After riding the wild wave that was the pandemic with Goong and Gary, we were so thrilled to help them finally celebrate with their loved ones in July 2022. With Goong’s family coming to Edmonton all the way from Thailand, it was important that we rescheduled (twice!) in order for travel to be easier.

Like all good things, G+G’s wedding day was well worth the wait. We held their early afternoon ceremony in the Wedgwood Room, and transitioned guests to an evening celebration in the grand Empire Ballroom at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Enjoy this glimpse of their beautiful day.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Empire Ballroom
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Cinematography: Integra Films
• Officiant: Tammy Banting
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Dance Floor Wrap: Talent Productions
• Plexi Stage: Exquisite Affairs
• Ceremony Music: Lindsey Nagy
• Band: Five On the Side
• Stationery: J. Gartner Studio
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush

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Team JBW  |  Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

Jessica and Jonathan wanted a stress-free planning experience, so they hired us for Full Service planning, design and coordination nearly 2.5 years before their wedding date. Little did they know, that decision would turn out to be incredibly wise, as they completely avoided the pandemic event restrictions and rescheduling headaches by planning for a July 2022 wedding!

Their intimate Hotel Macdonald wedding featured some personal touches to reflect their interests and relationship, including customized keepsake bookmarks for their guests and stacks of novels from their own collection displayed on the tables; blue and white salad plates as a nod to Jessica’s Portuguese heritage; and protea flowers used in their ceremony arch to pay homage to Jonathan’s South African roots.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Wedgwood Room
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Cinematography: Brayden Janzen Films
• Officiant: Pastor Al Plat
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Ceremony Music: Jan Janovsky
• DJ: Urban Metropolis Entertainment
• Stationery: J. Gartner Studio
• Cake: Cake Affair
• Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush
• Gown: The Bridal Boutique

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Team JBW  |  Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

Day 2 of Jahan + Michael’s Victoria destination wedding was one for the books! We woke up to perfect weather in Brentwood Bay. The bridal party spent the morning getting ready before Jahan + Michael shared a private first look. Guests were shuttled to a gorgeous ceremony location just a few minutes from the resort – Langtry Walk. They returned for cocktails, dinner and the most epic dance party at Brentwood Bay Resort!

If you haven’t already checked out Day 1 of the festivities, here’s the link to that post. We hope you enjoy this wedding as much as we did.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Ceremony Venue: Langtry Walk
• Reception Venue: Brentwood Bay Resort
• Photography: Fragment of Light
• Florist: Rook & Rose
• Officiant: JoAnn Reid
• Cake: Tweet’s Sweets
• Rentals: Trend Décor Rentals
• Stationery: Love Letters Co.
• Transportation: Wilson’s Transportation LTD.
• Ceremony Musicians: The Bach Alley
• Reception Music: Urban Metropolis Entertainment
• Hair + Makeup: Heartwood & Co

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Jennifer, Event Producer and Designer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Victoria Wedding Planner

Hannah and Adam had to navigate through some pandemic restrictions, but they persevered and were able to tie the knot just a couple months after their original date. Their downtown wedding at Foundry Room in the Oliver Exchange Building gave off gorgeous moody garden vibes in a modern industrial setting.

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Elyse)
• Venue: Foundry Room OEX
• Officiant: The Hon. Michelle G. Crighton
• Photography: Katch Studios
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Florist: Virgina Rose
• Transportation: Last Minute Limousine and Apex Limousine
• Ceremony Music: Lauren Gillis (Lucette)
• Reception Music: DJ Kwake Entertainment
• Cake: Wild Rose Cakes
• Hair + Makeup: Veil Beauty Co.

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Elyse, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management

Sabrina and Romeo had planned to be wed in New York City at the Rainbow Room in April 2020…we all know how that went. Another couple’s plans deeply impacted by the pandemic, and yet another resilient and optimistic response. They moved it home to Edmonton, Canada, and with only a 6-month planning timeline we worked together to produce a very different event than they had initially envisioned.

Trading skycrapers for an entirely outdoor wedding, Sabrina and Romeo’s late summer soirée featured a mirrored aisle for their Sikh ceremony, live violinists, modern Indian cuisine, and two DJs. There was even a suprise appearance by Punjabi singer, Jazzy B! As a nod to their original venue, the Rainbow Room, we had the iconic compass featured on their dance floor.

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Credits:

• Full Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Jennifer)
• Venue: Aspen Valley
• Photography: Andras Schram Photography
• Videography: Parfait Productions
• Caterer: Zaika Indian Bistro
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Ceremony Arch, Rentals: BASH Decor
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Stationery / Signage: J. Gartner Studio
• Plexi Stages: Exquisite Affairs
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Cocktail Music: Charms YYC
• First Dance Singer: Lindsey Nagy Music
• DJs: Urban Beats Entertainment + Harman B
• Hair + Makeup: MADE by PG
• Vinyl Wraps, Indoor Sparklers: Talent Productions

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Jennifer, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner

In our previous post we shared 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Ceremony Venue. Today we’re sharing 5 important questions to ask the venues you’re considering booking for your reception or wedding celebration.

1. What time must the event end? Are there any community noise bylaws that must be adhered to? Most commonly in Alberta we see a 1:00 AM bar closure time, but some venues choose to shut down a bit earlier than this. Other communities have noise bylaws that prohibit loud music past 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. This can especially be true for venues located in residential areas, or backyard tented events. Check the bylaws in your area if you’re hosting an event at home.

Whyte Museum Grounds (Banff, AB) / Natalie Andrusiak

2. When can the venue be accessed for decorating? When must all items be removed? It may seem early to worry about logistics, but it is important to consider when you will be able to set up and decorate for your event, and when everything must be taken down and picked up. Most rental and decorating companies will charge a premium to come back late at night, so if your venue allows next-day pick up this can save you some cash.

50th Parallel Estate / Tara Peach

3. Is catering provided by the venue, or is external catering permitted? Are alcohol and bartending services provided by the venue, or can you bring your own alcohol and liquor license? It can be convenient when the venue provides all food and beverage services. On the other hand, choosing your own caterer and bar company offers you more control over your menu and budget. In either case, be sure to ask ahead about meal service styles (plated vs buffet vs family style) and any special must-have menu items or cultural dishes.

JW Marriott, Wayne Gretzky Ballroom / Mango Studios

4. What are the nearby options for guest parking? It is helpful to include parking details on your invitations or wedding website so guests have a heads up about parking locations, costs, walking distance to the venue, and whether they can leave their vehicles overnight. If your venue is outside of an area serviced by taxis or Uber, consider arranging shuttle bus service to provide your guests with a safe and convenient way to attend your wedding.

Aspen Valley Events / Andras Schram

5. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue provides and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding reception include: chairs, tables (ask about sizes), linens, napkins, staging, dance floor, podium, AV equipment (microphones, sound system, projector, screen), dishware, flatware, glassware, candles, easels and coat racks.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Nicole Ashley Photography

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Event Planners

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

JBW is looking to expand our team of Lead and Assistant Coordinators. We are seeking professional, enthusiastic people who are the right fit to join our high-performing team. Details of the available positions and application instructions are listed below – please read carefully, this is your first test!

POSITION 1: Assistant Coordinator

This position is seasonal and casual, however opportunities for growth are always available for the right individual. Most work is on weekends from May through October. This role is perfect for someone who wants to add to their income and/or skillset with a side job. You do not need to have experience in Wedding or Event Planning – we will train you.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Assistant Coordinator provides support to the Lead Coordinator at wedding rehearsals, ceremonies and receptions.
  • Rehearsals typically occur on Thursday or Friday evenings and are about 1 hour in length.
  • Most weddings occur on Saturdays and the average shift length is 7-8 hours.
  • Most of our Assistant Coordinators work between 5-10 weddings / events each year, with the majority being held in the summer months.
• Basic décor set up will be required. This involves physical work with light to medium lifting, and a lot of time on your feet.
• Late night décor teardown may be required for some events.

SKILLS + QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma and completion of / enrollment in any post-secondary program.
• Enthusiastic and eager to learn.
• Excellent listener with the ability to follow direction well.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to stay calm and composed under pressure.
• Professional – in both appearance and the way you carry yourself.
• Personable, friendly and a good fit for our team.
• Able to provide your own reliable transportation and cell phone on event days.

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POSITION 2: Lead Coordinator

This position is part-time/casual to start, with the goal of increasing your workload into 2023 and beyond. It is perfect for someone who has flexibility with their schedule and the ability to grow with us. You do not need to have experience in Wedding or Event Planning – we will train you.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work directly with Wedding Day Management clients to manage all logistics leading up to the event.
• Lead and execute the wedding rehearsal, ceremony and reception:
  • Rehearsals typically occur on Thursday or Friday evenings and are about 1 hour in length.
  • Most weddings occur on Saturdays and the average time on site is 12-14 hours.
• Provide leadership, direction and supervision to your team of Assistant Coordinators.
• Basic décor set up will be required. This involves physical work with light to medium lifting, and a lot of time on your feet.
• Late night décor teardown may be required for some events.

SKILLS + QUALIFICATIONS

See Assistant Coordinator list, plus:

• Impeccable organizational skills with accute attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills – includes having fantastic email etiqutte and confidence in social situations.
• Ability to work independently without supervision: mature, responsible and reliable.
• Aptitude for applying creative solutions to problems.
• Service-minded with a willingness to go above and beyond for every client, every time.
• Able to provide your own reliable transportation, cell phone and laptop computer for work from home or our office.

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APPLY BY APRIL 10, 2022
To apply to either of the above positions, please send your resume and an introductory email indicating why you are interested in the position to info@JenniferBergmanWeddings.com with subject line “Application for Assistant Coordinator” OR “Application for Lead Coordinator.”

Please reach out by email if you have any questions about either position.

*Please note: We appreciate all applications, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.