Jenn Chivers – Freelance Hair + Makeup

Your bridal look (ie. hair and makeup) is something you do NOT want to mess around with! Hiring a professional hairstylist and makeup artist who is experienced in weddings is an absolute must for your big day.

Meet Jenn Chivers. Jenn is a freelance hairstylist and makeup artist based in Edmonton who has beautified many JBW brides! Read on to learn more about Jenn Chivers, and check out her website and Facebook page for more information on booking Jenn for your wedding or special event.

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

I’m a freelance hairstylist/makeup artist with a passion for bringing out women’s hidden beauty, seeing every corner of the world, and loving my awesome family.

Why did you become a hairstylist / makeup artist?

I knew I wasn’t an ‘office’ type person – I have always worked directly with people. My background in the hospitality industry built a solid foundation in service and established my need to interact closely with clients. I also identified the enjoyment I get from working under pressure. Since becoming a hairstylist/makeup artist my focus has been on working with my clients to create an experience that is memorable and special for them. I was a bit of a late bloomer in the industry but had an interest in fashion from a young age. My parents always used to laugh at how I could come up with a look out of almost anything. When the opportunity presented itself I jumped on it and haven’t looked back! I started freelancing 7 years ago, which has been amazing for me professionally as it has given me the freedom to provide the service I think my clients deserve, while still allowing me to have more time with my husband and son.

What’s your favourite part about your job?

I don’t know if I would say I have one favorite thing. I love working with my clients to interpret their vision – whether it is for an editorial shoot, a wedding or an advertisement. I love coming into their environment, hearing their story and transforming them from a blank canvas to their dream look. I feel incredibly proud to see the look on their face when they look in the mirror and see what I see.  I am fortunate that I do both hair and makeup so I am always inspired by different things that my clients bring to me.

What are your top tips for brides when considering their bridal makeup and hair?

Firstly, it is important to ensure you book well in advance so you aren’t disappointed. I normally suggest booking 6-12 months in advance. Doing a trial is key as this is your opportunity to get to know your stylist and see if the look you envisioned looks as good on you as you hope, as well as giving your stylist the opportunity to ensure your look is achievable and having anything they may need to ensure your morning is stress-free and enjoyable. Lastly, make sure that you are comfortable. If you don’t feel comfortable, it will show. I’m not talking about sweats and sneakers, but just make sure you feel that your look still lets YOU shine through – no matter whether you are going for a natural, glamorous or vintage look.

What bridal makeup trends and hair trends are you seeing for weddings in 2013 / 2014?

I am always a big proponent of brides wearing a look that is timeless and modern, while reflecting their own unique style. In the past few years, the focus has shifted to brides wearing looks that are more suited to them while incorporating trends, so we are seeing a variety of looks for this season to suit every style from fresh, natural looks with a pop of color on the lip, to soft smokey eyes to add an element of glamour to your makeup and soft, natural waves to sophisticated vintage styles with a modern twist for hair. Braiding continues to be a popular element to individualize your look.

When should brides book their bridal makeup artist and hair stylist?

I normally book 6-12 months in advance. This doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find someone if you wait longer, but your choices can be more limited as you get closer to your date. Many of the top stylists work on referral and are included in lists that are provided to clients by wedding planners, photographers, or other wedding vendors. Edmonton is a city with a lot of in-demand artists. Many of them will try to give you names of someone they would recommend but the best thing to do is plan ahead. The other benefit of booking early is that you get to check one more thing off your list!

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Here are some beautiful JBW brides that had their wedding day hair and makeup done by Jenn Chivers!

L: Images by Frost; R: Diamond Cake Photography

Katch Studios

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

Choosing your wedding music can be a daunting task that many couples struggle with. We’ve created a list of both Classic and Contemporary song selections for all those memorable moments throughout your wedding day. Leave a comment with your additions and we’ll keep adding to the list!

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Ceremony

C.J. Scott Photography; Sharon Litchfield Photography

Classic:

1. Bridal March (Instrumental) / Jonathan Cain
2. Because You Loved Me / Celine Dion
3. Canon in D / Johann Pachelbel
4. Ava Maria / Schubert
5. Somewhere Over the Rainbow / Israel Kamikawiwo’ole
6. Songbird / Fleetwood Mac
7. Con Te Partro / Andrea Bocelli
8. Only Time / Enya
9. When I Fall In Love / Nat King Cole
10. Fairytale / Enya

Contemporary:

1. A Thousand Years / Christina Perry
2. Marry Me / Train
3. Marry You / Bruno Mars
4. All of Me / John Legend
5. Everything / Lifehouse
6. Better Together / Jack Johnson
7. Till Kingdom Come / Coldplay
8. Ho Hey / Lumineers
9. Love Song / Taylor Swift
10. Make You Feel My Love / Adele & Garth Brooks

Katch Studios

Grand Entrance

Classic:

1. How Sweet It Is / James Taylor
2. Eye Of The Tiger / Survivor
3. Beautiful Day / U2
4. Finally / Ce Ce Penniston
5. Love & Marriage / Frank Sinatra
6. Here Comes The Sun / The Beatles (Glee Cast)
7. We Got Married in Jackson / Johnny Cash & June Carter
8. White Wedding / Billy Idol
9. Let’s Get Married / Jagged Edge
10. Celebration / Kool & The Gang

Contemporary:

1. Treasure / Bruno Mars
2. Home / Phillip Phillips
3. Love Stoned / Justin Timberlake
4. Just The Way You Are / Bruno Mars
5. The Other Side / Jason Derulo
6. Like Home / Nicky Romero & NERVO
7. Feel So Close / Calvin Harris
8. I Gotta Feeling / The Black Eyed Peas
9. Crazy In Love / Beyoncé
10. Home / Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
11. Wake Me Up / Avicii

Carey Nash Photography

First Dance

Classic:

1. The Way You Look Tonight / Frank Sinatra
2. Time After Time / Rod Stewart
3. All for Love / Bryan Adams
4. At Last / Etta James
5. When a Man Loves a Woman / Michael Bolton
6. Amazed / Lonestar
7. Can’t Help Falling In Love / Elvis Presley
8. Lost Together / Blue Rodeo
9. Your Song / Elton John
10. I’ll Be / Edwin McCain
11. L.O.V.E. / Nat King Cole

Modern:

1. Angel / Robin Thicke
2. Forever / Ben Harper
3. Giving Myself / Jennifer Hudson
4. Wanted / Hunter Hayes
5. Everything / Michael Buble
6. Not Even The King / Alicia Keys
7. I Won’t Give Up / Jason Mraz
8. Us Against The World / Coldplay
9. Bubbly / Colbie Caillat
10. Dance With Me / Johnny Reid
11. All Of Me / John Legend
12. Young & Beautiful / Lana Del Ray

Sharon Litchfield Photography

Father-Daughter / Mother-Son Dance

Classic:

1. Butterfly Kisses / Bob Carlisle
2. Wonderful World / Louis Armstrong
3. Unforgettable / Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
4. Forever Young / Rod Stewart
5. Isn’t She Lovely / Stevie Wonder
6. Wonderful Tonight / Eric Clapton
7. Loved Her First / Heartland
8. Stand by Me / Ben E. King
9. Moon River / Frank Sinatra
10. All You Need Is Love / The Beatles

Contemporary:

1. Mama’s Song / Carrie Underwood
2. Daughter / John Mayer
3. My Wish / Rascal Flatts
4. You Raise Me Up / Josh Groban
5. Something I Need / One Republic
6. Celebration / Kool & The Gang
7. Daddy Dance With Me / Krystle Keith
8. Oh Sweet Child Of Mine / Taken by Trees
9. My Little Girl / Tim McGraw
10. Just Wanna Dance With You / George Strait

Kelly Redinger Photographer

Bouquet/Garter Toss

Classic:

1. You Sexy Thing / Hot Chocolate
2. Pour Some Sugar On Me / Def Leppard
3. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun / Cyndi Lauper
4. It’s Raining Men / The Weather Girls
5. I’m Too Sexy / Right Said Fred
6. Bad Boys / Inner Circle
7. You Can Leave Your Hat On / Joe Cocker
8. Baby Got Back / Sir Mix-A-Lot
9. Another One Bites The Dust / Queen
10. Ice Ice Baby / Vanilla Ice

Contemporary:

1. Single Ladies /Beyoncé
2. Only Girl / Rihanna
3. Sexy Back / Justin Timberlake
4. Run The World (Girls) / Beyoncé
5. Little White Church / Little Big Town
6. Can’t Hold Us / Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
7. Gangnam Style / PSY
8. Gold Digger / Kanye West
9. Boys / Britney Spears
10. We Can’t Stop / Miley Cyrus

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

Today we welcome a guest blogger – Christine Meadows – to share her thoughts on Hashtagging your wedding! Christine is the Early News Producer at Global Edmonton. Follow Christine on Twitter @CMeadowsGlobal.

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It’s 2013. Let’s face it…phones will be out at your wedding and pictures will be posted almost instantly to the World Wide Web. If you are okay with the idea, it’s time to give your guests and your big day a hashtag!

Instagram, Twitter, and now Facebook use hashtags. It’s the # symbol before a relevant keyword or phrase with no spaces. When a guest goes to post a photo he or she will include the hashtag. It creates a searchable category that essentially tags your photo by whatever catchphrase you used. Just like that a virtual album is born.

How To Successfully #YourWedding:

• Choose a unique and memorable hashtag:  If your hashtag is too simple or too generic, there is a good chance it will already be used.  For example, #SmithWedding may not be the best choice but #SmithsSayIDo2013 could be unique to your wedding.
• Search your hashtag: To find out your hashtag is already in use, simply do a search on Instagram.
• Spread the word: Share your hashtag with your guests in the wedding invitation, on a sign at the wedding or through word-of-mouth.
• Enlist a few friends to get the ball (and your hashtag) rolling: Guests will be more inclined to post if they see others already doing it!

It was not too long ago that disposable cameras were left on tables for guests to capture photos of the party. This is just an evolution of that trend. The hashtag is also a great perk for those who can’t make it to your wedding. They can follow along and witness the day unfold over social media. You can also screen grab or collect the images later and make a photobook. #YourWedding doesn’t replace a professional photographer – it’s just a bonus from a different viewpoint.

I wish I could have had #ChristineAndSteveGetHitched back in 2009, when I said “I Do”. Many of our guests came armed with cameras snapping photos, getting great angles and frame worthy candids. The majority, we’ve never seen. Nearly four years later those photos are likely sitting lost on a memory card or even worse, in a virtual trash can.

Now, if you tremble at the thought of a snap of you in your dress on Instagram before the ink on your marriage certificate even dries – a hashtag isn’t for you. What you need is a smartphone ban and someone to enforce it.

Happy Hashtagging and Happy Wedding!

Photo Credits: Left, Top, Bottom.

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

Last week we shared the inspiration behind Andrea + Tom’s elegant winter wedding at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. There are so many details about this wedding that I absolutely adore: Andrea’s breathtaking gown from Delica Bridal, the rustic elegant flowers by faBLOOMosity, and the custom illustration of Andrea, Tom and their son Max designed for their stationery suite by Pinkpolka. It was truly a special day for a very deserving couple. Read on to hear what the gorgeous bride had to say about her wedding day as featured on top wedding blog, Style Me Pretty!

“Tom and I loved the idea of having a wedding that felt more like a stylish party than a formal, over-the-top event. We had the same approach when it came to making choices about the décor – we wanted it to feel warm and rustic, with a backdrop of elegance. I was thrilled that our wedding planner, Jennifer Bergman, was able to achieve that vision. The palette featured neutral tones, ivory and pops of metallics. We also incorporated warm amber lighting and candles that helped create a welcoming feeling despite being in a large ballroom.

It was important to us to incorporate some personal touches into the wedding: our wedding stationery featured a custom illustration of our family and we included a photo of Tom’s mother along with a bouquet of lilacs (her favourite) at the entry table to have her there in spirit. Our wedding day was absolutely magical and we enjoyed every bit of it!”

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

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Credits:

• Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Studio 9 Photographics
  
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: FaBLOOMosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
  
• Cake: Over the Top Cakes
  
• Music: Premiere DJs
• Hair Stylist: Bailey Gartner
• Makeup Artist: Anita Gill 
• Gown: Delica Bridal

Andrea + Tom had a beautiful winter wedding back in February – in fact, they were our first 2013 couple to tie the knot! They wanted their Fairmont Hotel Macdonald wedding to feel more like a stylish party than a formal, over-the-top event. Designing around a neutral palette of ivory, taupe, grey and pops of metallic, together we achieved an event that exuded warmth and elegance with a touch of rustic charm. Here’s the Inspiration Board we used for the design:

 Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): Bouquet – Pinterest; Tablescape – Wedding Bee; Bandage Dress –BlushWish; Earrings – Luulla; Reception – Wedding Bee; Bridesmaid Dresses – Bridesmaid.Design; Centrepiece – Brides.

…and here’s the end result!

Photo Credit: Studio 9 Photographics.

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Come back soon for more from Andrea + Tom’s special day as featured on Style Me Pretty!

Cheers!

Jennifer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

I was raised in a northern community and found myself drawn to camping, hiking and exploring at an early age. After high school I started out on my first international backpack trip and before I knew it, nearly ten years had passed, and I had traveled around our globe many times. During my years abroad I had the good fortune to meet some great people…two of which, a young Danish photographer and a Parisian artist, set me on my path to photography. I had no formal education in photography but I saw the world quite differently than many others I knew.

My greatest success was meeting my wife Colleen, who comes from a completely different background.  She is well educated and encouraged my passion and has taught me how to pursue my dreams with hard work.  In our nine years together she has given me three amazing little backpackers. I’m goofy, I laugh a lot and I don’t take life too seriously. And when I take photos I don’t just want them to be pretty, I want them to be pretty freaking awesome.

My parents. They had me at a young age and left their remote hometown and followed an opportunity for a better life. Life wasn’t easy when we were young but they taught me to explore, be independent and take risks. For photography, Sebastiao Salgado. His early work is quite dramatic and I am drawn to his framing and powerful emotions.

My work has continued to change and develop over the past 15 years. I’m not sure I can label it, but from my travel background I’m drawn to wide spaces and powerful and intense portraits. I lean towards the dramatic even though my personality is loose and light – perhaps that style of imagery is my outlet for my dramatic side?

I’ve been fortunate to shoot in incredible places with fun brides and grooms which has lead to some pretty cool weddings and shots. I don’t think I could pick one favourite and I’m just happy that people trust me with them.   The new father in me has really changed the way I view weddings from when I had no children. Of my three kids I have two daughters, so every wedding reminds me that one day I hope to be lucky enough to walk these princesses down the aisle.

Each couple and the photographer have their own personality and style. Speaking on behalf of myself I want to remind couples that this day is about bringing family and friends together one time! No two weddings or emotions are ever the same so your day will be yours, and your images unique to your wedding.  So you might have images in mind from Pinterest or somewhere, but it’s likely impossible to replicate them, and they may look forced. Trust whoever you hire on your wedding day to capture the real moments that mattered to you that day and take time to enjoy your day and the people surrounding you.

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Visit Carey’s blog to see all his latest adventures!

Cheers,

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

Krista + Scott are such a fun couple and we had a blast together at planning meetings. They knew they wanted a modern design for their wedding, and they weren’t afraid of incorporating colour. After some initial discussions we decided on a “Modern Garden” concept that would brighten a classic black & white palette with pops of fuchsia pink flowers and vibrant green boxwood hedges and orbs.

The ceremony was held in the Art Gallery of Alberta’s Ledcor Theatre where boxwood hedges, floating candles, gladiolas and dendrobium orchids created a gorgeous backdrop for the vows. After taking photos with their families and wedding party, Krista + Scott joined their guests for dinner and dancing at Matrix Hotel. The entire ballroom was lit in fuchsia and purple, and contemporary furniture created a lounge space near the dance floor.

Krista + Scott’s families LOVE candy, so they decided a candy table was a must at their reception. Working with LOVEinc Dessert Styling we designed a fun pink and green sweet spread full of the couple’s favourites. Stationery by Pinkpolka Wedding Design pulled everything together.

Enjoy these stunning images by Sharon Litchfield Photography!

Krista + Scott:  It was such a pleasure working with you to create this amazing celebration of your love. Wishing you a blissful marriage and continued success in your careers!

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

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Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Sharon Litchfield Photography
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: The Wild Orchid
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals, Elegant Touches
• Lounge Furntiture: D’Lusso
• Candy Table: LOVEinc Dessert Styling
• celebrity dresses: Incelebstyle
• Prom Dresses: JoJobride
• Ceremony Music: Mathias Silveira
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs
• Full Lace wigs: addcolo
• Makeup Artist: Brenna Dixon

We still have some beautiful 2012 weddings to blog, and since these two lovebirds are celebrating their 1st Anniversary this week, what better time than to share their amazing day!

Madison + Kalen were married in a sweet and personalized ceremony at Covenant Christian Reformed Church. Their reception was at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in the Empire Ballroom, where guests dined on a delicious 5-course meal along with a divine sweet table spread by Whimsical Cake Studio.

Carey Nash was their photographer and as you’ll see from the images below, he has an amazing way of capturing the emotion of a moment.

Madison + Kalen: It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since your special day! It was a pleasure working with you and I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and success.

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

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Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Carey Nash Photography
  
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: Laurel’s On Whyte
  
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Ceremony Music: Strathcona String Quartet
• DJ: Revolution DJ
• Transportation: Eternity Limousine
• Cupcakes + Sweet Table: Whimsical Cake Studio
• Hair: Kristin from Inspirit Beauty & Veryhair
• Makeup: Brenna Dixon
• Bridesmaid Dresses: Instyledress
• Flower girl dresses: lilybridal