Nicole + Blake were married at the Castle of the Rocky Mountains – The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. We worked with this fun-loving couple from start to finish to plan and design their mountain destination wedding.

The wedding was designed to enhance the dramatic elegance of the venue with a non-traditional colour palette to reflect the unique personal styles of the bride and groom. Mixed metallics and laser-cut stationery details hinted at the medieval characteristics of the hotel, while lush brightly coloured florals added romance and femininity. Some unique décor elements included a custom black glitter aisle runner, a metal seating chart and laser cut place card wraps around the napkins.

Guests received two custom flavours of fudge from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory that were hand selected by the bride and groom. They also took home an evergreen seedling plant in honour of Nicole’s late father. Duelling pianists were brought in as the evening entertainment, and they kept guests on the dance floor all night long!

Carey Nash’s jaw-dropping photography in a picturesque destination was a perfect match. Read more about Nicole + Blake’s Banff wedding weekend in the latest issue of Blush Magazine.

{Winner of the 2014 Canadian Wedding Industry Awards for
Best Event Planning AND Best Wedding Invitation, Alberta Region}

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Carey Nash Photography
• Marriage Commissioner: Jason Fernandez
• Ceremony Music: Music Mosaic Duo (Violin/Cello)
• Duelling Pianists: Jamie Mahn + Lesley Pelletier
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Design
  
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Lighting: PSAV Banff
• Décor: Special Event Rentals / Elegant Touches
• Custom Aisle Runner: The Original Runner Co.
• Favours: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (Fudge) and Evergreen Memories (Tree Seedlings)
• Cake: Cake Sensations
• Hair: coucouhair(Melissa and Sarah)
• Makeup: Olivia Tassone
• Dress: Pronovias Duende from The Bridal House

We had the pleasure of working with Michelle and Matt to plan and design their destination wedding in B.C.’s beautiful Okanagan Valley! From the beginning of the planning process it was clear that they were more concerned about the comfort and experience of their guests than making the event about themselves. They wanted to create an experience for their guests to enjoy a mini vacation, and spend as much time possible visiting with loved ones.

To kick off the wedding weekend an exclusive event was held at the spectacular Mission Hill Winery. The venue was privately booked so guests were able to explore the architecture, take a private tour through the wine cellars and enjoy the ambiance of a string quartet under the stars.

On the wedding day the ceremony was scheduled in the late afternoon so guests could relax in the sun at the resort. Held at the picturesque CedarCreek Estate Winery, guests enjoyed a post-ceremony wine reception before being shuttled back to the resort for the evening events. Dinner and the formal program were held in a beautifully draped tent adjacent to Manteo Resort. After dinner guests made their way into the ballroom which was transformed into a contemporary lounge with a nightclub atmosphere, where they danced the night away to music spun by Edmonton’s top DJs, Harman B & DJ Kwake.

Here’s a look at Michelle + Matt’s gorgeous Kelowna wedding photographed by Jessica Balfour Photography.

{Winner of the 2014 Canadian Wedding Industry Award for
Best Luxury Event Planning, Alberta Region}

Bridesmaid Dresses au

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Jessica Balfour Photography
• Marriage Commissioner: Barbara Cragg
• Ceremony Music: Jeff Piatelli (Air Waves Music)
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis (Harman B & DJ Kwake)
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Design
  
• Florist / Rentals (Decor): Celebrate Lavish
• Rentals (Tent, Chairs, Furniture): Avalon Event Rentals
• Croquembouche: Sugar Sweet Cake Co.
• Limousine: Kelowna Limo
• Shuttle Service: Western Bus Lines
• Hair: Nadine and Cody from Grateful Head Hair Studio
• Makeup: Style Bar by Sonia Sajnani
• Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Megan + Eric decided to host a weekend destination wedding at one of their favorite locations – The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. They wanted their guests to enjoy a sumptuous, romantic winter getaway, while incorporating unique elements to personalize the day.

Upon arrival, guests received welcome packages in their hotel rooms which included some of the couple’s favourite treats and snacks, mountain-themed components to tie into the destination, as well as a weekend itinerary postcard with a personalized thank you note. At the reception dinner tables, “guest libs” (mad libs) cards were placed at each setting on the other side of the menu. Guests filled in the blanks to Megan + Eric’s love story with their own creative adjectives – this was such a fun keepsake and an excellent alternative to a traditional guest book!

To convey a warm, romantic feeling with wintery undertones, we based the wedding design around a palette of mixed metallics and warm pastels. “Winter sparkle” was included in elements throughout the wedding design – from the glitter paper used in the stationery, to champagne sequin overlays, to the custom sparkly silver aisle runner. Black suede chair pads on dark gold diamond back chairs enhanced the medieval characteristics of Mount Stephen Hall.

Here’s a look at Megan + Eric’s magical Banff winter wedding with stunning photography by Gabe McClintock. You can also view the feature on Junebug Weddings. Enjoy!

{Winner of the 2014 Canadian Wedding Industry Award for
Best Event Design, Alberta Region}

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Gabe McClintock
• Officiant: Klaus Ohlhoff
• Ceremony Music: Music Mosaic
• Reception Music: Banff Entertainment
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Design
  
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Cake: Cake Rhapsody
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals Banff
• Transportation: Highland Executive Limousine
• Hair + Makeup: Willow Stream Spa
• Gown: Allure Bridals 8957 from Novelle Bridal
• Shoes: Doris Embellished Metallic Pump by Badgley Mischka
• Bridesmaids’ Apparel: Alfred Sung from The Bridal House
• Groom/Groomsmen Apparel: Black by Vera Wang from Moore’s

Arizona is a popular vacation and winter home destination for many Albertans – why not celebrate your wedding in the warm, dry heat with spectacular sunsets and stunning desert backdrops?!

Paula + Sheldon did just that. To celebrate their love and unite their two families, they decided to host a destination wedding experience in one of their favorite locations: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. A luxury hotel nestled in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, this has been a special place since they first met, and was a natural choice for their wedding weekend location.

Friday kicked off the weekend events with an early morning golf tournament at The Boulders Golf Club – one of the top 12 golf resorts in the world. Later that evening, we welcomed guests with a casual Cowboy Cookout at Proof Restaurant overlooking the McDowell Mountains. Attendees were encouraged to wear western attire, and the menu was rich with hearty southwestern favorites.

The wedding day arrived with clear blue skies and sunshine. The ceremony was held outdoors on the Four Seasons Troon Lawn overlooking a picturesque desert scene. Immediately following the ceremony, guests were served drinks and canapés on a nearby terrace while the lawn was transformed for dinner. At the reception guests enjoyed a 4-course meal and several heartfelt toasts. As a surprise for the groom from his bride, we arranged for a spectacular fireworks display timed perfectly after one minute of their first dance outdoors under the stars!

Still brimming with excitement after the fireworks spectacle, guests were ushered into the Ironwood Ballroom for the after-party, where music from top Arizona DJs Desert House Productions filled the ballroom with expectant energy. Flooded with pink, orange and purple lighting, the space was designed to convey a desert sunset, signifying the end to an amazing weekend of events.

Winner of the 2014 Canadian Event Industry Star Award for Best Wedding and featured on Style Me Pretty, this wedding is full of bright and beautiful details. Enjoy this gorgeous collection of images from Stephanie Fay Photography.

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design
Scottsdale / Phoenix, Arizona Wedding Planning + Design

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Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Stephanie Fay
  
• Videographer: Bright Bokeh
• Officiant: Mike Kennedy
  
• Stationery: Glossie
  
• EyeLashes: LilyMink
  
• Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
• Cake: Four Seasons
• Live Ceremony / Reception Music: ShouTheory
  
• DJ / Lighting: Desert House Productions
• Hair + Makeup: Allison Pynn
• Gown: Sandrina by Jenny Yoo
  
• Bridesmaid / Flower Girl Dresses: Dessy

Two of my closest friends were married in Victoria last fall, and I had the honour of playing double duty as wedding planner and guest! The seaside ceremony and intimate reception were held at Brentwood Bay Resort & Spa – a luxurious getaway named one of the Top 10 Resorts in Canada by Condé Nast Traveler.

I could go on and on about this one, but I’ll let Jesse Holland’s beautiful pictures do the talking instead – enjoy!

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

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• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Jesse Holland Photography 
• Officiant: Marian Marsh
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florist: Verbena Floral Design
• Rentals – Charger Plates: Pedersen’s Vancouver
• Rentals – Table Runners: Special Event Rentals
• Burlap Aisle Runner: Rustic Chicks Designs
• Ceremony Drapery: Decorate Victoria
• Ceremony Music: Harbour Strings
• Reception Music: DJ Clinton – Capital City DJs 
• Hair + Makeup: Belle Amour
• Gown: Theia from Novelle Bridal

On Monday we shared a bright and bold destination wedding design board for Naomi + Tim’s beautiful July wedding. Their love for travel made a wedding in the sand an obvious choice, and we selected Melia Cabo Real Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico for its swimmable beach and small, intimate size.

One of the benefits of having a destination wedding is celebrating and visiting with your guests for an entire week. Upon arrival at the resort, guests were greeted with welcome packages and enjoyed a reception that included ice-breakers so the families could get to know one another. The evening before the wedding Naomi + Tim treated their 60+ guests to a bonfire on the beach complete with s’mores, drinks and music!

The wedding ceremony itself was performed by Tim’s parents, making it very special and personal. Dinner and dancing took place on Melia’s Garden Terrace which was decorated to reflect the couple’s love of colour. Teal tablecloths, orange napkins and hot pink chiffon sashes popped against white chiavari chairs. The lush centrepieces included lilies, mums and roses in bold shades. Glowing lanterns were strung above the terrace where guests enjoyed heartfelt speeches and danced the night away! Special thanks to local vendor Linens, Things and More who did an excellent job of executing our designs for both the ceremony and reception.

After the wedding Naomi + Tim explored Cabo with Carey Nash for their ‘trash-the-dress’ session. These stunning photos make me want to bring Carey on my next vacation – he really has an amazing eye!

Naomi + Tim: Congratulations again! It was an absolute pleasure to work with you – enjoy your first Christmas as newlyweds!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Travel Agent: Dianna Izsak of Newwest Travel
• Photographer: Carey Nash Photography
• Rentals + Décor: Linens, Things and More by Suzanne Morel
• Flowers: Emporio Arte Floral
  
• Cake: Melia Cabo Real Resort
  
• Bride’s Gown: Pure Bridal
• Hair + Makeup: Neysa Berman Blanc Salon

The term destination wedding typically conjures up images of a sandy ceremony in a sunny locale. But you don’t have to look too far to find amazing destinations right here in Canada. Pender Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands along the Pacific Coast of British Columbia – and let me tell you, it’s spectacular.

Stephanie + Clark were living in Halifax during the entire planning process, but through many emails and Skype calls we worked together to plan their dream wedding at Poets Cove Resort & Spa. As guests were travelling to Pender Island from all over the country, Stephanie + Clark wanted their wedding to reflect the destination as well as their own personal styles. ‘West Coast Chic’ describes a perfect pairing of elegant and luxurious décor with coastal elements such as driftwood, twine and nautical stripes.

Stephanie was a dream bride to work with! She has impeccable taste and put the utmost trust in each and every one of her wedding professionals, allowing us to do what we do best.

We are thrilled that this gorgeous wedding was featured in the Winter/Spring 2012 issue of WedLuxe Magazine. Enjoy the photos below taken by the so-very-talented C.J. Scott Photography.

Stephanie’s bridal look was exquisite! She wore ‘Dorothy’ by Vera Wang – a stunningly beautiful ballgown with hand-painted flowers on the tulle skirt and a jaw-dropping band of ‘bling’ across the neckline. Her hair and makeup were styled by Sharon Rai Hair and Makeup Artistry and Elsa Corsi designed her jewellery. Nude Christian Louboutin pumps completed the look.

Verbena Floral Design created the gorgeous bouquets and flower arrangements. I was so impressed with Vanessa and her team’s dedication to making sure every bloom looked perfect. I can’t wait for another opportunity to work with them again!

The stationery suite was designed by Jenelle at Pinkpolka Wedding Design. From the ‘ferry ticket’ Save the Date to custom postage and monogrammed welcome bags, every detail was perfectly coordinated to reflect Stephanie + Clark’s wedding style.

The ceremony was held on Poets Cove’s terrace facing the picturesque harbour. Rose petals and grand birch bark arrangements lined the aisle, while guests kept cool with ceremony program fans.

Clark was dashingly handsome in his Tom Ford tuxedo from Holt Renfrew. The bridesmaids wore ivory knee-length gowns by Melissa Sweet, tied with a black sash. They each carried a different bouquet composed of a flower used in Stephanie’s bouquet, representing the distinct roles they play in her life.

Stephanie looked breathtaking! She was a perfect bride – poised, elegant and classically styled. Clark cleaned up pretty well himself!

The reception décor carried through the ‘West Coast Chic’ theme. Walnut chiavari chairs contrasted beautifully with ivory Wilshire Stripe linens. Place cards were wrapped and tied around individual menu cards that sat atop ivory napkins and chocolate weave charger plates. The centrepieces were a lush combination of hydrangeas, roses, dahlias, lisianthus, stock, dusty miller and freesia. Birch bark containers, driftwood and ferns added rustic coastal elements to the romantic décor. A 3-tier vanilla buttercream cake sat amongst a table of freshly baked cookies which were later served with cartons of milk as a late night treat.

Guests held sparklers for the newlyweds’ first dance – a custom mash-up by DJ Clinton featuring Train’s Marry Me and Keith Urban’s Without You. A flare bartender served signature martinis with style while the dance party continued in the ballroom. Pink LED uplighting flooded the space with colour and energy, and Stephanie + Clark were delighted with a surprise flash mob performance to Party Rock Anthem coordinated by the wedding party!

Stephanie + Clark: I cannot thank you enough for entrusting Jennifer Bergman Weddings with your special day. Wishing you the very best as you begin the next chapter of your love story.

Jennifer and Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: C.J. Scott Photography
• Rentals: Upright Décor
• Florist: Verbena Floral Design
• Cake + Cookie Table: Pender Island Bakery
  
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Ceremony Music: Harbour Strings
• Reception Music: Capital City DJ
• Gown: Blush
  
• Hair + Makeup: Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry

This morning I was back on CTV Edmonton – this time, discussing considerations and tips for planning 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. There are a lot more unknowns and many things to consider when going away for your wedding. Click the link below to view the segment:

Edmonton Destination Wedding Planning Tips

Pender Island, B.C., Canada

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Los Cabos, Mexico

Los Cabos, Mexico

If you’re going away for your wedding – whether it’s to the mountains, a beautiful vineyard or a sandy beach – contact us, we’d love to help!

Jennifer
Destination Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credits: C.J. Scott Photography, Kelsy Nielson Photographer, PHOTOPHILCRO, PHOTOPHILCRO.