Years of spreading inspiration, talent, and creativity.
Mary Ronis is known worldwide for her remarkable work, and it’s
with great joy that we feature her in this mini interview.
Mary, could you tell us about your very first encounter with the world of events? What drew you into this industry and inspired you to stay?
“The world of events combines all my life’s greatest love stories. These are joy, wonder, creation & a genuine interest in people. I remember as a child watching Charlie and the chocolate factory and gazing with admiration at Gene Wilder in the candy forest scene. At that moment,I felt such a strong desire to recreate that feeling of transporting people into a world of pure imagination. I finally got that opportunity when a relative asked me to do her event. I have never looked back since. “
Today, your name is synonymous with luxury events and unforgettable experiences. How would you describe your journey to reaching this point in your career?
“My journey has never really been about luxury, it’s always been about people. In the beginning, it was never about grandeur but about connection & helping people celebrate life’s most sacred milestones in ways that felt deeply personal.
Over the years, I discovered that luxury isn’t just about opulence, it’s about detail, intention, and the ability to make someone feel seen and cherished in a fleeting moment. That belief guided me from intimate gatherings to large-scale productions, each one carrying a piece of my heart and vision. The details, the late nights, the quiet dedication over time became my signature. To see my name now associated with luxury feels less like a label and more like the truest reflection of what I’ve always wanted, and that is to make people keep believing in magic.”
In your eyes, what truly sets your work apart from others in the industry?
“For me, it’s never just about how an event looks. It’s about how it feels. I spend time getting to know my clients, their stories, and the chapters that matter most to them. Then I translate a part of who they are, their history, & their heart into the experience. Every detail becomes a feeling you can see, a memory made tangible, an emotion captured in flowers, light, or music. That’s what makes my work different. It’s not simply creating events, it’s creating living reflections of the people they’re for.”
Producing events at the highest level comes with its own set of challenges. What are the biggest ones you face, and how do you navigate through them?
“The greatest challenge in producing luxury events is orchestrating perfection in an environment where so many moving parts are out of our control like weather, logistics, personalities, timing. At this level, expectations are always sky-high, and clients trust me not just to deliver beauty, but to anticipate the unseen. I navigate this by grounding every decision in preparation and intuition. I build strong relationships with trusted suppliers, crafting contingency plans that never feel like second-best, and remaining calm in the chaos.”
Looking back on your career, which event stands out as the most unforgettable you’ve . ever produced, and what made it so special?
“This is a sad one.
Every event I’ve created has its own soul, but the one I’ll never forget was for a girl in palliative care. We turned her hospital room into a Disney princess castle, giving her one last magical world to step into. In that moment, it wasn’t about styling or perfection, it was just about love, family, and creating joy where there was so much sadness. Honestly that day reminded me why I do what I do. Events are never just about beauty or fame or perfection but really, they are about giving people memories that live forever.”
From your perspective, what trends will shape the future of luxury weddings
and events?
“Luxury weddings are moving towards more deeply personal, multi-sensory experiences. Couples want events that don’t just look beautiful but feel like them. They need to have cultural meaning, immersive design, and moments that surprise. Sustainability and craftsmanship are also shaping the future, with clients valuing bespoke details, locally sourced florals, and curated guest experiences over excess. The trend is less about scale, more about intimacy, intentionality, and storytelling.”
2025 has already been a year full of unique trends. Which one has stood out the most to you, and which do you believe will continue to influence 2026?
“One of the most distinctive trends of 2025 has been the move toward unexpected textures and materials. Things like sculptural florals, stone, metal, and layered fabrics all used in unconventional ways. It’s given weddings a more artful & editorial feel. I see this continuing into 2026, where luxury events lean even further into blending design, fashion, and architecture to create atmospheres that feel less like a traditional wedding and more like a curated experience.”
We know there was an accident that became a turning point in your story.
If you feel comfortable, would you share how it shaped you,
both as a person and as a professional?
(Of course, this is optional and can be skipped if you’d prefer not to address personal matters.)
“In 2016, I was involved in a car accident that left me with a neck injury. This turned into chronic pain, and it completely shifted the way I see the world. Pain can be your biggest rival or your greatest teacher & it taught me, quite profoundly, that life can change in a single moment. Things I once took for granted like the ability to move freely, to work without discomfort, to simply wake up without pain all became luxuries I had to relearn how to appreciate. It grounded me, but it also deepened my empathy. As a professional, it’s made me more attuned to the human side of what I do. I create experiences that honour not just beauty, but also the fragility and preciousness of time and connection. Personally, it has given me resilience and perspective. I don’t take the smallest things lightly anymore, because I know they are, in truth, the big things.”
Australia is an extraordinary wedding destination.But if you could produce an event anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be?
“This is a difficult question. There are so many destinations that come to mind. I’d choose Japan for its deep traditions, colour symbolism, and refined architecture but then I’d also choose Europe for its timeless architecture, art, and rich culinary heritage and how incredible would it be doing a wedding in India with its fashion, rituals, and bold, celebratory palettes. Each one of these places offers such a beautiful tapestry of culture.”
Have you ever come across or heard about weddings in Portugal?
What has caught your attention the most about our country?
“Yes, I’ve come across weddings in Portugal, and what strikes me most is the warmth and hospitality that seems to flow through everything. The country has this beautiful way of making celebrations feel both deeply personal and wonderfully grand. From the historic palaces and vineyards to the breathtaking coastal views, the settings are magical, but it’s the generosity of spirit & the way Portuguese culture makes every guest feel at home, this is what really stands out to me.”
Many professionals praise Portugal for its diversity, beaches, vineyards, castles, and palaces, all in one destination. If you could design an event here, what setting would you envision?
“I imagine it as a really sensory experience bringing in all the things that make Portugal so special. The food would be a celebration in itself, with the freshest seafood, rustic breads, and beautiful wines from the Douro Valley. The design would be inspired by the country’s artistry and the incredible craftsmanship of local artisans. It would be an event that marries culture, history, and celebration into something unforgettable.”
Is there a particular aspect of Portuguese culture or aesthetics you’d love to incorporate into one of your events, perhaps gastronomy, music, wine, or architecture?
“I think I’d be most drawn to weaving in the spirit of Portuguese architecture and music. There’s something timeless about the patterned azulejos for me they are not just decorative, they tell stories of history, artistry, and place. Imagine reinterpreting those motifs into a contemporary event design, creating walls or table details that feel both classic and fresh. Then layering the evening with music, beginning with the soulful intimacy of Fado to set a heartfelt tone, before transitioning into more contemporary tunes. For me, it’s about balancing tradition and modernity, giving guests not only a beautiful setting but also an emotional connection to the culture that inspired it.”
If you were to create an event in Portugal, what kind of experience would you like your clients and guests to take home with them?
“I’d love for them to leave with more than just memories, I’d want them to feel the warmth of Portugal itself. The long tables of food and wine, the colours of the art, the music that moves you, and above all, the generosity of spirit that makes you feel instantly at home.”
What keeps you inspired today, and what dreams are still waiting to be fulfilled for Mary Ronis Events?
“What keeps me inspired today is the people I get to create for. I love their stories, their families, their traditions, and the emotions they want woven into a single, unforgettable moment. Every event is like translating a part of someone’s heart into an experience you can see, touch, and feel, and to this day, that still moves me every time.
As for dreams still waiting to be fulfilled, I’d love to bring Mary Ronis Events to new corners of the world, curating experiences that marry culture, art, and place with the same level of intimacy and detail we bring to our events here. There’s a dream of staging something iconic, who knows, maybe in a palace, a vineyard, or even under the stars of a completely new landscape. That’s would be amazing.”
And finally, Mary, if we extended an invitation for you to experience our country, could we count on you to say “yes”?
“Absolutely!!! It would be an honour!”