Modern Meets Classic Wedding at the Manitoba Club
Was I intending to take a holiday on the weekend of Leilah and Keven’s wedidng? Yes. Did I then see the design plan from Soiree Event Planning and then text my husband to ask if he’d be okay with me taking one less week of holiday? Yes. And he said yes, too :)
I was so happy to be brought on board. First, Leilah was an absolute gem to work with. She is kind, creative, and happy to lean on her creative professionals to explore ideas and trusted us to design something beautiful for them.
And design something beautiful is just what we did! The plan that Soiree envisioned was full of unique, personal, and interesting details. When it came to the florals, we wanted to move towards modern shaping and bloom selections, designing with an overall classic aesthetic that fits the venue.
Photos by Karina Walker
“Lauren understood our vision perfectly. She brought it to life and was very creative and unique in her planning process. We received so many compliments on the florals, and are so happy we went with Stone House! ”
The Floral Design
Layered, chic, not too large. I used primarily whites and greens, but desperately loved the idea of tucking in a touch of a deep raisin tone to really bring the greens to life. I really wanted to use some unique foliages (caladium and geranium leaves), which helped to create that cool shape and base to the bouquet. We didn’t have any bridesmaid bouquets or boutonnieres to design, but I did design 2 small bouquets for their grandmas! How sweet!
Bridal Bouquet Ingredients: Frilly lisianthus, lime anthurium, chocolate butterfly ranunculus, scented geranium leaves, mixed caladium leaves, and white nicotiana.
The Ceremony Design
Column florals created an altar in the Manitoba Club’s Oak Room. I wanted to focus on modern clustering to create movement, and added in a lot of texture with different varieties. For greens, we used hydrangea, carnations, dianthus, caladium leaves, and lime anthurium. In whites, we incorporated lisianthus, disbuds, roses, nicotiana. I also tucked in chocolate butterfly ranunculus and globe thistle for depth and texture.
Our aisle was pretty tight, so instead of adding anything down the aisle, we designed 2 sculptural pieces on pedestals in the doorway.
Reception Styling
My behind-the-scenes thoughts on all of the reception details you love!
CaterPillar Table Layout
The caterpillar table layout, along with serpentine tables, was wildly popular last year, but it’s hard to execute well! It’s really important to understand that you cannot fit as many people at these tables as you would expect, and you need to be more creative with the tablescaping. BUT, done well, this is a really fun style and creates a really cool ambiance in a room.
Warm Natural Palette
Leilah and Keven’s palette was beyond just a white and green palette. Whites and creams, yes, with deep raisin, chartreuse, jewel tone greens and gold, and a base of warm taupe. Choosing your palette is important, and I’d encourage everyone to go beyond just a couple of basic colours. Colour can add a lot of depth and character, and really communicate an entire story.
Dreamy MoodY Lighting
Lighting is the ultimate way to create an immediate ambiance. In this case, Event Light (masters of all things lighting here in Winnipeg!) added uplighting around the room, Collective Rentals provided the table lamps, and I took care of al things candles. I love mixing a combination of taper candles and mixed votive candles. And if you’re adding uplighting, then also opt for uplighting if you can: it makes a huge difference in diffusing the glow in the most perfect dreamy way.
BlaCk Accents
I’ve heard interior designers say that every room needs an accent of black, because it brings a grounding, balancing effect. It draws in your eye and adds a bit of focus. In this case, Soiree opted to bring in black bentwood chairs (which have a modern, clean shape while adding detail), and black flatware. And wouldn’t you agree that the black accents really does add that focus?
Floral Centrepieces
Once again, one of my favourite details :) With the caterpillar floor plan, you end up with each table having a different number of seats at it. Meaning, some tables will need larger or smaller centrepieces, more or less candles and lamps, and so on. So, some of our tables had very full compotes with the most delicious chocolate butterfly ranunculus and white nicotiana with extended length on the stems, while other tables were accented with low, modern arrangements with unique, sculptural shapes.
Who This Design is For
Here’s who this design works best for:
Couples with a classic style who also want something fresh and unique.
Weddings with a small to medium guest list, OR a venue large enough to allow for the caterpillar table floor plan. The reality is that this floor plan style does take up more space with less efficient seating.
Planners who know how to walk the line of less is more, and won’t be tempted to add in a lot of unnecessary detail.
LOOKING FOR A WEDDING FLORAL DESIGNER IN WINNIPEG?
Planning a wedding at The Manitoba Club and want polished florals that suit the space? I’d love to be your floral designer.
With florals, we shape the full visual story of a celebration bringing palette, texture, and atmosphere together with calm, confident direction. Couples choose us for our ability to simplify complex ideas, articulate what will make the greatest impact, and deliver a celebration that feels cohesive, expressive, and uniquely reflective of their aesthetic.