Posts Categorized: Tips + Advice

01/5/18

Edmonton Bridal Boutiques

– As featured via a collaboration with ExploreEdmonton.com – 

Finding the Perfect Wedding Gown

One of the most exciting elements of planning your wedding is finding the dress of your dreams. Here in Edmonton, the wedding dress scene has blossomed, and we’re fortunate to have some stylish and savvy local boutiques at our fingertips. Before you get started, here are a few tips to make the most of your gown shopping experience:

  1. Shop early. Gowns can take 6 to 8 months to order; the alteration process can take up to 2 months. Keep these timeline in mind and give yourself plenty of time before your wedding day to avoid stress and costly rush charges.
  2. Choose your crew wisely. Too many opinions can be overwhelming and may confuse the selection process. Bring just a few of your besties or family members who will support you and your wedding vision.
  3. Be open minded. Don’t be afraid to surprise yourself! You might fall in love with a dress that you didn’t expect to like on the hangar.
  4. Set a budget. Establish a realistic budget and stick to it. It’s tempting to try on gowns that are outside of your budget but the can lead to some major disappointment.

Boutiques for Brides and Maids

Delica Bridal | Location: #108, 2951 Ellwood Drive
Delica Bridal is a sister-owned boutique for brides who want a no-fuss, relaxed experience. Known for their warm and inviting service, Delica carries a unique collection of curated gowns form exclusive and emerging designers, making it a haven for brides (and bridesmaids) who are looking for something different. Most notably, they carry the coveted Hayley Paige, Lazaro and Truvelle lines.

Edmonton Wedding Dress Shops

Novelle Bridal Shop | Location: 10553 124 Street
Located on Edmonton’s trendy 124th Street, Novelle Bridal’s gorgeous 2-storey shop features floor-to-ceiling windows and a loft dedicated to bridesmaid dresses. Personal attention is their mantra – book a complimentary one hour session, or upgrade to a Couture Consultation for an extended appointment time complete with sparkling juice and sweet treats for your entourage. Novelle now carries the coveted Berta bridal line.

Edmonton Bridal Boutiques

Pure Bridal | Location: 11267 170 Street
Pure Bridal is an intimate bridal shop located in west Edmonton. Since their opening in 2006, they have helped thousands of brides find “the one” with exclusive and personalized service. The over-sized private change rooms offer plenty of space, providing a serene and relaxed environment. Along with carrying both bridal and bridesmaid gowns, Pure Bridal can complete your ensemble with custom made veils and jewelry.

Edmontons Best Bridal Boutiques, Wedding Dress Shops and Bridal Boutiques in Edmonton

The Bridal Boutique | Location: 10935 120 Street (New Location!)
With Lillian Bowedring and her three daughters at the helm, The Bridal Boutique has taken the Alberta wedding industry by storm with locations in both Edmonton and Calgary. Now located in the trendy Holland Plaza, they carry a stylish collection of bridal and bridesmaid gowns in all budgets, including designers Essence of Australia, Pronovias and Martin Liana.

Edmonton Tourism, Wedding Dress Shops and Bridal Boutiques in Edmonton

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

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05/7/17

5 Things You Need to Know About Destination Weddings

Many people have the impression that destination weddings are easier and less stressful than planning a wedding at home – but that’s not always the case. Here are 5 important factors to consider when planning a destination wedding

1. YOUR GUESTS
Destination weddings ask a lot of your invitees: the cost of travel, of course, and depending on the location guests may have to take time off work to attend your nuptials. You’ll likely have friends or family who cannot attend or choose not to attend for various reasons. Be prepared for some loved ones to miss the occasion and don’t take it personally.

Tips:

    • Provide accommodation options at different price points to suit a range of budgets.
  • Setup a wedding website to convey travel information to your guests to make it easier for them to attend.

2. PLANNING FROM AFAR
If you have “Type A” tendencies, a destination wedding may not be a good fit! Unless you’re able to travel to the location before the wedding to scope out venues and meet with vendors in person, you may find it difficult to make all your plans remotely, especially when cultural differences and language barriers come into play. In some destinations it can take weeks to receive email responses – not every bride has the patience to deal with that pace of planning.

Tips:

  • Do your research! Search for real photos from travel review sites or destination wedding blogs to avoid unwelcome surprises.
  • Engage the services of a Wedding Planner experienced with weddings in the area.

3. BON VOYAGE BUDGET
It is a common belief that destination weddings are much cheaper than celebrating at home, however tropical resort packages can be deceiving as they are often for a very small number of guests and do not include a private reception.

A weak Canadian dollar can affect affordability of destinations abroad, so why not consider a beautiful destination closer to home? Canada boasts incredible locations throughout the Rocky Mountains, Okanagan Valley and West Coast.

Tips:

  • Look off-resort for great local venues that will give you more flexibility in customizing your wedding and choosing your suppliers.
  • Some locations may offer better rates for weekday and/or low season weddings.

4. THE UNEXPECTED
Destination weddings are more likely to be affected by factors beyond your control. Examples include extreme weather, such as hurricanes, snow storms, floods and forest fires (we’ve had weddings affected by all of the above); health outbreaks like Swine Flu and most recently, Zika Virus; and foreign political unrest.

Tips:

  • If you’re heading somewhere tropical, check when that area is most likely to experience severe storms – in other words, don’t have your wedding during hurricane season!
  • Look into getting traveller’s insurance and wedding cancellation insurance.

5. MAKING IT LEGAL
Each country has their own legal requirements for marriages. Some countries mandate blood tests and may require that you’re in the country for a specified number of days before the wedding takes place. In Canada and the U.S. marriage licenses are issued by province / state, so be sure to check the particulars for your wedding location.

Tip: 

  • Consider getting married legally at home shortly before or after your destination wedding, and have a symbolic ceremony abroad. This can look and feel exactly the same as a legal ceremony so your guests won’t know the difference – and you may save yourselves some headaches.

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As published in the Fall/Winter 2016 issue of Blush Magazine.

Destination Wedding Tips+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design wigs

11/26/16

First Look Photos

More and more couples are choosing to break tradition and see each other before they walk down the aisle. Referred to as a “first look,” it is when the to-be-weds see one another in their wedding attire with their photo and video team present to document the moment. Most couples then spend a couple of hours taking photos with their wedding party before heading to the ceremony to say I Do.

While this change of format isn’t for everyone, taking photos before the ceremony is a great idea for a few reasons:

  • Feeling fresh. Taking photos right after you get ready means your hair and makeup will be at their best. (This also applies to your flowers!)
  • Capture the moment. Your photo and video team will ensure this special moment is captured at all angles, with no risk of Uncle Hank’s iPad obstructing the view.
  • Keep calm and marry on. If you’re the anxious type, hanging out and taking photos with the bridal party will help you relax before the ceremony.
  • Gone with the gap. Getting photos out of the way before the ceremony saves your guests the painful wait in between events, and allows you to spend more time visiting with them. This is particularly convenient if both ceremony and reception are being held at the same venue.

Here are some amazing photos of JBW couples sharing their first look!

Sharon Litchfield Photography First Look Photos Edmonton Jennifer Bergman Weddings Edmonton{Sharon Litchfield Photography}

Blue Suit Groom Edmonton{Blake Loates Photography}

Scottish Kilt Groom Edmonton Best Edmonton Wedding Planner{Carey Nash Photography}

Valentine's Day Backdrops for photography{Gabe McClintock}

Gay Edmonton Weddings Gay Wedding Edmonton{Brianna Hughes Photography}

Edmonton First Look Photographers Luxe Edmonton Wedding Planner{Sharon Litchfield Photography}

Edmonton River Valley Wedding Photos Edmonton Wedding Planner{ENV Photography}

custom wedding backdrop Brentwood Bay Wedding Planner{Jesse Holland Photography}

First Look Photos Before Wedding Ceremony Jennifer Bergman Weddings Kelowna Wedding Planner Sparkling Hill Wedding Planner{Kevin Trowbridge Photography}

Jennifer Bergman Weddings Edmonton Sharon LitchfieldEdmonton Wedding Planner{Sharon Litchfield Photography}

Jasper Park Lodge Wedding Planner{kate Redinger Photographer}

Edmonton Destination Wedding Planner Nicole Ashley Edmonton Canmore Wedding Planner{Nicole Ashley Photography}

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

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02/24/16

Wedding Song Ideas 2016

We are back with our 2nd edition of Wedding Song Ideas (check out Part 1 here)! Choosing those special songs for your wedding day can be challenging for many couples, so we’ve compiled a list of ideas – both Classic and Contemporary – for all those memorable moments.

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Jennifer Bergman WeddingsCeremony

Classic:

  1. Hallelujah / Jeff Buckeley
  2. Summer Guest / Ásgeir
  3. Maybe I’m Amazed / Vitamin String Quartet
  4. La Valse de L’Amour / Patrick Doyle
  5. Beethoven’s 5 Secrets / The Piano Guys
  6. Clair de Lune / Clade Debussy
  7. Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring / Johann Sebastian Bach
  8. Your Guardian Angel / Vitamin String Quartet
  9. Here Comes the Sun / Guitar Dreamers
  10. I’m Ready / Bryan Adams

Contemporary:

  1. Boom Clap / Lennon & Maisy
  2. Flightless Bird, American Mouth / Iron & Wine
  3. Turning Page / Sleeping at Last
  4. What Love is All About / Johnny Reid
  5. Somewhere Only We Knew / Lily Allen
  6. Love / Matt White
  7. Love Someone / Jason Mraz
  8. You and I / Michael Bublé
  9. When You Say You Love Me / Josh Groban
  10. Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop / Landon Pigg

Bridesmaid DressesGrand Entrance

Classic:

  1. Signed, Sealed, Delivered / Stevie Wonder
  2. You Make My Dreams Come True / Hall & Oats
  3. It’s Not Unusual / Tom Jones
  4. Could You be Loved / Bob Marley and the Wailers
  5. Come Fly With Me / Frank Sinatra
  6. That’s Amore / Dean Martin
  7. You’re My Best Friend / Queen
  8. Bittersweet Symphony / The Vitamin String Quartet
  9. This Will Be / Natalia Cole
  10. Get Ready / The Temptations

Contemporary:

  1. Happy / Pharrell Williams
  2. Shut Up and Dance / Walk the Moon
  3. Honey, I’m Good / Andy Grammar
  4. Sugar / Maroon 5
  5. Adventure of a lifetime / Coldplay
  6. I Got U / Duke Dumont feat. Jax Jones
  7. Top of the World / Tim McGraw
  8. Love Is / Rod Stewart
  9. Good Life / Kanye West feat. T-Pain
  10. Best Day of My Life / American Authors

party dressesFirst Dance

Classic:

  1. It Had To Be You / Billie Holiday
  2. Something In The Way She Moves / James Taylor
  3. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic / Sleeping At Last (cover of The Police)
  4. Let’s Stay Together / Al Green
  5. You Are So Beautiful / Joe Cocker
  6. I Cross My Heart / George Strait
  7. Crazy Love / Van Morrison
  8. Endless Love / Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
  9. Unchained Melody / Righteous Brothers
  10. La Vie en Rose / Andrea Bocelli

Contemporary:

  1. Thinking Out Loud / Ed Sheeran
  2. Purpose / Justin Bieber
  3. Tenerife Sea / Ed Sheeran
  4. How Long Will I Love You / Ellie Goulding
  5. Latch (Acoustic) / Sam Smith
  6. State of Grace (Acoustic) / Taylor Swift
  7. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) / Sleeping At Last
  8. Die a Happy Man / Thomas Rhett
  9. Heartbeat / Chris Young
  10. Close Your Eyes / Michael Bublé
  11. The One / Kodaline

https://www.jojobride.co.ukParent Dance

Classic:

  1. Cupid Shuffle / Cupid
  2. Overjoyed / Stevie Wonder
  3. I’ll Be Seeing You / Billy Holiday
  4. When the Stars Go Blue / Tim McGraw
  5. When You Need Me / Bruce Springsteen
  6. Landslide / Fleetwood Mac
  7. When You’re Smiling / Louis Armstrong
  8. The Prayer / Céline Dion & Andrea Bocelli
  9. Cinderella / Steven Curtis Chapman
  10. Love Me Tender / Barbara Streisand (with Elvis Presley)

Contemporary:

  1. To the Moon and Back / Luke Bryan
  2. Book of Love / Peter Gabriel
  3. Even My Dad Does Sometimes / Ed Sheeran
  4. I’ve Got You (And You’ve Got Me) / Lennon & Maisy
  5. Stars / Alessia Cara
  6. Golden / Lady Antebellum
  7. Across the Universe / Rufus Wainwright
  8. By Your Side / Sade
  9. Lost Stars / Adam Levine
  10. In My Life / Diana Krall

bridesmaid dressesBouquet/Garter Toss

Classic:

  1. Walk this Way / Aerosmith & Run – DMC
  2. Hit Me With Your Best Shot / Pat Benatar
  3. A Little Less Conversation / Elvis Presley
  4. U Can’t Touch This / MC Hammer
  5. Last Dance / Donna Summer
  6. The Final Countdown / Europe
  7. I Got You / James Brown & His Famous Flames
  8. Burning Down the House / Talking Heads
  9. Whip It / Devo
  10. She’s a Lady / Tom Jones

Contemporary:

  1. Watch Me / Silento
  2. Hot in Here / Nelly
  3. Partition / Beyoncé
  4. Country Girl / Luke Bryan
  5. Milkshake / Kelis
  6. Marvin Gaye / Charlie Puth & Meghan Trainor
  7. S.O.B / Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
  8. My House / Flo Rida
  9. Hey Mama / David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack
  10. Don’t Stop The Party / Pitbull

Photo Credits (top-bottom): Carey Nash Photography, Brianna Hughes Photography, DQ Studios, Kelly Redinger Photographer, DQ Studios.

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

06/10/14

Wedding Wellness Giveaways

Thanks to all who entered and participated in our Wedding Wellness series! The giveaways and corresponding winners are summed up below:

  1. Wedding Wellness Experience #1: Fit session + complimentary outfits for two from lululemon athletica Southgate Centre (Winner – Melanie C.!)
  2. Wedding Wellness Experience #2: Complimentary Glow Juicery Cleanse for the Bride and half off a Cleanse for a friend – PLUS – a group grocery shopping tour and health coaching session for two from food.fitness.function (Winner – Christa C.!)
  3. Wedding Wellness Experience #3: Unlimited Barre classes for one month -PLUS – a Barre Bachelorette class / party (Winner – Jessica T.!)
  4. Wedding Wellness Experience #4: One month unlimited Yogalife Studios pass -PLUS- a yoga class for the bridal party (Winner – Tiara T.!)

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A great big thank-you to our friends at lululemon athletica Southgate CentreGlow JuiceryFood. Fitness. FunctionBarre Body Studio Edmonton and Yogalife Studios for the amazing wellness experiences they put together for our lucky winners!

Cheers,

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

 

05/28/14

Wedding Wellness Giveaway #4: Yogalife Studios

Planning a wedding can add extra stress to your life, but your well-being shouldn’t take a backseat to checklists and Pinterest boards. Throughout the month of May we are partnering with local health & wellness businesses to give away custom wellness experiences to help you be the best version of yourself during this exciting time! Catch up on previous posts:

  1. Introduction: Wedding Wellness Giveaways
  2. Wedding Wellness Experience #1: Fit session + complimentary outfits for two from lululemon athletica Southgate Centre (Winner – Melanie C.!)
  3. Wedding Wellness Experience #2: Complimentary Glow Juicery Cleanse for the Bride and half off a Cleanse for a friend – PLUS – a group grocery shopping tour and health coaching session for two from food.fitness.function (Winner – Christa C.!)
  4. Wedding Wellness Experience #3: Unlimited Barre classes for one month -PLUS – a Barre Bachelorette class / party (Winner – Jessica T.!)
  5.  4th giveaway : best sexy bandage dresses from BlushWish

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Yogalife Studios Edmonton

With locations in both north and south Edmonton, Yogalife Studios offers a variety of drop-in yoga classes, workshops and registered courses in both heated and regular temperatures. Yoga is a great way to gain strength and flexibility, and it is a wonderful complement to other sports and activities, such as running and weight lifting. Hot yoga can also be great for the skin which is another plus for a soon-to-be bride!

Instructor Lindsey Park offers these tips to make the most of your yoga practice:

  • Hydrate well throughout the day or the hours before practice.
  • Eat clean and light, and not too close to the time you are planning to practice. Waiting 2-3 hours after eating is suggested.
  • Choose light, comfortable clothing that moves well with your body.
  • Give yourself plenty of time to get changed and settled at the studio (arriving 15-30 minutes before class is advised). You don’t want to feel frazzled or rushed coming into your practice.
  • Bring a yoga mat, a towel and a water bottle. 

Yogalife Studios offers new clients a four-week pass for only $40! Visit their website for a list of class types and more information on how to get started. Namaste.

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Enter to win this week’s Wedding Wellness Experience {May 28-June 3, 2014}:
One month unlimited yoga pass for Yogalife Studios Edmonton
-PLUS-
A wedding day yoga class for your bridal party

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You don’t have to be walking down the aisle in order to participate – bridesmaids, family and friends of brides are all welcome to enter the giveaways! A lucky winner will be chosen at random on June 3, 2014 at 8:00 AM MDT. Good luck!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

05/20/14

Wedding Wellness Giveaway #3: Barre Body Studio

Planning a wedding can add extra stress to your life, but your well-being shouldn’t take a backseat to checklists and Pinterest boards. Throughout the month of May we are partnering with local health & wellness businesses to give away custom wellness experiences to help you be the best version of yourself during this exciting time! Catch up on previous posts:

  1. Introduction: Wedding Wellness Giveaways
  2. Wedding Wellness Experience #1: Fit session + complimentary outfits for two from lululemon athletica Southgate Centre (Winner – Melanie C.!)
  3. Wedding Wellness Experience #2: Complimentary Glow Juicery Cleanse for the Bride and half off a Cleanse for a friend – PLUS – a group grocery shopping tour and health coaching session for two from food.fitness.function (Winner – Christa C.!)

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Barre Body Studio EdmontonPhoto Credit: Sean Williams Photography

Barre Body Studio EdmontonYou’ve probably heard the buzz around Edmonton’s Barre Body Studio. A blend of ballet, Pilates and yoga, Barre fitness is the hottest new workout trend since Zumba! Low impact movements and isometric holds create long, lean muscles giving you a toned look without causing injuries. Barre will improve your posture, making you stand prouder and taller on your big day.

All you need is water and a pair of grip socks, which can be purchased at the Barre Studio. Weights, resistance bands, mats and exercise balls are all supplied as needed in your class. We asked owner Megan Clark about what to expect when trying Barre for the first time:

“Watch and listen carefully to the instructor and follow along as best you can. Everyone works at their own level – if necessary, take a break and rest for a few reps. The movements are very small and controlled so no one has to worry about looking silly and out of place. Be prepared to rock out to awesome tunes and to feel muscles that you’ve never felt before!”

Check out Barre’s website for more information and to sign-up for your first class. All new clients can take advantage of a 2-week unlimited special for only $40!

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Enter to win this week’s Wedding Wellness Experience {May 21 – 27, 2014}:
Unlimited Barre classes for one month
-PLUS-
A Barre Bachelorette class / party

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You don’t have to be walking down the aisle in order to participate – bridesmaids, family and friends of brides are all welcome to enter the giveaways! A lucky winner will be chosen at random on May 27, 2014 at 8:00 AM MDT. Good luck!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

05/14/14

Wedding Wellness Giveaway #2: Glow Juicery and food.fitness.function

Planning a wedding can add extra stress to your life, but your well-being shouldn’t take a backseat to checklists and Pinterest boards. Throughout the month of May we are partnering with local health & wellness businesses to give away custom wellness experiences to help you be the best version of yourself during this exciting time! Catch up on previous posts:

  1. Introduction: Wedding Wellness Giveaways
  2. Wedding Wellness Experience #1: Fit session + complimentary outfits for two from lululemon athletica Southgate Centre

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Glow Juicery EdmontonPhoto Credit: Jenn Crebas

The old adage ‘you are what you eat’ couldn’t be more true. What you put into your body plays a significant role in how you feel physically, mentally and emotionally. For our second Wedding Wellness giveaway we’ve enlisted Edmonton’s very own Glow Juicery and food.fitness.function to help you reach your nutritional goals.

Located in two fitness studios (Barre Body and Soul Spin), Glow Juicery has been brightening the Edmonton community with their fresh raw juices, smoothies and snacks for almost a year now. Cleansing guru and owner, Marnie Ashcroft, believes that juice cleansing is a great start to a healthy path of making excellent food choices everyday, especially when coupled with clear fitness goals: “The result is a balance of wellness that truly becomes an integral part of your life.”

Glow Juice Cleanses are a natural, plant-based reset for your body. A cleanse will temporarily rid processed foods, dairy, gluten and animal-based protein from your diet allowing your body to focus on absorbing the phyto-nutrients and enzymes in the juices, resulting in a naturally lighter and detoxified you! There are three levels to choose from: Beginner (1-3 days), Intermediate (3-5 days) and Advanced (3-7 days). Glow’s neatly packaged bottles are easy to bring with you to work or busy wedding appointments. You can find Glow at a number of cafés and studios in the Edmonton Area.

Edmonton Health CoachElissa Jamieson, Health Coach & Personal Trainer at food.fitness.function, shares her number one tip for staying on track with your nutritional goals:

“Plan your meals in advance so that you always have something healthy to throw together or snack on – no more cheap quick fixes!”

This is especially important when you have a busy schedule and may not have time to cook every day. food.fitness.function offers personalized 3- and 6-month Health Coaching Programs, as well as Grocery Shopping Tours for individuals and groups. For fun health tips and delicious recipes follow Elissa on Twitter and Facebook.

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Enter to win our second Wedding Wellness Experience {May 14 – 20, 2014}: complimentary Glow Juicery Cleanse for the Bride and half off a Cleanse for a friend
PLUS
A group grocery shopping tour and a health coaching session for two from food.fitness.function

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You don’t have to be walking down the aisle in order to participate – bridesmaids, family and friends of brides are all welcome to enter the giveaways! A lucky winner will be chosen at random on May 20, 2014 at 8:00 AM MDT. Good luck!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design