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.

When I first began working with Jaclyn + Curtis we explored the idea of a Rocky Mountain wedding…and then a local Edmonton wedding…but nothing was really getting them excited. When the idea of a wedding on the beach entered the picture, everything began falling into place.

Ninety guests joined Jaclyn + Curtis at the RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas in Los Cabos, Mexico to celebrate in the sand and sun. The couple kept their guests informed about travel and wedding details via a custom wedding website and travel arrangements were managed by My Dream Destination Travel.

Photographer Phil Crozier of PHOTOPHILCRO joined us on the beach from Calgary, Alberta. Not only is Phil an unbelievably talented photographer, but he has a wonderful way about him that makes you feel like an old friend. Here’s a sampling of some of the GORGEOUS images Phil captured of this beautiful couple.

{Jaclyn + Curtis’ Los Cabos destination wedding was recently featured in the Autumn/Winter 2011 issue of Blush Magazine! View the complete issue online here.}

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Jaclyn wore Eresma by San Patrick from Novelle Bridal. Her stunning hand-tied bouquet was composed of ivory and pink roses and calla lilies.

The ceremony was held at the RIU Palace’s San Jose Gazebo overlooking the glistening blue ocean. At the start of the ceremony the officiant spoke in Spanish for a good three minutes until Curtis finally leaned over and asked, “hablas inglés?” Turns out it was a joke and he continued the ceremony in perfect English. Needless to say it made for a very memorable ceremony!

After the ceremony, guests made their way over to the gorgeous pool side Baja Norte terrace with a stunning view of the signature Los Cabos landmark, El Arco. Local cuisine featured delicious entrées such as coconut chicken, fresh salmon with grapefruit butter, roasted lamb and seafood paella.

Jaclyn and Curtis wanted their décor to be simple yet elegant. Walnut chiavari chairs perfectly complemented custom-made ivory shantung linens, while each place setting was accented with a chocolate brown wicker charger plate and an ivory gift box containing Mexican sweets. Low, lush arrangements of ivory and pink blooms added the perfect amount of colour to each table. (Rentals were sourced locally from Linens, Things and More; flowers by Floreria Treboles.) The wedding invitations and reception stationery, designed by I Do Invitations, were elegantly handcrafted with twine and starfish detailing.

One of the perks of a destination wedding is having more opportunities to capture fantastic photos without having to rush to do it all on one day. Photographer Phil Crozier took Jaclyn and Curtis for a post-wedding shoot and he captured some amazing, romantic images!

By choosing to have a destination wedding, Jaclyn and Curtis were able to enjoy ten days of quality time with their friends and family over dinners, pool lounging and exciting excursions. Jaclyn + Curtis: Thank you for trusting me with such an important part of your lives. It was an absolute pleasure to share this experience with you and your loved ones!

Jennifer
Destination Wedding Planner