A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting an amazing new resort in the Okanagan, located just 15 minutes from downtown Vernon, British Columbia. After perusing their website I couldn’t wait to experience Sparkling Hill Resort and check out their wedding facilities. First of all, over 3.5 million Swarovski crystals are infused into this modern oasis…3.5 million!? They’re not lying. Crystals, sparkle and bling abound in this place. From the welcome sign to the washrooms, every single nook and cranny shines.

From the moment you first arrive you can feel your tension lifting and relaxation setting in. The resort has a European flair and KurSpa (Kur means healing in German) is nothing like I have experienced before. Complimentary with your stay you receive access to the 7 unique aromatherapy sauna and steam rooms, an indoor pool complete with underwater music and starry Swarovski crystal sky, and an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Okanagan. This would be the perfect wedding destination for the couple who wants to give their guests a weekend to unwind and rejuvenate.

Guests looking for a unique experience can try KurSpa’s signature health treatment – the cold sauna. Popular in Europe and the first of its kind in North America, the cold sauna provides a treatment called cryotherapy, which involves spending up to three minutes in a room set at -110°C. Yes, you read correctly. -110°C! Spending the maximum amount of time (3 minutes) in the chamber will allow your skin temperature to drop to 5°C, which helps alleviate pain and assist with inflammation, among other benefits. For me being cold is tortuous so I opted out, but my husband tried it and enjoyed the experience!

Enjoy a peek at Sparkling Hill’s amenities below and continue reading for more information on weddings at this gorgeous resort.

Lakeview rooms feature a unique “tub-for-two” with this incredible view and a Swarovski crystal “starry sky” ceiling overhead.

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Weddings at Sparkling Hill Resort

Sparkling Hill Resort boasts an astonishing view of Lake Okanagan! The Terrace, pictured below, seats up to 120 guests. For your reception, choose from an intimate dinner for up to 35 guests in Gernot’s private room or host up to 180 guests in the grand Austria Ballroom. The Fireside Lounge is the perfect spot for cocktails or for an intimate ceremony with your closest friends and family.

Sparkling Hill Resort Terrace

Sparkling Hill Resort Terrace

Gernot's Private Room at Sparkling Hill Resort

Austria Ballroom at Sparkling Hill Resort

Fireside Lounge at Sparkling Hill Resort

Lobby at Sparkling Hill Resort

If you’re interested in having your destination wedding at Sparkling Hill Resort or in the Okanagan area, contact us today!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner / Okanagan Wedding Planner

Photo Credits: Jennifer Bergman Weddings, Sparkling Hill Resort, Ema Peter Photography.

Earlier this summer we had the pleasure of designing and coordinating two events to celebrate Aanchal + Rajat’s marriage. I hope to share some gorgeous photos with you soon but for now here’s something new that we had fun experimenting with. We setup a time lapse camera at Edmonton’s Oasis Conference Centre to capture some of  what goes on behind the scenes to prepare for an event. The video also captures the entire ceremony, so if you’ve never been to an East Indian wedding this is a must-see!

The speedy teams in the video include Jennifer Bergman Weddings, QSD Event Services, La Piazza Dasee and the Oasis staff. Décor from Elegant Touches and Special Event Rentals helped complete the gorgeous design of the event.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

When I first began working with Jaclyn + Curtis we explored the idea of a Rocky Mountain wedding…and then a local Edmonton wedding…but nothing was really getting them excited. When the idea of a wedding on the beach entered the picture, everything began falling into place.

Ninety guests joined Jaclyn + Curtis at the RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas in Los Cabos, Mexico to celebrate in the sand and sun. The couple kept their guests informed about travel and wedding details via a custom wedding website and travel arrangements were managed by My Dream Destination Travel.

Photographer Phil Crozier of PHOTOPHILCRO joined us on the beach from Calgary, Alberta. Not only is Phil an unbelievably talented photographer, but he has a wonderful way about him that makes you feel like an old friend. Here’s a sampling of some of the GORGEOUS images Phil captured of this beautiful couple.

{Jaclyn + Curtis’ Los Cabos destination wedding was recently featured in the Autumn/Winter 2011 issue of Blush Magazine! View the complete issue online here.}

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Jaclyn wore Eresma by San Patrick from Novelle Bridal. Her stunning hand-tied bouquet was composed of ivory and pink roses and calla lilies.

The ceremony was held at the RIU Palace’s San Jose Gazebo overlooking the glistening blue ocean. At the start of the ceremony the officiant spoke in Spanish for a good three minutes until Curtis finally leaned over and asked, “hablas inglés?” Turns out it was a joke and he continued the ceremony in perfect English. Needless to say it made for a very memorable ceremony!

After the ceremony, guests made their way over to the gorgeous pool side Baja Norte terrace with a stunning view of the signature Los Cabos landmark, El Arco. Local cuisine featured delicious entrées such as coconut chicken, fresh salmon with grapefruit butter, roasted lamb and seafood paella.

Jaclyn and Curtis wanted their décor to be simple yet elegant. Walnut chiavari chairs perfectly complemented custom-made ivory shantung linens, while each place setting was accented with a chocolate brown wicker charger plate and an ivory gift box containing Mexican sweets. Low, lush arrangements of ivory and pink blooms added the perfect amount of colour to each table. (Rentals were sourced locally from Linens, Things and More; flowers by Floreria Treboles.) The wedding invitations and reception stationery, designed by I Do Invitations, were elegantly handcrafted with twine and starfish detailing.

One of the perks of a destination wedding is having more opportunities to capture fantastic photos without having to rush to do it all on one day. Photographer Phil Crozier took Jaclyn and Curtis for a post-wedding shoot and he captured some amazing, romantic images!

By choosing to have a destination wedding, Jaclyn and Curtis were able to enjoy ten days of quality time with their friends and family over dinners, pool lounging and exciting excursions. Jaclyn + Curtis: Thank you for trusting me with such an important part of your lives. It was an absolute pleasure to share this experience with you and your loved ones!

Jennifer
Destination Wedding Planner

Looking for some wedding eye-candy to ooh and ahh over this weekend? Click the following links to view our past clients’ gorgeous weddings and get ready to be inspired!

Edmonton + Area Wedding Inspiration

Rocky Mountain + Destination Wedding Inspiration

Happy Planning!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner / Rocky Mountain Wedding Planner

Photo Credits (Top-Bottom): JDS Photography, Kelsy Nielson Photographer.

We’ve made it to part three of our style-infused blog series courtesy of Edmonton’s L² Style. Over the last couple of weeks, founder Lazina Mckenzie has shared her advice on what to wear to your bridal shower and to your stagette. Today’s post will help you look fab for the all-important rehearsal dinner!

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Your wedding day is nearly here and you’re nervous yet excited as can be! The last thing you need right now is to spend hours trying to figure out what to wear to your rehearsal. Take a look at the stunning items below. These are definitely worthy of your rehearsal dinner. After all, YOU are the guest of honour (and that partner of yours, I guess…kidding)!

Restaurant / Bar: Tahari Tilda Sheath Dress

This dress has sex appeal yet it’s very classy for an evening event at a restaurant or bar. The colour-blocking effect at the bottom creates a lot of interest and sass while the elegant waistline will draw the eye to the tiniest part of your waist.

Lazina’s Style Tips: I’d go with a soft updo and add deep red chandelier earrings. Complement with a red lip and very light makeup elsewhere. Add a chunky bracelet that is textured with black and dark silver. Opt for a classic black peep-toe heel to finish off the outfit with stunning impact.

Backyard BBQ: Tory Burch Hildy Dress

The pleating around the waist of this dress is quite funky while the linen and silk combination give it an effortlessly elegant look. It is versatile enough to let you sit and look fabulous or run around overseeing last minute wedding items. (Editor’s note: if you’ve hired a wedding planner you won’t have to worry about the latter!)

Lazina’s Style Tips: Keep your makeup light and opt for a tussled ‘do (as seen in the picture). It’s your party so be bold and add some eye-catching wedge heels, perhaps in bright red or deep blue. For a more neutral look, opt for a tan coloured wedge heel (wedges will be best for a backyard soirée). Accessorize with a chunky wooden ring and matte brass earrings (something a little larger would really complement those messy locks).

Cocktail Party: ASOS Pleated One Shoulder Dress

This one shoulder dress is striking in cobalt blue. It is a classy yet sassy little number that will allow you to feel like the life of the party – just as you should!

Lazina’s Style Tips: I’m leaning towards gold tones to accessorize this dress. I’d suggest rose gold peep-toe pumps, a delicate gold cuff (maybe even something with a fine leaf print) and citrine jewelled earrings. Add a faux-snakeskin inspired clutch with brown and gold tones to pull it all together.

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About the Contributor:

Lazina Mckenzie is the founder of L² Style, a style consulting firm based in Alberta, Canada. Lazina believes that the style (or image) you share with others communicates a lot about who you are. She regularly has her clients articulate the answer to the question: what do you want your style to say about you? More recently, Lazina has opened her service offering to work with brides-to-be and their bridal parties. She is happy to provide her advice and support to brides on their very special day.

Last week L² Style, shared three gorgeous looks for your bridal shower…today, it’s all about the stagette!

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Your closest lady friends are about to whisk you away to a fabulous party celebrating your final weeks as a ‘Miss’. After finding out what type of fete will be held in your honour (gosh, who wants to be caught wearing the wrong outfit to her own party?!) take a look at the options below and get ready to drool over these stagette-worthy looks!

Dinner and Drinks: Revolve Draped Back Dress

This dress is perfect for a sophisticated dinner and après-dinner drinks with your closest gal pals. It’s feminine, sexy yet very chic. The back of this dress is daring without showing off too much.

Lazina’s Style Tips: Add a chunky, strappy black sandal (the higher the heel the better), a matte charcoal arm cuff (adds a bit of edge to this dress), and gun-metal tear-shaped earrings (a long tear-shape would look awesome). Opt for a dramatic smoky eye and a nude lip. Go for a big, full mane!

Day Cruise: Tory Striped Minidress

This fun, nautical-inspired print with bold navy accents will surely make you the center of attention.

Lazina’s Style Tips: I’d suggest adding bold accessories (don’t go “overboard” now) to bring the whole look together. Flat gold sandals, oversized sunglasses, a chunky gold ring and a big sunhat would work perfectly with this look. Use an oversized tan handbag to carry essentials like sunscreen and water.

Bar/Lounge Crawl: Catherine Malandrino Stretch Silk-Satin Playsuit

This sexy, playful onesie is perfect for a night on the town. It’s versatile enough to take you from the hottest nightclub to a funky lounge.

Lazina’s Style Tips: Since there’s a sophisticated yet funky feel to this playsuit, I’d suggest really having some fun with the accessories: dark metallic gold platform heels, several chunky bracelets and bangles (stacked on one arm), a deep metallic burgundy clutch and jewelled chandelier earrings. Go with a deep plum or red lipstick for some added drama.

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About the Contributor:

Lazina Mckenzie is the founder of L² Style, a style consulting firm based in Alberta, Canada. Lazina believes that the style (or image) you share with others communicates a lot about who you are. She regularly has her clients articulate the answer to the question: what do you want your style to say about you? More recently, Lazina has opened her service offering to work with brides-to-be and their bridal parties. She is happy to provide her advice and support to brides on their very special day.

As your big day is fast approaching so are the pre-wedding festivities and parties (bridal showers, stagettes, rehearsal dinners, oh my!). There is going to be a lot of attention on you and that can be overwhelming for any blushing bride-to-be.

I’m excited to introduce a special guest blogger to help relieve you of some of that pressure! Lazina Mckenzie is the founder of L² Style – an Edmonton-based style consulting firm devoted to helping people look and feel their best. Lazina has put together three great looks for your bridal shower. Stay tuned to the blog in the coming weeks for more bridal style advice from Lazina.

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Your dear family and friends have been planning the most amazing wedding shower for you. You’re excited but awfully nervous because you have no idea what’s in store for you…but more importantly, you have no idea what to wear! Here are some great suggestions that will surely help with the ol’ I don’t know what to wear dilemma.

Garden Party Glam: Maggie London Print Stretch Cotton Sheath Dress

This dress is perfect for an outdoor summer event. It’s feminine yet very chic. Since you will likely spend a lot of time sitting and opening gifts, this dress is a good length to show off your beautiful legs without giving away too much! I’d suggest adding a pop of colour to this little number. The name of the game here is simplicity!

Lazina’s Style Tips: To complete this look add a cherry red shoe, a nude clutch in a shade or two lighter than the beige in the dress and deep emerald-green earrings (nothing too big).

Country Club Chic: Vivienne Westwood Pink Fold Sleeveless Dress

You want to stand out at this Country Club affair without your ensemble screaming “look at me.”  This dress is a fun, tasteful way to say “I’m the bride” (yes, that effortlessly fabulous bride who whipped this look together in no time)! The key to highlighting the beauty of this dress is through accessories. You don’t want to overdo it here so choose wisely.

Lazina’s Style Tips: Sport a peep-toe nude heel, a matted light turquoise clutch, a skinny nude snakeskin belt and the ever-classic diamond stud earrings. A soft up-do will complete the look.

Casual and Comfy at Home: SAM&LAVI Libby Tie Waist Dress

Your soon-to-be mother-in-law is hosting a shower for you at her house and you want to look fabulous without being overdressed for a casual celebration at home. With this dress you will look put-together but not overdone. Opt for simple accessories to compliment this playful, flowy dress.

Lazina’s Style Tips: Accessorize with long, thin gold or brass earrings and 2-3 delicate gold bangles in a rose, white and yellow gold combo. I’d go with a cork wedge heel that isn’t too chunky (you want the attention on you, not your feet).

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About the Contributor:

Lazina Mckenzie is the founder of L² Style, a style consulting firm based in Alberta, Canada. Lazina believes that the style (or image) you share with others communicates a lot about who you are. She regularly has her clients articulate the answer to the question: what do you want your style to say about you? More recently, Lazina has opened her service offering to work with brides-to-be and their bridal parties. She is happy to provide her advice and support to brides on their very special day.

I’m excited to share this chic winter wedding with you! Lindsay + Mike were married back in March at the Calgary Golf & Country Club. They took photos before the ceremony at the gorgeous Le Germain Hotel, arriving relaxed and excited to walk down the aisle.

Throughout the evening, guests snacked on Crave Cupcakes and personalized M&M’s while dancing the night away to fabulous live music by 80’s cover band, RETRObution!

Mark Eleven Photography was on hand to capture the beautiful moments throughout the day. (Catch more of Lindsay + Mike’s wedding on the Mark Eleven Photography Blog.) Special thanks to Tara, Angela, Alexis and Danielle for assisting throughout the weekend.

Guests wrote their advice and best wishes for the couple on black water rocks which were incorporated into a special moment during the ceremony.

Lindsay wore Melissa Sweet’s Ambrose from Priscilla of Boston. As you can see, she was the perfect picture of romance – absolutely stunning! Her lush bouquet featured roses, calla lilies, cymbidium orchids and stephanotis. All the flowers and centrepieces were designed and arranged by Amy McGilvary – the couple’s (very) talented close friend.

Lindsay + Mike wanted their reception to be warm and inviting with chic and modern décor. To achieve this vision we contrasted textured ivory linens with several black lacquer elements: chiavari chairs, charger plates and centrepiece vases. Candlelight and amber uplighting provided ambiance while a mix of round and square tables added interest and dimension to the room.

{Rental items provided by Special Event Rentals; drapery and lighting provided by OneWest Event Design and Rentals.}

Lindsay + Mike have a penchant for Tabasco Sauce, so they provided their guests with adorable miniature bottles of the hot stuff! The ultra-modern stationery suite was designed by Box Paper Scissors.

Lindsay + Mike: Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your amazing wedding day! It was a pleasure getting to know you both – best wishes for an exciting future together!

Jennifer + Team