The Mississauga Convention Centre held their annual wedding open house this past Saturday, opening their doors to over 500 registered couples, plus me. I will be your tour guide today through this fantastic event with stunning photography captured by the team at Digital Dream. I hope you came hungry as this show is known for their generous and delicious in-house cuisine.

For anyone that is unfamiliar with this venue located in northern Mississauga, it is a grand event space featuring 6 ballrooms which can accommodate smaller receptions independently or be combined to seat up to 2,500 dinner guests (ideal for those who have trouble saying no to their extended family).

Being a musician, the style and feel of an event space is often what strikes me first. Every time I visit the MCC, I am pleasantly transported back to the Frank Sinatra era. While a cigar and fedora might be a thing of the past, the handsome waterfall, vaulted ceilings and gorgeous chandeliers greeting you at the front door provide a sense of grandeur similar to that of a spectacular Las Vegas show. I found myself singing along to a few jazzy classics playing in the background as I entered the main ballroom.

This year, the interior decor had a decidedly springtime feel to it, with cherry blossom trees in full white and pink blooms surrounding the head table. Being that this is a February event, it was a whimsical way to elevate spirits and help guests imagine their wedding day amid warmer weather.

Table settings followed in a similar vibe with rustic wooden chairs courtesy of Detailz Couture Event Rentals and country-chic stylings provided by Elegante Decor. Bringing these fresh outdoor touches was a nice match for this urban indoor space, elevated by the natural grandness of the rooms’ vaulted 18 foot ceilings.

One of the most prominent features was the generously-sized dance floor with vinyl overlay provided by the good folks at Axe Media Group.

Cakes courtesy of Just Temptations

The food! A common point of conversation at these events is always the food, and year after year the MCC delivers in spades (spades being delicious). Upon entering the room, I was greeted with a fantastically arrayed food station featuring short rib spring rolls with apple compote, presented neatly on individual side plates by their friendly serving staff.

Passed appetizers included a steak-wrapped pepper medley, gravlax salmon in a sesame seed roll, mini tacos filled with mouth watering spicy chicken all leading the way to the delicately featured crusted crab station.

How do you create a dessert that tops all of this? Two words: Mini Donuts! Made with their own in-house mini-donut machine, the fun is served ready for you to top with decadent vanilla and strawberry creams (serious competition for any wedding dance floor!). Meticulously-torched crème brûlée was also served in abundance, ideal for those counting their carbs.

Given the Rat pack-esque vibe, it followed suit to be welcomed by limos and…suits! TLS Limo Worldwide and 4 Men United were ready to help you imagine your wedding in bespoke style.

Right behind them was Enduring Promises, a company of friendly and experienced wedding officiants, helping couples imagine their own unique and memorable ceremony dreams.

From the many of their preferred vendors in attendance, guests left with a great idea of what the MCC is all about. And I left with a very satisfied belly and a song in my heart. Thank you for having me!