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Meet Makenzie Johnson of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Makenzie Johnson.

Hi Makenzie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my wedding planning business because I genuinely love love—and I’ve always had a heart for helping people celebrate it. I’m also naturally Type A, which makes this the perfect fit for me! Getting to combine organization with emotion and play a small part in such a meaningful day still feels like a dream.

I also knew I wanted to create an opportunity that allowed me to work in a flexible environment and still spend time with my little ones. Wedding planning certainly isn’t just partying on the weekends—there’s a lot of strategy, logistics, and communication that happen long before the big day. While the prep work can be intense and time-consuming, I truly enjoy it. I love the balance of being able to pour myself into my work while still being present for my family. At the end of the day, seeing my couples relaxed, happy, and surrounded by love makes every bit of effort worth it.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road—there was a big learning curve in the beginning! Even through the challenges, I’ve never stopped loving what I do. Some of the biggest struggles have been educating clients on the planning process, making sure vendors’ personalities align just right, and balancing the time I spend working with the time I want to be home with my kids.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a wedding planner and coordinator who helps couples create meaningful, stress-free celebrations that feel true to them. I’m known for being thorough, organized, and incredibly hands-on—I treat each couple like a friend, not just a client. I’m most proud of the trust my couples place in me and the calm I’m able to bring to such a high-stress day. What sets me apart is how personalized my approach is; I meet couples where they are, communicate constantly, and make sure they feel fully supported from “yes” to “I do.”

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I actually found my network and mentors through online forums! I started by posting in industry groups, asking for advice on how to get started and refine my work. Over time, those online connections turned into real-life relationships, and I’ve built some incredible lifelong friendships in the industry because of it.

Pricing:

  • Day of Coordinator, insured, certified, and experienced: $1,200-$3,000
  • Partial Planning, insured, certified, and experienced: $2,000-$5,000
  • Full Planning, insured, certified, and experienced: $5,000-beyond (depends on scale of event)

Contact Info:

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