Last month I attended The Special Event Show in Chicago, IL. In addition to numerous educational seminars and networking opportunities (read: nightly social events!), there was a lot of design inspiration which is what I’d like to share with you today.

This first table design is one of my favourites – glamorous yet streamlined with a palette of black, gold and a pop of emerald, Pantone’s colour of the year.

I love the multi-layered centrepieces featured below:

This room by Kehoe Designs (shown below with the exception of the cake) was a highlight for me. Every detail was carefully thought out and the overall result was timeless elegance at its best.

This ombré floral table runner made a huge statement! It would be perfect for a ‘wow’-factor head table. Below, this colourful floral wall was so much fun to see in person and it smelled amazing!

Cheers to beautiful inspiration!

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

Today’s Inspiration to Reality post features a rustic elegant wedding at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Shelley + Stewart wanted their wedding design to incorporate natural elements, warm candlelight and clean, modern lines:

Photo Credits (clockwise from L-R): lanterns down aisle – Elizabeth Anne Designs; faux wood wedding invitation – Studio Embossed; cream and ivory reception – Cynthia Martyn via Bridal Cookie; cream and green bouquet – Wedding Bee; candles and willow down aisle – Hitched in the Hood; nude bridesmaid dresses – Elizabeth Anne Designs; branch centerpiece – Pinterest.

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

Photo Credit: PHOTOPHILCRO.

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Tomorrow we’ll share the full blog post of this gorgeous wedding as featured on Style Me Pretty Canada…stay tuned!

Jennifer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Lake Louise Wedding Planner + Designer

I’m very excited to finally share this beautiful June wedding with you! We’ve been keeping it under wraps until it made its debut in the Spring/Summer 2013 issue of Blush Magazine:

Leslie is one of the sweetest brides I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, and to top it off she’s supermodel gorgeous! When I first met Leslie to chat about her wedding vision, romance was a key theme. After seeing her and Warren together it all made sense – the love that these two share is truly special.

The day started off early with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at Warren’s parents’ house, followed by a Catholic ceremony at St. Joseph’s Basilica. The reception took place in Manning Hall at the Art Gallery of Alberta where ‘Modern Romance’ came to life. The walls were draped in soft ivory voile and lit in a lavender glow. Black chiavari chairs provided a modern contrast to ivory satin tablecloths, while wheatgrass and phalaenopsis orchid centrepieces added a fresh punch of life to the room.

Guests were treated to a lively Lion Dance performance followed by a delicious dinner courtesy of Zinc Catering.

Loving this wedding? Head on over to the Katch Studios blog for more stunning images!

Leslie + Warren: Thank you for allowing us to be part of your love story. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

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

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Credits:

• Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Katch Studios
  
• Floral: faBLOOMosity
• Rentals / Drapery / Lighting: Special Event Rentals
• Linens: Arlene Yam Décor
• Guest Book Table: Elegant Touches
• Cake: Whimsical Cake Studio
• DJ: Premiere DJs
• Transportation: Legends Limousine
• Bride’s Gown: Novelle Bridal Shop
  
• Hair: Jenn Chivers
• Makeup: Anita Gill
  

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around
once and a while, you may miss it.” — Ferris Bueller

Meet Kelsy Nielson, Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer extraordinaire. The above quote is posted on Kelsy’s website and I believe it perfectly sums up her approach as a photographer. She has a relaxed vibe which instantly puts her brides and grooms at ease, and she has a knack for capturing special moments that exude warmth and romance. Not only is Kelsy an amazing photographer, she’s an all-around wonderful person who gives back to her community.

Read on to learn more about Kelsy’s style and discover her top tips for couples on their wedding day.

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Quick – give us your best Tweetography (tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less)!

I’m a wedding and lifestyle photographer who loves my adorable daughters, my hilarious husband,  and capturing  sweet moments with my ever-present camera.

Why did you become a photographer?

I originally wanted to go into cinematography – I love all things film. I started taking photography classes in high school because I thought it would be a good stepping-stone; then I ended up really connecting with photography. It was so fun capturing moments and seeing them in print when you picked up your little white film envelope from the lab. I wanted that excitement for a career.

Who have been the biggest influences in your life?

Without sounding like an Oscar speech, I’d have to say my family. When I was starting out they always helped me practice my posing and let me continually shoot them to gain confidence. After I married Tim he was a great support, he told me to just go for it, quit my day job and start my business. He helped me just jump in with both feet!

How would you describe your photography style?

I would say it’s romantic, natural photography. I don’t get to0 carried away with lighting or dramatic posing but rather put the emphasis on natural beauty and capturing love between individuals. I hope my photography is more about the people in the image and the connection they share rather then being about a backdrop (but, hey, I love those too). I definitely lean more towards classic Alberta landscapes – fields, trees, old homesteads and big skies.

Do you have a favorite part of the wedding day that you love to shoot?

Other than the posed portrait part of the day (which of course I love), I really enjoy the reception. I know a lot of photographers dread it,  but I love hearing the speeches and watching the first dance. I still tear up every reception during a heartfelt speech or a good slideshow! I also love seeing a Bride’s vision come to life. It’s so fun to hear about all her ideas and projects and then see the final result just shine with creativity.

What are some wedding day photography tips that couples should keep in mind?

• I’d say it’s important to spend time with your photographer before the wedding. Getting to know each other can make the wedding day a lot more relaxed.
• Everything seems to take longer then you think, so budget time appropriately. I never want to steal a Bride and Groom away from family hugs and well wishes – it’s part of the fun! Being able to take it all in without feeling like you’re missing out on essential picture time is important.
• And when portrait time comes, just relax and have fun. If you trust your photographer, you can just enjoy your moment in the spotlight and know your personalities are being captured perfectly.

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We’ve had the pleasure of working with Kelsy on some very beautiful weddings!

Visit Kelsy’s blog to keep up-to-date on her gorgeous work!

Cheers,

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

Remember Tara + Brett’s gorgeous winter wedding overflowing with unique, nature-inspired details? Avenue Magazine loved it as much as we do and decided to feature it in their January 2013 issue! The lovely photos are courtesy of the talented ladies at Diamond Cake Photography.

Check out the feature online (pages 55-58) and pick up your copy of Avenue at numerous places around town.

Cheers!

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

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Wedding inspiration can come from anywhere – art, fashion, travel, movies, etc. I was recently inspired by will.i.am‘s new music video Scream and Shout featuring Britney Spears. With a palette of black, white, champagne and gold combined with edgy art deco details, it was the perfect inspiration for a New Year’s Eve wedding.

Check out the video below and then see how we translated the video design into a gorgeous NYE wedding!

Photo Sources: UK Britney, JulesFashion.

Photo Credits: Sequin Dress, Champagne, Art Deco Invitation, Gold Disco Ball, Gold Love Letters, Black White Gold Place Setting, Gold Statement Necklace, Black and Gold Christian Louboutins, Art Deco Wedding Cake.

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Happy New Year – cheers to a fantastic 2013!

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

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

An increasingly popular trend is to display family wedding photos at your reception. It’s a beautiful way to include family members (past and present) in your wedding. I love this old photo of my paternal grandparents on their wedding day: May 29, 1949 in Melfort, Saskatchewan.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer