About US
We partner with sophisticated clients to transform their vision into a refined, unforgettable celebration, allowing them to be fully immersed in each moment, while we orchestrate every element with precision and grace.
We believe the planning process should feel calm, collaborative, and intentional. From the earliest conversations to the final details, our role is to guide you with clarity and care, creating an experience that feels as effortless as it is meaningful.
Meet OUR TEAM
JEANKARLA
LEAD PLANNER
sarah
founder
Celebrated by top editors
WE'VE BEEN FEATURED in TRUSTED WEDDING PUBLICATIONS and PRESS.
SARAH LEILA HEANEY
FOUNDER
A trusted name in private estate, tented, and venue-based weddings where finesse, discernment, and attention to detail are essential.
As the founder of Leila James Events, she is known for orchestrating deeply personal celebrations along the East Coast and beyond. Specializing in thoughtfully designed celebrations, from intimate gatherings to grand multi-day affairs, creating unforgettable experiences for clients and their guests.
With over a decade in luxury events, Sarah began her career at the esteemed Rafanelli Events in Boston, later returning to Martha’s Vineyard to produce sustainable, high-profile weddings including a Vogue-featured celebration, before establishing herself in Newport.
Today, Sarah brings her signature aesthetic, calm authority, and impeccable eye to every event, creating an atmosphere of elegance and ease, no matter how intricate the occasion. Her clients value her not only for her expertise and exacting attention to detail, but for her warm, intuitive guidance from start to finish.
Jeankarla Duran
Lead Planner
She brings nearly a decade of experience to the New England wedding and events industry, with a background that seamlessly blends design, catering, and both corporate and social events.
She began her career at a prestigious Rhode Island design firm, where she developed a meticulous eye and a sophisticated design sensibility. Her transition into hospitality deepened her mastery of the behind-the-scenes logistics that define flawless events.
As a lead planner at Leila James Events, Jeankarla is known for her calm expertise, intuitive guidance, and unwavering commitment to her clients. She translates each couple’s vision into a refined, cohesive celebration, balancing elevated design with precise execution that feels effortlessly luxurious and deeply personal.