Tina + John’s gorgeous Art Gallery of Alberta wedding was recently featured on WedLuxe.com – home of Canada’s luxury wedding magazine.

The day began with an intimate candlelight ceremony in the AGA’s Ledcor Theatre, followed by a cocktail reception on the 3rd floor terrace. The couple’s signature drink, aptly named “Evening Love Affair,” was served with personalized cocktail napkins. Delicious sweets accompanied their four-tier wedding cake, all black & white in theme with pink ombré rose petals overflowing on the table.

The menu by Zinc Catering was exquisite! Guests were given a choice of four entrées which were served with the couple’s favourite dish – truffle macaroni & cheese – as a side. Dessert included anise poached pears with caramel ginger sauce and frangelico crème brûlée.

Tina + John kept their guests entertained all night – from amazing music for the dancing crowd to take-home caricature drawings to a drool-worthy late night snack from Drift Food Truck – there was something for everyone! These two have so much fun together and this shines through in Kelly Redinger’s beautiful photography shown below.

{Special thanks to Krista, Lana and Arlene for assisting on this wedding!}

Tina + John: Best wishes for an amazing future together – and congrats on your recent addition to the family!

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

 +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Wedding Photography and Photobooth: Kelly Redinger
• Catering: Zinc Catering
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: Laurel’s On Whyte
• Drapery and Canopy Design: Site 6 Events
• Rentals: Production Lighting and River City Events
• Cake: Whimsical Cake Studio
• Entertainment: VIF String Quartet and Baseline Event Services
• Caricature Artist: Quirky Art Cafe
• Formal Wear: Sam Abouhassan
• Gown: Ines Di Santo from Blush Bridal
• Bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo from Holt Renfrew
• Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale from Delica Bridal
• Hair Stylist: Tracy Underwood
• Makeup Artist: Eric MacNeil

I’m very excited to finally share this beautiful June wedding with you! We’ve been keeping it under wraps until it made its debut in the Spring/Summer 2013 issue of Blush Magazine:

Leslie is one of the sweetest brides I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, and to top it off she’s supermodel gorgeous! When I first met Leslie to chat about her wedding vision, romance was a key theme. After seeing her and Warren together it all made sense – the love that these two share is truly special.

The day started off early with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at Warren’s parents’ house, followed by a Catholic ceremony at St. Joseph’s Basilica. The reception took place in Manning Hall at the Art Gallery of Alberta where ‘Modern Romance’ came to life. The walls were draped in soft ivory voile and lit in a lavender glow. Black chiavari chairs provided a modern contrast to ivory satin tablecloths, while wheatgrass and phalaenopsis orchid centrepieces added a fresh punch of life to the room.

Guests were treated to a lively Lion Dance performance followed by a delicious dinner courtesy of Zinc Catering.

Loving this wedding? Head on over to the Katch Studios blog for more stunning images!

Leslie + Warren: Thank you for allowing us to be part of your love story. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

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

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits:

• Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Katch Studios
  
• Floral: faBLOOMosity
• Rentals / Drapery / Lighting: Special Event Rentals
• Linens: Arlene Yam Décor
• Guest Book Table: Elegant Touches
• Cake: Whimsical Cake Studio
• DJ: Premiere DJs
• Transportation: Legends Limousine
• Bride’s Gown: Novelle Bridal Shop
  
• Hair: Jenn Chivers
• Makeup: Anita Gill
  

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

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

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

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.

Tara + Brett chose historic locations for both their ceremony and reception venues. After attending an intimate ceremony at McKay Avenue School, guests made their way to Freemasons’ Hall for the reception, where they ate a delicious meal and danced the night away.

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

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

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

We’re excited to be featured in the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of Weddingbells Magazine! It’s on stands now so go grab your copy (and flip to page 393)!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Looking good on your wedding day isn’t enough for most brides – you want to drop jaws and knock the socks off your groom’s feet as he sees you for the first time, right!? Well, to get jaw-droppingly glam on your big day look no further than Anita Gill Makeup Artistry. Anita is an über-talented makeup artist in Edmonton and I have had the pleasure of working with her on several weddings over the past couple of years. Check out what this makeup maven has to say about makeup tips and trends for your big day.

Who’s the lady behind the (makeup) brush?

I have been in the makeup industry for almost 6 years now. I started my makeup career off at MAC Cosmetics and worked there for just under 5 years. It wasn’t until early last year that I decided to move away from MAC and further pursue being a freelance makeup artist – and I can honestly say that that was one of the best decisions I have ever made. In addition to being a makeup artist, I am also just finishing up my last year in the B.Comm program at Grant MacEwan University. People often ask me why I am a Business and Human Resources student if I want to continue on with makeup. The simple answer is because I one day hope to turn this freelance business into a full makeup and hair studio.

Why did you become a makeup artist?

Originally I was interested in makeup simply because both of my sisters, Sunita Sumaru and Susan Gill, are makeup artists. I think naturally I just wanted to follow in their footsteps, but over the years I’ve discovered that it was more than that. I soon realized that my job was more than just doing makeup; it included making women look and feel their best. Knowing that I have the ability to make a woman feel super glamorous is the best feeling in the world. The reactions I get from women after doing their makeup is what makes this job so amazing to me.

What’s your favourite part about your job?

There are two things that I truly love about being a makeup artist: The first is that I am able to use my creativity to make a woman look and feel beautiful. The second is that I get to meet some of the most amazing people; this includes both people that I do makeup for, along with vendors that I have met within the wedding industry.

What are your top tips for brides when considering their bridal makeup?

• First and foremost, it is nice to go into your makeup trial with some inspiration. So even if you just have a picture from a magazine or from a website, bring it with you because it will help communicate what your vision is for your wedding day makeup.
• Keep in mind that makeup always looks a lot softer in pictures than it does in person, so do not be afraid to go a little darker/brighter for your bridal makeup. Having that bit of added depth in your eye shadow and a stronger cheek contour can really make all the difference in your pictures.
• Make sure you get your eyebrows done before the big day. I can’t even begin to describe how much makeup artists appreciate a good, clean brow.
• Lastly, say yes to the false lashes! Even if you choose the most natural lashes, they will still make a huge difference. In my opinion, no makeup is complete without liner and lashes!

What bridal makeup trends are you seeing for 2012?

When I first started doing makeup the bridal makeup trend really seemed to be natural, classy, soft neutrals and mauve. However, this trend is completely changing. The up and coming trends are definitely more of a soft smoky eye with nude pink lips and pink cheeks, and the second trend would be a neutral eye lid, with heavy liner and thick lashes, with a more bronzed cheek and neutral lip.

When should brides book their bridal makeup artist?

Be sure to book your makeup artist well in advance. A lot of people assume that makeup artists can be booked a month or two before the wedding date, but this can leave you super disappointed. Try to book at least 6 months in advance – it is surprising how quickly vendors book up these days! Also, book your trial closer to your wedding day (within two months of the wedding day), even if your wedding day is a year away. I say this because when brides get their trial done too far in advance, by the time the wedding comes around, their style has changed and they decide to change the way they want their makeup. In my experience, brides who have a trial too far in advance always end up getting a second trial done closer to the date. Many brides question this by asking, “Well I don’t want to wait until a month before the wedding, because what if I hate my trial and choose to go with a different makeup artist?” My answer to this is simple – that is why it is important to look around for a makeup artist, to check out their work, and to ensure that they are reputable in the makeup and wedding industry. If all this is done, then you should not worry and just trust that you are in good hands for your wedding day!

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Here are some of the stunning JBW brides and bridesmaids who have been beautified by Anita Gill Makeup Artistry:

Thanks for the wonderful information, Anita!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credits (from top to bottom): Carey Nash Photography, Katch Studios, Sharon Litchfield Photography.

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.

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