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My journey into the world of event planning began with a degree in fashion design at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, where I developed a keen eye for style, aesthetics, and creativity. Over time, my passion evolved into event design and coordination, where I now bring together form and function to craft memorable experiences. Becoming a certified event planner has equipped me with the skills to anticipate challenges, negotiate contracts to protect my clients, and design events that are both cost-effective and seamless.

As an event planner, I am not just a coordinator—I am a creator of meaningful moments. Whether it's a wedding, corporate gathering, or social celebration, I work tirelessly to ensure every detail is thoughtfully curated to surpass expectations. My mission is to transform visions into unforgettable experiences that reflect the unique story of each client while delivering style, precision, and lasting memories.

ne of the most rewarding aspects of my profession is meeting clients at the height of their excitement, whether it’s a couple envisioning their dream wedding, a company preparing to celebrate a milestone, or a family planning a meaningful celebration. Witnessing the spark of anticipation in their eyes as they share their vision fills me with profound joy. Listening to clients describe what a perfect event looks like to them inspires me to turn those dreams into reality.

Hi, I’m Ebony King, IWEP, an Internationally Certified Event and Wedding Planning professional with a true passion for crafting splendid and unforgettable occasions.
Originally from the charming state of Virginia, I made North Carolina my home to further pursue my 7+ year career in the dynamic world of event management within the hospitality industry. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of planning, coordinating, and supporting a wide range of events—including weddings, conferences, galas, corporate and government meetings, venue open houses, and wedding shows.
As a Planning Specialist at Elana Events, I provide behind-the-scenes support across all of our signature collections—Signature Luxe, Gracefully Wed, Wanderlust, Heritage, and Milestone—helping bring every couple’s vision to life with seamless execution, thoughtful details, and calm, professional coordination.
I thrive on the joy that comes from seeing a client’s vision come to life—the excitement that fills a beautifully designed space, the reactions of guests as they walk in, and the bliss that radiates from a happy couple. For me, event planning is more than a career; it’s my calling, my passion, and my way of spreading joy.

Hi, I'm Lea! Since 2018, I've been bringing weddings to life with a blend of creativity, organization, and a genuine love for the planning process. With strong roots here in North Carolina, I bring meaningful local insight, trusted vendor relationships, and a calm, thoughtful presence to every celebration I help create.
At Elana Events, I support our team in delivering seamless, heartfelt weddings—coordinating vendors, managing timelines, and handling all the behind-the-scenes details so our couples feel supported, confident, and fully present on their special day. I’m passionate about making the planning journey feel comfortable, clear, and joy-filled, ensuring that even the smallest moments are handled with intention and care.
I’m proud to specialize across all four of our signature planning collections, each designed to meet couples at different stages of their journey:
✨ The Signature Collection — offering white-glove service, elevated design, and concierge-style planning for couples seeking a luxurious, editorial experience.
✨ The Gracefully Wed Collection — guiding couples who want structured support, expert direction, and collaborative planning from a trusted professional.
✨ Elopement Collection – curating intimate, personalized celebrations that are full of meaningful moments and attention to every detail.
✨ The Wanderlust Collection — assisting couples who dream of destination celebrations, bringing clarity, coordination, and calm to weddings anywhere in the world.
Whether I’m organizing logistics, supporting design execution, or ensuring the wedding day flows flawlessly, my goal is always the same: to help create a celebration that feels effortless, beautiful, and completely authentic to each couple’s love story.

Hi, I’m Thembelani Marshall! I’ve had the pleasure of working with Elana Events since 2018, and in that time, my problem-solving skills, collaborative mindset, and leadership abilities have allowed me to be a valuable member of the team.
Event planning has been a joy for me since I was young, beginning with coordinating events at my home church in Seattle, continuing through high school and college within student organizations, and now extending into my professional career supporting Employee Resource Groups. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in International Public Relations from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and event planning has provided the perfect outlet to combine my creativity, customer service skills, and passion for people into one seamless experience.
I specialize in all three of Elana Events’ signature collections:
✨ Signature Luxe – providing white-glove, concierge-level planning and elevated design for couples seeking a truly refined and luxurious wedding experience.
✨ Heritage Collection – honoring tradition and culture with personalized, thoughtful planning that celebrates family, heritage, and meaningful customs.
✨ Wanderlust Collection – bringing expertise and calm coordination to destination weddings, ensuring celebrations near or far unfold flawlessly.
✨ Milestone Collection – planning anniversary celebrations, vow renewals, and other significant life moments that deserve thoughtful design and seamless execution.

Whether I’m supporting design execution, managing vendors, or orchestrating the wedding day, my goal is always the same: to create celebrations that feel intentional, memorable, and fully authentic to each couple’s unique love story.

Hi, I'm Hayley! Originally from Chicago, I have a background in the creative arts and have always been inspired by storytelling and the beauty of thoughtful design. I love taking each couple's unique vision and transforming it into a wedding day that truly reflects their love, personalities, and story.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for organization, I ensure every aspect of your celebration is thoughtfully planned, perfectly coordinated, and beautifully executed. My approach blends creativity with practicality, making sure the planning process is as joyful and seamless as the wedding day itself.
I specialize in Elana Events’ signature collections, including:
✨ Gracefully Wed Collection – guiding couples through a full planning experience with structure, expertise, and collaborative support to bring their vision to life.
✨ Elopement Collection – curating intimate, personalized celebrations that are full of meaningful moments and attention to every detail.
✨ Milestone Collection – planning anniversary celebrations, vow renewals, and other significant life moments that deserve thoughtful design and seamless execution.
My ultimate goal is to create an unforgettable day-one experience, filled with joy, beauty, and seamless moments, where couples can be fully present and celebrate their love with confidence and ease.

Hi, I'm Ashlé! Originally from Chicago and now based in Durham, NC, I’ve always been drawn to creativity, connection, and the beauty of celebrating life’s milestones. With a background in marketing and event planning, I bring both strategy and artistry to every wedding I help create, ensuring that each celebration is thoughtful, meaningful, and beautifully executed.
I specialize in Elana Events’ signature collections, including:
✨ Gracefully Wed Collection – guiding couples through a full planning experience with structure, expertise, and collaborative support to bring their vision to life.
✨ Elopement Collection – curating intimate, detail-driven celebrations that focus on meaningful moments and personalized touches.
✨ Milestone Collection – planning anniversaries, vow renewals, and other significant life events with the same level of care and creativity as a full-scale wedding.
I love taking a couple’s vision and transforming it into a day that not only looks stunning but feels deeply personal. From thoughtful details to seamless flow, my goal is to create celebrations that leave a lasting impression and allow couples to fully enjoy every special moment.