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!

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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.

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

On Monday we shared a bright and bold destination wedding design board for Naomi + Tim’s beautiful July wedding. Their love for travel made a wedding in the sand an obvious choice, and we selected Melia Cabo Real Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico for its swimmable beach and small, intimate size.

One of the benefits of having a destination wedding is celebrating and visiting with your guests for an entire week. Upon arrival at the resort, guests were greeted with welcome packages and enjoyed a reception that included ice-breakers so the families could get to know one another. The evening before the wedding Naomi + Tim treated their 60+ guests to a bonfire on the beach complete with s’mores, drinks and music!

The wedding ceremony itself was performed by Tim’s parents, making it very special and personal. Dinner and dancing took place on Melia’s Garden Terrace which was decorated to reflect the couple’s love of colour. Teal tablecloths, orange napkins and hot pink chiffon sashes popped against white chiavari chairs. The lush centrepieces included lilies, mums and roses in bold shades. Glowing lanterns were strung above the terrace where guests enjoyed heartfelt speeches and danced the night away! Special thanks to local vendor Linens, Things and More who did an excellent job of executing our designs for both the ceremony and reception.

After the wedding Naomi + Tim explored Cabo with Carey Nash for their ‘trash-the-dress’ session. These stunning photos make me want to bring Carey on my next vacation – he really has an amazing eye!

Naomi + Tim: Congratulations again! It was an absolute pleasure to work with you – enjoy your first Christmas as newlyweds!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Travel Agent: Dianna Izsak of Newwest Travel
• Photographer: Carey Nash Photography
• Rentals + Décor: Linens, Things and More by Suzanne Morel
• Flowers: Emporio Arte Floral
  
• Cake: Melia Cabo Real Resort
  
• Bride’s Gown: Pure Bridal
• Hair + Makeup: Neysa Berman Blanc Salon

It’s time for another Inspiration to Reality feature to show you a behind-the-scenes look at how wedding designs come to life at Jennifer Bergman Weddings. Naomi + Tim wanted a bright and bold destination wedding that exuded elegance…

Photo Credits (clockwise from L-R): pink statement necklace – Tumblr; pink bridesmaid dresses – Elizabeth Medina; teal table design – Project Wedding; colourful bouquet – DCM Photography; destination wedding ceremony – Pinterest; welcome bags – Martha Stewart Weddings.

…here’s a sneak peek at their vision come to life!

 Photo Credit: Carey Nash Photography.

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On Wednesday we’ll share the full blog post featuring Naomi + Tim’s Los Cabos wedding…stay tuned!

Jennifer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Destination Wedding Planner + Designer

The term destination wedding typically conjures up images of a sandy ceremony in a sunny locale. But you don’t have to look too far to find amazing destinations right here in Canada. Pender Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands along the Pacific Coast of British Columbia – and let me tell you, it’s spectacular.

Stephanie was a dream bride to work with! She has impeccable taste and put the utmost trust in each and every one of her wedding professionals, allowing us to do what we do best.

We are thrilled that this gorgeous wedding was featured in the Winter/Spring 2012 issue of WedLuxe Magazine. Enjoy the photos below taken by the so-very-talented C.J. Scott Photography.

Stephanie’s bridal look was exquisite! She wore ‘Dorothy’ by Vera Wang – a stunningly beautiful ballgown with hand-painted flowers on the tulle skirt and a jaw-dropping band of ‘bling’ across the neckline. Her hair and makeup were styled by Sharon Rai Hair and Makeup Artistry and Elsa Corsi designed her jewellery. Nude Christian Louboutin pumps completed the look.

Verbena Floral Design created the gorgeous bouquets and flower arrangements. I was so impressed with Vanessa and her team’s dedication to making sure every bloom looked perfect. I can’t wait for another opportunity to work with them again!

The stationery suite was designed by Jenelle at Pinkpolka Wedding Design. From the ‘ferry ticket’ Save the Date to custom postage and monogrammed welcome bags, every detail was perfectly coordinated to reflect Stephanie + Clark’s wedding style.

The ceremony was held on Poets Cove’s terrace facing the picturesque harbour. Rose petals and grand birch bark arrangements lined the aisle, while guests kept cool with ceremony program fans.

Clark was dashingly handsome in his Tom Ford tuxedo from Holt Renfrew. The bridesmaids wore ivory knee-length gowns by Melissa Sweet, tied with a black sash. They each carried a different bouquet composed of a flower used in Stephanie’s bouquet, representing the distinct roles they play in her life.

Stephanie looked breathtaking! She was a perfect bride – poised, elegant and classically styled. Clark cleaned up pretty well himself!

The reception décor carried through the ‘West Coast Chic’ theme. Walnut chiavari chairs contrasted beautifully with ivory Wilshire Stripe linens. Place cards were wrapped and tied around individual menu cards that sat atop ivory napkins and chocolate weave charger plates. The centrepieces were a lush combination of hydrangeas, roses, dahlias, lisianthus, stock, dusty miller and freesia. Birch bark containers, driftwood and ferns added rustic coastal elements to the romantic décor. A 3-tier vanilla buttercream cake sat amongst a table of freshly baked cookies which were later served with cartons of milk as a late night treat.

Guests held sparklers for the newlyweds’ first dance – a custom mash-up by DJ Clinton featuring Train’s Marry Me and Keith Urban’s Without You. A flare bartender served signature martinis with style while the dance party continued in the ballroom. Pink LED uplighting flooded the space with colour and energy, and Stephanie + Clark were delighted with a surprise flash mob performance to Party Rock Anthem coordinated by the wedding party!

Stephanie + Clark: I cannot thank you enough for entrusting Jennifer Bergman Weddings with your special day. Wishing you the very best as you begin the next chapter of your love story.

Jennifer and Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: C.J. Scott Photography
• Rentals: Upright Décor
• Florist: Verbena Floral Design
• Cake + Cookie Table: Pender Island Bakery
  
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Ceremony Music: Harbour Strings
• Reception Music: Capital City DJ
• Gown: Blush
  
• Hair + Makeup: Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry

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.