We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Bourque recently and have shared our conversation 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 journey to finding purpose has been shaped by two roles I hold most dear—being an event planner and being a mom.
I discovered my purpose as a planner when I realized how much joy I found in creating spaces where people could feel celebrated, connected, and at ease. It wasn’t just about timelines, vendors, or décor—it was about giving people the freedom to be fully present for their own milestones. Seeing a couple walk into their reception and light up because their vision has come to life, or watching a family relax because all the details are taken care of—that’s when I knew this wasn’t just a career for me, it was a calling.
Motherhood only deepened that sense of purpose. Becoming a mom shifted how I see time, presence, and what truly matters. It taught me patience, resilience, and the beauty of imperfection. Just like in planning, things don’t always go exactly as expected—but the heart of it, the connection and the love, is what makes it memorable.
In both roles, I’ve learned that my purpose is to create space—whether it’s for a couple on their wedding day or for my children at home—to feel cared for, celebrated, and free to fully experience the moment. That’s where the joy is, and that’s why I do what I do.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At Silver Celebrations Nashville, we specialize in creating events that are just as unique as the people we’re celebrating. From weddings and proposals to music-industry showcases and milestone gatherings, we love bringing together thoughtful design, seamless logistics, and a touch of magic to turn a vision into an unforgettable experience.
What excites me most is seeing the transformation—from the very first conversation with a client to the moment when the doors open and they step into a space that feels like them. It’s more than planning décor or timelines; it’s about telling a story, capturing a feeling, and giving our clients the freedom to be fully present at their own celebration.
What makes Silver Celebrations special is our blend of creativity and calm professionalism. We thrive in the details, we adapt gracefully when things change, and we never lose sight of the heart behind the event. My background in both event production and the music world gives us a unique edge—we know how to strike that perfect balance of rhythm, flow, and artistry.
At the end of the day, our brand is about connection. Whether it’s a couple saying ‘I do,’ an artist launching new music, or a family celebrating a milestone, we’re here to create spaces where people feel celebrated, seen, and at ease. That’s what Silver Celebrations stands for—and that’s what I hope people remember long after the last song is played.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I think the three things that shaped my journey the most were adaptability, relationships, and vision.
Adaptability came first. No event ever goes exactly as planned, and I learned early on that the ability to stay calm and pivot quickly is what keeps everything on track. Some of my proudest moments as a planner have come from situations where things could have gone wrong, but instead, we found a creative solution and the client never even noticed.
The second is relationship-building. This industry is all about people—clients, vendors, venues, teams—and the stronger those connections are, the smoother everything runs. I’ve been so lucky to build lasting partnerships with incredible people in Nashville and beyond, and those relationships have turned what could have been stressful moments into opportunities for collaboration and trust.
And then there’s vision. To me, the magic of planning isn’t just in the logistics—it’s in creating an experience that tells a story. I love translating a couple’s personality or a brand’s identity into an event that feels like them in every detail. That’s when it becomes more than a timeline or a checklist—it becomes a memory.
If I could share one piece of advice with someone just starting out, it would be this: don’t chase perfection, chase connection. The spreadsheets and schedules matter, but what really makes a difference is caring deeply about the people you’re serving and helping them feel present in their own moment. That’s where the joy is—for them, and for you.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The person who has been the most helpful in building my skills and facing challenges is my husband, Wes. Silver Celebrations wouldn’t even exist without him—he’s the one who pushed me to believe in myself enough to take the leap.
From the very beginning, he’s been my biggest cheerleader. When I’ve faced tough moments, he’s the one reminding me that I can handle it. When I’ve doubted myself, he’s been the steady voice telling me to keep going. And when we’ve celebrated milestones, he’s been right there, just as proud and excited as I am.
What’s so special about Wes is that he didn’t just help me start a business—he helped me step into who I was meant to be – in both business and parenthood. Having someone who knows you so well, believes in you fully, and loves you through the challenges makes all the difference. I’ll always credit him not just for convincing me to start this journey, but for walking alongside me every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.silvercelebrationsnashville.com
- Instagram: @silvercelebrations
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/silvercelebrations
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleysbourque/
Image Credits
Kendall Parsons, Franzi Annika, Whitney Woodall, John Myers
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