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, Ensemble Catering, and Audubon Event Center 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!
Alyssa Kruger
Event Manager
Originally from the Midwest, Alyssa started with Olaya Events & Company as a part-time server with Ensemble Catering while completing her Psychology degree at Arizona State University. With a lifelong passion for weddings and events, combined with her degree in Psychology, she brings a unique perspective to crafting personalized experiences. Alyssa’s positive attitude, hardworking nature, and dedication ensure a meticulous approach to creating unforgettable moments for each couple.
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 Temple
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.
Ben Rasic
Catering Manager
Ben is originally from Southern California and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Marketing. He developed a passion for facilitating weddings and special events while working at his family’s restaurant and catering company. After years of experience working in the restaurant industry, Ben steered his energy in the direction of event management and planning, and found the perfect fit at Ensemble Catering. Ben is outgoing, incredibly positive, and a forward thinker. He loves managing the team that creates extraordinary dining experiences for our couples and their guests.
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.
David Yeager
Facilities Manager
David ensures that the properties look beautiful for our events. He maintains all the event equipment so that it’s in working order. He custom builds our farm tables, wood bars, and many other items on the property. David has an extensive knowledge in landscaping, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and mechanics. He is honest, dependable, and solution oriented. David truly cares about the landscape of each and every event so the guest experience and picture backgrounds looks amazing!
Justice Wroten
Production Lead
Justice is a dedicated and reliable member of our team. He plays a key role in leading the set-up and tear-down crew for all events, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Whenever something needs repair around the venue, Justice is always ready to assist. His commitment is essential to maintaining the venue's operations and enhancing its beauty. Justice genuinely cares about the venue and works diligently to ensure every client has a memorable experience.