Art Deco and Mid-Century Accents Bring High Style to The Gilmore

Photo courtesy of The Gilmore

Opened in December 2023, The Gilmore is a chic new venue that features a sleek blend of 1920s and mid-century modern aesthetics. Formerly English Hills Terrace, the spacious hall was purchased by The Gilmore Collection, a Grand Rapids-based restaurant group with multiple eateries across West Michigan, in 2021 and soon after saw an extensive renovation. Today, the venue shines anew with loads of upgrades, a sleek black and white palette with subtle yet glamorous pops of color, glimmering new furnishings, and multiple event spaces. “Back in the day it was the premier place to get married at,” says Lori Wilmes, the executive assistant to the director of catering of Gilmore Catering. “It definitely has some history within the context of our community.”

The venue is now split into three different spaces — The Grand Luxe Ballroom, The Mercury Room, and The Twilight Lounge. The Grand Luxe Ballroom, with its high ceilings and open layout, is the premier space for receptions with seating up to 400 people. “It’s the largest and brightest. It has the higher ceilings, beautiful custom lighting, and this wonderful emerald green lounge furniture that comes with the space, and I think the appeal of that room is that it’s one large open space,” Wilmes says.

Photo courtesy of The Gilmore

The Mercury Room is a split-level space with a lower-level lounge and upper-level dining area. This unique space is ideal for up to 150 guests. Lastly, The Gilmore’s Twilight Lounge is great as an add on for cocktail hours or as a space for a more intimate reception of less than 100 guests. The darker walls, dim lighting, and black furniture of the lounge add to its cozy feel, Wilmes says. “It’s much more accommodating for those smaller groups that want to mingle and hang out.”

Outdoors a garden terrace with seating up to 200 allows for brides and grooms to host an alfresco ceremony. “We’re looking to expand on this space and make it much larger. That is something we’re working on in the next year or two,” Wilmes says. There’s also a bridal suite in the works, which will be available for weddings this upcoming winter season.

Photo courtesy of The Gilmore

When it comes to the dinner, your guests will be treated to the highest quality dishes thanks to meals provided exclusively through Gilmore Catering. “We have a vast variety of food options to choose from and different styles of services,” Wilmes says. Options include a new dessert grazing table. “Our pastry chef is just lovely. He works wonders with our dessert menu,” she says.

When planning your wedding at The Gilmore, couples will love that they get a dedicated team to assist them throughout. “We pride ourselves on that full-service aspect. You’re not just renting the venue to host the night, you’re getting our team to help you along the way, as well,” Wilmes says. “The Gilmore is a trusted name. We really pride ourselves on hospitality and service. And we know that for your event and for your wedding, we’re going to treat it like it was our own and make sure you’re taken care of from start to finish.”

For more information, visit gilmore-catering.com

Photo courtesy of The Gilmore