Meet Xuan McMartin | Wedding Planner & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xuan McMartin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xuan, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
One of the key reasons for the success of Soon To Be Wed over the past decade is our ability to continuously evolve with the changing dynamics of the wedding industry. When we first started, millennials were at the forefront of our target demographic. However, in recent years, we’ve shifted our focus to connect with the rising generation—Gen Z.

With Gen Z now ranging from 13 to 28 years old, they’ve emerged as our primary audience—and will continue to be for the next decade. Understanding their unique preferences, values, and trends is crucial to our approach. By staying attuned to what matters most to these couples, we’re able to craft personalized, on-trend weddings that truly reflect their vision. This ability to stay ahead of industry trends and adapt to our couples’ ever-changing needs is what has made us a trusted name in wedding planning.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What makes me the most proud of Soon to Be Wed is the human connection behind our brand. We truly pride ourselves on being a team and a trusted partner for our couples throughout their wedding planning journey. Marriage is one of the most significant milestones in life, and it should be a time of celebration, joy, and excitement. We want our couples to experience all of that without the stress and overwhelm that often comes with planning the perfect wedding.

Unlike many businesses, we go the extra mile to be accessible to our couples in the way that suits them best. We understand that emails can get lost in an inbox, which is why we offer communication through text, social media, and even FaceTime. Our goal is to ensure each couple feels comfortable sharing their ideas, visions, and dreams with us in a way that feels natural and easy. It’s all about making the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A Perfect Day in LA with My Sister

If my sister were in town for the week, there’s no doubt we’d be headed straight to a Dodger game. There’s something about being at Dodger Stadium—the energy, the excitement, and the crowd—it’s an experience like no other. Afterward, we’d make a pit stop at my all-time favorite spot in Eagle Rock, Oinksters, for the best pastrami sandwiches, pork tacos, and garlic aioli you’ll ever taste.

Then, we’d head over to the Promenade in Santa Monica for a little shopping and to enjoy some wine and dinner at one of those charming sidewalk cafés. One day, we’d definitely want to dive into something nostalgic—maybe take a stroll through Chinatown for fun trinkets to bring back for the kids, and of course, grab a fresh sugar cane snack. The day wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Yang Chow for their famous slippery shrimp!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The rise of Soon to Be Wed has been a journey that began in 2014, rooted in a desire to break free from the corporate world and embrace a career that aligned with my passions. With a background in corporate marketing, I quickly realized that the eight-to-five office grind wasn’t the lifestyle I envisioned for myself. While I thrived in the creative aspects of marketing, I discovered that what truly fueled my drive was working with people and having the freedom to dream big.

To kickstart my new path, I began interning with a local wedding planner, offering my marketing services in exchange for the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the wedding industry. After a year of hands-on experience, I transitioned to a marketing manager role with a chain of wedding venues in Downtown Riverside. There, I not only gained valuable industry knowledge but also had the chance to coordinate weddings of my own.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, my husband and I made the move to Rancho Cucamonga, and that’s when I took the leap to go full-time with Soon to Be Wed. I partnered with the incredible Hidden Oaks Venue and instantly formed a strong connection with its manager, Roni Dawson. Her mentorship has been invaluable, especially in teaching me about venue aesthetics, landscaping, and design.

Looking ahead, I have big dreams for the future—I can absolutely see myself opening my own venue one day.

Website: https://www.soontobeweddings.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soontobeweddings/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xuan-lee-mcmartin/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/soon-to-be-wed-riverside-2

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soontobewed

Image Credits
Alejandra Scott Photography, Jamie Lee Photo, MCP Photo, Carsten Tice Photography