Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Hooker.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I launched my business, Creative Expressions, in 2007, though my passion for design began long before then. I had been decorating homes and working on home interior projects for years when my niece asked me to design her wedding. That opportunity became the official start of my business and marked my introduction to the world of event design.
Following that first wedding, the business flourished quickly—though at the time, we lacked structure and were simply creating beautiful events without a clear system in place. By 2014, the pace had taken its toll, and I experienced burnout. I decided to take a brief break to reflect and brainstorm ways to refine and strengthen the business.
By 2016, I returned with renewed vision and strategy. The business had a refresh with a name change to Creative Expressions Events & Floral Design, LLC. Another wedding soon propelled the business forward, and I decided to submit images from that wedding into a design contest. That submission became a turning point—opening doors to new opportunities and greater recognition. I later attended the Behind the Veil Planner Intensive, a transformative three-day workshop that shifted my perspective and deepened my understanding of design. Moving forward, I drove deep into floral design and attended other workshops, such as The Floral Encounter, to sharpen my skills.
Since then, my business has continued to thrive. Today, I proudly operate a successful event and floral design company that not only creates memorable celebrations but also offers educational classes for other professionals in the industry. In addition, I’ve expanded my services to include holiday design, bringing elegance and creativity to homes and events year-round.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth journey. Like any business, there have been both successes and challenges along the way. At times, I’ve had to rebuild my team and restructure operations to keep the business moving forward. One of the most demanding seasons came when we transitioned into a larger location while continuing to manage a full schedule of events. Balancing time, resources, and responsibilities during that period required focus, adaptability, and perseverance—but those experiences strengthened both the business and my leadership.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in weddings and take pride in creating events that beautifully reflect each client’s unique style, personality, and vision. I am known for designing bespoke events characterized by elegance, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail. What truly sets my work apart is my client-centered approach—I listen closely to their desires, offer thoughtful suggestions to elevate the design, and ensure that the final result exceeds their expectations.
I am especially proud of cultivating client loyalty. There’s no greater satisfaction than knowing my clients are so pleased with their experience that they share glowing testimonials and refer my services to others. It’s a reflection of the trust, care, and dedication I put into every event I design.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is the connection I build with my clients. Each client becomes like family, and I take great pride in ensuring their event is thoughtfully designed and flawlessly executed. My passion for excellence and commitment to professionalism keep me focused and driven, allowing me to lead my team with clarity and purpose to deliver every event with precision and care.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.creative-expressionsweddings.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/creativeexpweds
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/creativeexpressionsweddings
Image Credits
Smithalee Photography Smile & Reflect Photography Rosina DiBello’s Photography
