Student Feature: Michael Donovan
Name: Michael Donovan
Location: Ottawa, ON
QC courses you’ve taken:
Event & Wedding Planning
Luxury Wedding and Event
Event Decor
Currently: Destination
Your website: http://www.donovandreamdesigns.ca
Blog: http://www.donovandreamdesigns.ca/blog.html
Your social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donovandreamdesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donovandreamdesigns
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonovanDream
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am a former professional figure skater who toured the world for nearly a decade with Disney On Ice. Just a little over a year ago, I started working on my Wedding and Event Planning Company Donovan Dream Designs. I got educated on my new passion, researched the trends and always-changing industry and built my vendor base before I officially launched. Donovan Dream Designs launched on February 18th, 2017 at the Tie-The-Knot Wedding Show in Ottawa, ON.
Photo Credit: David Morris Photography
You started planning events while you were a figure skater for Disney On Ice. Is this where you realized event planning was the career for you?
Planning company soirées for sure made me realize that this was something I was good at. Especially planning them in different countries and no matter what the circumstances were it always came together and the event went off seamlessly.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of running your own event and wedding planning business?
For me it’s meeting amazing couples and clients, getting hired and bringing their vision to life before their eyes and surpassing all expectations. I really like designing the event space and seeing the puzzle pieces come together in the end.
Photo Credit: Sheen Photos
It looks like you’ve done a lot of traveling, and even offer destination wedding packages! What are some of the main challenges of planning these weddings?
The main challenge about destination is just getting direct communication with the venue/resort and making sure that what you want is there when you arrive. I always arrive on site days before the clients just to make sure everything is in place and correct. It’s always good to leave some extra time to make changes and adjust if needed.
Photo Credit: idream studios
Photo Credit: idream studios
You offer planning services for nearly every type of event in the industry! How do you think QC Event School has prepared you for planning such an array of events?
I feel QC Event School gave me the very basics to get started and then I was able to go out and get into my market and adjust the information I learned to work. Learned some great information and for sure set me up for success.
Photo Credit: Stacey Stewart Photography
What do you see in the future for Donovan Dream Designs?
I see Donovan Dream Designs continuing to grow and booking more clients for both weddings and events. I see a successful year ahead with a new logo and lots of fun opportunities. I look forward to my 2018 clients and can’t wait to see all these fun new visions come to life.
Photo Credit: idream studios
Keep your eyes open for Donovan Dream Designs and thank you all for the love and support.
