In our previous post we shared 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Ceremony Venue. Today we’re sharing 5 important questions to ask the venues you’re considering booking for your reception or wedding celebration.

1. What time must the event end? Are there any community noise bylaws that must be adhered to? Most commonly in Alberta we see a 1:00 AM bar closure time, but some venues choose to shut down a bit earlier than this. Other communities have noise bylaws that prohibit loud music past 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. This can especially be true for venues located in residential areas, or backyard tented events. Check the bylaws in your area if you’re hosting an event at home.

Whyte Museum Grounds (Banff, AB) / Natalie Andrusiak

2. When can the venue be accessed for decorating? When must all items be removed? It may seem early to worry about logistics, but it is important to consider when you will be able to set up and decorate for your event, and when everything must be taken down and picked up. Most rental and decorating companies will charge a premium to come back late at night, so if your venue allows next-day pick up this can save you some cash.

50th Parallel Estate / Tara Peach

3. Is catering provided by the venue, or is external catering permitted? Are alcohol and bartending services provided by the venue, or can you bring your own alcohol and liquor license? It can be convenient when the venue provides all food and beverage services. On the other hand, choosing your own caterer and bar company offers you more control over your menu and budget. In either case, be sure to ask ahead about meal service styles (plated vs buffet vs family style) and any special must-have menu items or cultural dishes.

JW Marriott, Wayne Gretzky Ballroom / Mango Studios

4. What are the nearby options for guest parking? It is helpful to include parking details on your invitations or wedding website so guests have a heads up about parking locations, costs, walking distance to the venue, and whether they can leave their vehicles overnight. If your venue is outside of an area serviced by taxis or Uber, consider arranging shuttle bus service to provide your guests with a safe and convenient way to attend your wedding.

Aspen Valley Events / Andras Schram

5. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue provides and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding reception include: chairs, tables (ask about sizes), linens, napkins, staging, dance floor, podium, AV equipment (microphones, sound system, projector, screen), dishware, flatware, glassware, candles, easels and coat racks.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Nicole Ashley Photography

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Event Planners

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Ceremony + Reception Venue: Whyte Museum Grounds (Banff, AB)
• Bride Getting Ready Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
• Photographer: Natalie Andrusiak
• Videographer: A Love Story
• Officiant: Karyn White
• Ceremony + Cocktail Music: RSVP Weddings
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis
• Catering: Fork + Farm
• Cake: Kake Canmore
• Florist: Flower Artistry
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals Banff
• Vintage Furniture: Orange Trunk Vintage Styling & Rentals
• Limo and Shuttle Service: Highland VIP
• Invitations + Stationery: J. Gartner Studio
• Washrooms: Rangeland RV
• Generator: Bison Electric
• Hair + Makeup: The Pretty Haus
• Bride’s Hair Stylist: Marika Stimac from Mousy Brown’s
• Bride’s Gown: Dalaarna from Pearl & Dot
• Bridesmaid Attire: Park & Fifth Co.
• Groom + Groomsmen Attire: SUITS by Curtis Eliot

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Banff Wedding Planner

Living in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Melena + Bayden chose to have a destination wedding in Banff so their family and friends from across various provinces and territories could come together to celebrate over a weekend.

Their outdoor ceremony took place on Tunnel Mountain Meadow. A simple wooden cross draped in soft fabric marked the altar, and served as a beautiful symbol amidst the spectacular Rocky Mountain backdrop.  We paired a romantic, airy aesthetic with the beautiful rustic setting of Buffalo Mountain Lodge, where the wedding dinner and dance were held.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Ceremony Venue: Tunnel Mountain Meadow
• Reception Venue: Buffalo Mountain Lodge
• Photography + Videography: The Toths
• Officiant:  Donald Crawford
• Ceremony + Reception Music: Livin’ & Dancin’ DJ Services
• Florist: Willow Flower Co.
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals Banff
• Invitations: Minted
• Day-Of Stationery: Pinkpolka
• Wedding Cake: Kake Canmore
• Hair + Makeup: Mountain Beauties

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Banff Wedding Planner, Canmore Wedding Planner

This wedding is very special to our team as the beautiful bride was one of our own. Kelsey began working as an intern at JBW and learned quickly, taking on the role as Assistant Wedding Coordinator. She met Dean as part of her own whirlwind love story and moved to Northern Alberta to be with him, sadly leaving the JBW team – but we were so happy for her new adventure! A couple years later we were honoured to be asked to coordinate Kelsey + Dean’s wedding at Buffalo Mountain Lodge in beautiful Banff, Alberta.

Kelsey + Dean chose to do a first look and take their photos before the ceremony. This is a great idea for a destination wedding, as it allows guests to enjoy their day and explore the local attractions. After the most touching and heartfelt ceremony (for real, we were blown away!), guests enjoyed cocktails while we transformed the Wapiti Room for dinner. Ash grey linens and wooden chiavari chairs complemented the rustic setting, while gold mercury accents and soft blooms in creams and blush added romance and elegance.

The stone fireplace was covered in candlelight, and the wedding party sat in front of it at a grand King’s Table – which only partially collapsed due to a faulty table leg! We can laugh about it now as no dresses were harmed during this incident – and what’s a wedding without a funny story to share!?

Before departing, guests were invited to enjoy Sunday brunch with the newlyweds. It was the perfect mountain wedding weekend for the most deserving couple! Enjoy these beautiful images by Nicole Ashley Photography.

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Banff Wedding Day Management

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits:

• Coordination: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Ceremony Music: Kyle Sand (Guitarist)
• Invitations/Stationery: Minted
• Officiant: Barbara Parker
• Pie Table: Buffalo Mountain Lodge
• Hair + Makeup: The Pretty Haus
• Florist: Willow Flower Co.
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Transportation: Banff Transportation Group
• Gown: Pronovias from The Bridal House
• Wedding Veil:  bestweddingveil

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

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

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

Wendy + Ian’s wedding was published in WedLuxe Magazine’s Winter/Spring 2014 issue, but we haven’t yet blogged it! In honour of their first anniversary (today!), here’s a look at their incredible wedding at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

The week leading up to the wedding was quite eventful as the area suffered catastrophic flooding, resulting in the highway being closed. Thankfully it reopened just a couple days before the wedding and everything carried on as planned. We also lucked out with a warm and sunny day for the outdoor ceremony set on Bow Valley Terrace with a postcard-perfect view.

Enjoy Wendy + Ian’s love story as captured by the talented C.J. Scott Photography!

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

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits:

• Wedding Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: C.J Scott Photography
• Officiant: Bruce Adlington
• Stationery: First Snowfall (Etsy)
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals Banff
• Cake: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
• Reception Music: Livin’ & Dancin’ DJ Services
• Hair: Sherri Pasquini
• Makeup: Karen Malcolm
• Gown: Vera Wang (Diana) from Blush Bridal & Special Occasions 
• Accessories: Elsa Corsi
• Shoes: Valentino from Holt Renfrew
• Bridesmaid Dresses: Jim Hjelm Occasions
• Formal Wear: Prada from Holt Renfrew

It’s the middle of the summer and the last thing you want to do is think about snow. But today’s Real Wedding post will make you want to welcome winter with open arms!

There’s something about The Chateau Lake Louise that makes it such a special place to visit. There’s an atmosphere of serenity like you’re removed from the busyness of the everyday. Add snow-capped mountains and crisp blue sky and it’s winter wedding perfection!

Jenny + James chose to get married a few days after Christmas so that visiting family members from the UK could be in attendance at this special occasion. Both their ceremony and reception were held in the Victoria Ballroom, where a warm stone fireplace served as the backdrop for their nuptials while beautiful sounds of cello and violin filled the room.

Their gorgeous wedding party, outfitted in timeless black and white, braved the chilly air for picturesque views prior to returning to the ballroom for cocktails. The reception design was classic with a dash of whimsy. Gold chiavari chairs, pewter frames, silver julep vases and gold charger plates developed the mixed metallic palette, adding to the elegance of the space. The wedding cake design was based on Jenny’s grandparents’ cake and a photo of the original was placed on the cake table along with it.

Sharon Litchfield never ceases to impress with her stunning photography. Enjoy Jenny + James’ love story from behind her lens…

 Jenny + James: It was such a pleasure to work with you and your wonderful families. Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!

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

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Sharon Litchfield
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: Willow Haven Flower Shop
• Rentals: OneWest Events
• Cake: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Officiant: Robin White
• Ceremony Music: Music Mosaic
• DJ: Banff Entertainment
• Hair + Makeup: Helen Kwan

We had the pleasure of working with Shelley + Stewart to plan their beautiful Rocky Mountain wedding. With a stunning turquoise lake as a backdrop, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was an obvious choice. It started drizzling right before the ceremony but this didn’t phase Shelley one bit as she made her way down the aisle on her father’s arm. It actually turned into an adorable photo-op as both fathers proudly held umbrellas over their children as they united in marriage! Following the ceremony, guests congregated indoors for a champagne reception. Bel Canto Strings played beautiful classical versions of the bride and groom’s favourite songs by Coldplay and Snow Patrol.

The Victoria Ballroom was decorated to enhance its rustic yet elegant ambiance. Table centres featured beautiful wooden lanterns surrounded by candlelight and mason jars filled with green hydrangea, cotton, ivory roses and scabiosa pods. A comfortable lounge seating area was setup near the dance floor where guests enjoyed warm beverages from a specialty coffee bar. The next day, before departing on their Croatian honeymoon, Shelley and Stewart treated their guests to an experiential brunch at Lake Louise Ski Hill.

Photographed by the insanely talented Phil Crozier, it’s no surprise this wedding was recently featured on Style Me Pretty Canada!

Shelley + Stew: You are one of the sweetest couples I’ve had the pleasure of working with and I know there are only amazing things ahead for your future together! Wishing you all the best,

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

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: PHOTOPHILCRO  Shopbackdrop
  
• Floral: Willow Haven Flower Shop
• Rentals / Lighting: OneWest Events
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Cake: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Specialty Coffee Bar: Senorita Margarita
• Ceremony Music: Bel Canto Strings
• DJ: Class Act DJ
  
• Officiant: Robin White
• Bride’s Gown: Novelle Bridal Shop
• Hair + Makeup: Stephanie Roy