Meet Kayla McCullough

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla McCullough and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
What makes me happy is a mix of simple daily pleasures, creative expression, meaningful connections, and a sense of accomplishment. I love starting my mornings with a hot cup of coffee—it’s a small ritual that grounds me for the day. Treats like cinnamon rolls or ice cream now and then add a little joy, and there’s something deeply satisfying about having a clean house and a fully checked-off task list.

Creativity is another big source of happiness for me. I enjoy sketching and getting lost in a good book, whether I’m reading to my kids or taking a quiet moment for myself. Yoga helps me stay centered and connected to my body, especially during busy weeks.

Nature plays its part too—gardening gives me a sense of peace and purpose, and just feeling the sun on my face can completely shift my mood.

Relationships are at the heart of what brings me joy. I feel most fulfilled when I can make others feel seen and cared for, and it’s always nice to feel liked or appreciated. Some of my happiest moments are with my family, whether we’re having dinner together, dancing around the living room, or playing board games and laughing until our sides hurt.

Lastly, I thrive on personal growth and having things to look forward to. I feel proud when I excel at something, and planning future trips or activities gives me energy and excitement for what’s ahead.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is rooted in being a calming, positive presence on what can be one of the most emotional and fast-paced days in a couple’s life. I believe that what sets me apart is not just what I do—but how I do it. I take pride in consistent, clear communication with the couple, their families, and all vendors involved. I want everyone to feel informed, supported, and at ease.

One thing I truly love is going the extra mile without being asked. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, quietly managing last-minute changes, or pulling out a much-needed item from my Wedding Day Emergency Kit, I’m always prepared and fully engaged.

My goal is to anticipate needs before they arise and handle situations in a way that feels seamless and stress-free to my clients. I pay close attention to every detail—monitoring décor placement, adjusting table settings, ensuring guest flow is smooth—and I do so with a light touch so the couple can stay present and enjoy the moment.

Getting to where I am professionally wasn’t always easy. It’s taken time, hands-on experience, and plenty of learning moments (yes, learning from my mistakes!) to develop the intuition and confidence I have now. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being adaptable and staying calm under pressure—it truly sets the tone for everyone else.

What I want the world to know is that I care deeply about the experience my couples have. I’m not just there to manage a timeline—I’m there to create a space where they can fully enjoy their day, knowing every detail is in caring, capable hands.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1 – Welcome to Houston!

Morning: Pick them up and head straight to Summer Moon Coffee to fuel up and catch up over a Moon Milk latte.

Afternoon: Start light with a walk around our neighborhood park, affectionately called the “Fairy Park” for the tiny fairy doors hidden throughout—it’s whimsical and fun, even for adults.

Evening: Kick off the week with dinner at Aga’s Restaurant—one of my favorites for bold, flavorful Indian-Pakistani cuisine. The sizzling grilled meats, curries, and mango lassi never disappoint.

Day 2 – Museums + Tacos

Morning: Let them pick from one of Houston’s standout museums: the Museum of Natural Science, Art Museum, Health Museum, or Holocaust Museum. All are great options, depending on their mood.

Afternoon: Relax with a slow drive through tree-lined neighborhoods or browse local shops.

Dinner: Head to Gordo Ninos for creative and mouthwatering tacos—Tex-Mex meets street food flair.

Evening: Visit The Lawn at Baybrook for ice cream or cocktails.

Day 3 – Space Exploration, Coffee, and Ramen

Morning: A second round of Summer Moon is always a good idea—this time maybe with a pastry and a plan.

Daytime: Hop over to NASA Space Center Houston, conveniently across the way.

Dinner: Slurp noodles and sip cocktails at Ninja Ramen—a cozy, low-key spot that serves up flavor and character.

Day 4 – Ocean Breeze + BBQ

Morning: Take a quick road trip to Galveston—walk the beach, feel the sand between your toes, and maybe even explore a few historic homes or chapels I’ve come across through my wedding industry connections.

Afternoon: Casual bites and maybe even a little vintage shopping or sightseeing along The Strand.

Dinner: On the way back, swing by Killen’s BBQ—a carnivore’s dream and one of the best spots for classic Texas smoked meats.

Day 5 – Italian Night + Polo or Poolside Vibes

Morning: Relaxing morning at one of Houston’s luxury hotels—perhaps brunch or poolside lounging at Hotel ZAZA, C. Baldwin, or the elegant St. Regis.

Late Afternoon: If the timing’s right, we could check out a polo match—a fun, unexpected activity.

Dinner: Wrap the day with authentic Italian at Frenchies—cozy, delicious, and full of charm.

Day 6 – Open Day

Let them choose! Whether it’s a second trip to the beach, another museum, or just relaxing at home, this is a flexible day to unwind or explore more.

Foodwise, we might try something new—maybe Ethiopian, Thai, or Mediterranean—because Houston’s food scene begs to be explored nightly.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a number of people and experiences shape my journey, and I’m so grateful for each of them. My shoutout definitely starts with Christ In Youth (CIY) in Joplin, Missouri. I began there at 18 as a receptionist with some accounting responsibilities, but CIY consistently gave me opportunities to grow and explore new areas. By the age of 22, I had transitioned into the programming side of the organization, where I discovered my love for event coordination. Though I had coordinated a few friends’ weddings before, it was CIY that gave me real hands-on training and helped me realize that event management was something I genuinely enjoyed—and could be great at.

When I later moved to Houston, I pursued work in the events world. My time at a prestigious wedding venue, Waters Edge, gave me continued growth in coordination and valuable insight into the HTX wedding industry. More importantly, it’s where I met Brandi, my current boss, who deserves a huge amount of credit for my development this past year. Brandi has been an incredible mentor—offering guidance, encouragement, and the tools I needed to grow from a beginner into someone truly confident in this field. I owe so much of my recent success to her belief in me and her willingness to invest in my growth.

So to CIY, Brandi, and everyone who’s played a part along the way—thank you. Your impact on my story is immeasurable.

Website: https://www.nextchapterweddings.com/

Instagram: @next_chapter_weddings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nextchapterweddings

Other: Potentially Zola – https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners/next-chapter-weddings

Image Credits
Rivers Light Photography (headshots, team photos)

Yosaidy Photography (bride and groom)