Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Mallary. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ashley, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My purpose is rooted in my faith in Jesus and my desire to make the world a better place through kindness. Before starting my business, I was chasing all the wrong things—more money, nicer things, and a life that, at the end of the day, felt empty. But when the idea of serving others through wedding planning came to me, I knew I had found the Kingdom work God was calling me to. I believe purpose is realized when your work is bigger than yourself. One of my favorite quotes to live by is, *“This too shall pass.”* Even as seasons change and my role shifts, the seeds of the Spirit we plant will continue to grow.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
About two years ago, I had the idea to start a business rooted in service. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of the parties my parents would host—I’ve always loved finding reasons to celebrate, and I credit that to growing up surrounded by so much joy. Vow + Voyage was born from that same desire: to help couples celebrate life’s most important moments with the people they love most. Our mission is to serve our clients with dedication and intention, knowing that wedding planning is not just about the details but about bringing people together.
What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had—not just on our couples but on our community. Our preferred vendor list is made up entirely of local Houston creatives, ensuring that every wedding we plan supports and uplifts small businesses we trust. As we approach our two-year anniversary, I’m excited to be expanding the Vow + Voyage team so we can serve even more couples. Every team member shares the same heart for our clients, and some are even former brides of ours! It’s incredible to see this business come full circle, growing in a way that stays true to the purpose it was built on.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a business owner are resilience, confidence, and faith.
In my first year, I believed that sacrifice was necessary for growth—missing birthdays, skipping vacations, and giving up time with family to build something meaningful. It was tough, and the weight of high expectations, both from clients and myself, often felt overwhelming. There were moments when I questioned if it was all worth it. But resilience kept me pushing forward, confidence helped me trust my abilities, and faith reminded me of the bigger picture—this work is about more than just weddings; it’s about serving others in a way that honors my calling.
For those just starting out, my advice is to stay grounded in your “why.” Challenges will come, but if you hold onto your purpose, trust yourself, and surround yourself with people who lift you up, you’ll find your way through. Keep learning, stay open to growth, and don’t be afraid to take up space—you belong in the room.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been stepping into the role of a leader. When I started Vow + Voyage, I was just excited to plan weddings—I didn’t anticipate how quickly I’d also need to become a manager. As the business grew, so did the need to build a team of like-minded, detail-oriented, and kind-hearted individuals who share my passion for serving our couples.
But leading a team is very different from running a business alone. I had to learn how to correct mistakes with both clarity and encouragement, how to step back and give credit when my team brings great ideas, and how to make sure they feel valued and supported. Vow + Voyage isn’t just me—it’s all of us working together to give our couples the best day of their lives. Becoming a better leader isn’t just about my own growth; it strengthens the entire team. It’s something I’ve been intentional about over the past year, and it will continue to be a priority as we grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vowandvoyage.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vowandvoyage/
Image Credits
@ashlynnmariphotography
@paytonhartsell
@kapturedbykelley
@sydneyeusticephoto
@tarinweddings
@jennylilyphotography
@kobieryanphotography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
