THE FACE BEHIND DMW
DANA HOOKANSON
OWNER | LEAD PLANNER
Hi there!
I'm Dana Hookanson, the owner, founder & lead event planner here at Dana Marie Weddings & Events.
I was born & raised in Cheshire, Connecticut and moved to Rhode Island in 2015 to pursue my undergraduate degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence. Graduating a year early with my bachelor's degree in Sport, Entertainment & Event Management, I continued on with my journey in the Hospitality Industry. From my early years in college I knew I was destine to be around weddings & events any way possible. Starting as a server at OceanCliff Hotel & Resort in Newport, working my way up to Banquet Manager for Newport Experience, I had the honor or working in some of the most luxurious venues all around Rhode Island over the last seven years.
Since 2015 I have worked alongside some of the most well-know and respected event planners in all of New England.
Currently, I reside in Cranston, RI with my husband Tyler, step son Liam, and our two daughters Charlie (Charlotte) & Penny (Penelope). Oh and our three fur babies
(Emmitt, Wylie, and Sasha)!
In February 2020, I was very pregnant and decided it was the perfect time to start my own wedding planning company - which had always been my ultimate dream. Little did I know, I would be launching my company two weeks before a global pandemic.
Weddings & events have been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. My friends and family would describe me as super Type A, extremely organized, always wanting to bring people together over good food & wine any opportunity I have.
My favorite part of being an event planner is seeing the reaction on my client's faces when they see their dream vision come to life on their event day.
Whether that be watching the smile come across the expecting mama's face at her rainbow baby's baby shower when she sees all the details come together. Or the bride's face light up when she walks into her reception space. Those. Those are the moments that mean the most to me.
When I am not helping my clients plan their events of their dreams, you can find me spending time with my family, cooking,
trying new cafes and restaurants, enjoying any outdoor activities, or planning my own social gatherings.
I love meeting new people & making new friends - drop me a line and say "hello!"
I would love to chat with you about your next upcoming event & see how I can make it even more special for you!
