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

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.

Married exactly one year from the day they were engaged (in front of the Eiffel Tower, I might add), it’s no surprise that romance was the running theme for this wedding from the start. Hala + Sean’s modern day fairytale wedding was held back in August on a sunny day in Edmonton, Alberta. They chose to have their ‘first look‘ at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald before heading over to St. Joachim Catholic Church to say their vows.

As always, Sharon Litchfield Photography did an amazing job capturing the romance and elegance of this gorgeous wedding. The pictures truly speak for themselves – enjoy!

{Special thanks to Jessica for assisting!}

Hala’s super-talented beauty team: Anita Gill Makeup Artistry and addcolo Wigs

Hala took everyone’s breath away in her stunning Tara Keely ballgown (style 2051) from Novelle Bridal!
Her beautiful bridesmaids looked picture perfect in fuchsia chiffon dresses.

Kate Ashton Florists designed the gorgeous florals. Hala’s romantic bouquet featured mini ivory calla lilies, pink and ivory roses, lisianthus, stock, and mini pink cymbidium orchids.

After the ceremony guests made their way to The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s Wedgwood Room for cocktails, dinner and dancing. We kept the décor design simple to let the beauty of the room’s architecture take centre stage. Lush pink centrepieces popped on the elegant white and silver tables, and reception stationery by Pinkpolka Wedding Design completed the look.

Duelling pianists entertained guests throughout the entire evening! The first dances were one of my favourite parts of the entire day – you could feel the emotion in the room – beautiful!

Congratulations, Hala + Sean! It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and your families to bring your wedding vision to life. Wishing you all the best in the future!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Sharon Litchfield Photography
• Videographer: A Love Story
• Rentals: Elegant Touches
• Florist: Kate Ashton Florists
  
• Cake: Simply Elegant
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Reception Music: Lindsey Nagy + Jesse Peters
• Transportation: Eternity Limousine
• Gown: Novelle Bridal
• Hair: Patricia J Hair Designer
• Makeup: Anita Gill Makeup Artistry

Victoria + Nathan are that couple. That couple you know who are so in love that you feel like you’re watching a romance movie when you’re with them. It was only fitting that their wedding exuded romance as well!

Using a fresh palette of pewter grey, ivory and icy blue, we designed and coordinated their wedding at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. The result: an elegant, enchanting affair that felt warm and inviting.

Here’s a look at Victoria + Nathan’s day with photos by Katch Studios. I had such a hard time narrowing down the photos to share with you (drop-dead gorgeous couple + insanely talented photographers = soooo many amazing images)!

{Special thanks to Sarah and Jessica for assisting.}

Love a groom in a bowtie. Paired with a phalaenopsis orchid boutonniere – elegant and timeless!

Victoria’s gown by Pronovias (Fantastica) from Pure Bridal was full of romantic, cascading ruffles.

The ceremony was held at St. Joseph’s Basilica – one of Edmonton’s iconic landmarks. The emotion on Victoria’s face says it all.

At the reception guests left their thumbprint on a custom guest book tree drawing. The Empire Ballroom is naturally stunning, so minimal décor is required. The room was enhanced with vanilla satin chair wraps, silver damask linens and gorgeous centrepieces by La Piazza Dasee composed of white phalaenopsis orchids, and blue and white hydrangea.

Victoria + Nathan opted to include thoughtful thank-you notes at each guest’s place setting. Blue butterfly place cards added a whimsical touch to the table décor.

The Art of Cake created this gorgeous ruffled white chocolate masterpiece. It smelled amazing!

Victoria + Nathan: Thank you for choosing us to help bring your wedding vision to life. Wishing you a marriage filled with romance!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

• Wedding Design + Coordination: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Katch Studios
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Florist: La Piazza Dasee
• Cake: The Art of Cake
• Invitations + Stationery: Notables
• Ceremony Music: Strathcona String Quartet
• DJ: Puttin’ On The Hitz
• Gown: Pure Bridal
• Hair: Ricci Hair
• Makeup: Anita Gill Makeup Artistry

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

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