Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Minor
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I originally started this journey in 2010, fresh out of grad school, with a friend in Springfield, Missouri. We were green and thought it would be easy… spoiler alert—it wasn’t. After a few years, I pivoted, working as a nanny and personal assistant in both Springfield and Chicago before ultimately deciding to move back home.
Once back, I worked for a large corporation where I had my hand in events, which reignited my passion for planning. From there, I spent three years directing a nonprofit, gaining valuable experience in leadership, organization, and event coordination. Eventually, I joined my husband in business and worked alongside him for a time.
The journey of Delight Events officially began in the fall of 2019. My aunt had asked me to help plan my cousin’s wedding, and during that process, I realized there was a real need in the area for a wedding planner who brought a fresh perspective to the local industry. That realization turned into action, and Delight Events was born. What started as a passion project has now grown into a company known for its thoughtful approach, sophisticated designs, and ability to create seamless, meaningful celebrations.
I built this company from the ground up, focusing on curating seamless, elevated events that reflect my clients’ unique stories. Over the years, Delight Events has grown into a sought-after planning firm known for its high-touch service, attention to detail, and ability to blend tradition with modern elegance.
Alongside Delight Events, I also launched the Pearls of Wisdom podcast, where I share insights from inspiring professionals across various industries. It’s been an incredible platform to connect with thought leaders and entrepreneurs, which in turn has helped me grow as a business owner.
Through it all, my journey has been one of perseverance, growth, and passion. I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible clients, building strong industry relationships, and continuously evolving. Now, as I look toward the future, my focus remains on elevating experiences—whether through weddings, corporate events, or sharing wisdom with my audience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth?!~ Haha not even close! When I started Delight Events in 2019, I was excited and ready to dive in. Then, just two months later, I found out I was pregnant, and by early 2020, COVID completely upended the events industry. Suddenly, everything was on hold, and like so many in this field, I had to adapt quickly.
In the fall of 2020, my husband took a job out of state for six months, which left me balancing a growing business while also navigating life as a new mom. And while those early years were filled with challenges, they also shaped me into the business owner I am today. In 2022, I faced one of the most pivotal moments in my life, and that was really when my business took off—because, quite honestly, it had to. I leaned into my work with everything I had, and in doing so, I built something stronger than I could have imagined. I have had amazing supporters and I’m incredibly grateful for the journey that got me here.
Events, by nature, are never smooth. There’s a constant ebb and flow—personalities, vendor relationships, the economy—all of it plays a role. But I’ve learned that resilience, adaptability, and strong relationships are what make the difference. No matter what challenges come my way, my passion for creating incredible experiences with incredible people keeps me moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Delight Events is a full-service wedding and event planning company dedicated to creating sophisticated, seamless, and truly unforgettable experiences. We specialize in high-end weddings, corporate events, and non-profit gatherings, blending elegance with thoughtful execution. Our clients are busy professionals and organizations who want an elevated event without the stress of managing every detail—and that’s exactly where we come in.
What sets us apart is our approach. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter events; every celebration is intentionally designed to reflect our clients’ unique personalities, visions, and stories. From intimate gatherings to large-scale productions, we bring a fresh perspective, expert logistics, and an eye for refined details that elevate every event. Relationships are at the heart of what we do—we pride ourselves on working with the best vendors, ensuring our clients receive top-tier service and a flawless experience from start to finish.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation we’ve built. Delight Events is known for its polished execution, impeccable organization, and ability to balance classic tradition with modern trends. Our goal is always to make the planning process enjoyable and stress-free, so our clients can fully immerse themselves in their special moments.
For readers looking for a planning partner who will go above and beyond, Delight Events offers full-service wedding planning, event design, and coordination, along with expert guidance to make your vision come to life. We also work with businesses and non-profits to create impactful events that align with their mission and goals.
At the core of our brand is the belief that events aren’t just about logistics; it’s about creating delightful
occasions that leave people with a full heart and amazing memories to last a lifetime. And we’re honored to be a part of bringing those moments to life!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Columbia has such a special place in my heart. What I love most is the sense of community—it’s a city that feels like a small town in all the best ways. People genuinely support one another, whether it’s local businesses, non-profits, or community events. There’s also a great mix of culture, from the arts and music scene to incredible dining and, of course, some truly stunning event venues. It’s a perfect blend of charm and opportunity.
If I had to pick something I like least, I’d say that, as a growing city, Columbia sometimes struggles with having enough resources and infrastructure to fully support that growth—especially in the event industry. There’s a huge demand for high-end, full-service venues and vendors, and I’d love to see even more options become available to elevate the event experience for couples and businesses alike. But overall, I love being a part of this community and contributing to its growth in my own way!
Pricing:
- Event Management: $2000
- Final Stages Planning: $3000
- Partial Planning: $5500
- Full Planning: $10,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eventsthatdelight.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delighteventsmo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/delighteventsmo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@delighteventsmo
