Today we’d like to introduce you to Elana Walker.
Hi Elana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2009, I was working at dead-end job and I found it very hard to find another job so I thought to myself, start your own company! After being a bridesmaid in a wedding and seeing what the wedding planner for that wedding did, I was very intrigued by it. I began to study and learn as much about weddings and etiquette as I possibly could. I took a course to certify myself as a planner and then I started to put myself out there! Soon after, a former classmate hired me while she was stationed in Afghanistan to plan her wedding in Raleigh. That wedding taught me so many things but most importantly, it was the start of a very rewarded career path!
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?
Being a wedding planner looks very glamorous but it’s far from it. It’s a lot of hard work. Learning how to evaluate clients for compatibility prior to booking, adapting to being on your feet for sometimes 12+ hours, adjusting and adapting to different personalities, etc. In addition, as much as I love being a wedding planner, as a small business owner, I needed to learn the art of running a business. Marketing, accounting, branding, team management and so much more!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Elana Walker Events is an award-winning nationally recognized, bi-coastal wedding planning company offering the full wedding planning experience to the upscale and discerning bride. Our comprehensive planning, timeless designs and cohesive wedding day execution has attracted many couples, near and far.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite memory from childhood are the summers I spent with my father. Originally from Chicago, during the summers, he would take my brother and I downtown to the museums, aquarium, beach, etc.! We would visit family that lived in the city and enjoy the amazing city. I loved hanging out with my Dad. I feel so blessed to have those memories with him now that he is only with me in spirit and strive to build those same adventurous memories with my sons.
Contact Info:
- Email: elana@elanawalker.com
- Website: www.elanawalker.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/elanawalkerevents
- Facebook: Facebook.com/elanawalkerevents
Image Credits
Donnell Perry Photography Stanlo Photography Alakija Studios
