About Us
Welcome to the Family
We are Brandon and Jessica Williams and Hunter and Allison Burkhardt, the owners of White Oak! God has blessed us with this gorgeous property and the ability to celebrate life's big moments with you. We look forward to continuing what the the previous owners, Dustin and Alli Brister started. They had a vision for this property and have touched many families through the years.
Here's a little bit about our family! Jessica and Allison are first cousins. They both met their spouses here in Ruston and all live here today. All four are Louisiana Tech graduates. Jessica and Brandon have three children, Sadee, Barrett, and Grady. Allison and Hunter have one child named Adley. They are all very eager to be a part of events here at White Oak.
Our family has a passion for people and a love for celebrations. White Oak is a God sized dream for us. We look forward to planning your next event!
Allison Burkhardt
Senior Facility Coordinator
Allison graduated from Louisiana Tech University in the spring of 2017 and brings over eight and a half years of experience in event planning. Her professional background includes roles such as Press Box and Suites Coordinator for Aramark Catering, Event Coordinator at the Shreveport Convention Center, and Special Events and Facilities Coordinator for Louisiana Tech University. She is now a part-owner of White Oak Event Venue and Lodging and runs her own coordination business, Celebrate Today.
Over the years, Allison has coordinated a wide range of events and developed a deep understanding of the industry. Her dedication and expertise have earned her the title of Best Event Planner of Lincoln Parish for both 2024 and 2025.
Marissa Dees
Facility Coordinator
Marissa graduated from Louisiana Tech University in the summer of 2024. With two years of event planning experience and internships, she has built a strong foundation in the industry. Marissa interned under the Special Events and Facilities Coordinator at Louisiana Tech and at White Oak Venue, where she now serves as Facility Coordinator. She is also the proud owner of her own coordination business, Pink Nolia Events.
In recent years, Marissa has gained valuable insight into both coordination and venue management across a variety of events. Event planning allows her to combine her organizational skills, creativity, and industry knowledge to guide clients through a stress-free planning experience.
She chose a career in event planning out of a genuine passion for people and a love for celebrations. Committed to supporting the profession, she actively advocates for the field and mentors students, proudly serving on the HEC advisory board at Louisiana Tech.
Allison finds joy in helping clients plan meaningful events, offering guidance, and relieving stress throughout the process. With every event, she looks forward to bringing visions to life and creating unforgettable experiences.
She believes that events mark life’s most joyful milestones and bring people together in meaningful ways.
She finds fulfillment in helping create those unforgettable moments and lasting memories and looks forward to working with clients to make their visions a reality.
"WE COULDN'T HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER TEAM OR VENUE!"
