Right about now, we could all use a good refresh in our lives (we’re looking at you, Covid). Whether it be different scenery, a larger social circle, or planning a vacation, most of us are longing for a change of pace. That’s why it comes at the perfect time for SMGCC to introduce you to our freshly remodeled Ballroom!
Eighteen months ago, right before the pandemic took control of our reality, we were so excited to announce the renovation plans for the Ballroom - our original wedding reception space. With realistic architectural renderings, a solid team of build professionals, and a buzz that ran through our industry, we were looking forward to winter 2021 when construction would begin. But just two months later, in March 2020, life as we knew it changed. Much like other business owners, we were unsure of the effect the virus would have on our future operations, let alone on our plans for renovation. Although it was risky to take on such a big project during such uncertain times, we were determined to bring our concept to fruition as close to plan as possible, and so we forged ahead. Ultimately we were forced to make a few design modifications along the way; yet, the final look of the space turned out even more beautiful than we had envisioned, and we are incredibly proud to finally share all the details.
From the very first conversation with our go-to interior designer Emily Wunder, our end goal for the Ballroom was clear - we were aiming to leave the structural elements of the existing space intact, with a focus on elevating its light and airy appeal with luxe French country inspired finishes. Massive rustic wood beams were added throughout the room, which were hand-carved and distressed by our expert carpenter Reid Bell of Fine Finish Custom Carpentry. Not only do the beams layer in warmth and old world character to the space, but they also ground the existing wood feature at the center of the ceiling, which is stained in the same grey wash as the beams.
Reminiscent of chic Parisian apartments, all walls were brought to life with custom mouldings and framed-in arched mirrors, which compliment the soft lines already present in the space. The natural light flooding in from the windows and reflecting off the glass makes the space feel incredibly grand, as if the square footage of the room has now doubled. Hand-rubbed antique brass sconces were mounted to each mirror as the finishing touch, but also to romantically illuminate the space when day turns to night.
Combining these rich details instantly created an undeniable elegance in the Ballroom, but we knew that all good French design must include a pièce de résistance. Now sitting at the heart of our space is an impressive nine-foot by nine-foot honed limestone fireplace, complete with a traditional herringbone firebox that just begs for endless arrangements of candlelight. This natural stone piece by Trumeau Stones in itself is a sight to be seen. However, as this was to be the focal point of all future wedding receptions in the Ballroom, we wanted something extra above the mantle that would elevate every fireplace display. Because couples would surely be opting to include candlescaping along the mantle, and because we cannot get enough of light bouncing from every which way in our space, we decided to continue with our mirror concept. Preferring a mirror that stood out from the rest, we hand-selected an antique piece and had our carpenter again work his magic with beautiful custom framework. The final fireplace moment takes our breath away every time we walk through the Ballroom - and we frequent that space a lot!
When it came to unveiling the remodeled room, our plan was to go big this year at our annual Bridal Open House. However, government lockdowns had us rethinking that idea. Instead, we teamed up with our key preferred wedding vendors for an insanely gorgeous styled shoot. Our friends Kim of Above & Beyond Event Design took care of decor and styling, Landon and Jay of Lyric Flowers handled the floral design, and Nina Polidoro of Nina Polidoro Photography captured all of the beauty in photographs.
With our signature ‘T-shaped’ table layout as the jumping off point of our design, Above & Beyond built custom white-washed harvest tables that would provide the dinner setting for the newlyweds, their wedding party, and their families. Centered on the fireplace, the head table was setup king’s style and was dressed with layers of tapered candles in vintage brass holders intermixed with floral arrangements in gold challis vessels. Sleek lucite risers were added along the table and at its base, which provided variable heights for floral arrangements. Place settings were dressed with on-trend but timeless items such as sea grass charger plates, gold-plated flatware, knotted napkins with greenery sprigs, and a classic rounded-edge menu card via Minted. Beneath all decor pieces flowed ivory and champagne chiffon runners, which were layered on top of one another, and puddled organically at the base of the table. For seating, we opted for wood vineyard chairs via Above & Beyond, which provided a warm contrast against our neutral palette and also pulled in the wood tones from the beams and ceiling. At family tables, which ran perpendicular to the head table, tablescaping was setup to mimic the main design, and this ensured that all three tables were viewed in unison.
Where we would have normally focused much of our attention on designing the perfect backdrop, we shifted our efforts into perfectly styling the fireplace, now that the Ballroom includes a built-in deluxe focal point. The firebox was loaded with an abundance of mixed candlescaping, from floating candles in tall hurricane vases, to pillar candles in low glass containers, to two different tones of taper candles in collected vintage holders. Along the mantle and atop the hearth, arrangements of candles were displayed asymmetrically in opposite corners, to balance the eye. And as is always the truth with a well-styled event, it was the florals that really brought the room to life. We wanted a palette that felt bright and fresh, and that would flood us with positive feelings as we looked forward to life post-Covid. So, we chose ALL the happy colours. Pinks, peaches, purple, yellow, white, and a hint of blue, which all beautifully burst together against the soft tones in the room. Fluffy blooms and foraged greenery were arranged in an organic fashion that made the room feel at once polished but approachable. The large floral arrangements were carefully constructed so that they could first dress the outdoor ceremony pergola, and then be easily transported inside to sit atop the fireplace for the reception. And with the whimsy trailing greenery in the arrangements, each piece appeared to be climbing both the pergola posts or the fireplace stone, no matter where they were placed.
To finish off the overall look of the Ballroom, we carried the styling out to its ceremony pergola and private patio. At the pergola, we continued with similar elements that would compliment the indoor design. At the center, a trio of crystal chandeliers were hung at varying heights, and woven throughout was trailing amaranthus. Below sat a white-washed signing table with a wood vineyard chair for seating, which was flanked by large floral arrangements on acrylic pedestals. For guest ceremony seating, we upgraded the look with wood vineyard chairs, and with grand floral aisle markers set in front, we promised a lasting first impression for guests entering the ceremony grounds.
Over on the patio, a photo area was arranged in front of our renowned living wall. Complete with a custom neon sign that read ‘Better Together’ (everyone’s slogan for the latter half of this year!), a woven butterfly chair and ottoman, a sheepskin rug, and a Moroccan leather pouf, this little styled moment became one of our favourite parts of the whole shoot! We have a feeling that we’ll be seeing a lot more of these items at future SMGCC weddings, as reuniting with friends and family is something we’ll all be wishing to document with Instagram-worthy backdrops.
Now that we’ve launched the new look of the Ballroom, the only thing left to do is have visitors enjoy the space! We cannot wait to again host our couples and their loved ones, and we’re looking forward to watching as every unique wedding story is brought to life in the Ballroom.
Photography: Nina Polidoro Photography
Room Design: Emily Wunder Design
Carpentry and Construction: Fine Finish Custom Carpentry
Styled Shoot Decor & Styling: Above & Beyond Event Design
Styled Shoot Floral Design: Lyric Flowers
