Donna Albertson from The Ivy Room at Tree Studios!

Here at Greatest Expectations we love The Ivy Room and we are pretty sure a good reason is because it allows us to work with Donna!  She is such a fantastic, talented woman and we will take any excuse we can get to spend time with her.  I cannot tell you how many times I have had clients tell me that she is one of the main reasons they chose The Ivy Room and we could not agree with them more.

Tell us about The Ivy Room at Tree Studios.  What makes it so special?

The Ivy Room at Tree Studios has a really beautiful history; it has housed artists and cultural events since the late 1800’s. The courtyard is so unique and unexpected- it’s a little bit of Europe in the middle of the city and the ballroom is a great mix of traditional and modern.  I think the best thing about it though is how much it changes with each event- it allows each couple to really express their personal style and taste and I love that.

What did you do prior to working at The Ivy Room?

Just prior to working here I was an Event Producer at Kehoe Designs. Before that, I was The Director of Private Events at Park Hyatt Chicago.

If you could “do” anything you wanted, what would your career be?

Hmmm…right now this. But if I wasn’t doing this, then something that made it my job to travel around the world and have fantastic dinner parties with all kinds of interesting people. If you know about something like that- send it my way.

I sure will Donna, but you have to promise to let me work with you!

What is your favorite …

Season?

Impossible to choose. I grew up in California without any seasons so they’re all novel….fresh fruit in the summer, leaves in the fall, lilacs in the spring, first snow of winter …

Restaurant?

Oh my goodness….changes all the time….I always love Sepia though.

Flower?

Anemones, Amaryllis, Ranunculus….so many….

Movie?

Dangerous Liaisons- Kissing Jessica Stein if I need to laugh.

Song?

Anything sung by Etta James.

Vacation spot?

India, Brazil, Hawaii, Paris, London, NY

Wow- that’s a lot… Are you secretly trying to set me up? This sounds like the Match.com questionnaire.

You totally figured me out Donna, the whole thing is a set up!  I will be sure to note in your profile that you are clearly a little afraid of committing to one word answers as is proved by the above responses! You know I love you!

If you were an animal what would you be and why?

Some kind of Seabird- I need the ocean, and who doesn’t want to fly.

Tell us one thing about yourself that will totally surprise everyone.

I came very close to becoming a doctor.

I have to admit, that did surprise me!

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of this job is the people. The clients and the vendors- I’m surrounded by happy, creative, inspiring people all the time.

What is your least favorite part of the job?

I don’t have a least favorite part anymore- that’s what I hired Matt for!

For those of you who don’t know, Matt is Donna’s super wonderful right hand man!  He always gets the job done well and I don’t think I have ever seen him without a smile on his face.

What is the busiest season at The Ivy Room? When can you get the best deal?

Well, we’re only 2 years in and so far we’re packed from April-December…but you can get a great deal January-March.

So there was your hint all you newly engaged couples.  You can, in fact, score the hottest venue in Downtown Chicago with just a little creative thinking!

Why should your brides and grooms hire a wedding planner or day of event coordinator?

Because you don’t want to work on your wedding day- because it goes so fast and you want to have time to pay attention to the important things- because you should turn your cell phone off and because, it only happens once- it’s worth hiring an expert to make sure it goes right.

We could not agree more!

What is your favorite thing about working with Greatest Expectations Special Events & Weddings, Inc?

Heather … And, how much her clients love her- it’s really nice to be around that energy.

Awe, thanks Donna!  That means a lot but I have to give props to my entire team.  We work so well together and each event is truly a team effort!

Here is a beautiful picture of Donna with the fantastic Courtyard at The Ivy Room in the background.  Below that is one of my favorite shots taken in the space from a past event.

Donna thank you for taking the time to chat with me!  I look forward to several more glasses of Champagne with you!