Meet the Olive Branch Events Co. team! We have grown tremendously this past year and we’re no longer a team of two! After a slow season, we simply couldn’t keep up with demand and are so thrilled to have such an AMAZING team to execute our couples’ wedding days. Everyone on the team cares deeply about our clients and bring so many unique skills.
Thank you to Ali Lockery Photography for the team headshots. 🙂
Deanna
Founder and Lead Planner
Describe yourself in three words:
Passionate, kind, driven.
What unique skills or experience do you bring to the table?
I think my biggest strength is that I am able to make almost everyone feel at ease. I put a lot of thought into what I do and love making people happy! In regards to actual experience, I have been doing events for over 7 years and have seen so many events at every scale. I still think weddings are the best!
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
I love seeing an event completed from start to finish. It is so satisfying! I manage so many different parts of the business, but getting to know my clients and their stories, as well as working together with the wedding teams and seeing their talent is the most inspiring part of my job! It’s super fun to be involved throughout the whole process, and helps me to better understand different roles so I can make the overall wedding day smooth for everyone involved!
It’s the morning of the event and you need something to power your day. What are you sipping (or snacking) on?
London fog latte or iced caramel latte. I also will never say no to a classic milk tea.
What’s your favorite thing about weddings?
The ceremony – the actual commitment of love and marriage is my FAVORITE, but let’s be real, I also love the wedding food and flowers.
Finally, cats or dogs?
Dogs. HANDS-DOWN!
Kelly
Lead Planner
Describe yourself in three words:
Friendly, intentional, sarcastic.
How long have you been on the OBEC team?
2 years (April 2019!)
What unique skills or experience do you bring to the table?
I have worked in almost every sector of events: non-profit, corporate, university, small businesses, sports.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
The first dance gets me every time. To see the day you helped create all culminate in that part is the sweetest. Makes me want to start the day over again every time.
It’s the morning of the event and you need something to power your day. What are you sipping (or snacking) on?
Cold brew or iced coffee.
What’s your favorite thing about weddings?
The design for sure! Thinking outside the box for stylistic choices is the best!
Finally, cats or dogs?
Dogs, always dogs, unless there is a baby around.
Amanda
Event Assistant
Describe yourself in three words:
Bubbly, easygoing, hospitable.
How long have you been on the OBEC team?
1 year (July 2020)
What unique skills or experience do you bring to the table?
Amateur photography skills.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Having the honor of serving someone on their big day.
It’s the morning of the event and you need something to power your day. What are you sipping (or snacking) on?
Coffee coffee coffee!
What’s your favorite thing about weddings?
Watching the groom when the bride walks down the aisle.
Finally, cats or dogs?
Dogs, 100%!
Ava
Associate Planner
Describe yourself in three words:
Resourceful, resilient, reliable.
How long have you been on the OBEC team?
This is my first year (April 2021)
What unique skills or experience do you bring to the table?
I have been in the event industry for 5 years managing large-scale complicated events so I bring a lot of unique experience with random things that events require. Anything from troubleshooting an ATM, running a huge video screen, wiring a high-level AV system, organizing a kickball league, and all of the complications that go into event planning and coordination. I pride my ability to troubleshoot on the fly and think creatively towards solutions.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
The most inspiring part of my job is when you get to see the final result of all your hard work and usually, that’s a lot of really happy people.
It’s the morning of the event and you need something to power your day. What are you sipping (or snacking) on?
My barista has started making me something he calls Pond Water. It’s 50% cold brew, 50% Matcha, 100% caffeine. With a little oat milk and honey it’s all I need to kick it into gear.
What’s your favorite thing about weddings?
Watching all the love around me! Just knowing that the day will be a part of all of these people’s memories and I had the honor of being there. It’s really rewarding.
Finally, cats or dogs?
Oh, dogs yeah 100% no question. (I own both, ha!).
Chloe
Event Assistant
Describe yourself in three words:
Creative, passionate, caring.
How long have you been on the OBEC team?
Just started! (May 2021)
What unique skills or experience do you bring to the table?
I have a degree in Interior Design and a background in professional stage management! The two allow me to design and help organize and manage in the wedding industry!
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
I haven’t done much yet, so I’m not really sure!
It’s the morning of the event and you need something to power your day. What are you sipping (or snacking) on?
Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.
What’s your favorite thing about weddings?
Hearing the stories of how brides/grooms met and their stories!
Finally, cats or dogs?
CATS! CATS! CATS! But I also do love dogs! Just don’t have one yet! (We’re a team divided y’all, dun dun dunnnnn.)
Ellie
Associate Planner
Describe yourself in three words:
Adventurous, passionate, empathetic.
How long have you been on the OBEC team?
My first wedding was in March 2021.
What unique skills or experience do you bring to the table?
Problem-solving! I love the fast pace environment of a wedding day and being able to think fast to come up with solutions when needed. I also LOVE being able to get creative. Whether that’s designing a mood board, decorating a table, or dreaming up a backdrop I love making a vision come to life.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
The most inspiring part of my job is knowing that I’m helping bring the clients’ dream to life. I love being a part of pulling their day together and making sure it is as perfect as they imagined it to be!
It’s the morning of the event and you need something to power your day. What are you sipping (or snacking) on?
You can find me with a chai tea latte and scone in hand!
What’s your favorite thing about weddings?
My favorite thing is all the love in the air. I love learning the couple’s story and seeing all of their favorite people come together for their special day.
Finally, cats or dogs?
Cats.
Molly
Associate Planner
Describe yourself in three words:
Passionate, friendly, dependable.
How long have you been on the OBEC team?
Since April 2020.
What unique skills or experience do you bring to the table?
I gained event management and leadership skills planning programs for 7,500 UW-Madison Housing residents. I have years of experience in the customer service industry working as an ambassador for UW-Madison and intern for Chick-fil-A. I specialize in marketing and brand strategy and continue to grow in these areas through my full-time career at Kohl’s.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
The couples! I love hearing their stories and making their visions come to life through their weddings!
It’s the morning of the event and you need something to power your day. What are you sipping (or snacking) on?
Dunkin Donuts large iced coffee (cream and sugar of course) with everything bagel bites. SO delicious!
What’s your favorite thing about weddings?
The smiles from the couple, friends, and family! It is so rewarding to see their reactions after our hard work.
Finally, cats or dogs?
Dogs (hypoallergenic for me!).
Destiny
Event Assistant
Describe yourself in three words:
Easygoing, Friendly, Career-minded.
How long have you been on the OBEC team?
6 months
What unique skills or experience do you bring to the table?
Leadership, event experience, diversity of skills.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Making things happen for others.
It’s the morning of the event and you need something to power your day. What are you sipping (or snacking) on?
Breakfast sandwich and coffee.
What’s your favorite thing about weddings?
Excitement, fast pace, beautiful venues/decor.
Finally, cats or dogs?
Can’t choose- I have both.
