Posts Tagged: Carey Nash
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
5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Ceremony Venue
You can visualize yourself walking down the aisle, locking eyes with your partner, saying ‘I Do’ and sharing that first kiss as a married couple. You’re ready to sign on the dotted line to book your wedding ceremony venue! But wait – have you asked all the right questions?!
Not to worry, Team JBW has got your back! Here are 5 important questions to ask when booking your wedding ceremony venue.
1. Are there any décor restrictions? For example, many indoor venues do not allow real flower petals down the aisle. Some churches have restrictions on what (if any) décor can be placed at the altar. It’s important to find out what is and isn’t permitted before booking your wedding ceremony venue.
St.Joseph’s Basilica / Carey Nash Photography
2. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue is providing and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding ceremony include: chairs or bench seating, a signing table for the registry, a ceremony arch or arbour, a sound system with a wireless or lapel microphone, and easels for directional signage.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise / Stoffer Photography
3. When can a rehearsal date and time be confirmed? Some venues will allow you to schedule this upon booking, while others will only confirm your rehearsal a couple weeks in advance. This is important to ask, as it may take some juggling to coordinate the availability of your Officiant, Wedding Party, Wedding Coordinator and rehearsal dinner venue.
The Lake House / Infused Studios
4. Is there an indoor or covered backup space in case of inclement weather? Always have a Plan B! If weather is poor, is there an on site backup space you can move the ceremony into? And when must you make the weather call? Often times this can be done on the day of the event, as late as a few hours prior to your ceremony start time, but some venues require 24 hours notice if utilizing the backup space.
University of Alberta, Botanic Gardens / Kelly Redinger
5. Is only one wedding held per day? Some ceremony venues book multiple weddings on a single day (we’ve seen as many as 4 different timeslots), while others provide exclusivity to a single wedding couple. It’s important to understand if you are restricted to a specific ceremony time, and whether you have to hustle out of there following your nuptials or if you can stick around to take photos.
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald / Romy Young
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We hope this is a helpful resource for you when booking your wedding ceremony venue. Stay tuned for our next blog post outlining 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Reception Venue!
Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Wedding Designers
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: Jasper, Alberta
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: Jasper, Alberta
Less than a 4-hour drive from Edmonton, we’re incredibly fortunate to have Jasper National Park in our “backyard.” Many Edmontonians have grown up with fond memories of winter ski trips and summer camping trips to the area, so it’s no surprise that it is a desirable wedding destination for both local Albertans and visitors from around the globe.
From snow-capped mountains to turquoise lakes, Jasper offers captivating landscapes year round. These aren’t postcards – they’re real wedding photos, folks!
Our most favourite venue in Jasper is The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. This iconic lakefront property has a truly special feeling when you step foot on the grounds. It is a tranquil retreat in the midst of unspoiled nature, and the service and cuisine are top-notch.
JPL has recently completed extensive renovations to the property including over 90% of the guest rooms and signature cabins. Here are a few images from our past weddings at The Lodge:
Real Wedding: Violeta + Barry // Kelly Redinger Photographer
Real Wedding: Valentine’s Day Wedding // Carey Nash Photography
Real Wedding: Cybil + Brian // Meaghan Milne Photography
View more of our past weddings at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge:
Wendy + Trevor // Blake Loates Photography
Andrea + Colin // Rachel Boekel Photography
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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Jasper Wedding Planning + Design
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Wedding Planner
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
Valentine’s Day Wedding at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
For C+B, The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is not just a beautiful mountain resort. It holds special meaning in their relationship, as it is where they first met while attending a conference as University students. Ten years later, they chose to hold their wedding here – on Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t get more romantic than that!
For privacy reasons we aren’t sharing any photos of the happy couple and their guests, but we wanted to showcase some of the gorgeous décor we designed, and acknowledge the talented team of event professionals who helped bring this day to life.
- The luxurious custom invitation and stationery suite by Palettera featured gold foil application and letterpress printing, with custom illustrations of places of significance to their love story. The invitations were delivered in gorgeous boxes lined with red rose paper and finished with satin ribbon.
- Guest tables were dressed in cream overlays with embroidered appliques, giving a soft and romantic look to the Beauvert Ballroom. Natural Manzanita tree centrepieces designed by fabLOOMosity twinkled with gold votives that hung from the branches, while a base of hydrangea and lush garden roses spilled onto the tables. Pearl glass charger plates, cranberry napkins and letterpress menus completed each setting.
- The 18-person wedding party sat at a dramatic King’s Table covered in a lush floral tablescape of textural greens, cream and burgundy blooms, and ample candlelight.
- The Art of Cake designed a gorgeous four-tier cake covered in hand-sculpted gold petals.
Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Jasper Park Lodge Wedding Planning + Design
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Credits:
- Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
- Photography: Carey Nash Photography
- Officiant: Jonathan Denis
- Ceremony Music: Bel Suono String Quartet
- Cocktail Music: Jeff Tobert, Spanish Guitar
- Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis (Harman B / DJ Kwake)
- Invitations/Stationery: Palettera
- Florist: faBLOOMosity
- Rentals/Drapery: Special Event Rentals
- Lighting: PSAV
- Cake: The Art of Cake
- Hair/Makeup: Hairwe.