Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melanie Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Melanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

One of the most exciting trends we’re seeing in the wedding industry for 2025 is experiential entertainment. Couples are looking to create unforgettable, immersive experiences that go beyond the traditional reception format. This includes everything from live painters and interactive photo booths to surprise flash mob performances and silent discos.

I recently had the pleasure of working with a couple who wanted to infuse their wedding with this trend. They decided to surprise their guests with a live painter during the reception. As the evening unfolded, the artist captured the magic of their love story on canvas, creating a unique piece of art that became a cherished keepsake. The guests were enthralled, not just by the final artwork, but by the process itself—watching the painting come to life in real time added a layer of enchantment to the celebration.

This trend of experiential entertainment offers incredible opportunities for personalization and creativity. It allows couples to curate experiences that reflect their personalities and create lasting memories for their guests. From fire dancers to mixology stations where guests can craft their own cocktails, the possibilities are endless.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Coordinating multiple forms of entertainment can be logistically challenging and may require additional budget allocation. It’s important to work closely with vendors and planners who are experienced in managing these types of events to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Despite these challenges, the trend presents a fantastic opportunity to elevate weddings from mere events to memorable experiences. It encourages innovation and allows the wedding industry to push boundaries, offering guests an unforgettable celebration that they’ll talk about for years to come.

Melanie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have a diverse background that merges the worlds of software design and event planning. My journey began in the tech industry, where I specialized in software design. What excites me most about software design is the endless possibilities it offers to solve complex problems creatively. Crafting intuitive, user-friendly solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives has been incredibly rewarding.

However, my passion for creating memorable experiences led me to venture into the wedding industry. Now, as the proprietor of Whitestone Reserve, a stunning wedding venue, I get to blend my technical expertise with my love for event planning.

At Whitestone Reserve, we offer a range of services to ensure your wedding day is perfect. From our beautiful garden settings and wildflower fields to personalized event planning and design services, we strive to make your dream wedding a reality. We provide not just a venue, but a comprehensive experience, including coordination, decor, and even unique entertainment options like live painters and interactive photo booths.

What sets us apart is our commitment to personalization and sustainability. We believe that each wedding should reflect the couple’s unique story, and we work closely with our clients to tailor every detail to their vision. Additionally, we’re dedicated to eco-friendly practices, offering sustainable options that don’t compromise on beauty or quality.

One of the things I’m most proud of is our ability to create unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a breathtaking ceremony under the stars or a lively second line entrance, we aim to make each event unique and magical. Our clients appreciate our attention to detail, our creative approach, and our genuine care for their special day.

For anyone considering Whitestone Reserve, I want you to know that we are more than just a venue. We are your partners in creating a celebration that will be remembered for a lifetime. We bring a blend of technical precision and heartfelt passion to every event, ensuring that your wedding is not only beautiful but also seamlessly executed.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about us. We can’t wait to help you make your dream wedding come true!

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building our audience on social media has been an exciting journey filled with creativity, engagement, and a lot of learning. When we first started, we focused on understanding our audience and what they were truly looking for. This meant not just promoting our venue but sharing the stories and moments that make Whitestone Reserve special.

Consistency and Authenticity: From the beginning, we made a commitment to post regularly and maintain a consistent voice. We aimed to be authentic in our posts, showcasing real weddings, behind-the-scenes moments, and the genuine joy of our couples. This authenticity helped us build trust with our audience.

Engaging Content: We created content that was not only visually appealing but also engaging. From stunning photos of our venue to interactive polls, stories, and live Q&A sessions, we always looked for ways to involve our followers and make them feel a part of our community.

Utilizing Hashtags and Collaboration: Leveraging popular and relevant hashtags helped us reach a broader audience. Additionally, we collaborated with other vendors and influencers in the wedding industry. These partnerships allowed us to tap into new audiences and grow our following organically.

Storytelling: One of the key elements of our success has been storytelling. We shared not just what we do, but why we do it. Highlighting the love stories of our couples, the hard work of our team, and the beauty of our venue resonated with our audience on a deeper level.

Advice for Beginners:

Know Your Audience: Understand who you are trying to reach and what content will resonate with them.

Be Consistent: Post regularly and maintain a consistent voice and style.

Collaborate: Partner with others in your industry to reach new audiences.

Analyze and Adapt: Use analytics to understand what works and be willing to adapt your strategy based on what you learn.

Building a social media presence takes time and effort, but with these strategies, you can create a meaningful and engaged community around your brand.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Yes, my side hustle eventually grew into a full-time venture, and it’s been an incredible journey. Initially, I started my career in software design, which has always been a passion of mine. However, I also had a deep love for event planning, particularly weddings. It all began with helping a friend plan their wedding, and I realized how much joy it brought me.

Whitestone Reserve was born out of this passion. I started small, offering my services to friends and family, and soon word began to spread. Balancing my software design work with wedding planning was challenging, but the fulfillment I found in creating memorable events kept me going.

One of the key milestones was securing our first big wedding. It was a beautiful garden wedding, and the couple’s trust in my vision and execution helped build our reputation. Another significant moment was when we decided to invest in Whitestone Reserve, turning it into a dedicated wedding venue. This allowed us to provide a complete and personalized experience for our clients. Collaborations with other vendors and positive word-of-mouth recommendations further propelled our success.

The turning point came when I realized that both my software design work and wedding planning were more than just jobs—they were my passions.

I am most proud of the smiles and happiness we bring to our clients. Each wedding is a testament to our dedication and love for what we do. For those looking to turn their side hustle into a full-time career, my advice is to stay passionate, be patient, and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.whitestonereserve.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitestonereserve
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitestonereserve

Image Credits

Craig Obrist Photography
LitWed Photography
Halycon Photography
LaRuche Creative Photography
Andrea de Anda Photography