It’s been a while since we’ve posted a Real Wedding, but that doesn’t mean they’re not happening! Over the past few months we’ve helped dozens of couples say I Do in style, and I can’t wait to share their beautiful weddings with you.

First up is a wedding that is near and dear to me as the bride and groom have been close friends of mine for years. Shannon + Nathan were married on a sunny day in July at St. Matthew Parish. Shannon looked stunning in her romantic lace gown (Grace by Maggie Sottero), accessorized with a gold sash and teardrop earrings.

Their reception at St. Albert Inn was full of touching toasts from family and friends, a ceremonial “screechin’ in” of the groom (he’s now an honorary Newfie!), and lots and lots of dancing! The gorgeous images you see below are courtesy of Jill Coursen Photography.

{A very special thank you to Jessica for coordinating the day so I could enjoy and celebrate with my close friends!}

A collection of family wedding photos were displayed outside the ballroom, while ornate gold frames showed guests to their seats. The centrepieces were a grouping of gold sprayed bottles and floating candles. The bride’s father handmade the chunky wooden table numbers which added a gorgeous contrast to the table décor!

The couple included a special thank you note at each place setting to let guests know how much their presence was valued. An expansive pink and gold sweet table included cupcakes, macarons, cake pops and a variety of tasty candies.

A huge congrats again to my dear friends – wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Coordination: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Jill Coursen Photography
  
• Rentals: Arlene Yam Decor and Special Event Rentals
• Flowers: Flowers Alive
  
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Reception Music: Baseline DJ
• Transportation: Esquire Limousines
• Gown: Bridal Début Edmonton
• Hair: Amber at Lavish Salon & Spa
• Makeup: Bella Mia Makeup

Matrix Hotel was the perfect setting for this modern, edgy wedding. Theresa wore a stunning Vera Wang gown accessorized with a black sash and sparkling Christian Louboutin pumps. Jake was dashingly handsome in black on black. Together they looked like they could be on the cover of a magazine!

The wedding design was inspired by its auspicious date, as the three elevens visually create clean, modern lines. Paired with a dramatic colour palette of black, pewter and dark purple, this pattern was carried throughout many elements of the wedding. To incorporate their northern culture, Theresa and Jake gave guests miniature Mukluk ornaments as favours. These were handmade by Theresa’s aunts – a loving, personal touch!

Alicia Price is the talented photographer behind these gorgeous images that tell the story of Theresa + Jake’s wedding day. We were honoured that this wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty Canada!

{Special thanks to Jessica for assisting!}

The ceremony was held in Matrix Hotel’s Amber Ballroom. The couple’s daughters served as their Flower Girl and Ring Bearer – they looked adorable and super stylish in black tulle and plum accents!

The stationery suite reflected Theresa + Jake’s wedding style perfectly and helped tie everything together. It was expertly designed by Jenelle at Pinkpolka.

The reception decor included black chiavari chairs, pewter pintuck linens and black lacquer charger plates finished with black satin napkins. This unconventional palette was further accented with dramatic fuchsia and purple uplighting. Ultra-modern centrepieces by La Piazza Dasee featured a cluster of three arrangements and included purple callas, dendrobium orchids and white hydrangea.

Whimsical Cake Studio supplied the delicious wedding cake and sweet table treats, including: sugar cookies, mini cupcakes, square cake pops, macarons and chocolate dipped pretzel sticks. The table was designed in an all-white theme with accents of silver incorporated in the linear pattern.

Chunky silver table numbers were the perfect modern table accessories; below, a photo booth with quirky props kept guests entertained all night.

Theresa, Jake + Family: It was an honour to get to know you all throughout the planning process. I thoroughly enjoyed your visits to Edmonton and wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Alicia Price
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals, Elegant Touches
  
• Florist: La Piazza Dasee
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Cake + Sweet Table: Whimsical Cake Studio
• Music: DJ Kwake of Premiere DJs
• Transportation: Esquire Limousine
• Officiant: Joan Tkaczyk
• Hair: Sunita Sumaru
• Makeup: Anita Gill

Tara + Brett were married in February (our first wedding of 2012!) in the midst of one of Edmonton’s most mild winters in history. Both Environmental Scientists, their love for nature and animals was evident throughout all aspects of their soirée. Add in some charming vintage elements and dozens of thoughtful, unique details…the result? An absolutely gorgeous day that truly reflected this special couple.

The highlight of the reception was the AMAZING photo backdrop! This jaw-dropping set featured trees, taxidermy, fake snow and a green vintage couch. The couple’s family and friends pitched in to make this masterpiece come to life.

The essence of Tara + Brett’s day was captured so beautifully by the talented ladies at Diamond Cake Photography, that it was really no surprise the wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty Canada! We are thrilled that 2012 started off with such a bang!

{Special thanks to Jessica and Jenna for assisting!}

The invitations featured a custom winter woodland illustration by Pinkpolka Wedding Design that was carried throughout the rest of the wedding stationery. Lori from Laurel’s On Whyte incorporated wooden flowers into all the bouquets – the result was so beautiful and unique!

Tara’s gorgeous bridesmaids wore matching robes that featured a vintage floral motif. At the ceremony, the flower girl announced the bride’s entrance with an adorable chalkboard sign!

Wedding party tebowing? Totally awesome.

As they entered the reception hall, guests were wowed by a guest book table that mirrored a forest floor! An abundance of moss, driftwood, lichen and wooden flowers were pressed beneath an acrylic tabletop, creating a gorgeous show piece. Guests were treated to delicious homemade jam favours made by the couple’s mothers and aunts.

The centrepieces were an eclectic mix of old books, antlers and crystal vases collected from friends and antique shops. Vases were filled with hydrangea, ranunculus, garden roses and cotton. Fruitwood chiavari chairs added a rustic flair to the room, while lace was used in the linens and napkins to enhance the romantic, vintage vibe.

Tables were named after an animal species and featured a bronzed version of the corresponding creature. In lieu of clinking glasses, guests had to mimic an animal sound to make the newlyweds kiss. The winning sound? An elk!

As a surprise for the couple, we commissioned Naturally Chic to make custom “Bride” and “Groom” chair signs. The winter woodland scene perfectly matched the wedding invitations and reception stationery. Below, the photo backdrop in all its glory! Isn’t it just spectacular!?

Tara + Brett: It was such a joy to help bring your unique wedding vision to reality. Thank you for entrusting Jennifer Bergman Weddings with such an important milestone in your lives. I’m looking forward to hearing all about your Tanzanian honeymoon!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Diamond Cake Photography
  
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals and Elegant Touches
• Floral Design: Laurel’s On Whyte
• Boutonnieres + Corsages: Erica Cavanagh
• Wooden Flowers: Accents and Petals
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Chair Signs: Naturally Chic
• Cake: Over the Top Cakes
• Reception Music: Jeff Ramsey and Baseline Services
• Transportation: Esquire Limousines
• Gown: Enzoani “Farlow” via The Bridal House
• Makeup: Anita Gill Makeup Artistry

Two days after Aanchal + Rajat’s Moroccan-inspired Sangeet party, they were married in an elegant ceremony at The Oasis Centre in Edmonton.

We used a warm palette of ivory, peach, copper and burgundy to enhance the aesthetic of the opulent banquet hall. Aanchal + Rajat were married under a modern Mandap covered with wavy manzanita branches and burnt orange calla lilies. Romantic rose petals and candlelight littered the stage creating a romantic ambiance.

Enjoy these beautiful images by Night and Day Photography.

Thank you, Aanchal + Rajat, for inviting us to be part of such a special time in your lives. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and your wonderful families. All the very best in the future!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Night and Day Photography
• Drapery + Lighting: QSD Event Services
• Rentals: Elegant Touches, Special Event Rentals
  
• Florist: La Piazza Dasee

I love a lot of things about East Indian weddings: the colours, the dancing, the food…but above all, the festive spirit. Everyone who attends is ready to have the time of their lives, and often the celebrations continue for the better part of a week!

We were fortunate to be involved in Aanchal + Rajat’s wedding festivities last July. We designed and coordinated their pre-wedding Sangeet party as well as the wedding ceremony. The Sangeet was held at Meridian Banquets in Edmonton. Aanchal wanted this evening to be colourful and Moroccan-inspired, complete with lanterns, lighting and a bazaar where ladies could adorn themselves with bindis and bangles!

Enjoy a small sampling of images from this festive fete by Night and Day Photography, and stay tuned for Part 2 coming later this week.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Night and Day Photography
• Drapery + Lighting: QSD Event Services
• Rentals: Elegant Touches, Special Event Rentals
  
• Florist: La Piazza Dasee

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 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

Holiday celebrations can be festive without screaming clichés. In December we designed a modern lounge-inspired holiday party in Shaw Conference Centre’s Riverview Room (and there was no tinsel in sight)! Some of our favourite design details?

• All-white linens and chiavari chairs exuded understated elegance and allowed colourful accents to ‘pop’.
• Custom die-cut menu cards by Pinkpolka Wedding Design fit perfectly inside silver beaded glass charger plates.
• White perimeter drapery was accented with beautiful shades of pink and purple, while snowflake gobo lights added a textured glow to the ceiling.
• Centrepieces with red mokara orchids and purple lamp shades created a bold colour-blocking effect.
• Ruby votives by local company glass.ful doubled as décor and favours.
• The Three Waiters entertainment group were flown in to provide an experience that guests won’t soon forget. They discreetly blended in with Shaw’s serving staff until breaking out into a full-fledged musical performance!

Sharon Litchfield Photography did a beautiful job capturing the décor and details. {Special thanks to Jessica for assisting at this event!}

Christmas Backdrops for photography

Jennifer
Edmonton Event Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Event Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Sharon Litchfield Photography
• Photo Backdrop: Shopbackdrop
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals and River City Event Rentals
• Lighting: Production Lighting
• Drapery: QSD Event Services
• Florist: La Piazza Dasee
  
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Entertainment: The Three Waiters and Premiere DJs
• Favours: glass.ful

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.