Bridgerton-inspired Ball left Macon enchanted, wanting more. Take a look
For one evening, Macon experienced a taste of royal elegance and stepped back in time at the Queen’s Elizabeth Royal Ball — all in the name of community and charity.
Hand-knitted jackets and custom made Victorian-style dresses that took months to design were sported Saturday night at the Anderson Conference Center, while violin strings softly hummed classical tunes. Inspired by the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton,” Middle Georgia transformed into a scene straight from historic London society.
The immersive ball, hosted by Warner Robins resident Sabrina Smith, featured a three-course dinner, live opera singing and entertainment and period-themed décor. Smith previously told The Telegraph that the event was for Middle Georgia to experience a night of grandeur without having to travel far to bigger cities like Atlanta.
“It showed me that Middle Georgia is looking for amazing things to do and a reason to get dressed up because everybody came out in different colors and ball gowns,” Smith said, noting that some female attendees mentioned that it was their first time wearing petticoats.
“It was exciting, and I was in awe of the way that we were all able to get together and have a wonderful time,” she added.
The Atlanta Historical Dance Company taught attendees historic period dances, including the Northdown Waltz and Turkish March. The evening’s highlights also included the crowning of male and female “diamonds of the season,” a nod to the TV show’s tradition of selecting standout debutantes.
Fort Valley resident April Duncan said she believes the ball was really needed in Middle Georgia, noting that it emphasized romance, connectivity and cultural representation. She said it was the first royal ball she and her husband attended.
“There’s diversity in the ‘Bridgerton’ cast, and it was just amazing because I saw myself there in the ballroom, and I’m like ‘Wow, I’m a princess, too,’” Duncan said.
Duncan said her favorite part of the night was walking into a venue that immediately transported her into a regal universe.
“It was like walking into like a fairy tale, and it took me away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The elegance and beauty of that night being all together under one roof was beyond fabulous,” she added.
A tea station and vintage flowers accompanied by drapery provided a touch of authenticity for the attendees to take photos and show off their attire and hairstyles.
But while the royal garden-like atmosphere was key to the event’s charm, the night was also meant to raise funds for local youth. Proceeds from ticket sales will directly benefit the Middle Georgia Bowling Association, which supports bowling programs for local children, Smith said.
Smith said nearly 100 guests attended the event, with many, including Duncan, providing positive feedback and eager interest in attending similar events. With such success, Smith said her team is planning to host more annual fantasy balls with changing themes in the future.
Smith thanked all of the guests for attending, as well as the entertainers and caterers who made the royal night possible.
Smith admitted she considered canceling the event three times, fearing no one would show up or enjoy it. The event’s success reinforced the importance of not listening to negative thoughts, she added.
“To see a room full of people enjoy the vision that God gave me, to see them enjoy themselves and have honest smiles on their faces,” she said. “To see it all come together, to see people have a great time and want more of it. I’m just amazed at what God did in and through me.”