Today we’d like to introduce you to Rochelle Joseph.
Hi Rochelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I originally worked in corporate events and property management, where I was exposed to the operational side of hospitality, logistics, and event environments. While weddings weren’t my full-time role at the time, I found myself naturally drawn to the planning and production side of events and began helping family and friends as opportunities came up.
After having my first child, I left my corporate position and started looking for a career path that offered more flexibility while still allowing me to build something substantial of my own. As more people encouraged me to pursue event planning professionally, I started researching what it would actually take to build a sustainable business in the industry rather than approaching it as a hobby or side project.
I launched my first company in 2019, and over time, both the business and my approach evolved significantly. In 2025, I rebranded and launched Westmore Events to better reflect the level of service, leadership, and client experience I wanted the company to be known for.
Today, I work with clients in Houston and beyond to plan highly customized weddings and events that balance strong design with thoughtful execution behind the scenes. A large part of the company’s growth has come through referrals and relationships, which is something I’m incredibly proud of.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not. Like most small businesses, especially in the events industry, there have been a lot of pivots, learning experiences, and moments where I had to figure things out in real time.
One of the biggest challenges was building a business while also navigating major life transitions at the same time, including becoming a mother and later rebuilding and rebranding the company into what is now Westmore Events. There’s a huge difference between being good at planning events and actually building a sustainable business, and I think people often underestimate that part.
The wedding industry can also be difficult because it’s very easy to compare yourself to what everyone else is presenting publicly. Early on, I had to learn to stop chasing what looked successful online and instead focus on building a company that genuinely reflected how I wanted to work and what kind of client experience I wanted to provide.
Another challenge has been learning where to draw boundaries. This industry can easily become all-consuming if you let it. Over time, I became much more intentional about the number of events I take on, the types of clients I work with, and the systems I put in place behind the scenes. Ironically, those boundaries ended up improving the client experience because it allowed me to give each event a much higher level of attention and care.
I also think rebranding in 2025 was a major turning point. It forced me to get very clear about the direction of the company, who we serve best, and what I wanted the brand to stand for long-term. Looking back, a lot of the struggles ultimately pushed me toward building a stronger business with a much clearer identity.
We’ve been impressed with Westmore Events, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Westmore Events, we specialize in high-touch wedding planning and event design for clients who want a highly personalized experience backed by strong leadership and thoughtful execution behind the scenes. While we’re best known for weddings, our work extends beyond aesthetics, a large part of what we do is managing the logistics, communication, production, and overall guest experience that allow an event to function at a high level from beginning to end.
One thing that sets us apart is that we intentionally keep our calendar limited each year. That allows us to give every client a much higher level of attention, involvement, and customization rather than trying to fit events into a standardized process. No two clients entertain the same way, prioritize the same things, or define a successful event the same way, so we don’t believe in approaching weddings with a one-size-fits-all mindset.
I also think our clients value that we lead the process very directly. A lot of people come to us because they’re busy, overwhelmed by the amount of information online, or simply want someone they trust to guide the decision-making process. We’re there to provide clarity, strategy, and honest recommendations, not just present endless options without direction.
Brand-wise, I’m probably most proud that the company has grown primarily through referrals and relationships. In an industry where so much emphasis is placed on social media visibility, that means a lot to me because it reflects the actual client experience and the trust people place in us. I’m also proud that we’ve built a brand that feels refined and elevated without losing the human side of what we do.
Today, we work with clients in Houston and beyond who care deeply about creating events that feel personal to them and considerate of the people attending. Whether that means a large-scale wedding weekend, a destination celebration, or an intimate dinner party, our goal is always the same: to create an experience that feels thoughtful, well-executed, and genuinely reflective of the people it’s for.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the wedding and events industry is already shifting away from highly standardized celebrations and toward experiences that feel much more personal, guest-focused, and reflective of the people hosting them. Clients are becoming far less interested in simply recreating what they’ve seen online and much more interested in creating an atmosphere that actually feels like them and functions well for their guests.
I also think we’ll continue to see a major shift in how people define luxury. For a long time, luxury in weddings was associated mostly with size, excess, or aesthetics. Now, many clients are placing more value on personalization, hospitality, privacy, intentional pacing, and the overall experience of the event rather than just how it photographs. Guest experience has become a much bigger priority, especially after people have attended enough weddings to recognize what does and doesn’t work from an attendee perspective.
Technology and AI will also continue to impact the industry, particularly on the operational side. We’re already seeing tools that help with communication, organization, content creation, and planning efficiency. But I don’t think technology will replace experienced planners or creative professionals the way some people assume. If anything, I think it will make human expertise even more valuable because clients will still need someone capable of decision-making, leadership, relationship management, and adapting in real time when things inevitably change.
I also believe the industry will continue becoming more experience-driven overall. Weddings are increasingly extending beyond a single event into full weekends or multi-day celebrations, especially with destination weddings and guest travel becoming more common. People want their guests to feel considered throughout the entire experience, not just during the ceremony and reception.
Pricing:
- Westmore Events offers custom proposals based on the scope, guest count, location, and level of support needed for each event.
- Services include Wedding Planning, Design + Management, Wedding Management, destination wedding support, and event design.
- The company intentionally takes on a limited number of events each year to maintain a high-touch client experience.
- Most clients are looking for a highly personalized planning experience and professional guidance throughout the process.
- Planning services are best suited for clients seeking custom event experiences rather than standardized packages.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westmoreevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westmore_events
