I recently wrote an article for Edmonton Show Home Magazine about what to consider when holding a backyard wedding or event. As the summer season is upon us, I thought it would be a perfect time to share these tips.

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You’re engaged, you have a gorgeous new home, and getting married in your own backyard sounds like the perfect way to celebrate! A backyard wedding is personal and intimate, but it’s not without challenges. There are several factors to consider before forging ahead.

Backyard Basics:

• A large, empty lawn can be deceiving – involve an expert to evaluate your space. Once you add tables, chairs and a dance floor you may be surprised with your yard’s capacity and viability for an event.
• Music, microphones, heaters, fans and lighting – weddings require power! Does your yard have sufficient access to electricity or will you need to rent a generator?
• Consider parking limitations in your area. Will there be enough space for all your guests to park? You may wish to hire parking attendants to assist with this on your wedding day.
• Research any special permits you will require to hold a private event at your residence and purchase sufficient liability insurance.

You’ve done the leg work and your beautiful backyard looks like it will be the perfect space for your soirée. What’s next?

• Hire help. You want to enjoy your wedding day so let others handle decorating, bartending, catering, serving and clean-up. Hiring professionals will allow you to avoid placing this burden on family and friends.
• Where are the washrooms? If you don’t like the idea of guests coming in and out of your home to use the washrooms consider renting portable toilets.
• Have a ‘Plan B’. Weather in Alberta is unpredictable – be prepared for the worst case scenario. Rent extra tents in case of rain, heaters for chilly evenings and fans to help cool down a hot day.
• Be a good neighbour. If neighbours aren’t invited but may be affected by your wedding (more traffic/cars parked on the street, noise late into the evening) it’s courteous to let them know you’re hosting a big event.
• Consider guest comfort. Use your wedding invitations to inform guests that they will be attending an outdoor wedding so they can prepare accordingly. Having sunscreen, fans, bug repellent, lap blankets and umbrellas on hand will make you the ideal host.

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You can pick up your own complimentary copy of Edmonton Show Home Magazine in the red Media Classified boxes throughout Edmonton.

Happy Planning!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton is home to some great venues for weddings and events, but nothing is quite like the new Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA). Many of our clients are attracted to the versatility of this contemporary, urban space – it looks great with minimal décor or it can be completely transformed! I sat down with Elisa DeFazio, Director of Sales & Catering, to get the inside scoop on what makes the AGA an ideal venue for contemporary couples.

Tell us about Art Gallery of Alberta.

Opened in January 2010, the new Art Gallery of Alberta is an engaging and inviting visual arts centre in downtown Edmonton, Alberta. Celebrating its prominent location on Sir Winston Churchill Square, the city’s arts and government core, the building’s architectural design formally and philosophically extends out into the community, welcoming visitors of all ages and backgrounds to experience contemporary art firsthand.

Why is AGA a great wedding venue in Edmonton?

Visually, the building itself is spectacular. Today still, people will walk by and stop or drive by and slow down to look at the design. It truly is a masterpiece!

The diversity of the venue provides our clients with options for any style of function. Brides and grooms will use the theatre for their ceremony and move up to the main floor for their banquet dinner. Some couples choose to rent the entire gallery and have the exhibits open as part of their event program.

Each rentable area of the building offers special features, such as:

• Sophisticated adjustable lighting
• Contemporary furniture
• Drop-down digital projector and screen to display monograms or slideshows
• All tables, linens and small wares are included with the rental fee

Wedding setup in Manning Hall

What spaces does AGA have available to accommodate weddings?

Our banquet spaces are not like a traditional ballroom found in a hotel or conference centre.

• The Ernest C. Manning Hall and Atrium, located on the main floor of the gallery, is the largest and most commonly used space for weddings, with seating for up to 200 guests.
• The contemporary Ledcor Theatre on the lower level of the building can be used for a wedding ceremony of up to 167 guests.
• The Outdoor Sculpture Terrace is perfect for an intimate ceremony of 60 guests.
• The Borealis Room on the fourth floor is a beautifully enclosed glass space, great for small ceremonies or dinners of up to 30 guests.

Our rental package can be viewed online at: http://www.zincrestaurant.ca/events-catering.php.

Zinc Catering is the onsite provider of food and beverage at AGA. Tell us about their culinary offerings.

Our culinary team focuses on fresh Alberta ingredients fused with local artisan food products. When selecting food and beverage for their catered event, couples have a few options: a customized menu from Zinc Restaurant; a customized menu based on a current exhibition showcased at the AGA; a menu chosen from our Banquets Menu (online at www.zincrestaraunt.ca/events-catering). The same culinary team that showcases their talent in Zinc Restaurant (located at the AGA) is the team that provides the high-end presentation and service in our banquet setting. Our Executive Chef David Omar will meet with you one-on-one to help customize your menu providing his expertise, recommendations and creative flare.

Any tips for brides and groom searching for their perfect wedding venue?

Find a venue that compliments your style – whether contemporary or traditional. When venue shopping, bring along inspiration photos that appeal to you and ask the venue to provide you with pictures of other wedding setups so you can get an idea of how the room can be transformed. Ask a lot of questions, don’t settle and have fun!

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Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credit: Katch Studios.

Crystal + Ian had a beautiful spring wedding in early May. At their reception, guests had a blast with Laugh Photobooth – an Edmonton photobooth rental company. I asked owners Kathy and Steven to share some more information about booking Laugh Photobooth for your own wedding reception.

The beautiful bride and I enjoying Laugh Photobooth

1. Quick – give us your best Tweetography!

Laugh Photobooth is sure to add some excitement to your Edmonton wedding. Guests will break the ice, socialize and leave with a printed photo strip to remember the evening forever!

2. Why is a photobooth a great addition to a wedding reception?

Not only is Laugh Photobooth tons of fun at your wedding reception, but it also provides you with a very memorable and unique guestbook. Every time guests use the photobooth it prints a duplicate copy of the photos – one for the guest to keep and one for the couple. Photos of your guests are placed in a book with their personalized messages to you! The book is put together and bound on the spot by an avid scrapbooker.

3. What are some of the extras that Laugh Photobooth provides?

We are always adding new items to the “Tickle Trunk” – a collection of fun props that guests love to use in their photos. As well, Laugh Photobooth is moving towards shorter bookings for those events that do not require the booth for four hours.

4. How far in advance should couples book Laugh Photobooth?

Couples interested in having Laugh Photobooth for their special day should book at least a year in advance to avoid disappointment.

5. What’s the most memorable photobooth experience you have had at a wedding?

We had a wedding with groomsmen who were oversized hockey players…they had the booth rocking trying to “raise their cups” for the camera!

6. What’s next for Laugh Photobooth?

Laugh Photobooth is embracing technology and will soon be moving to on-the-spot social media pictures!

For more information visit their website and ‘like’ their Facebook page. Thanks Kathy and Steven!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Searching for the perfect reception location can be overwhelming, and for many couples it is difficult to visualize a venue’s potential – especially when they have a particular look and style in mind for their big day. It’s easy to quickly dismiss venues because the walls and carpet don’t coordinate with your wedding colours; however, I’d encourage you to look beyond some of these minor details as nearly all spaces can be transformed!

One of the best ways to ensure your vision comes to life is by hiring a wedding planner/designer who shares your style. When we started planning Carolyn + Martin’s March 2011 wedding they told me they wanted their reception to look like a “modern winter wonderland,” and that rectangular tables, mirrored tabletops and blue/purple lighting were must-haves. Instead of getting hung up on aesthetics, we first found a venue that suited their desire for a Rocky Mountain wedding, accommodated their guest list and fit within their budget.

The Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre is a wonderful hotel in the heart of Jasper, Alberta. The Chief Paul Ballroom accommodates up to 210 guests for a wedding reception and features a gorgeous wooden dance floor in the centre of the room. The below promotional photo of the ballroom features wedding décor that is very traditional – the opposite of Carolyn + Martin’s chic, modern style…but just look at what we were able to do with the space…

With meticulously designed tables and spectacular lighting we achieved the Modern Winter Wonderland that Carolyn + Martin had envisioned!

The tables were dressed with luxurious, textured grey linens and topped with mirrored table runners which reflected the candlelight so beautifully. Tablescapes featured tall vases of curly willow sprayed white to mimic hor frost, glitter “snowballs” in silver julep cups and an abundance of votive and floating candles. Turquoise napkins added a pop of colour to the tables and the chairs were finished off with slate satin wraps. Here are a few more photos of the gorgeous space:

I hope this post inspires you to think outside the box when evaluating spaces for your own wedding. If a venue meets your requirements for capacity, location, food and budget, don’t be so quick to dismiss it just because the carpet is off-putting!

Jennifer
Jasper Wedding Planner

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Credits

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Rentals & Décor: OneWest Event Design & Rentals
• “Snowball” Centrepieces and Napkins: Special Event Rentals Edmonton
• Flowers & Willow Centrepieces: Elysion Florals
• Cake: Bride’s Family

Your wedding invitations and stationery should reflect the tone and level of formality of your event, but they should also reflect you: your style, your personalities and your relationship. After all, that’s what your guests are coming to celebrate!

I have the pleasure of working with Pinkpolka Wedding Design – Edmonton’s premiere wedding invitation and stationery boutique – for many of our clients’ events. Read on for owner Jenelle Gartner’s top tips when considering your wedding stationery.

Tell us about the stylish lady behind Pinkpolka Wedding Design!

I am Jenelle Gartner, the owner and designer of Pinkpolka Wedding Design. I have always been drawn to art and creating, so it was a natural progression that I chose a career in graphic design. I graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Design in Visual Communications and a minor in Business and Marketing. Before starting Pinkpolka Wedding Design, I worked as a designer for corporate design studios gaining invaluable experience in commercial design and production.

I chose to start a boutique design firm specializing in wedding invitations and stationery because I have a distinct style for pretty and cute design. I also enjoy working on such happy and joyous projects which have so many creative elements such as unique paper, shapes and textures along with creative finishes that have limitless possibilities.

What does Pinkpolka offer?

Pinkpolka Wedding Design is a boutique design studio specializing in wedding invitations and stationery. We offer couples stylish and unique stationery options to turn their wedding into a beautifully branded event. We have a large collection of “Off-the-Rack” designs which offer couples a more affordable option of choosing an existing design and simply changing the color. We also provide coordinating stationery to an invitation suite including products such as place cards, menus, seating charts, table numbers, guest books, banners, signage, dance floor decals and thank you cards.

What makes Pinkpolka different?

With a background in commercial design, Pinkpolka was created to offer a fresh perspective to Edmonton’s wedding stationery market. First and foremost Pinkpolka is a design studio – not a stationery store. We pride ourselves on providing creative, non-traditional solutions to wedding stationery. We are not crafters or hobbyists so we take our business seriously and want all our couples to have a polished and professionally designed invitation suite. Choosing Pinkpolka Wedding Design means you are getting the experience and expertise of a professionally trained graphic designer who can provide solutions to any custom project. Some of our projects require hand-assembly, but all of our invitations and stationery are professionally printed and produced using the highest quality supplies.

What’s your favourite part about the stationery design process?

I have two favourite parts of the design process. The first is seeing a couple’s reaction when I present the mock-up of an invitation design. The excitement and happiness clients exude is priceless and makes my job extremely fulfilling. Most clients don’t know what to expect with custom design and when they finally see a visual of the concept we discussed it is usually more than they could have imagined. Seeing these reactions truly makes my day!

My second favourite part of the process is packaging a completed reception stationery order. Our company mission statement is to “create beautifully branded events” and this part of the process embodies that statement. It makes me so happy to see a perfectly coordinated suite of stationery including such items as menus, place cards, signage, favour tags and thank you cards!

What are some exciting stationery trends you’re seeing for weddings?

• Simplicity: A common trend this year was to keep things simple. A lot of couples decided to use a phone and email RSVP, rather than a traditional mail-back insert. Many designs this year used a postcard style invitation with an extra “info card” insert. The info card works well to include RSVP information, a wedding website and any other travel or event related information. In many cases the cost was quite low so clients could invest in some extra details such as envelope liners, cigar bands and metallic stock.
• Bold Typography: Couples have been gravitating to bold uses of typography – both in modern and traditional designs. Using this typography treatment creates quite the statement and demands attention!
• Customization: This year I have had a high number of custom orders. Our “Off-the-Rack” collection includes more than 75 invitation designs, but the majority of clients this year have wanted an invitation created with their own vision and style rather than choosing an existing design.

What are your top tips for brides and grooms when considering their wedding stationery?

• Figure out your style. Not all stationery designers are created equally. Similar to wedding photographers, stationery designers all have distinct styles. Do your homework and look at a company’s portfolio section to see if they are the right fit for you. You might also want to check each vendor’s pricing to see which one falls within your budget.
• Have a clear idea of what you want to spend. It is easy to become overwhelmed by all the beautiful wedding invitation designs and ideas out there. When you begin adding ‘extras’ like metallic paper, envelope liners and cigar bands, price can increase quite quickly. Know what you are willing to spend and prioritize what you are willing to compromise. Most of the time I will build quotes based on a couple’s ideal invitation and from there optional pieces can be eliminated to bring down the budget.
• Infuse your personality into your wedding stationery. I believe it’s important for couples to be true to themselves throughout the entire process of planning a wedding, especially when it comes to their wedding stationery. Too often, couples have a strong preference to certain colours and styles of invitations but want to make sure they conform to conventions they believe are proper. Social standards have evolved greatly and it’s more common for wedding invitations to be creative and customized to reflect the couple’s personality.

The invitations featured above are custom Pinkpolka designs for some of our 2011 clients. Check out their online portfolio to view even more stunning stationery suites!

Thanks for sharing, Jenelle!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

If you’re looking for a unique gift for your boyfriend, fiancé or husband – look no further! Boudoir photography is the art of visually capturing beautiful, sensuous photos of women. I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Kat Gill from Katch Studios ~ Boudoir about the growing popularity of this empowering style of photography. Here’s what she had to say.

Tell us about Katch Studios and the types of photography you offer.

Cheryl and have been best friends since we were kids and Katch Studios was born from our mutual desire to create something together that is beautiful and meaningful. Together, we started out photographing weddings and couples but have since branched out into families and newborns too. Most recently, I’ve engaged in a full-blown love affair with boudoir photography and do this solo along with some amazing stylists.

What inspired you to do boudoir photography?

Before photography, I was a makeup artist and spent years making women look and feel beautiful. With my career in photography, that passion for capturing women at their most beautiful just grew. I also felt like I had a very specific style and look in mind that I wanted to convey. We like to think of it as “modern boudoir photography.”

What do you love most about shooting boudoir sessions?

Simply put, I am a total “girly girl” and I’m obsessed with makeup, hair and styling! I regularly devour fashion magazines and dissect ads and spreads everywhere for posing and lighting inspiration. With boudoir photography I get to put all of those passions into one session. Also, working with only one subject is something amazing in itself!! I love that I can focus completely on each woman and capture her in her best light.

What is a boudoir marathon?

It’s basically a bunch of sessions booked one after another over the span of a day or a weekend. Marathon Sessions are a great value because they include hair & makeup styling and a shorter 1 hour photo shoot for the same price as it would cost to book a Private Boudoir Session that is 1.5 hours long and doesn’t include the cost of hair & makeup. There are refreshments, sweet treats and it’s an all around girly fun-filled time!

What do your clients do with their boudoir photographs?

Women get boudoir pictures done for a wide range of reasons: as an engagement gift for their fiancé, as an original birthday gift to the boyfriend/husband who has everything, or simply for themselves. It’s a great way to capture a moment in time. Many of our clients end up purchasing an album, prints/wall canvases or getting their picture files on a disc.

What tips or advice to you give your boudoir clients to prepare them for their session?

I help them out with suggestions on the types of lingerie & accessories that photograph best and prepare them with lots of little tips like painting their nails and moisturizing. Mostly though, I just assure them that they’ll be in good hands. I put a lot of energy into finding the most flattering poses and angles for each woman and I really do believe I work with some of the best stylists in Edmonton.

Thanks for sharing your beautiful art, Kat! For information on booking your own modern boudoir session visit www.katchstudios.com/boudoir.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

When I ask couples about their wedding day priorities, great photography always tops the list. But choosing the right photographer to capture your wedding memories isn’t always easy – there’s a lot to consider! Brianna, owner of Brianna K Photography, shares what inspires her and advises what couples should keep in mind when hiring their wedding photographer.

Tell us about yourself!

I was born and raised in Edmonton. At the age of 23 I moved to New York City to study photography. After receiving my BFA in NYC I moved to Paris where I earned a Master’s Degree in Photography. Living abroad gave me an appreciation for Edmonton and what I love most about it is the people.

Shooting weddings allows me to connect with some of the city’s unique and amazing couples. What sets me apart from other photographers is my ability to bring a little Paris and New York style into my wedding photography!

Why did you become a photographer?

I have always loved the arts and studied art history at the U of A. The more I studied the more I wanted to become an artist. When I was a child my family was involved in the arts and took my brother and I on trips to Europe where I gained a true appreciation for the creative world.

Who have been the biggest influences in your life (photographers or otherwise)?

I am influenced by everything around me – from the frost on the trees to the autumn leaves. I am inspired by my clients and the emotions they embody on their wedding day.

How would you describe your photography style?

I am a fine artist at heart and am represented by a gallery in Edmonton. I also shoot fashion and commercial work for magazines. My wedding style is documentary as I love to capture the intimate moments between a couple. My work is not posed, it is more natural. I really focus on the emotional aspect of the wedding and strive to achieve that in my photographs.

Do you have a favourite wedding or wedding moment that you’ve photographed?

I love all my couples! My favourite moments are when the groom sees the bride for the first time and the intimate moments I capture after the ceremony.

What are some wedding day photography tips that couples should keep in mind?

It is very important that a couple trusts and feels comfortable with their wedding photographer. Don’t choose someone simply because they are the cheapest – book a photographer who has a style you love and who you connect with. I also recommend doing an engagement session as this helps build a relationship with your photographer before the wedding.

Here’s a glimpse at some of Brianna’s recent work – gorgeous!

Visit Brianna K Photography to book Brianna for your upcoming wedding!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

2011 started off in style with a gorgeous winter wedding in Canmore, Alberta. Lauren + Neal had a strong vision for their big day: a grey and yellow palette with vintage-inspired details, tons of candlelight to create a warm, intimate ambiance and many unique, personalized touches to reflect their relationship. From welcome packages to shuttle service and a post-wedding brunch, making their guests feel at home in the Rockies was also a priority to this fun-loving couple.

Oh and speaking of fun, after a night of amazing tunes spun by Banff Entertainment, guests made their way to an after-party to continue celebrating! Special thanks to Victoria for assisting throughout the day.

Here are a few of the lovely images captured by Julie Williams Photography – be sure to check out Julie’s blog for more gorgeousness!

Lauren’s scrumptious, hand-tied bouquet by Willow Haven Flower Shop featured a mix of yellow roses, ranunculus, craspedia, tulips and narcissus.

Lauren worked with Studio Jellyfish to design her spectacular hand-painted wedding shoes! Lauren + Neal road-tripped all around Canada and the United States together and these shoes feature some of the amazing adventures they shared. I absolutely love this personal detail!

Lauren + Neal chose to do photos before their ceremony and were able to relax and have a blast with their stylish bridal party. Lauren wore an incredible dress that she had revamped into her own custom creation. As you can see, she was an absolutely stunning bride!

The ceremony was held at the Miners’ Union Hall in Canmore. The historic hall fit perfectly with Lauren + Neal’s vintage wedding theme. Featured above is their ceremony program which, along with their invitations and reception stationery, was designed by Box Paper Scissors in Calgary. Glowing candlelight lined the aisle along with an heirloom family carpet.

After the ceremony, guests gathered at the Canmore Golf & Curling Club for the reception. The setting was intimate and warm with a breathtaking view of the snow-covered golf course. Charcoal grey taffeta linens were accented with yellow ribbon table runners (rentals provided by Get Married in Banff). The tablescapes featured glass milk jugs with craspedia, ranunculus and tulips, while an abundance of floating candles in mason jars gave the room a gorgeous glow.

To personalize their reception, Lauren + Neal named tables after places they had travelled to (many from their North American road trip adventure) and included tips pertaining to each locale. Fittingly, guests wrote their best wishes and advice for the newlyweds on vintage postcards and dropped them into a charming old suitcase.

Doughnuts instead of wedding cake? Why not!

Lauren + Neal: What a beautiful start to your new life together! Wishing you many more amazing adventures together for years to come.

Jennifer
Canmore Wedding Planner