If you are looking for an elegant setting for your Edmonton wedding, look no further than The Oasis Centre. Coined “The Jewel of the West End,” The Oasis Centre hosts weddings, conferences and events. I sat down with Anne McLennan, Oasis’ Wedding & Event Coordinator, to chat about what makes this venue a unique choice for Edmonton weddings.

Describe The Oasis Centre in 3 words: Elegant, Unique, Outstanding!

What sets The Oasis Centre apart from other venues in Edmonton? We offer a beautiful, elegant, private setting and specialize in providing a full service ceremony and reception package. We serve our clients on an individual basis for their special event with warm, friendly and professional service with attention to every detail. The Grand Hall features marble pillars, a 24-ft floating ceiling, rose-quartz chandeliers, cathedral-like glass block windows for natural lighting and a built-in stage for head table seating.

What size of weddings can The Oasis Centre accommodate? Our Grand Hall holds 100-350 guests and on average we see groups of approximately 200 using the facility.

Can The Oasis Centre accommodate wedding ceremonies? Absolutely! The Grand Hall is a stunning location for indoor wedding ceremonies, and our beautifully manicured gardens accommodate outdoor ceremonies.

What are some of the unique features available for weddings at The Oasis Centre?

• Elegant marble foyer with Italian espresso machine
• Indoor 1300 gallon Koi aquarium
• Luxurious, private Bridal Suite for bridal party and VIP Board Room for groomsmen
• Stunning gardens with waterfall
• Free convenient parking for all of your guests in our large and easy-to-access private parking lot

Does The Oasis Centre offer catering services? The Oasis Centre works with a variety of professional caterers. Each of our “preferred” caterers have a proven track record of providing outstanding service for our clients!

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Here are a couple photos of the Grand Hall dressed up for a gorgeous wedding reception (photos by Vinson Lim Photography):

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credit: Vinson Lim Photography.

Clear, blue skies and golden sunshine – nothing beats a gorgeous day in the Rocky Mountains! Brianne + John had the perfect weather for their September wedding at Delta Lodge Kananaskis Resort.

Family and friends came from all over to celebrate the weekend with Brianne + John. The festivities included pre-wedding drinks at Woody’s Pub and a Sunday morning brunch before the couple left on their Hawaiian honeymoon.

Tye Carson did an amazing job capturing the warmth of the day. Check out his blog for more lovely images! {Special thanks to Victoria for assisting!}

Brianne + John were wed on a meadow (Viewpoint 5) near Delta Lodge Kananaskis – the view was spectacular!

Canmore’s Willow Haven Flower Shop created the bridal party’s dress beautiful bouquets! Brianne’s bouquet featured a delicious mix of orange callas, roses, mokara orchids, dahlias, asclepia and freesia.

The reception was held in Mt. Kidd Ballroom. Brianne + John’s modern vision was achieved with pewter pintuck linens, silver chiavari chairs and perimeter uplighting from OneWest Event Rentals. Orange napkins and mokara orchid centrepieces added a punch of colour to the streamlined design.

Delicious cupcakes from Bliss & Co. Cupcakes and Desserts were displayed at the reception on a modern acrylic stand.

 Thank you, Brianne + John, for allowing us to be a part of your beautiful mountain wedding!

Jennifer + Team
Kananaskis Wedding Planner
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

• Wedding Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Tye Carson Weddings
• Officiant: Monique Hunkeler
• Bridal Veil: BestWeddingVeil
• Florist: Willow Haven Flower Shop
  
• Cake + Cupcakes: Bliss & Co. Cupcakes and Desserts
• DJ: Revolution DJ Services

Jay + Joe are definitely one of our most memorable couples from 2011. It’s not every day that we receive a (legitimate!) wedding planning request from a couple living in Africa!

After meeting at the University of Alberta, Jay + Joe took advantage of an opportunity to move to Gabon, Africa for Joe’s job. They wanted to have a summer wedding in Edmonton to spend a weekend celebrating with their friends and family in Canada.

Jay + Joe chose to have their ceremony and reception at LUX Steakhouse + Bar in downtown Edmonton. With its chic, modern styling and a warm atmosphere, LUX was the perfect choice for this globe-trotting couple to spend an intimate evening catching up with their loved ones. Guests danced the night away to the musical talents of Lindsey Nagy and Jesse Peters, two local duelling pianists, and they munched on delicious late night snacks including Kobe beef sliders, mini hot dogs and sweet potato fries.

To our delight, this sophisticated soirée was recently featured on Style Me Pretty Canada! Here’s a sampling of the stunning images captured by Sharon Litchfield Photography – be sure to head over to the Style Me Pretty feature and gallery to see more gorgeousness!

On the morning of their wedding, Jay and Joe got ready at The Westin Edmonton before meeting up for a “first look” and photos with their wedding party and families. Jay wore a gorgeous fitted lace gown by Essense of Australia (D1108) in ivory from Pure Bridal and a pair of stunning silver Jimmy Choo’s!

In lieu of a traditional guest book Jay + Joe asked their friends and family to write them an anniversary card which they will open on the corresponding future year! Another very personal touch at the reception was a table of family wedding photos. It was lots of fun for everyone to see generations of marriages displayed at such a special occasion.

We complemented the dark wood accents in the space with a warm palette of chocolate, copper, ivory and black. Each tablescape was covered in candlelight and ivory blooms, including hydrangea, garden roses and dendrobium orchids.

Jay + Joe: Thank you so very much for trusting us to bring your wedding vision to life! It was truly a pleasure to work with you. No matter where life takes you next, I’m certain it will be filled with adventure!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Sharon Litchfield Photography
• Officiant:  Thanx On Time (Joan Tkaczyk)
• Hair Wigs: addwigs
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Florist: Laurel’s On Whyte
  
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Entertainment: Lindsey Nagy + Jesse Peters
• Hair + Makeup: Eveline Charles

We love using shades of grey and silver as neutral anchors in a wedding’s colour palette. When paired with green, a very fresh, clean and modern look is achieved. The organic elements in this inspiration board, such as the birch bark vase and silver sprayed branches, add rustic undertones to the event.

What has inspired you when designing your wedding?

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credits (L-R from top to bottom): green monogrammed place card – Millie Holloman Photography; grey suit with green boutonniere – Style Me Pretty; birch bark flower arrangement – source unknown; elegant green and grey reception – Elizabeth Anne Designs; green apples – Pretty Chicky; grey bridesmaid dresses – The Wedding Chicks; green and grey wedding invitations – Ruby and Willow.

Laura + Jeff were married back in July on what has historically been Edmonton’s hottest weekend of the year. Instead, Mother Nature decided to give us a day filled with a bit of everything (no snow, thankfully)! This didn’t phase Laura + Jeff one bit – these two lovebirds had been waiting to tie the knot for years and they enjoyed every minute of their special day!.

The ceremony was held at the meticulously manicured Hastings Lake Gardens just east of Sherwood Park. Right before the ceremony was about to begin, there was a quick rain shower which then cleared in time for Laura to walk down the aisle with her father.

After the ceremony guests headed over to Rutherford Room at Edmonton’s Sutton Place Hotel for cocktails, dinner and dancing. As always, JDS Photography did a fantastic job of capturing the day. {Special thanks to Shannon for assisting!}

Enjoy!

Laura wore a gorgeously romantic gown by Paloma Blanca (Style 4116) from Pure Bridal. She accessorized with bright purple heels and a beaded flower accent in her hair.

Laura + Jeff decided to personalize their wedding with a “he/she” theme. They included the reasons why they love one another on their invitations and on these canvases which were displayed at their reception and will make modern artwork in their new home together. I encourage you to take the time to read them in full – they are just the sweetest things and you can truly feel the love and friendship these two share!

The theme was also carried through to their delicious cake and cupcakes from Whimsical Cake Studio.

An elementary school teacher, Laura had her students draw pictures of her and Jeff and included them on the backs of each table number. For favours, Laura + Jeff designed mini photo books which featured pictures of them throughout their relationship. These unique and personal touches made their wedding truly memorable for their friends and family.

Laura + Jeff: thank you for including us in this very special day! I’m positive that your love will continue to grow and flourish for the rest of your lives.

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: JDS Photography
• Décor Rentals: Arlene Yam Décor
• Florist: Jenna Hudson
• Invitations + Canvases: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Cake + Cupcakes: Whimsical Cake Studio
• DJ: Revolution Entertainment
• Limousine: Esquire Limousine
• Hair: L Hair Studio
• Makeup: Daniela Ventura

Looking good on your wedding day isn’t enough for most brides – you want to drop jaws and knock the socks off your groom’s feet as he sees you for the first time, right!? Well, to get jaw-droppingly glam on your big day look no further than Anita Gill Makeup Artistry. Anita is an über-talented makeup artist in Edmonton and I have had the pleasure of working with her on several weddings over the past couple of years. Check out what this makeup maven has to say about makeup tips and trends for your big day.

Who’s the lady behind the (makeup) brush?

I have been in the makeup industry for almost 6 years now. I started my makeup career off at MAC Cosmetics and worked there for just under 5 years. It wasn’t until early last year that I decided to move away from MAC and further pursue being a freelance makeup artist – and I can honestly say that that was one of the best decisions I have ever made. In addition to being a makeup artist, I am also just finishing up my last year in the B.Comm program at Grant MacEwan University. People often ask me why I am a Business and Human Resources student if I want to continue on with makeup. The simple answer is because I one day hope to turn this freelance business into a full makeup and hair studio.

Why did you become a makeup artist?

Originally I was interested in makeup simply because both of my sisters, Sunita Sumaru and Susan Gill, are makeup artists. I think naturally I just wanted to follow in their footsteps, but over the years I’ve discovered that it was more than that. I soon realized that my job was more than just doing makeup; it included making women look and feel their best. Knowing that I have the ability to make a woman feel super glamorous is the best feeling in the world. The reactions I get from women after doing their makeup is what makes this job so amazing to me.

What’s your favourite part about your job?

There are two things that I truly love about being a makeup artist: The first is that I am able to use my creativity to make a woman look and feel beautiful. The second is that I get to meet some of the most amazing people; this includes both people that I do makeup for, along with vendors that I have met within the wedding industry.

What are your top tips for brides when considering their bridal makeup?

• First and foremost, it is nice to go into your makeup trial with some inspiration. So even if you just have a picture from a magazine or from a website, bring it with you because it will help communicate what your vision is for your wedding day makeup.
• Keep in mind that makeup always looks a lot softer in pictures than it does in person, so do not be afraid to go a little darker/brighter for your bridal makeup. Having that bit of added depth in your eye shadow and a stronger cheek contour can really make all the difference in your pictures.
• Make sure you get your eyebrows done before the big day. I can’t even begin to describe how much makeup artists appreciate a good, clean brow.
• Lastly, say yes to the false lashes! Even if you choose the most natural lashes, they will still make a huge difference. In my opinion, no makeup is complete without liner and lashes!

What bridal makeup trends are you seeing for 2012?

When I first started doing makeup the bridal makeup trend really seemed to be natural, classy, soft neutrals and mauve. However, this trend is completely changing. The up and coming trends are definitely more of a soft smoky eye with nude pink lips and pink cheeks, and the second trend would be a neutral eye lid, with heavy liner and thick lashes, with a more bronzed cheek and neutral lip.

When should brides book their bridal makeup artist?

Be sure to book your makeup artist well in advance. A lot of people assume that makeup artists can be booked a month or two before the wedding date, but this can leave you super disappointed. Try to book at least 6 months in advance – it is surprising how quickly vendors book up these days! Also, book your trial closer to your wedding day (within two months of the wedding day), even if your wedding day is a year away. I say this because when brides get their trial done too far in advance, by the time the wedding comes around, their style has changed and they decide to change the way they want their makeup. In my experience, brides who have a trial too far in advance always end up getting a second trial done closer to the date. Many brides question this by asking, “Well I don’t want to wait until a month before the wedding, because what if I hate my trial and choose to go with a different makeup artist?” My answer to this is simple – that is why it is important to look around for a makeup artist, to check out their work, and to ensure that they are reputable in the makeup and wedding industry. If all this is done, then you should not worry and just trust that you are in good hands for your wedding day!

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Here are some of the stunning JBW brides and bridesmaids who have been beautified by Anita Gill Makeup Artistry:

Thanks for the wonderful information, Anita!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credits (from top to bottom): Carey Nash Photography, Katch Studios, Sharon Litchfield Photography.

We’re excited to share a gorgeous June 2011 wedding that was recently featured in the Weddings in Alberta Inspiration Room.

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Melissa + Mike’s wedding day began at Convocation Hall – one of Edmonton’s most historic venues. Following the ceremony, the wedding party took photos in Edmonton’s downtown core before heading to a gorgeous reception in the Quartz Ballroom at Matrix Hotel. This sports-loving couple wanted their wedding to be classic and chic with a touch of vintage flair. We opted for a black and ivory palette with accents of olive green and copper. The result was stunning and timeless!

Melissa owns a dance studio called Dance Discovery located in South Edmonton, and at the reception some of her students performed a special routine that they had choreographed. It was a fantastic performance and it was very obvious that Melissa’s students love and admire her.

JDS Photography was on hand all day to capture priceless memories for Melissa + Mike, and they rounded out the evening with a fun-loving photo booth which is always a huge crowd pleaser!

 {Special thanks to Jessica for assisting throughout the day!}

The gorgeous couple – newlyweds!

Guests arrived to a warm, ambient ballroom accented with amber lighting and copper drapery. Black chiavari chairs made a bold statement against crisp ivory pintuck linens, while olive green napkins wrapped with a pretty satin copper ribbon added just a touch of colour to the tables in muted vintage tones. Round flower pomanders featuring a mix of ivory blooms and sahara roses sat atop tall black lacquer eiffel vases.

Melissa + Mike’s invitations and reception stationery, designed by Pinkpolka Wedding Design, featured modern typeface and a bold graphic. Melissa added black lace to ivory votive candles which perfectly complemented the stationery design.

The gorgeous three-tier cake was created by Deb from Bee-Bell Bakery and featured detailed scroll-work, black ribbon and a monogram of the couple’s first initials.

Congratulations, Melissa + Mike! I hope you enjoy this look back at your beautiful wedding day. All the best in the future!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: JDS Photography
• Décor Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Drapery + Lighting: QSD Event Services
• Mink Lashes: LilyMink
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Cake: Bee-Bell Bakery
• DJ: Revolution Entertainment
• Limousine: Esquire Limousine
• Hair Lace Wigs: Addwigs
• Makeup: MiMi Makeup

Everyone wants to hear from the bride + groom on their special day. Take this time to express gratitude to all the people who contributed to your wedding – whether through emotional or financial support.

I can’t stress how important it is to prepare your speech ahead of time – don’t leave it to the last minute! Simply jotting down a few notes will help ensure you don’t forget anyone in the heat of the moment. Here is a guideline for consideration:

• Thank guests for coming
• Special thanks to out-of-town guests, especially those who have travelled a long way
• Make mention of special people who could not be at the wedding or who have passed away
• Minister / officiant
• Venue / venue manager / chef / serving staff
• Wedding vendors, such as the photographer, musicians, etc.
• Ushers
• Ceremony readers / candle lighters
• Guestbook attendants
• Emcee(s)
• Friends or family members who have helped with wedding preparations (eg. aunt made cake, cousins helped assemble invitations)
• Wedding party: bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl(s), ring bearer(s)
• Parents
• Thank each other

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner