Posts Tagged: Carey Nash Edmonton
10 Wedding Trends We’re Vibing in 2023
What’s hot for wedding trends this year? We’re sharing elements you can incorporate into your 2023 or 2024 wedding to stay current and wow your guests!
1. Statement Signage
Whether it’s a welcome sign, a seating chart or an escort card display, a statement piece at the entrance of your event sets the tone as guests arrive. Their interest is piqued and they’re excited to head inside to see what’s next.
Left: JBW | Right: Tomasz Wagner
2. Petite Wedding Parties
We love the simplicity of having only one or two of your besties stand up for you. The benefits of a smaller bridal party? Fewer people to coordinate and cost savings for attire, beauty services, flowers – even transportation!
Top: Carey Nash | Bottom: Nicole Ashley
3. Live Music
Live music adds an ambiance that recorded music cannot replicate. For our clients weddings, we try to incorporate live music during at least one portion of the day – whether it’s for the ceremony, cocktails, during dinner or the party.
Top: Nicole Ashley
Bottom L: Carey Nash, Bottom R: Retrospekt Photography
4. Ikebana Inspired Florals
Ikebana is a Japanese art of floral arrangement that has seen recent resurgence in popularity. We love ikebana style arrangements as they are minimalist and graceful.
Photo: Fragment of Light
5. Fashion
If you’re donning a traditional wedding gown during the day, why not have some fun with a fashion-forward cocktail dress for the reception or dance? We’re loving puffy sleeves, oversized bows, removable capes and sheer detailing.
Top: Bryttanni | Bottom: Etoroma Creative
6. Delicate Greenery
Thick greenery runners have had their moment. We still love greens, but we’re using them more sparingly for a dainty, refined look. We’re also saying sayonara to mountains of eucalyptus! We want to see greenery in a true green colour, or green and white varigated leaves for a romantic, garden vibe.
Photos: Nikki Collette Photography
7. Luxe Craft Cocktails
Step it up from standard sparkling and treat your guests to an expertly crafted cocktail upon arrival. Old Fashioneds are still fan favourites, but we also love tequila or gin-based beverages. Don’t forget to have something special on hand for those guests who prefer spirit-free drinks.
Top: Nicole Ashley | Bottom L: Blushed Beaute, Bottom R: Mango Studios
8. Waste Conscious Events
It seems silly to call this a trend, but we want to draw attention to the waste created by events, and get you thinking about how you can make your wedding more sustainable. Our top tips:
- Say NO to plastic cups, straws and disposable water bottles (anything single use, really).
- Rent instead of purchase.
- Source locally whenever possible – this includes food, décor and flowers.
Photo: Nicole Ashley
9. Bright Blooms
Don’t get us wrong – we’re all about timeless, elegant neutrals – but colour adds so much life to events! Even if you want to stay mostly neutral, try adding a splash of colour where guests may not expect it: table stationery, a statement arrangement in the cocktail reception space, or your DJ booth for the dance party.
Top: Etoroma Creative | Bottom: Kelsy Nielson
10. Mix Up The Menu
99% of the weddings your guests have attended served a soup or salad, followed by a main course and then dessert. Why not mix it up and surprise them with a unique style of service or unexpected courses? Try tapas style family service, or a charcuterie appetizer followed by pasta, a main and a trio of desserts – we guarantee your guests will be raving about their culinary experience at your event!
Photos: Retrospekt Photography
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Team JBW | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Wedding Designers
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding Coordinator: Irene + Geoffrey
Irene and Geoffrey’s fall wedding was nothing short of a fairytale! A horse-drawn carriage reminiscent of Cinderella was waiting for the newlyweds following their traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Joseph’s Basilica in downtown Edmonton.
Their vibrant reception at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald featured drummers, traditional African dances, indoor fireworks and a magical first dance in the “clouds.” The day’s events certainly kept us on our toes, and we were honoured to be a part of Irene and Geoffrey’s love story!
Credits:
- Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Suzanne)
- Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph’s Basilica
- Reception Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald (Empire Ballroom)
- Photography: Carey Nash
- Videography: A Love Story
- Reception Music: DJ Paddy Entertainment
- Cake: Cake Affair
- Florist: Therese Lopez Florals
- Rentals: Exquisite Affairs
- Dance Floor Wrap + Sparklers: Talent Productions
- Horse-Drawn Carriage: Diamond B Ranch
- Limo: Apex limousine
- Drummers: Afrah Al Majd Group
- Hair Stylists: Hair Designs by Maggie
- Makeup Artist: Allure by Mariam
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Suzanne, Lead Planner | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management
Edmonton Wedding Planner: Ellicia + Bryce
Ellicia + Bryce’s summer wedding was held on Valleyfield Farm, where they not only live, but also operate their horse breeding and training ranch. It’s a spectacular property and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to transform it into a unique wedding venue.
We collaborated with the amazing Richard Ruppell – a family friend of the couple – to bring this wedding experience to life. Even with a guest list of over 240, Ellicia + Bryce wanted the event to feel intimate and comfortable – like a relaxed garden party. We combined organic and boho-inspired elements to bring their vision to life, including lots of lush greenery, antlers and pops of peach and coral flowers.
We transformed the huge horse jumping arena into a reception venue, and this was no small task! We had to bring everything in – from a generator to lighting, right down to the flooring to cover the sandy ground.
As the property is about 45 min southwest of Edmonton, guests were given the option of shuttle service or valet parking at the farm. A late afternoon ceremony flowed into an outdoor cocktail party, followed by a delicious family-style catered meal by Culina. It was a beautiful evening and guests took advantage of the outdoor space which featured hay bale lounges, bonfires and s’mores. A band and DJ alternated sets, making for a killer party!
See more of this unique farm wedding in Dote Magazine Weddings (Volume 2).
Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design
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Credits:
- Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
- Photography: Carey Nash Photography
- Officiant: Robert Ligertwood
- Catering: Culina Catering
- Bar Service: The Old Fashioned Mobile Bar
- Rentals: Special Event Rentals
- Lighting: Production Lighting
- Florist: faBLOOMosity
- Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
- Band: The Counterfitz
- DJ: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis
- Photo Booth: Ready, Set, Booth
- Shuttle Service: Alberta North Transportation
- Valet Service: Pinnacle Valet
- Hair + Makeup: Blushed Beaute
- Gown: BHLDN by Anthropologie
- Groom’s Suit: The Helm
Edmonton Wedding Planner: Brianna + Anthony
Although unexpected, an early October snowfall left a pretty white dusting over the Edmonton landscape that only added to the romance of Brianna + Anthony’s wedding day. They were the third generation from the Groom’s side of the family to be married at Josephburg Community Church, making it an extra special and meaningful day.
Brianna had been dreaming of her wedding since she was a little girl, but she didn’t want to fall in line with a traditional white wedding. She envisioned something bold and unique, with wow factor details! The Art Gallery of Alberta was the perfect venue to host this modern, glamorous affair.
Black draping and ambient lighting set the stage for show-stopping décor. Long wooden harvest tables covered in lush greens and a boxwood hedge backdrop behind the head table transformed the minimalist gallery into a lush garden. Fabloomosity used so many interesting florals and textural elements to create dramatic “art” pieces for the round tables.
Shortly after the wedding, Brianna + Anthony headed to the majestic Rocky Mountains for an “after session” with Carey Nash. We couldn’t resist including some of these images below, and you can view more of this stunning wedding in the Fall / Winter 2017 issue of Blush Magazine.
Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design
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Credits:
- Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
- Photography: Carey Nash Photography
- Officiant: Pastor Norm
- Ceremony Music: Diane Stabel
- Cocktail Music: Don Berner Band
- Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis
- Stationery: Plush Invitations
- Florist: faBLOOMosity
- Cake: Art of Cake
- Favours: JACEK Chocolate Couture
- Doughnuts: Moonshine Doughnuts
- Rentals: Special Event Rentals
- Drapery: Site 6 Events
- Lighting: Production Lighting
- Transportation: Esquire Limos
- Bride’s Hair + Makeup: Lauriane Rutberg
- Bridal Party Hair + Makeup: Sen Studios
- Gown: The Bridal Boutique
Edmonton Wedding Planner: Melanie + Terry
It’s hard to believe it has almost been one year since Melanie + Terry’s wedding! We had to hold off sharing until the Fall / Winter 2017 issue of Blush Magazine was released, as their gorgeous day is one of the real weddings featured in the current issue.
When we first started working with Melanie + Terry to plan their early September wedding at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, we chatted about what elements of the wedding were most important to them. Their responses? To serve excellent food, for there to be gorgeous décor and flowers, and to have an amazing live band for the party!
The ceremony was held in the stunning Wedgwood Room, and featured a statement altar canopy dripping in florals. We kept the ceremony design soft and muted in whites, blush and lavender, using the beautiful white round-back Grace chairs to complement the ballroom’s shape.
The reception design carried through the ceremony’s timeless elegance, but we added a dramatic punch of colour in tones of berries, pinks, purples and greens. This venture into a more bold palette added an element of surprise and ‘wow factor’ when guests joined the newlyweds for the reception. The tables were luxuriously layered with champagnes and golds. Each place setting was adorned with gold rimmed dishware, gold flatware, and ornate crystal wine goblets. The tall, lush floral centrepieces were elevated on mirrored boxes, and blooms and fruit spilled onto the tables accented with romantic candlelight.
Famous Players Band joined us from Vancouver to lead the party – they were incredible! The band alternated sets with Harman B, ensuring the dance floor was packed all night!
Terry wrote a poem and read it to Melanie as part of his speech at the reception. It was so beautiful and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. This highlight video by A Love Story uses the poem as the base of the video and it turned out beautifully! It’s an absolute must-watch.
Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design
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Credits:
- Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
- Photography: Carey Nash Photography
- Videography: A Love Story
- Officiant: Robert Ligertwood
- Ceremony Music: Violin-Cello Duo (Mathias and Adele)
- Band: Famous Players Band
- DJ: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis (Harman B)
- Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
- Rentals: Special Event Rentals
- Specialty Linens: Dress My Day
- Florist: faBLOOMosity
- Cake + Dessert Table: Over the Top Cakes
- Photo Booth: Ready, Set, Booth
- Hair: Sen Studios
- Makeup: N2 Makeup
- Gowns: Pure Bridal
First Look Photos
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!
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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design
Destination I Do: Los Cabos, Mexico
While we’re based in Edmonton, Alberta, we’ve had the pleasure of planning and designing weddings in many beautiful destinations – both in Canada and abroad! This series will showcase some of our favourite locations including information for couples considering a wedding away from home.
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Destination ‘I Do’ Wedding Series: Los Cabos, Mexico
We love Los Cabos as a wedding destination and have been fortunate to plan several there over the past few years. Why?
- Proximity to Western Canada – Cabo is a quick (direct!) flight from Alberta.
- Picturesque views – from expansive desserts to aqua blue waters, a gorgeous marina and the famous El Arco, your wedding photos will be incredible
- Climate – Cabo has very consistent weather. It is generally warm and dry, not humid. Average temperatures range from 19°C – 30°C.
- People – the local vendors are so warm and welcoming, it makes the destination wedding planning process smooth and enjoyable.
Over the years we’ve worked at some incredible Los Cabos wedding venues:
Here are a few photos of our Los Cabos Weddings to show you Cabo at its finest…
Above Location: Melia Cabo Real
Real Weddings: Robyn + Aaron // Naomi + Tim
Above Location: Hotel RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas
Real Wedding: Jaclyn + Curtis
Above Location: Sunset Da Mona Lisa Restaurant
Real Wedding: Kim + Pierre
Photo Credits: PHOTOPHILCRO, Ana and Jerome Photography, Carey Nash Photography, Kelly Redinger Photographer.
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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Los Cabos Wedding Planning + Design
Wedding Song Ideas 2016
We are back with our 2nd edition of Wedding Song Ideas (check out Part 1 here)! Choosing those special songs for your wedding day can be challenging for many couples, so we’ve compiled a list of ideas – both Classic and Contemporary – for all those memorable moments.
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Ceremony
Classic:
- Hallelujah / Jeff Buckeley
- Summer Guest / Ásgeir
- Maybe I’m Amazed / Vitamin String Quartet
- La Valse de L’Amour / Patrick Doyle
- Beethoven’s 5 Secrets / The Piano Guys
- Clair de Lune / Clade Debussy
- Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring / Johann Sebastian Bach
- Your Guardian Angel / Vitamin String Quartet
- Here Comes the Sun / Guitar Dreamers
- I’m Ready / Bryan Adams
Contemporary:
- Boom Clap / Lennon & Maisy
- Flightless Bird, American Mouth / Iron & Wine
- Turning Page / Sleeping at Last
- What Love is All About / Johnny Reid
- Somewhere Only We Knew / Lily Allen
- Love / Matt White
- Love Someone / Jason Mraz
- You and I / Michael Bublé
- When You Say You Love Me / Josh Groban
- Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop / Landon Pigg
Grand Entrance
Classic:
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered / Stevie Wonder
- You Make My Dreams Come True / Hall & Oats
- It’s Not Unusual / Tom Jones
- Could You be Loved / Bob Marley and the Wailers
- Come Fly With Me / Frank Sinatra
- That’s Amore / Dean Martin
- You’re My Best Friend / Queen
- Bittersweet Symphony / The Vitamin String Quartet
- This Will Be / Natalia Cole
- Get Ready / The Temptations
Contemporary:
- Happy / Pharrell Williams
- Shut Up and Dance / Walk the Moon
- Honey, I’m Good / Andy Grammar
- Sugar / Maroon 5
- Adventure of a lifetime / Coldplay
- I Got U / Duke Dumont feat. Jax Jones
- Top of the World / Tim McGraw
- Love Is / Rod Stewart
- Good Life / Kanye West feat. T-Pain
- Best Day of My Life / American Authors
First Dance
Classic:
- It Had To Be You / Billie Holiday
- Something In The Way She Moves / James Taylor
- Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic / Sleeping At Last (cover of The Police)
- Let’s Stay Together / Al Green
- You Are So Beautiful / Joe Cocker
- I Cross My Heart / George Strait
- Crazy Love / Van Morrison
- Endless Love / Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
- Unchained Melody / Righteous Brothers
- La Vie en Rose / Andrea Bocelli
Contemporary:
- Thinking Out Loud / Ed Sheeran
- Purpose / Justin Bieber
- Tenerife Sea / Ed Sheeran
- How Long Will I Love You / Ellie Goulding
- Latch (Acoustic) / Sam Smith
- State of Grace (Acoustic) / Taylor Swift
- I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) / Sleeping At Last
- Die a Happy Man / Thomas Rhett
- Heartbeat / Chris Young
- Close Your Eyes / Michael Bublé
- The One / Kodaline
Parent Dance
Classic:
- Cupid Shuffle / Cupid
- Overjoyed / Stevie Wonder
- I’ll Be Seeing You / Billy Holiday
- When the Stars Go Blue / Tim McGraw
- When You Need Me / Bruce Springsteen
- Landslide / Fleetwood Mac
- When You’re Smiling / Louis Armstrong
- The Prayer / Céline Dion & Andrea Bocelli
- Cinderella / Steven Curtis Chapman
- Love Me Tender / Barbara Streisand (with Elvis Presley)
Contemporary:
- To the Moon and Back / Luke Bryan
- Book of Love / Peter Gabriel
- Even My Dad Does Sometimes / Ed Sheeran
- I’ve Got You (And You’ve Got Me) / Lennon & Maisy
- Stars / Alessia Cara
- Golden / Lady Antebellum
- Across the Universe / Rufus Wainwright
- By Your Side / Sade
- Lost Stars / Adam Levine
- In My Life / Diana Krall
Bouquet/Garter Toss
Classic:
- Walk this Way / Aerosmith & Run – DMC
- Hit Me With Your Best Shot / Pat Benatar
- A Little Less Conversation / Elvis Presley
- U Can’t Touch This / MC Hammer
- Last Dance / Donna Summer
- The Final Countdown / Europe
- I Got You / James Brown & His Famous Flames
- Burning Down the House / Talking Heads
- Whip It / Devo
- She’s a Lady / Tom Jones
Contemporary:
- Watch Me / Silento
- Hot in Here / Nelly
- Partition / Beyoncé
- Country Girl / Luke Bryan
- Milkshake / Kelis
- Marvin Gaye / Charlie Puth & Meghan Trainor
- S.O.B / Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
- My House / Flo Rida
- Hey Mama / David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack
- Don’t Stop The Party / Pitbull
Photo Credits (top-bottom): Carey Nash Photography, Brianna Hughes Photography, DQ Studios, Kelly Redinger Photographer, DQ Studios.
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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design