meet the sparkly team

KATIE O' MALLEY MALONEY

FOUNDER / WEDDING PLANNER

Katie O’Malley Maloney is the founder and CEO of Katie O’ Weddings & Events as well as the co-founder of With Grace Management. With over two decades of event planning and coordination experience, Katie is known as an extraordinaire in her field. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Management from Siena College, Katie went on to spend many years working in the private and public sector, but ultimately decided to pursue her passion in planning. Doing what she loves for a living, Katie’s approach to business and life is about making everything, and everyone, sparkle.

Katie prides herself on the meaningful partnerships and relationships she creates with her clients, which she accomplishes by keeping her process real, transparent, and fun, and by maintaining a fierce commitment to her company’s core values. It’s not just about “booking clients” for Katie, but rather the dedication to their happiness and sharing their unique story.

While events are a fast-paced business, Katie takes time to pause and focus on what’s most important. A lover of all things love, she never hesitates to acknowledge her own. Her husband, Nate, provides her with unwavering support in business and life, and her children, Grace and Charlie, keep her smiling with their irreplaceable snuggle sessions! Often found at a crowded table full of friends and family, eating, drinking, and laughing, Katie thrives off the energy of those around her.

Fueled by coffee, fresh-cut flowers, and country music, Katie loves the work that she does as a successful entrepreneur, but also as a wife, mom, friend, daughter, sister, and more. For a glimpse of her sparkling life and latest events, find her on Instagram at @katieoevents.

CASEY BENSON

WEDDING PLANNER

Spirited and willful Casey Benson is the first person you’ll hear from when you begin your journey with Katie O’ Weddings & Events. You’ll witness her unparalleled passion, optimism, and skill as you share your story and your dreams for your event with her. Then, she’ll figure out how to make it all a reality.

Growing up in New York’s Hudson Valley, Casey fell in love with the world of events while working for a caterer during high school. She was drawn to the organized chaos, as well as the idea of being part of amazing memories for guests. Knowing she wanted to be on a path that would lead her back to events, Casey went to college for Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. Years later, after moving to the Capital District, Casey discovered KOWE, and knew it was where she was meant to be. Determined to get her foot in the door, Casey offered to be a unpaid intern. She worked her way up the ranks and today, she’s Katie’s right hand and partner.

When she’s not navigating the controlled chaos that is wedding planning (that she loves so much), you may find Casey with her dog, Remy, enjoying pepperoni pizza with friends, binge-watching reality TV with her mom/BFF, or on a car ride with the windows down blaring Taylor Swift on the radio!

Strong and purposeful, Casey’s spirit energizes those around her. And at the end of a wedding, you’ll often find her smiling as the couple tells her, “I couldn't have done this without you.”

nate maloney

“MR. KATIE O”

Nathan Maloney, Katie’s partner (in business, parenthood, life, love, and just about everything else), grew up knowing he’d be some sort of entrepreneur. A true lover of hospitality, Nate’s personal mission is to make people feel welcome, happy, and relaxed. These days, he mostly helps run KOWE from behind the scenes, but remains an integral part of the team and is relied on for his great support, creative solutions, and event planning wisdom.

Much like his corporate 9-5 role, Nate likes that the wedding planning industry is about people. From small, intimate affairs to gatherings with thousands in attendance, Nate prides himself on being able to execute an event that speaks to each client’s personal brand and overcome any challenges that may come up along the way. His goal (and the collective KOWE goal) is to carry all the stress and worry for a client so they can enjoy their special day.

Creative, imaginative, patient, and passionate, Nate brings so much to the KOWE table, including his great smile! And when he’s not working or building a last minute stone path across very wet grass so guests don’t lose their shoes in the mud, you’ll most likely find him spending time with his family. His and Katie’s wish to have a girl and a boy came true, and hanging with Grace and Charlie is his favorite thing to do (hands down). Madly in love by the third date, Nate’s devotion to all things KOWE is unmatched. When it comes time for your event, you’ll see it for yourself!

REMY

“KOWE MASCOT”

Remy is a beautiful beagle/lab mix who loves riding shotgun, chasing squirrels, and being off-leash, left to explore the mysterious woods. Her favorite food is whatever Katie and Casey are having for lunch and nothing excites her more than seeing Grace and Charlie walk into the room. Her favorite song is “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men and she loves a good cuddle! Born during the pandemic and rescued from Alabama, Remy is a true southern-belle pup.

TEAM KOWE | SENIOR COORDINATORS

Our senior coordinators are seasoned KOWE team members ready to make your wedding day dreams come true. They have been exclusively trained by Katie & Casey and know exactly how to bring that KOWE sparkle to your day!

Rachel

Rachel has been with KOWE for ten years! If you’re lucky enough to have Rachel as your senior coordinator, know that you will have a smooth and fun-loving day. Rachel makes you feel like you have been friends for YEARS and immediately comfortable with her easygoing vibe and silly jokes.

Abby

Abby joined our team over seven years ago as an intern! She has grown so much from a young professional into an assistant coordinator and now leads weddings independently. She is beyond talented and we are so lucky to have her on our team. If you have Abby as your senior coordinator, prepare for a fun and flawless day.

Jennifer

Jennifer has been with KOWE for four years and has been such an asset to our growth. She is such a calming presence to our couples and treats each wedding with care and dedication. We love having Jennifer on our team.

TEAM KOWE

Katie, Casey and the team understand how to maintain a big-picture philosophy with a focus on the goals and a critical eye on ALL the details. Check out the entire KOWE team!