The day you will remember your entire life and want to be as perfect as can be. My wedding was in Loose Park on a gorgeous August day. I will never forget the nerves surrounding the weather, but it was perfect. The roses were in full bloom, the fountain was running and it was stunning. That was my dream wedding.

Yesterday evening I attended a friends wedding at the Midland Theatre. This is a nostalgic piece of history in the downtown district. Opened in 1927, built by Marcus Loew, at a cost of $4 million and it is still the largest historic theater within 250 miles of the city. The Midland was designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb of New York and the Boller Brothers of Kansas City, and Boaz-Kiel Construction of St. Louis erected the structure. The theatre, built in French and Italian Baroque, was representative of Lamb’s work in the late 1920s.

The exterior of the theatre was constructed in a Renaissance Revival style in cream glazed terra cotta brick, adorned with engaged pilasters, winged figures, leaves, flowers, swags, volutes, urns, and arches. A four-story arched window rose above a copper and gold marquee that contained 3,600 light bulbs.

The theater is well known for its over 500,000 feet of gold leaf, five giant Czechoslovakian hand-cut crystal chandeliers, irreplaceable art objects and precious antiques, and spectacular wood and plaster work. Needless to say a one of a kind venue.

This was one of the first weddings performed at the Midland. The wedding was held downstairs. The bridal party walked down a staircase of about fifty steps to the alter where the ceremony took place. Lighted by stunning chandeliers and candles it was breathtaking.

From the minute you walk in the theatre you are transported into another time. A period of Hollywood glamour and classic beauty that you don’t see often today. The bridal party dressed the part to continue on in that Hollywood feel. The bride looked as if she was from the Vintage Hollywood decade, in a form fitting beaded gown.

Following the ceremony the reception was held in the auditorium where tables had been set up with food on one side and cake on the other. Each table lit by candlelight and disco ball over the dance floor. An open bar at the entrance of the theatre. The entire event was rememberable and one of a kind. Transcending time and stepping into another era turned out to be a great way to start of their new life.

A breath of fresh air is also being given to the Midland, as the theatre is set to be re-opening. The newly renovated Midland by AMC will be home to a wide variety of musical artists, comedians, and family entertainers as well as special, corporate and private events. State-of-the-art sound, lighting and amenities now enhance the historic ambiance providing a premium entertainment experience to guests of the theatre. The Midland by AMC features flexible seating configurations from standing to cabaret seating, with live-show capacity ranging from 1300-3000. The venue is also available for corporate events and private parties.

A remodeled banquet room, Windows on Main, showcases dramatic views of the city and the Power & Light District from the fifth floor. Additionally, The Chandelier Bar highlights the entire top floor of the theatre and features a full-circle bar surrounding a large inverted chandelier. This general admission standing-only area has four large LCD televisions for viewing and enhanced sound reinforcement for optimal show enjoyment. There are specially priced Chandelier Bar tickets available through Ticketmaster for most shows.
Without a doubt, there is not another venue like this in Kansas City! For further details about rental for your personal event please contact the Midland.

In closing I would like to congratulate the bride & groom. Kim & Steve may you both have many years of happiness, thanks for including us on your special day!