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

OTTAWA NEWEST VENUE: PARISIAN INSPIRED BARN

Last night the team and I attended Stonefields Loft Reveal- and it was everything we had hopped for! I keep saying to myself "Where was this 3 years ago when I got married!". And it's true, Ottawa has grown leaps and bounds with creative new wedding venues, indie vendors with super cool niche products to truly customize your wedding to your own personal brand. 

So let me tell you why I love this venue so much. First it starts with the people who run it. The very heart of Stonfields, Steph & Steve, the power couple.- well, at least that's what I call them, and I'll tell you why. 

Husband & Wife team + 3 year old twins divided by building the prettiest 130 year old Parisian inspired countryside barn, you ever did see! = POWER COUPLE

Steph & Steve, if your reading this- Way to raise the bar guys..... ;)

I had a nice chat with Steve and I asked him, "How do you do it..the re-build, running a full catered establishment..with small twins..." . Kids are a mystery for me and I loved his response, "Passion and dedication.". And it's true -if your passionate about what you do, you will not feel as though you have worked a day in your life. And from there he told me it took him 3 days to assemble every little crystal on their 8ft chandelier. And that my friends in patience.

The story behind the barn is quite astonishing. Not even 365 days ago this exact barn was located a few miles down the road fully functioning with cattle! Yup, yah heard me right...livestock people! I'de really love to see the before pictures.... So with this being said, the barn was dissembled board by board, numbered and re-assembled onsite where Stonefields big white tent used to me. The reconstruction started last October and was completed just in time for Steph & Steve's own wedding.

Decorated & Styled by Wedecor

With me, it's all about the subtle details. And let me tell you, there were no detail or expense spared. Two elements really took me by surprise, where I stood back and thought to myself; someone really knew what they were doing- like a boss! It might not matter to you but choosing the right tinted crystal for your chandeliers is extremely important. It defines the line between class and meh. I truly am hard to impress, but these statement works of art have the perfect amber undertone. Think Beauty and the Beast....yes that chandelier that literally glows without the lights turned on. I think it might have hypnotized me, because I'm sure I stared at it for a good 5 mins.

Second item- chairs. Oh no, not just any chair, the chair. You know the one, Parisian/Tuscan looking wooden chair we all drool over....well, these ones perfectly matched the 130 year old beams of the barn. I know what your thinking and no, it's not matchy-matchy, it's cohesive providing that detail which provides that polished look.

And lastly, throwing another style detail in here, the hay loft ladders. Their still there! Preserving the character of the barn by these simple details told me, Steve & Steph really put their heart and soul into building a unique wedding venue like no other.

THE DEETS

• Capacity 200 sit down dinner
• Heated floors
• Covered patio across the length of the barn
• Vaulted ceilings
• Large indoor integrated bar
• Tuscan/Parisian style chairs included with space
• Indoor & outdoor ceremony space
• Mini resort feel
• Exclusivity
• No barn animals :)