More and more couples are choosing to break tradition and see each other before they walk down the aisle. Referred to as a “first look,” it is when the to-be-weds see one another in their wedding attire with their photo and video team present to document the moment. Most couples then spend a couple of hours taking photos with their wedding party before heading to the ceremony to say I Do.

While this change of format isn’t for everyone, taking photos before the ceremony is a great idea for a few reasons:

• Feeling fresh. Taking photos right after you get ready means your hair and makeup will be at their best. (This also applies to your flowers!)
• Capture the moment. Your photo and video team will ensure this special moment is captured at all angles, with no risk of Uncle Hank’s iPad obstructing the view.
• Keep calm and marry on. If you’re the anxious type, hanging out and taking photos with the bridal party will help you relax before the ceremony.
• Gone with the gap. Getting photos out of the way before the ceremony saves your guests the painful wait in between events, and allows you to spend more time visiting with them. This is particularly convenient if both ceremony and reception are being held at the same venue.

Here are some amazing photos of JBW couples sharing their first look!

{Sharon Litchfield Photography}

{Blake Loates Photography}

{Carey Nash Photography}

{Gabe McClintock}

{Brianna Hughes Photography}

{Sharon Litchfield Photography}

{ENV Photography}

{Jesse Holland Photography}

{Kevin Trowbridge Photography}

{Sharon Litchfield Photography}

{kate Redinger Photographer}

{Nicole Ashley Photography}

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

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Over the next couple weeks we’ll be sharing some “Shoespiration” from past weddings. First up – who doesn’t love a little sparkle? 

Photo Credits (top-bottom, L-R): Diamond Cake Photography, Sharon Litchfield Photography, C.J. Scott Photography, Kelsy Nielson, Brianna Hughes Photography, Diamond Cake Photography, Nicole Ashley Photography.

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

The bridal bouquet is a very important element of your wedding. You’ll be photographed with it for much of the day – it absolutely must reflect your wedding style AND look great with your gown and accessories! In the name of inspiration, we’re flooding the blog with flowers and featuring a series on different styles of beautiful bouquets!

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First up – Classic White. You can rarely go wrong with an all-white/cream bouquet – it’s perfect for the bride who desires an elegant, timeless and sophisticated look on her wedding day. Soft flowers with high petal counts like roses and ranunculus scream romance, while a bouquet composed of blooms with stronger lines and edges such as orchids or calla lilies are a great choice for the more contemporary bride. Adding bits of peach, champagne or blush can give the bouquet more dimension and texture, and often conveys a vintage undertone.

Here’s a collection of JBW brides who have chosen to go with a classic white bouquet on their wedding day!

Photo: Sharon Litchfield / Florist: The Wild Orchid

Photo: Infused Studios / Florist: The Wild Orchid

Photo: (L) Jessica Balfour, (R) Carey Nash / Florist: (L) Celebrate Lavish  / (R) faBLOOMosity 

Photo: (L) Diamond Cake, (R) Just For You / Florist: (L&R) The Wild Orchid

Photo: (L) Infused Studios, (R) Kelly Redinger / Florist: (L&R) The Wild Orchid

The next two examples offer a twist on tradition – we used homogeneous blooms in each bridesmaid bouquet for a contemporary yet timeless look.

Photo: Brianna Hughes / Florist: faBLOOMosity

Photo: Jessica Balfour / Florist: Celebrate Lavish

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Next up: bright + bold bouquet inspiration…!

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

Kyle + Chase…where do I begin. They are two of the most kind-hearted gentlemen I know, and anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting them knows they will bend over backwards for their loved ones. Oh, and they’re unbelievably handsome. It’s obvious, but deserves acknowledgment!

It was a perfect summer day at the Fort Edmonton Blatchford Air Hangar. The wedding combined black tie formality (guests dressed in black, white or grey) with an outdoor, carefree vibe – a theme that is very reflective of Kyle + Chase’s personalities.

They exchanged vows under a live tree covered with ribbons and over 3,000 paper cranes. The first dance (Tracy Chapman’s ‘The Promiss’) was performed by singer/songwriter Krystle Dos Santos, while guests lit sparklers and surrounded the happy couple. It was truly a magical moment!

This beautiful wedding was featured in Blush Magazine’s Fall/Winter 2014 issue. Head over to the online feature to read more about their wedding and incredible proposal story!

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

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• Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Brianna Hughes Photography
• Officiant: Tammy Banting
• Caterer: Elizabethan Catering
• Stationery: Monica Gault
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Decor: Special Event Rentals
• Ceremony + Reception Music: Premiere DJs (DJ Kidslim)
• First Dance Song: Krystle Dos Santos
• Hair (Grooms): Patricia J. Hair Designer
• Hair (Bridesmaids): Bailey Gartner
• Makeup: Dana Creran
• Kyle’s Suit: Dolce & Gabbana
• Chase’s Suit: Tom Ford