Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah James.
Hi Leah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been drawn to creativity and beautiful moments. Growing up, I loved fashion and could watch wedding movies for hours. Films like The Wedding Date, The Wedding Planner, and 27 Dresses made me fall in love with the world of weddings long before I ever stepped into the industry. I originally went to school for fashion and even though I eventually earned my degree in psychology instead, my passion for design, people, and meaningful experiences never went away.
My career in weddings really began when I became a bridal consultant with a photography and videography company, which opened the door for me to spend three years as an assistant wedding coordinator in Northern Michigan. I loved being part of those special days and seeing how thoughtful details could completely transform an event. During that time I continued learning through courses and attended the Wedding MBA. I am always studying trends and finding new ways to give my couples an experience that feels both personal and seamless.
The heart of my story is my family. For the past seven years, my most important role has been being a mom to my amazing twin boys. Becoming their mother changed everything for me. I knew I wanted to be present for every moment, to homeschool them, to travel with them, and to never miss a game or anything they were part of. Starting my own business became the perfect way to create a life where I could do what I love while still being home with them.
Owning a business has been a big learning experience, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I get to design events that bring joy to other families while showing my boys what hard work looks like and what it means to build something you care about. More than anything, I hope they see that you can chase your dreams while keeping your family at the center of your life. My journey has been shaped by creativity, hard work, and motherhood, and I would not change any part of how I got here.
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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. There have been many challenges along the way and getting through them has made every success feel even more meaningful. Building a business on my own has required a lot of long nights and a lot of learning. I handle the planning, the website, the social media, the accounting, the coordination, and the full setup and teardown for events. Balancing all of that while being a mom has been one of the hardest parts, because I want to give my best to my work and also be fully present for my boys.
Weddings are beautiful and the industry is inspiring, but just like any field there are slow seasons and those moments can be difficult to navigate. Even with the challenges, I know how lucky I am to have a partner who supports us and steps in wherever he can, even on wedding days after working a full week. My boys are my biggest motivation and the reason I keep going no matter how tough things get. Every obstacle has pushed me to grow and has brought me closer to the life and business I always wanted to build for my family.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about LJ Coordinare?
LJ Coordinare is built on a simple belief. Your wedding should feel like you. My mission is to guide couples through the planning process in a way that keeps their day stress free, intentional, and completely rooted in their own love story. In a world filled with trends, aesthetics, and constant online comparison, it can be easy to lose sight of what truly matters. I help my couples stay grounded in what is meaningful to them so their celebration is a genuine reflection of who they are.
At LJ Coordinare we see weddings as storytelling. Textures, florals, layouts, and the smallest details all work together to express personality and emotion. I design celebrations that are thoughtful, creative, and full of heart. Unique does not have to mean extravagant. Sometimes it is the simple choices, layered textures, or subtle details that create the most unforgettable experience. I want my couples to walk into their day and instantly feel that it belongs to them.
What truly sets my brand apart is the balance of artistry and organization. My couples trust me to bring beauty and creativity into their design while also managing the logistics with complete attention. They want to be present on their wedding day and know that every detail is handled. That trust means everything to me. I am most proud that my brand reflects warmth, authenticity, and a deep commitment to creating experiences that feel personal rather than predictable.
LJ Coordinare offers a range of services such as planning, design, and coordination services that support couples at any stage of the wedding process. Whether someone needs full guidance from the very beginning or expert help tying everything together near the finish line, I step in to manage the details with intention. I help with design, vendors, timelines, logistics, and the full setup and teardown, making sure everything flows smoothly. My goal is to take the pressure off my couples so they can be fully present and enjoy their day without worrying about what is happening behind the scenes.
More than anything, my goal is to create weddings that feel personal, beautiful, and effortless, giving couples the freedom to be fully present with the people they love while their story comes to life around them.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality that has contributed most to my success is resilience. I have faced a lot of challenges on my journey, both personally and professionally, and continuing to push forward even when things were difficult has shaped everything I have built. Resilience has allowed me to learn, adapt, and stay committed to my vision even when the path was not easy. It has also taught me to lead with empathy, stay grounded in what matters, and show my kids what it looks like to work hard for something you believe in.
Pricing:
- Full Planning, Design, and Coordination Starting at $7,500
- Planning and Coordination Starting at $5,500
- Wedding Management Often referred to as day of coordination Starting at $1,500
- Wedding Management Plus Includes rehearsal & day of coordination, full setup, and teardown Starting at $4,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ljcoordinare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eventplanner_leahjames/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LJCoordinare
