Meet Kristi O’Connell | Director of Operations

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristi O’Connell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristi, what do you attribute your success to?
At the heart of Grand Pines Reserve’s success is the incredible team and leadership behind it. We believe in building genuine relationships with every couple and their families throughout the planning journey. By the time the big day arrives, it doesn’t just feel like a wedding, it feels like one of our own has said “I Do.”
The team that staffs our events is the heartbeat of our venue; they bring professionalism, warmth, and reliability to every celebration, allowing me, as the Director of Operations, to lead with confidence and peace of mind knowing our clients are in the best hands.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Coming from a venue, photography, and planning background, I knew exactly what it would take to make a new property stand out. When I met the two visionaries behind Grand Pines Reserve, it was the perfect match. They already had stunning venue renderings and a construction team in place; I brought the operational strategy to life.

From building our pricing structure and policies with intention, to helping fine-tune the design with insight from our ideal clientele, I was able to shape the foundation for a successful launch. Since opening our doors in 2023, Grand Pines Reserve has grown into something truly special, and I couldn’t be more proud of what ownership and management accomplished together.

After 25 years in the wedding industry, I’ve learned that success isn’t built on perfect timelines or styled shoots, it’s built on trust, service, and a deep understanding of what truly matters to couples and clients.

My career has grown alongside the industry itself, from the days of paper contracts and clipboards to today’s fast-paced, highly curated world of digital planning and immersive experiences. Through it all, my focus has remained the same: to bring heart, integrity, and expert guidance to every celebration.

This milestone isn’t a finish line, it’s a launchpad. I’m more passionate than ever about mentoring others, refining experiences, and continuing to lead with the warmth, structure, and creativity that have always defined my work.

My professional story is not just about events, it’s about legacy. It’s about creating beautiful moments with intention and building a name that stands for excellence, collaboration, and care.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If friends were visiting the area, I’d point them straight to Market Street for a stylish shopping stroll and Cynthia Woods Pavilion for an unforgettable concert experience. For a bit of small-town charm, Historic Montgomery is a must, whether it’s for their beloved Sip & Stroll or the incredible artisan markets that pop up throughout the year.

And if they find themselves in Conroe, I always recommend lunch at Paulette’s Café. It’s my go-to spot for a one-of-a-kind brunch that never disappoints!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The success of Grand Pines Reserve didn’t happen by accident; it’s rooted in years of service industry experience, trusted vendor relationships, and an experienced team who joined us from day one. Many of our vendor partners are colleagues we’ve known and worked alongside for years, and their expertise continues to elevate every event we host. Because of this strong foundation, we’ve been able to approach each wedding with care, precision, and heart from the very beginning.

One of the things that has fueled my continued growth is staying curious about people, about the business, and about myself. I recently finished reading The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, and it really resonated with me. That simple but powerful mindset, allowing people to be who they are without trying to control their reactions, has shifted how I navigate both professional and personal relationships. What really stuck with me, though, was the flip side of that message: “Let me.” Let me continue to show up. Let me be the one who leads with grace. Let me choose patience, consistency, and purpose. That part reminded me that our power lies in how we show up, no matter how others do.

Professionally, I’ve always found Alan Berg’s books to be incredibly insightful. Primarily, his sales approach and email strategies, rooted in conversational, value-driven communication, have taught me how to engage clients in a way that feels personal while still being a powerful sales tool.

After many years in this industry, I know that growth doesn’t come from knowing it all; it comes from being willing to learn, reflect, and adapt.

Website: https://www.grandpinesreserve.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grandpinesreserve

Image Credits
All photos courtesy of Pedigo Photography