The street leading up to Court is cast in a soft and kind light by lamp posts reminiscent of the days of the bygone culture so renowned for its sophistication. The Sterling Hotel, the site for the September Court 2009, is located in the heart of downtown Sacramento and upon nearing the building one can clearly see the elegant Victorian architecture, accentuated by the lights illuminating key portions of its exterior.
Walking up the stairs, up to the entrance of the Hotel, early arrivals are greeted and escorted by Carthians who direct them to an immaculately groomed and well-mannered gentleman who courteously offers to store any items or articles of clothing before directing his most honored guests to the ballroom. Later arrivals are greeted by this gentleman.
The ballroom itself is a tasteful combination of elegant atmosphere and extravagant styles. The white marble of the ballroom floor gave way to the walls, covered in lush blue crushed velvet curtains rippling mesmerizingly, with the purest white roses affixed at intervals near the top, symbolizing stars in heaven.
Beneath this heaven lay the skyline of Venice, painted matte black.
Additionally, the wall opposite the ballroom entrance was home to an elevated space in the form of a faux bridge, presumably for the Prince and other luminaries.
The subtle sound of music created by the greatest of Austrian musical genius invites one into the room. A series of both beautifully and expertly crafted hardwood chairs form a large aisle for dancing. The Prefect stands at the beginning of this aisle and greets new arrivals with apparent glee.