Ariva Event Planning

Ariva Event Planning is a family owned business based in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Holly Richardson, Ariva’s owner and president, earned her BA degree in history from Cornell College.  She is a distinguished graduate of the Association of Bridal Consultants’ Professional Development Program, with expertise in Planning and Consulting, Wedding Day Services and Etiquette. Ariva’s event planning experience began in 1992 , when Holly founded and organized an all night drug and alcohol free graduation party at a local Scottsdale high school, then coordinated the planning of this event for over twelve years.

In that capacity, she was responsible for an annual budget of over $25,000, organizing and overseeing the entire event, as well as supervising over 350 volunteers, and more than 1,000 attendees each year.  She has provided consultation services to other schools interested in this type of event, and has authored a manual entitled "How to Run an All Night Graduation Party."

Since founding Ariva Event Planning, Holly has planned weddings in homes, private clubs and golf clubs, museums, gardens, hotels and resorts, and even a ballpark! 

As a travel consultant with over two decades of experience, Holly has specialized in groups, tours and cruises.  Her expertise in this type of event planning runs the gamut from school groups enjoying Disneyland to entertainers performing overseas.  With a vast knowledge of the travel industry, Holly is also able to plan stress free destination weddings and/or honeymoons anywhere in the world.

Holly has been ordained as a non-denominational clergy and has the legal authority to perform marriage ceremonies, as permitted by the laws of the State of Arizona.

Ariva’s staff has planned weddings, showers, anniversary parties, graduation parties, birthday parties, holiday parties and non-profit events.  You will be pleased with our organizational skills, our attention to detail, our creative ideas and our grace under pressure.    

Our goal is to work with you from the initial concept of your event - whether it be a wedding or other social event or gala - and seamlessly oversee the details for you.  We have our own research staff, legal staff and creative design staff at your service.  We are dedicated to making sure your event is everything you dreamed it to be...and more.