Just back from a couple of days in Winnipeg, to attend the Diva's wedding, which, as was entirely to be expected, was absolutely beautiful and wonderful in every way. The wedding was at the Fort Garry hotel, part of the chain of hotels that sprang up across Canada around the turn of the 20th century to service the railways which were ferrying people and goods across the vast expanses of the country. The hotels all have Chateau-like architecture, and remain extremely grand, particularly in the public spaces, like the ballroom in which the wedding reception was held.
This is where the cocktail reception was held, to the sounds of a jazz duo. It was also the chill-out room during the dancing.
This is the ballroom where the reception was held - there were some gorgeous architectural details
The wedding ceremony was beautiful, and was enhanced by the musical performances of a veritable who's who of the Canadian classical music scene, including the principal trumpeter of the Winnipeg Symphony, the glorious Tracy Dahl (video clip below), accompanied by Judy Keller-Siebert, and radio host/amazing mezzo-soprano Jean Stilwell, accompanied by Patti Loach.
There was nerry a dry eye in the house as the bride made her spectacular entrance to the sounds of booming organ and trumpet solo, playing Jeremiah Clark's trumpet voluntary, and the entire assembled throng was reduced to tears again during the reception when her lifelong friend joined from Holland by Skype, unable to attend due to family circumstances. All in all, it was the best wedding I've ever been to and I wish the bride and groom many, many years of happiness together. Can't wait for the silver wedding party!
The non-wedding Winnipeg highlight was, without doubt, our afternoon in the Ten Spa, on the top floor of the Fort Garry. We had a full-on hammam experience followed by massages.....it was the height of decadence and just what I needed after a very busy period at work. We left with our skin aglow like little new-born piglets, and relaxed to the point of being rendered incapable of summoning sufficient energy to walk the few steps back to the room. If you ever have a couple of hours to fill up in Winnipeg, I can very highly recommend it.
Hello Donald: The wedding celebrations look to have been absolutely wonderful. Such a glamorous setting and with such star-studded performances, it was obviously an event to remember for ever.
And, the spa. What a treat, quite as good we are sure as a real Turkish massage, although we have yet to experience one ourselves. In Budapest, Turkish baths are commonplace, making full use of the thermal springs which abound across the city. Perhaps, after reading this, we might be inspired to try one out.
Hello Donald:
ReplyDeleteThe wedding celebrations look to have been absolutely wonderful. Such a glamorous setting and with such star-studded performances, it was obviously an event to remember for ever.
And, the spa. What a treat, quite as good we are sure as a real Turkish massage, although we have yet to experience one ourselves. In Budapest, Turkish baths are commonplace, making full use of the thermal springs which abound across the city. Perhaps, after reading this, we might be inspired to try one out.
Wow! What a beautiful venue. I'm sure spa made the experience even nicer. Glad you had a great time.
ReplyDelete