Meet the Team: Meet Chayla
Every detail, every moment, every wow…it all comes down to knowing you’re supported by a team that communicates clearly and works seamlessly behind the scenes. As part of our Meet the Team series, we’re introducing you to the planners who will be right there with you throughout your planning journey.
Meet Chayla, one of our lead planners and the calm, confident presence you’ll feel from day one. Couples love working with Chayla for her joyful communication, next-level organization, and steady leadership, especially when things feel busy or overwhelming. From your first planning call to the final toast of the night, she’s focused on making sure every detail is handled so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
You’ll see her impact in thoughtfully built timelines, smooth vendor coordination, and the countless behind-the-scenes moments that keep your day flowing effortlessly. And when the unexpected happens (because it always does), Chayla is already there - guiding vendors, solving challenges, and keeping the energy light so you can stay present, calm, and fully in the moment.
📸 Photo Credit: Ashlee Cole Photography
With her signature sparkle and grounded approach, you can trust that you’re in capable, caring hands — and that your celebration is being led with intention and heart.
Scroll on to get to know Chayla a little better, from her favorite part of wedding days to the planning advice she loves sharing with couples.
Professional Role & Approach
What is your role at Sholeh Events, and what do you love most about it?
“I am a Lead Planner at Sholeh Events, and what I love most about it is how well our incredible small but mighty team works together and supports one another, both in business, and in life. We always start our calls with real life check-in’s, because we are all moms in entrepreneurship - neither of which is for the faint of heart! I am so thankful to be in a community with such wise, warm, encouraging, and empowering women.”
How did you get into the world of event planning?
“I’ve wanted to be an event planner since college, working catering events to pay bills. But my family will tell you I was assigning seats at Sunday dinners before I was 8. I’ve always thrown my own, elaborate, creative DIY birthday parties, so it was no surprise I fell in love with events. Once I knew this was next on my path, I sought out an internship at the Evanston Art Center while I worked multiple jobs at Farmers Markets, Tanning Salons, and my favorite, the YMCA, all the while volunteering at every event, until I was hired as Assistant Director of Events at a NFP library’s event rentals division, where I quickly moved up to Director of Events, and actively served as default In-House Wedding Planner for many of our 25-30 weddings per year… for nearly 11 years. This past year I’ve finally found the freedom to freelance full time, assisting events and individuals in my community with everything from birthday and holiday parties to weddings and galas, and I love it!”
What's your favorite part of the event day?
“My favorite part of the day is cocktail hour, right after the ceremony, but not for the reasons most guests think: Once pre-ceremony jitters are over, everyone can relax and celebrate! Cocktail hour is like a giant family reunion, meanwhile the catering / kitchen, floral, and DJ / Band are putting all of the finishing touches on the dinner reception space, and the feeling of accomplishment and excitement creates such a magical atmosphere.”
Describe your planning style in three words.
Warm, Organized, Purposeful.
What do you think sets Sholeh Events apart?
“It’s Sholeh’s integrity, her values, and her commitment to them and her ethos of “Community over Competition” which is just the most empathetic, contextually understanding business approach I’ve encountered; The way that Sholeh stays grounded and allows her values to remain a constant compass guides her every business decision, directly impacting her clients, colleagues, and industry peers. Such an approach is truly unique and refreshing in the wedding industry.
Behind-the-Scenes & Personality
What’s one thing most people don’t know about your job?
“I wish more people planning events would recognize how much boring administrative work goes into pulling off a flawless event. So many people think it’s in the set-up of the event on the event day, but execution is only half the battle. SO MANY hours of thought go into creating an immaculate layered plan for success that can be read and understood by all of the team members on all of the vendor teams in order for all of their staff to flawlessly produce the vision most people see in their heads.”
What’s the one thing you use most from your event-day emergency kit?
“My sewing kit. I can’t tell you how many times I have sewn or safety pinned a bride’s broken bustle or dress strap back in place partway through the celebration, fished out a safety pin, or the handy-dandy scissors!”
Do you have a favorite memory from an event you’ve worked on?
“This is such a difficult choice! Probably the couple who had a yoda and a GIANT GORILLA show up an hour into dancing! I have never seen anything like it, nor have I ever laughed so hard at a wedding!”
Coffee order or go-to planning fuel?
“I’m a sucker for a Snickers Protein Shakes, Vanilla Cold Brew with Heavy Cream, and McChicken sandwiches…😬 “
What’s one song that gets you in the zone on setup days?
“Last season it was Be About It by Cut… usually a new track by some obscure upbeat positive counterculture rap or hip hop artist” [Authors’s note: totally looked this song up, what a jam!]
📸 Photo Credit: Ashlee Cole Photography
Personal Interests
What do you like to do outside of work?
“I love to spend time gardening outdoors, and on nature walks with my hubby, daughter, and our two elderly rescue pitbulls, or snuggled up with all of them (+ our cat!) on the couch!.”
Favorite way to unwind after a big event?
“I love to listen to a good podcast on my way home (hopefully with a McChicken!), then when I get in the house, I like to turn on an investigation drama series or crime documentary show - and of course, drink lots of water!”
Dream vacation destination?
“Take my daughter to Australia, New Zealand, and Japan”
A fun fact most people don’t know about you?
“I grew up in Seattle, lived in Canada for the first year of college, finished school in Chicago, and lived in Alaska for two summers.”
From the first timeline draft to the very last twinkle light packed away, Chayla brings energy, heart, and a steady sense of calm to every celebration she leads. Her thoughtful organization and optimistic approach mean you’re never carrying the weight alone, and rest assured that everything is being handled with care, clarity, and joy.
As our Meet the Team series comes to a close, we hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know the people who will be by your side throughout your planning journey. The magic of Sholeh Events isn’t just in the beautiful moments you see: it’s in the communication, intention, and teamwork working quietly behind the scenes.
Whether we’re problem-solving on the fly or perfecting the final details, our planners are committed to creating an experience that feels seamless, supportive, and uniquely yours. And now, you know a little more about the team making it all happen - every step of the way.
