“You can’t stop love.” It’s a phrase Kim + Pierre have used to describe their serendipitous relationship over the years, and again proved to be so true for their Los Cabos destination wedding.

Long story short: about a week and a half before the wedding was to take place in beautiful Cabo, we had to move up the date to 4 days earlier! A change in Pierre’s work schedule meant that he could only be in Cabo for 24 hours (say what!?) – but Kim + Pierre took it all in stride and knew that the most important outcome of the entire trip was that they would be husband and wife.

Everything had to be moved- the venue, hair, makeup, transportation, décor, flowers. We were very lucky that all our wonderful suppliers were so accommodating and able to make the new date work. The experience reiterated why Cabo is one of our favourite spots for destination weddings.

And so the whirlwind wedding began, first with a surprise legal ceremony at the Edmonton International Airport in the early hours of the morning! Then we boarded the plane with the newlyweds and made our way to Cabo, landing mid-afternoon. The group was transported to our incredible resort – Secrets Puerto Los Cabos – and I took off to the wedding venue while the ladies began hair and makeup.

The symbolic ceremony and reception were both held at Sunset Da Mona Lisa – rated one of the Top 5 Coolest Restaurants in the World! I was in awe of the view and have to share this photo I took during setup at sunset – absolutely breathtaking!

It was a busy and action-packed day, but certainly the most memorable wedding experience I’ve had to date. Kim + Pierre’s friends and family were so welcoming and it was so much fun to share this adventure with them.

Kim + Pierre’s incredible wedding story was featured in The Edmonton Journal, and photographer Kelly Redinger does a beautiful job sharing this wedding on his blog.

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Los Cabos Wedding Planning + Design
Edmonton Destination Wedding Planner

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Travel Agent: LY Cruising & Adventure Travel
• Photography: Kelly Redinger
• Officiant: Reverend Diego Vidal
• Ceremony Music: Trio Los Mosquitos
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Design
  
• Florist: Cabo Floral Studio
• Décor: Linens, Things & More
• Transportation: Transpeninsula Los Cabos
• Hair: Neysa Berman, Blanc Salon
• Makeup: Neysa Berman, Blanc Salon
• Earrings: Delica Bridal
• Gown: Novelle Bridal
• Resort: Secrets Puerto Los Cabos
• Wedding Venue: Sunset Da Mona Lisa Restaurant

Brianna and Cameron’s friends and family travelled from Edmonton and all over North America for their destination wedding in the Miami South Beach area. Many made a vacation out of the trip, taking in the gorgeous beaches and enjoying the world-renowned nightlife and opulent restaurants. It was my first time there, and I have to say – I absolutely loved it! Besides the amazing weather, Miami offers the perfect balance between relaxation and fast-paced fun – there’s something for everyone.

The wedding events took place at The Tides South Beach – an Art Deco masterpiece on Ocean Drive designed by Kelley Wearstler. Guests were welcomed with a poolside cocktail party the day before the wedding. This was a great opportunity for everyone to meet and mingle while enjoying the Florida sun.

Brianna and Cam opted for an early evening ceremony, so they took their photos in the afternoon at the stunning Vizcaya Gardens and on the historic South Beach strip. Overlooking turquoise blue waters and a white sandy beach, they said ‘I Do’ on the rooftop terrace of the Tides Penthouse Suite. After a delicious dinner and some very heartfelt toasts, the celebrations continued with  authentic Cuban cigar rollers and lots of rooftop dancing!

The next morning everyone gathered to reminisce about the night’s events over brunch at the very fabulous Delano South Beach. Jessica Fern Facette did a great job (as always!) capturing Brianna and Cam’s laid-back, sophisticated style and the events of this incredible South Beach destination wedding!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Miami Beach Wedding Planning + Design
Destination Wedding Planning + Design

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Jessica Fern Facette
• Marriage Commissioner: Peggy Lewis
• Reception Music: Carlos Abanto
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
  
• Florist: The Flower Bazaar
• Cake: Tides South Beach
• Cigar Roller: On-Site Cigar Entertainment
• Rentals: Panache
• Bride’s Hair: Colleen McGinn
• Bride’s Makeup: Adrianne Thompson
• Bridal Party Hair + Makeup: Josie Miller
• Gown: Lanvin
• Shoes: YSL – Yves Saint Laurent

Last week we shared the inspiration behind Robyn + Aaron’s Los Cabos destination wedding. Here’s the story of their beautiful day in photographs by Ana and Jerome as they were married on the beach at Melia Cabo Real!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Los Cabos Wedding Planning + Design

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Ana and Jerome Photography
• Officiant: Reverend Juan
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Design
  
• Florist: Baja Flowers
• Décor: Linens, Things & More
• Cake: Melia Cabo Real Resort
• Lace Wigs: addcolo Blanc Salon
• Makeup: Kate Stemler
• Bridesmaid Dresses: InStyle– Bridesmaid Dresses
• Travel Agent: AMA

A lot goes into the wedding dress design process at JBW. We begin by determining a bride and groom’s wedding style – the look they envision, the atmosphere they want their event to evoke, the level of formality, etc. We then create visual inspiration boards and detailed budgets. Once we’re all on the same page we execute, securing rental and décor items, collaborating with a florist to design centrepieces and bouquets, and working with a stationer to create the couple’s invitations and stationery to perfectly reflect their wedding style.

We’re excited to share some of our 2014 weddings along with the design boards behind them so you can get a glimpse at how we take inspiration and make it reality.

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Robyn + Aaron chose Los Cabos as their beach wedding destination. We based their bold beach wedding design on a palette of cool ocean blue, turquoise and nautical navy with soft greys, creams and taupes.

The inspiration:

Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): Bridesmaid dress with Green Bouquet – Inspired by This; Blue and Turquoise Place Settings – Style Me Pretty; Blue Statement Necklace – Etsy; Watercolor Beach Wedding Cake – Wedding Chicks;  Nautical Wedding Invitations – Etsy; White Beach Wedding dress – Beach Wedding Style; Message in a Bottle – Amorology Weddings.

…and the reality!

Photo Credit: Ana + Jerome.

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Check back soon to see more of Robyn + Aaron’s gorgeous Cabo beach wedding!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Los Cabos Destination Wedding Planner + Designer

We had the pleasure of working with Michelle and Matt to plan and design their destination wedding in B.C.’s beautiful Okanagan Valley! From the beginning of the planning process it was clear that they were more concerned about the comfort and experience of their guests than making the event about themselves. They wanted to create an experience for their guests to enjoy a mini vacation, and spend as much time possible visiting with loved ones.

To kick off the wedding weekend an exclusive event was held at the spectacular Mission Hill Winery. The venue was privately booked so guests were able to explore the architecture, take a private tour through the wine cellars and enjoy the ambiance of a string quartet under the stars.

On the wedding day the ceremony was scheduled in the late afternoon so guests could relax in the sun at the resort. Held at the picturesque CedarCreek Estate Winery, guests enjoyed a post-ceremony wine reception before being shuttled back to the resort for the evening events. Dinner and the formal program were held in a beautifully draped tent adjacent to Manteo Resort. After dinner guests made their way into the ballroom which was transformed into a contemporary lounge with a nightclub atmosphere, where they danced the night away to music spun by Edmonton’s top DJs, Harman B & DJ Kwake.

Here’s a look at Michelle + Matt’s gorgeous Kelowna wedding photographed by Jessica Balfour Photography.

{Winner of the 2014 Canadian Wedding Industry Award for
Best Luxury Event Planning, Alberta Region}

Bridesmaid Dresses au

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Jessica Balfour Photography
• Marriage Commissioner: Barbara Cragg
• Ceremony Music: Jeff Piatelli (Air Waves Music)
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis (Harman B & DJ Kwake)
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Design
  
• Florist / Rentals (Decor): Celebrate Lavish
• Rentals (Tent, Chairs, Furniture): Avalon Event Rentals
• Croquembouche: Sugar Sweet Cake Co.
• Limousine: Kelowna Limo
• Shuttle Service: Western Bus Lines
• Hair: Nadine and Cody from Grateful Head Hair Studio
• Makeup: Style Bar by Sonia Sajnani
• Shoes: Christian Louboutin

The Canadian Event Industry Awards (Star Awards) is a national award program that recognizes outstanding achievements in Canadian special events, meeting management, conference planning and exhibition management.

Last month we were honoured to attend the awards gala in Toronto and take home a Star Award for Best Wedding Under $75K! The award-winning wedding was Paula + Sheldon’s Scottsdale, Arizona soirée. This family-friendly destination wedding entertained guests over an entire weekend and provided them with the quintessential southwestern experience.

Jennifer Bergman accepting the 2014 Canadian Event Industry Star Award for Best Wedding Under $75K

Photo Credit: prombee

Photo Credit: foxbackdrop

We are thankful to work with truly amazing clients who entrust us with such important milestones in their lives, and talented industry professionals who continue to push the envelope. Congratulations to the fellow winners and nominees across all categories!

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

This morning I was back on CTV Edmonton – this time, discussing considerations and tips for planning destination weddings. Many people have the impression that destination weddings are easier and less stressful than planning a wedding at home, but that’s not always the case. There are a lot more unknowns and many things to consider when going away for your wedding. Click the link below to view the segment:

Edmonton Destination Wedding Planning Tips

Pender Island, B.C., Canada

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Los Cabos, Mexico

Los Cabos, Mexico

If you’re going away for your wedding – whether it’s to the mountains, a beautiful vineyard or a sandy beach – contact us, we’d love to help!

Jennifer
Destination Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credits: C.J. Scott Photography, Kelsy Nielson Photographer, PHOTOPHILCRO, PHOTOPHILCRO.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting an amazing new resort in the Okanagan, located just 15 minutes from downtown Vernon, British Columbia. After perusing their website I couldn’t wait to experience Sparkling Hill Resort and check out their wedding facilities. First of all, over 3.5 million Swarovski crystals are infused into this modern oasis…3.5 million!? They’re not lying. Crystals, sparkle and bling abound in this place. From the welcome sign to the washrooms, every single nook and cranny shines.

From the moment you first arrive you can feel your tension lifting and relaxation setting in. The resort has a European flair and KurSpa (Kur means healing in German) is nothing like I have experienced before. Complimentary with your stay you receive access to the 7 unique aromatherapy sauna and steam rooms, an indoor pool complete with underwater music and starry Swarovski crystal sky, and an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Okanagan. This would be the perfect wedding destination for the couple who wants to give their guests a weekend to unwind and rejuvenate.

Guests looking for a unique experience can try KurSpa’s signature health treatment – the cold sauna. Popular in Europe and the first of its kind in North America, the cold sauna provides a treatment called cryotherapy, which involves spending up to three minutes in a room set at -110°C. Yes, you read correctly. -110°C! Spending the maximum amount of time (3 minutes) in the chamber will allow your skin temperature to drop to 5°C, which helps alleviate pain and assist with inflammation, among other benefits. For me being cold is tortuous so I opted out, but my husband tried it and enjoyed the experience!

Enjoy a peek at Sparkling Hill’s amenities below and continue reading for more information on weddings at this gorgeous resort.

Lakeview rooms feature a unique “tub-for-two” with this incredible view and a Swarovski crystal “starry sky” ceiling overhead.

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Weddings at Sparkling Hill Resort

Sparkling Hill Resort boasts an astonishing view of Lake Okanagan! The Terrace, pictured below, seats up to 120 guests. For your reception, choose from an intimate dinner for up to 35 guests in Gernot’s private room or host up to 180 guests in the grand Austria Ballroom. The Fireside Lounge is the perfect spot for cocktails or for an intimate ceremony with your closest friends and family.

Sparkling Hill Resort Terrace

Sparkling Hill Resort Terrace

Gernot's Private Room at Sparkling Hill Resort

Austria Ballroom at Sparkling Hill Resort

Fireside Lounge at Sparkling Hill Resort

Lobby at Sparkling Hill Resort

If you’re interested in having your destination wedding at Sparkling Hill Resort or in the Okanagan area, contact us today!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner / Okanagan Wedding Planner

Photo Credits: Jennifer Bergman Weddings, Sparkling Hill Resort, Ema Peter Photography.