, but also in their personal journeys. The quiet growth behind the scenes is just as meaningful as the beautiful outcomes our clients and heroes behind the scenes experience.
4. What do you consider to be “hazards of the job?”
The emotional, mental, and physical toll. We’re part of people’s most significant moments, and you only get one chance to get it right. High emotions, the expectation for perfection, sleepless nights, long, intense days on your feet - and becoming too personally invested - all come with the territory.
I’ve always been someone who wants to make others happy, so learning to say no - with grace and intention - has been one of the most valuable lessons.
My business is my baby. In many ways, it’s as close as I’ve come to understanding what parenting or 'motherhood' might feel like. Nurturing a team, creating weddings and milestone moments takes months of care and preparation, followed by one final, focused "push." You move through the intensity and the labour, and then suddenly, it’s all behind you – replaced by joy, a fresh beginning, and everlasting memories.
5. For people who aspire to similar careers, what would be your advice?
Stay curious and grounded. Learn to read the room - emotionally, culturally, and professionally. This work isn’t just about creating something beautiful; it’s about curating something that feels right for the people you’re serving.
Trust your instincts, and listen to that little voice. Have faith in yourself, in your journey, in your teammates and industry partners. Above all, in something greater than you. That quiet trust from above often lights the way when things feel uncertain. Leading with kindness and compassion will always carry you far.
6. What are the career milestones that inspire you to break the glass or mold?
There have been many moments that shaped my professional journey. Founding my own business and carving out a niche in an industry that didn’t really exist in Hong Kong before took courage and vision. Bringing together the best of East and West was a big part of that.
Being invited to speak internationally and recognised in spaces that once felt out of reach reminds me that growth isn’t about shouting louder. It’s about showing up with care and consistency. Every time our team is acknowledged for its integrity, I feel motivated to keep evolving.
Receiving heartfelt messages from clients, peers, and team members after an event are constant reminders of why I do what I do. But perhaps the most meaningful milestones have been learning to embrace change, staying open-minded and being innovative.
7. How do you balance work and family life? What are activities that enable you to bond with family?
For me, it’s not just about balance, but being fully present. My husband and I, now married for 26 years, love taking our two rescue pups – Jack and Oscar – for hikes up to the Peak or fun beach days where they can swim and run freely.
We enjoy cooking at home, wining and dining, and travelling the world. Above all, we cherish spending quality time with our families and close friends.
8. How do you unwind or rewind? Any favourite spots in your current city that you consider a me-time haven?
Bubbles on the outdoor terrace at The Continental. A quiet corner at Soho House. Matcha tea at Club Lusitano. A deep tissue massage at the Four Seasons Spa.
9. How would you describe your personal style? What are three wardrobe essentials?
Understated, comfortable, and feminine. I gravitate toward pieces that feel effortless yet refined.
My go-to essentials: a versatile shawl, a great pair of shades, and gold hoop earrings - classic pieces that carry me through any day.
10. What makes for a good investment piece? Kindly cite examples of pieces in your current wardrobe.
I love my small collection of Marie France Van Damme caftans. I also love pieces that feel like second skin.
And shoes - glorious shoes! A favourite: silver diamante Roger Vivier pumps, my most comfortable and elegant pair of heels.
I also absolutely cherish a vintage black YSL suede and leather clutch passed down from my mother, and a pair of double fan-styled gold and pearl drop earrings from a jeweller friend’s Slink designer collection.
11. What do pearls mean to you?
Pearls feel like quiet strength to me. They’re timeless, never ordinary, and always appropriate. I see them as companions rather than accessories - symbols of maturity, softness, and depth.
12. What is everyday luxury for you?
Time. Time to savour a meal without rushing. Time to care for myself without guilt. Time with the people (and animals) I love most.
Everyday luxury is being intentional in how you live, treat others, and show up for yourself and those around you.
