Elana Walker

CERTIFIED WEDDING PLANNER • CONSULTANT & MENTOR • SPEAKER • FOUNDER, SOUTHERN NOIR WEDDINGS

International Certified Wedding Planner, Wedding Designer, Mentor, Speaker, Mother of 2 sons, Daughter, Sister, Friend, & Animal Lover are just a few of the titles Elana Walker is blessed to have. Currently residing in Raleigh, NC, but originally from Chicago, IL , Elana majored in fashion design at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, which was where her love for beautification, style, and design was refined. She decided to become a certified wedding planner through the American Academy of Wedding Professionals. This education prepared her to become one of the top professional wedding planners in North Carolina. Elana is living proof that when there is a will, there is a way. She started her wedding planning business out of necessity. In 2009, at the end of a turbulent relationship, Elana found herself a single mother. Having an urgent need to be in control of her life, she decided to start on an entrepreneurial journey. Adamant to provide a comfortable life for her and her son, she opened a wedding planning company that would later lead her to a fulfilling and successful career.  She is now the Creative Director and owner of Elana Walker Events, ; founder of Elana Walker Mentoring, and Founder of Southern Noir Weddings.

When Elana adjusted her perspective and approach toward her work from focusing on wedding planning to focusing on the business side of wedding planning, her company benefited and grew exponentially.

Elana has been featured on:

  • NBC – My Carolina Today
    • “Spring Wedding Trends”
    • “Fall Wedding Centerpieces”
    • “Wedding Etiquette”
  • CBS – MY Carolina Talk
    • “What to wear based on the invitation”
    • NBC News – Local Affiliate
    • “Engagement Season Proposal Tips”
  • Magazine Features
    • The Knot
    • Brides
    • Munaluchi Bride
    • Black Bride
    • Weddings Magazine
    • Southern Bride & Groom
  • Awards
  • Best of The Knot, 2013-2017
  • Wedding Wires Couples Choice Award, 2012-2017
  • ISES Trinity Award 2016
    • Best Wedding 75k -200k Budget
    • 2016 Event of the Year
  • Essence Magazine
  • Essence Bridal Bliss 2015