12/31/11

Happy New Year!

The last day of 2011 has arrived! It has been an outstanding year full of beautiful weddings and we’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you

  • Thank you to our amazing clients for letting us be a part of such a special time in your lives.
  • Thank you to the talented wedding professionals that we have the pleasure of collaborating with.
  • Thank you to the hardworking JBW staff for your commitment and dedication to making every event perfect.

Here’s a recap video of some of our 2011 weddings – from Edmonton to the Rocky Mountains, Mexico to Pender Island – it has truly been a wonderful year!

See you in 2012!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credits: Julie Williams Photography, PHOTOPHILCRO, Mark Eleven Photography, Carey Nash Photography, JDS Photography, Night and Day Photography, Sharon Litchfield Photography, C.J. Scott Photography, Tye Carson Weddings, Moments in Digital, Katch Studios.

 

12/27/11

Edmonton Wedding Planner: Hala + Sean

Married exactly one year from the day they were engaged (in front of the Eiffel Tower, I might add), it’s no surprise that romance was the running theme for this wedding from the start. Hala + Sean’s modern day fairytale wedding was held back in August on a sunny day in Edmonton, Alberta. They chose to have their ‘first look‘ at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald before heading over to St. Joachim Catholic Church to say their vows.

As always, Sharon Litchfield Photography did an amazing job capturing the romance and elegance of this gorgeous wedding. The pictures truly speak for themselves – enjoy!

{Special thanks to Jessica for assisting!}

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton Wedding Makeup Artist

Hala’s super-talented beauty team: Anita Gill Makeup Artistry and addcolo Wigs

Sharon Litchfield Photography

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Pink Bridesmaid Dresses

Hala took everyone’s breath away in her stunning Tara Keely ballgown (style 2051) from Novelle Bridal!
Her beautiful bridesmaids looked picture perfect in fuchsia chiffon dresses.

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Pink and Ivory Bouquet

Photos Before Ceremony

Hotel Macdonald Gardens

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding

Sharon Litchfield Photography

Sharon Litchfield Photography

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Bouquet in Vintage Bookshelf

Kate Ashton Florists designed the gorgeous florals. Hala’s romantic bouquet featured mini ivory calla lilies, pink and ivory roses, lisianthus, stock, and mini pink cymbidium orchids.

Sharon Litchfield Photography

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Wedgwood Room Wedding Reception

After the ceremony guests made their way to The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s Wedgwood Room for cocktails, dinner and dancing. We kept the décor design simple to let the beauty of the room’s architecture take centre stage. Lush pink centrepieces popped on the elegant white and silver tables, and reception stationery by Pinkpolka Wedding Design completed the look.

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Pinkpolka Wedding Design

Silver Ball Table Number Holder

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Jesse Peters Edmonton

Duelling pianists entertained guests throughout the entire evening! The first dances were one of my favourite parts of the entire day – you could feel the emotion in the room – beautiful!

First Wedding Dance

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding

Congratulations, Hala + Sean! It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and your families to bring your wedding vision to life. Wishing you all the best in the future!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

 

12/21/11

Featured in Weddingbells Magazine!

We’re excited to be featured in the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of Weddingbells Magazine! It’s on stands now so go grab your copy (and flip to page 393)!

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

12/15/11

Short Reception Dresses

Reception dresses have become quite popular with modern brides. A second, shorter wedding dress allows you to get your groove on during the dance – plus it’s a great excuse to change up your bridal look and accessories! Here are some fab finds under $1000!

Chic
BCBG Avanti Strapless Dress – $328

Short Reception Dresses

Vintage
B H L D N Dainty Diversion Mini – $600

Short Reception Dresses

Romantic
J. Crew Hyacinth – $926

Short Reception Dresses

Fun
Nordstrom Sue Wong with Ostrich Feathers – $574

Short Reception Dresses

What do you think about a second wedding dress? Are you wearing one at your reception?

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

12/7/11

Icy Blue Winter Wedding Inspiration Board

The weather outside may be frightful, but winter weddings can be so delightful! Today’s inspiration board pairs various shades of blue with crisp, white details for a modern winter wedding design.

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): blue martinis – DP Challenge; winter wedding invitation – Miller + Miller; winter wonderland wedding – Jennifer Bergman Weddings; lampshade centrepiece – In Any Event; bride and groom – Mattramos Photography; blue lighting and callas – Project Wedding.

 

12/5/11

Edmonton Wedding Planner: Victoria + Nathan

Victoria + Nathan are that couple. That couple you know who are so in love that you feel like you’re watching a romance movie when you’re with them. It was only fitting that their wedding exuded romance as well!

Using a fresh palette of pewter grey, ivory and icy blue, we designed and coordinated their wedding at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. The result: an elegant, enchanting affair that felt warm and inviting.

Here’s a look at Victoria + Nathan’s day with photos by Katch Studios. I had such a hard time narrowing down the photos to share with you (drop-dead gorgeous couple + insanely talented photographers = soooo many amazing images)!

{Special thanks to Sarah and Jessica for assisting.}

Katch Studios Edmonton

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Love a groom in a bowtie. Paired with a phalaenopsis orchid boutonniere – elegant and timeless!

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Pure Bridal Edmonton

Victoria’s gown by Pronovias (Fantastica) from Pure Bridal was full of romantic, cascading ruffles.

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Grey Bridesmaid Dresses

La Piazza Dasee Edmonton

Edmonton Wedding Planner

St. Joseph's Basilica Edmonton Wedding

Edmonton Wedding Planner

The ceremony was held at St. Joseph’s Basilica – one of Edmonton’s iconic landmarks. The emotion on Victoria’s face says it all.

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton Wedding Planner

St. Joseph's Basilica Edmonton Wedding

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Katch Studios Edmonton

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding

Unique Guest Book Idea

At the reception guests left their thumbprint on a custom guest book tree drawing. The Empire Ballroom is naturally stunning, so minimal décor is required. The room was enhanced with vanilla satin chair wraps, silver damask linens and gorgeous centrepieces by La Piazza Dasee composed of white phalaenopsis orchids, and blue and white hydrangea.

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Victoria + Nathan opted to include thoughtful thank-you notes at each guest’s place setting. Blue butterfly place cards added a whimsical touch to the table décor.

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding

Edmonton Wedding Planner

The Art of Cake created this gorgeous ruffled white chocolate masterpiece. It smelled amazing!

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Chinese Wedding Dress

Victoria + Nathan: Thank you for choosing us to help bring your wedding vision to life. Wishing you a marriage filled with romance!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

 

11/24/11

Purple and Orange Wedding Inspiration Board

A vibrant purple and orange inspiration board to remind us of warmer days! I love this combination for summer or fall weddings.

Edmonton Wedding Planner

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): purple and orange calla lily bouquet – LA Blossom; purple bridesmaid dresses – Phindy Studios; purple parasols – The Knot; purple and orange tablescape – Project Wedding; orange signature cocktails – The Knot; modern purple and grey wedding invitation – Minted.

 

11/21/11

Top 10 Wedding MC Tips

Being the MC at a wedding is a great honour but it can also be a bit scary. Here are some tips to help you prepare for this special role.

Top 10 Wedding MC Tips

  1. Prepare well in advance so you aren’t in a panic the week of the wedding. Type your script and read it back to yourself in the mirror to make sure it flows.
  2. Know the reception itinerary (speak to the bride and groom or the wedding planner to get this in advance). The best MCs keep things running smoothly and on time.
  3. Inform the wedding planner about any special touches or A/V requirements in advance.
  4. Arrive at the reception early to do a sound check. Speak clearly into the mic while holding it approximately 15 cm away from your mouth.
  5. Keep your comments and stories short and sweet.
  6. Keep guests informed throughout the evening. Give them 10-15 minute warnings before important events occur (eg. dinner, speeches, dance, cake cutting).
  7. Ensure the caterer / servers are aware when you are beginning speeches so that they don’t disrupt guests by clearing tables.
  8. When introducing speakers, mention something personal about them and/or about their relationship to the bride and groom. Learn how to pronounce their names before the wedding.
  9. Don’t have too many drinks before and during dinner. Even though you may be nervous, keeping a clear head is important.
  10. Avoid embarrassing subjects and information that can’t be taken back. If you’re unsure about a joke or topic always check with the bride and groom, close family members or the wedding planner.

 

Good luck – you’ll do great!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner