Our Team
Our Values
We love what we do, we work hard, play hard.
We create WOW Factors
We are grateful and positive
We stand for excellence
We problem-solve and take action
We use open and real communication
We care and serve
We have each other’s back
We do the right thing
We honor our word
Why choose us?
At Olaya Events & Company, we know that you want to be a confident and celebrated host/hostess. In order to do that, you need to have an extraordinary event. The problem is you do not know where to start and your time is limited, which makes you feel overwhelmed and asking yourself, “Can I do this?” We believe you deserve to enjoy your event and shouldn’t have to worry about all of the details. We understand that planning an event can be overwhelming and time consuming, which is why for the last decade, we have been helping people like you create extraordinary events their guests rave about! Contact us now and start planning with our team today!
Abigail Olaya
Founder + CEO
By age 35, Abigail Olaya, CEO of Olaya Events &Company, had built a $1 million wedding venue with her husband, while being a mom to three active triplets! Over the last decade, she’s established award winning venues and a catering company, drawing on her previous experiences as a civil engineer/program manager and leading a $70M IT project portfolio. Abigail is the recipient of the 2017 “40 under 40 Leader Award” in Phoenix, AZ.
Edward Olaya
Founder + CEO
In 2009 at age 27, Edward left his position as a research engineer working on micofluidic devices for the Applied Nanobioscience Center and went all in to create the first venue in our collection - Venue at the Grove. Armed with a $15,000 loan from Edward’s mom, a strong worth ethic, and commitment to providing an exceptional event
experience, Edward and Abigail have been able to build a multi-million dollar company portfolio under what is now called Olaya Events and Company, a parent company consisting of Venue
at the Grove and Ensemble Catering, and plans to continue to build other venues and ventures in the wedding and event industry.
Mary Kate Cutlip
General Manager
Mary Kate graduated from Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University with a degree in Business Entrepreneurship and Special Events Management. With a dream to grow her skills and talents, she jumped at the opportunity to join the Olaya Events & Company Team after gaining experience with Arizona Wedding Planners. Armed with a passion for planning, a love of happily ever afters, and a huge sweet tooth, weddings and Mary Kate are a match made in heaven. She brings a fun, energetic and personable addition to the team and is passionate about creating extraordinary experiences for clients!
Tara Hassinger
Event Manager
Tara grew up in Indiana and moved to Phoenix eight years ago while completing her bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University. With a passion for all things creative, she began her journey in events through floral design, where she discovered her love for the artistry and detail behind beautiful celebrations. She quickly fell in love with the many moving parts of luxury events, especially weddings, and was thrilled to join the Olaya Events team when the opportunity arose.
Trinity Kay
Event Manager
Born and raised in the Midwest, Trinity earned her Marketing degree from Iowa State University before discovering her passion for events. After planning her own wedding, she fell in love with creating unforgettable experiences, which led her to spend 2 years as a wedding planner. When she met the Olaya Events team, Trinity knew she had found the perfect place to share her enthusiasm, positivity, and warm personality. She is devoted to making every couple feel at home, special, and truly celebrated.
Karina Noriega
Sales & Event Manager
Karina graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Psychology and an immense love for all events. Hosting holiday parties for friends and family quickly grew into a passion and a desire to enter into the events industry. With experience ranging from creating luxury picnics to bachelorette parties, Karina soon found herself within the wedding industry where she spent about two years as a wedding planner before joining the Olaya Events & Company Team. She felt like she finally landed where she was supposed to and continues to love each moment.
Raphael McConlogue
Sales & Marketing Manager
Raphael grew up on a charming family farm in Prescott, Arizona, where she developed a deep appreciation for nature and community. After earning her Associate's degree in Business Management from Scottsdale Community College, she returned home to pursue her passion for event planning. Raphael launched her own wedding and event planning business, while also supporting her family’s wedding venue. With a focus on creating unforgettable proposals and enchanting outdoor movie nights, she brings a unique flair to every occasion. In 2024, she relocated to the Phoenix Valley, where she found a perfect fit with Olaya Events. Raphael is dedicated to crafting beautiful moments and celebrating love in all its forms.
Arina Matkevich
Catering Manager
Originally from Europe, Arina grew up surrounded by many cultures and home-cooked meals. Later moving to the East Coast, she kept her traditions alive through food. This foundation instilled in her a lifelong love of cooking and the belief that the table is where appreciation is truly shared. Before moving to Arizona, she worked as a middle school English teacher, juggling schedules, people, and a hundred moving parts at once (a surprisingly perfect warm-up for catering!). She brings passion and care to everything she does, ensuring each event feels as special as a meal made with love.
Annette Howe
Lead Catering Chef
Annette is the heart and soul of our catering team. She hails from Cape Cod, and brings with her over 30 years of hospitality experience. Annette’s strong work ethic, sense of humor, and genuine love for serving others make her an excellent chef and a fantastic part of our team!
Juan Menchaca
Catering Cook
Juan is a dedicated and hardworking Arizona native. He is attending EMCC for a business degree, and has always had a passion for cooking and culinary arts! His passion and desire to learn shine through in every dish he makes, and he loves making people smile with the meals he creates!
Emily Oaida
Accounting
Emily leads our accounting department and oversees the processing of client payments, event invoicing, vendor payments, and company payroll. She is a trustworthy and honest person who completes tasks with excellence. Emily has a B.S. in Accounting from Arizona State University. She has been part of the team since 2015.
Jaydon Moore
Production Lead
Jaydon, raised in Tucson, Arizona is a dedicated and passionate member of our team. He is attending Arizona State University, pursuing a degree in Nonprofit Leadership and management, with the intention of using his education to build a career in youth development. With Jaydon’s passion of helping the community, he has become a good fit for Production Lead at the Venue. His commitment is essential to maintaining the venue's operations and enhancing its beauty.