Winnipeg wedding lounge to close after 50 years

After 50 years in business, the purple building with the purple cake in Winnipeg’s West End is closing its doors.

For decades, Gelyn’s Wedding Lounge served the community with sweet treats and sweeter service, but now, the family-owned business has decided to hang up the apron, with the last day set for Jan. 1.

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The business was started by Erlinda and Geronimo Ramos. They began by making cakes out of their own kitchen, before buying the corner building on Ellice Avenue and Victor Street in 1975.

“We used to have tuxedos with the flowers, we do wedding gowns, everything,” said Dorothy Gil, Erlinda and Geronimo’s daughter and Gelyn’s owner. “We kept our cake, which was our main when we opened this.”

A cake at Gelyn’s Wedding Lounge.

Now, this chapter of Gelyn’s is coming to a close.

“There’s around four generations here already,” said Vanna Gil, Dorothy’s daughter. “From my grandma to my mom to me, and then we have kids. So we feel that it’s time to retire.”

It’s a decision that’s bittersweet for some.

“I’m feeling a little bit emotional,” said Marico Ramos, Dorothy’s sister. “But you know, it’s a good era for us.”

However, some longtime customers said they’re heartbroken.

“It’s sad because there’s not a lot of Filipino bakeries here,” said Vian Herrera. “And they’ve been around here forever.”

While the business may be on its way out, the building itself isn’t going anywhere. The property was purchased by the pastor next door.

“My mom was a very religious person,” Dorothy said. “And (the pastor) said, if ever you’re going to sell this building, come to me first.”

As the family packs up shop along with its remaining orders, there’s still hope Gelyn’s legacy will live on.

“We’re still hoping that one of the great-grandkids can continue,” Dorothy said. “It’s like, we don’t want to let go but we need to let go, kind of thing.”