Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Bourque.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been drawn to event planning for as long as I can remember. It really started back in high school and college, where I was planning things like prom and sorority events, and studying hospitality and tourism at San Diego State. That’s where I realized I didn’t just enjoy events—I loved the process of creating experiences that people actually feel and remember.
After college, I moved to Nashville and really immersed myself in the community. I managed a local café while building relationships, which eventually opened the door to opportunities in the music industry. From there, I got involved with events like Country Radio Seminar, where I’ve spent over a decade managing and working closely with registrants and talent. That experience really shaped my ability to handle large-scale logistics while still keeping the human side of events front and center.
In 2017, I took a leap and launched my own company, Silver Celebrations. It started as a side hustle and quickly grew into a full-time business, planning everything from weddings and proposals to corporate events and music industry experiences. Along the way, I also partnered with a national planning company, which helped me grow and scale while still building my own brand here in Nashville.
Today, I’ve planned hundreds of events, and what really sets my work apart is the combination of my background in both the music industry and event design. I approach every event as more than just a timeline or a checklist—it’s about creating something that reflects someone’s story and allows them to be fully present in the moment.
At the end of the day, my career has been built on relationships, adaptability, and a genuine love for what I do. Whether it’s a wedding or a large-scale industry event, my goal is always the same: to create something meaningful, seamless, and unforgettable.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I think that’s a big part of what’s shaped me. Early on, one of the biggest challenges was building a career in a new city without a built-in network. When I moved to Nashville, I was working full-time while trying to break into both the music and events industries, which meant a lot of long hours and saying yes to opportunities that helped me build relationships from the ground up.
Starting my own business was another major learning curve. When I launched Silver Celebrations, I was balancing it alongside other roles, figuring out everything from client acquisition to operations in real time. There’s no real roadmap for that—you learn by doing, and sometimes by making mistakes.
Like a lot of people in events, navigating the uncertainty during COVID was also a huge challenge. Events came to a halt, and I had to quickly adapt, rethink my approach, and stay flexible in an industry that was constantly shifting.
Through all of that, I think the common thread has been resilience and adaptability. Every challenge pushed me to be more resourceful, more relationship-driven, and more intentional about how I grow—and that’s ultimately made me stronger in what I do today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create and manage experiences that leave a lasting impression—weddings, proposals, corporate events, and music industry gatherings. I specialize in full-service event planning and personal relationships, known for blending big-picture strategy with meticulous attention to detail.
One of my signature moments was stepping in at the last minute during a major Nashville industry event when a key performer’s schedule fell through. I coordinated a seamless replacement in under an hour, and the event went off flawlessly—no one even knew there had been a hiccup. Moments like that showcase why clients and industry partners trust me to handle high-pressure situations.
What sets me apart is my ability to merge creativity and logistics. I make events feel effortless and personal, while also navigating complex behind-the-scenes challenges, and making every client feel important and heard.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is creating meaningful connections—whether that’s between people at an event, between artists and their audiences, or between a client and their vision. I love helping people feel seen, celebrated, and cared for in a way that lasts beyond the moment itself. That’s why I do what I do: planning an event isn’t just about logistics or décor, it’s about shaping experiences that people remember and carry with them. For me, those connections are what make the work meaningful and what makes all the challenges worth it. I strive to always be authentic and honest with my approach as well, and I feel that it has served me well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.silvercelebrationsnashville.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvercelebrations/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleysbourque/
