How many people can say they held their wedding at a place that is on the National Register of Historic Places? Embassy Suites Downtown Minneapolis is a historic property with roots back to 1910 located in the heart of the city. Their experienced staff knows how to bring your wedding vision to life whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony or a reception for 300+. Tracy Giza is the Director of Catering at the property and loves to create weddings that are perfect for each unique couple. She tells us more about this property and which hobby of hers landed her a spot on an HGTV show!
Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?
A: Set in the heart of downtown, Embassy Suites Downtown Minneapolis has been bringing our magic to wedding celebrations, finding creative ways to tell your love story. From our location to our beautiful ballroom & event spaces to our unsurpassed service, Embassy Suites Downtown Minneapolis, is your all-in-one event planning resource for wedding receptions, ceremonies, engagement parties, bridal showers, brunches and vow renewals.
Q: Where can we find you?
A: Our iconic, landmark brick building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located in the Central Business and Warehouse district and directly connected to the Minneapolis Skyway System spanning 11 miles for quick access to restaurants, shops, nightlife, and the city’s beloved sports venues.
Q: What makes your company unique from others?
A: When you settle on Embassy Suites Downtown Minneapolis for your wedding reception, you get the greatest wedding resource of all….our wedding professionals! We help you at every turn from menu planning to seating charts to wedding programs and everything in between! Our packages include customizable centerpieces, champagne toasts, cocktail hours, and more. We partner with the most fabulous vendors that the Twin Cities has to offer in order to check everything you need, off your list!
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: I began planning weddings and receptions over 15 years ago and the biggest change I have seen is the creativity and personalization that each couple brings when planning their big day. No idea is off limits and thinking outside the box is a continuous pattern. I am always making sure I am turning over every metaphorical rock to keep solutions and inspirations fresh and exciting!
Q: Walk us through your average workday.
A: My mornings are spent following up with my brides and grooms, answering questions, and updating them on anything new or exciting in their planning process. In the afternoons, I can usually be found giving a couple of tours of our ballrooms and guest rooms, and asking lots of questions to find out what their dream day looks like in their mind’s eye so that I may match the style and preferences of what they are hoping for. In the later afternoons, I go over everything that is happening on the property the next day, so that all details are executed without fail!
Q: What should a couple searching for their wedding venue know?
A: It is always helpful to have an idea of the budget, number of people, and style. Couples will be developing ideas as they begin their planning journey but this greatly depends on what they are aiming to spend. I offer a budget form to any couple who contacts me, whether they book their reception at Embassy Suites Downtown Minneapolis or not! A rough idea of your financial guidelines for your special day will help you decide what is best for you AND help you stay on track.
Q: How far in advance should a couple book with you?
A: I have created weddings as far in advance as 2 years and as soon as 1 month! No matter the timeline, the same attention to detail and creative planning must happen so that every couple has the time of their life on their special day!
Q: What is the biggest crowd-pleaser at your venue?
A: Our event spaces are truly unique and offer an array of options that are functional and beautiful to the many unique styles of receptions! From the intimate spaces adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing our city’s view to our grand ballroom with modern chandeliers and to the cozy lounging spaces scattered throughout the hotel, everywhere you go is an occasion!
Q: What is the history behind your venue?
A: The Plymouth building opened in 1910 as an iconic building in Minneapolis, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Fast-forward over 100 years-the landmark building is reimagined as a full-service hotel fit for the ages, with a 2000 square foot fitness center, pool, state-of-the-art technology and much more!
Q: What are your other hobbies and passions besides creating beautiful wedding days?
A: I am a painter and miniaturist and apply creativity in everything I do! As a miniaturist, I design, create, and renovate miniature houses for all types of purposes and was even on HGTV’s Biggest Little Christmas Showdown creating a Hawaiian, holiday-themed house which was a blast! In addition, I am honored to be a Make-A-Wish artist for the 4th year, painting for their annual fundraising gala.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?
A: I love true crime podcasts!
Q: Who’s your most played artist on your streaming service?
A: Taylor Swift & Miley Cyrus
Q: What was your latest impulse buy?
A: Pink Sea Salt Body Wash (2 of them)
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Beach
Q: Go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?
A: Red Wine
Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: Psychologist
Q: You’re at brunch. Are you going for something sweet or savory?
A: Savory!
Q: Go-to comfort food?
A: Some type of pasta
Q: Duck Duck Grey Duck or Duck Duck Goose?
A: Duck, Duck Goose
Book your tour with Tracy today! Check out their amazing options for your entire wedding weekend here.
All images courtesy of Embassy Suites Downtown Minneapolis
