S+D O'Born Room National Art Centre Wedding

I first met Sarah about a year before her wedding as she was preparing to leave and move to England with her fiance. Planning a wedding while being away left Sarah feeling a little overwhelmed, and so she sought our help to ensure her wedding was designed and executed seamlessly. Planning her wedding was truly effortless. In our initial consultation she said:

““I love everything you do, so even if you tell me to put my bridesmaids in white dresses- i’ll do it!!”. ”

— Sarah

Music to my ears! And so we began to tour spaces for her minimalistic monochromatic wedding. Sarah chose the perfect venue, the O’Born Room at the National Art Centre- my current favourite space to design in. With such a gorgeous blank canvas with endless natural light it was easy to envision, design and choose vendors for Sarah’s wedding.

Our mood board boasted fresh crisp colours with my signature touch of acrylic furnishings, invitations and table stationary. I went as far as designing and building acrylic charger platforms that allowed for a gorgeous pave of florals to be seen through them.

During her time abroad, Sarah gave us complete trust and allowed us to guide her through the wedding planning process without question. I mention this because it’s important to understand that a wedding materializes in it’s own time. Should you try and rush the process- chances are you’ll be making decisions too far in advance, where in reality- I can guarantee you’ll be changing your mind closer to the wedding date.

About %80 of our clientele is what I like to call “reverse destination brides”. Meaning, they now live abroad and are planning their wedding back in Ottawa. It’s also not uncommon for us to officially meet out brides the day before their wedding. Crazy right?!?

This all goes to show, when you trust your planner and vendors to do what they do best- magic happens and expectations are exceeded.

So without further ado- Sarah & Darien’s gorgeous wedding bellow.

Enjoy:)

Planning & Design: Elise Toast Events

Photographer: Photography by Emma

Florist: We Are Pollen Nation

Invitations & Stationary: Milestone Paper Co

OBORN AT THE NATIONAL ART GALLERY WEDDING

I'm a lover of clean lines, cool tones and crisp aesthetics with just the right amount of minimalist details. Our weddings are planned concept first. This means the discussions about priorities, budget and vision come first. Only then  can we begin to create a dream team of vendors to perfectly execute your desired look. 

Our new Toast bride Sarah, booked her wedding in the newly minted OBorn room at the National Art Centre. Envision 30ft ceilings & windows, 180 degrees view of the Chateau Laurier, Canal, Old Train Station and Parliament.  Now add a creamy pallet of hardwood-mimic tile, marbled tables and beige linen seating in your cocktail area. I could live in that space. So naturally a designers dream.

While working with Sarah's great taste and special requests of no blooms - we unveiled the following design profile, giving her the bigger picture of what her wedding could potentially look like.

OTTAWA's NEWEST WEDDING VENUES

Toast Events wedding 2014, National Art Gallery Great Hall corridor | Photo Cred: Joel Bedford Photography

Are you looking for the next "it" venue in Ottawa? Do you feel like some venues are a bit overplayed of leave little to the imagination in terms of a trans-formative space?

Well as you can imagine a wedding planner can get equally uninspired by what Ottawa has to offer. But I have to tell you, since 2014-2016 Ottawa has taken leaps and bounds in the venue and rentals departments. 

Before I get started on hat will become some of Ottawa hottest new wedding venues, first I need to say "thank you" to Ottawa for it's 150th birthday - because this is reason why we have so much to look forward. Any pending renovation on the horizon was set in stone to be ready for 2017. 

So here's the skinny on some of the nicest spaces you'll likely see for years to come. 

Current Locations Opened 2017 

Andaz

This Hyatt group boutique hotel opened late this summer and boasts luxury amenities and breathtaking views of downtown Ottawa. This venue can accommodate up to 140ppl Studio 1 +4 and provides brides a all inclusive feel from getting ready to gettin' busy on the dance floor. 

Infinity Convention Center

I first caught wind of this project back in 2012 when one of the owners approached me for feedback on their potential endeavor. And today, 4 years later - it's a reality. Let me first say that even-though this space is extremely high-tech, nicely outfitted- it is still a conference space without windows and a shared lobby. But if this is what your looking for a banquet hall type feel or have over 200ppl, it's hands-down the place to be. There are three hotels in the area for guest accommodations, ample parking, close to the airport and has bridal suite. 

Stonefields Loft

A Gorgeous contemporary loft style barn near Carleton Place. A few months ago we did a full review of the beautiful venue. If your looking for a more modern version of Evermore - look no further, or better yet stop by for a peak if your doing a site visit at Evermore.

National Art Gallery

Yes my lovelies, the Great Hall has resumed accepting weddings since it's hiatus back in 2013. There's been a lot of rumors floating around but what I can tell you is #1 Tulips & Maple is the new in-house caterer and #2 the first wedding was hosted this spring. Now currently the galleries website does not provide any additional information or indication that this space is now available. I also have not heard any formal announcements, Which leads me to believe that based on my sources- they're accepting weddings on a case by case basis. Either way, I have clients dying to get in there for 2017 and 2018... and I'll keep you posted on any new developments.

OPENING 2018....

The following locations have no pictures and aren't even currently booking. I have though confirmed a few details but brief details.

The Westin Rooftop Ballroom 

Is currently under construction. No renderings, pricing but is due for completion in January 2017. The rose glass encasement photo above is the only visual i've been able to find.

The National Art Center Panorama Room

See my arrow? That's what I "think" is the new Panorama room which will host up to 600ppl.. It was supposed to be finished fall of 2016, but with construction set backs it should be ready for July 2017. No pricing, no renderings and no exact date yet. My last conversations with their event planners was- "we'll get back to you"...

The epic rooftop tent however will not be open until 2019. 

So there you have it! Everything you need to know about Ottawa's newest and trendiest wedding venues to come! 

xoxo