Donna Urban of Donna Urban Events had so many great things to share with us about her inspirations in the world of event planning; including how she takes her coffee and a funny beginners faux pas. Keep reading, we promise you'll learn something new.
How do you continually stay inspired and creative?
By hanging around creative people who are always sharing ideas! There's nothing like real human interaction and the process of collaboration to drive new ideas and perfect the old ones.
Is there anything special or unique about your morning routine?
I started making coffee in a more complicated, but delicious way. I grind the beans and then do a "pour over" style coffee instead of a brew. It's a "slow food" way of doing it, but all of the steps have become important to my morning routine and commitment to starting the day purposefully.
If someone wanted to break into your industry, what advice would you give them?
Be willing to do anything needed, and be ready to not get paid at first. Finding someone who will let you be a part of the process as well as the day of the event is key. The process is the foundation. It has to be thoughtfully built for the end product (the event) to be strong and beautiful!
Did you always know this career path was ‘the one’?
No. My career has evolved much in the same way that I described above. I started slowly and I learned about every aspect of an event over time. And I've been doing this a long time!
What season inspires you most?
That's a tough one. I get excited about aspects of all four and the opportunity to not just respect that season, but to seek out fresh and fun ideas to implement. If absolutely pressed to answer, I might have to vote for Fall. It's my favorite season.
Do you have any funny short stories or embarrassing moments from when you first got started?
I had a bridal party not wait for my cue before they started down the aisle. All of the girls were down the aisle before I could get the groom and the groomsmen out. I had to hold the bride at the doors until the guys were in place. It is now one of those moments that I always pay close attention to!
What is the best advice you have been given?
Listen without forming a response while listening. Listen.
What is your dream project?
I've always wanted to do a ceremony in the snow. Literally in the snow, but able to keep everyone toasty (which I have some fun ideas for!). Of course having an unlimited budget would help. :)
If there was a song that played every time you worked on your craft, what would it be?
I get so in the zone when I'm working on a wedding or an event. I would pick Harry Nillson's "Everybody's Talkin". The lyrics start out with the words, "Everybody's talkin' at me, I can't hear a word they're sayin' ".
Is there anything in particular you are obsessed with these days?
A beautiful little three-month old girl named Gweneth Jo, my first grandbaby! Baby clothing stores are hard for me to walk by.
What would you do if you had $40,900 for a vacation?
River cruise in Europe with my family!
Thanks for chatting with us Donna!
xoxo
Suzanne, Mike and the Wanderers
