A lot goes into the wedding design process at Jennifer Bergman Weddings. We begin by determining a bride and groom’s wedding style – the look they envision, the atmosphere and feelings 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 reception stationery to perfectly reflect their wedding style.

As we’re nearing the end of our 2012 wedding season, it’s so exciting (and rewarding) to see the professional photos from our clients’ events. Before showing you some of this season’s jaw-droppingly beautiful weddings, we’ll first share the design boards behind them so you can get a glimpse at how we take inspiration and make it reality.

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Kristy + Joe wanted a classic, romantic wedding with a modern twist…

Photo Credits (clockwise from L-R): charger plate – Pam Scott Photo; black and white dance floor – Belle The Magazine; bouquet – WedLuxe; centrepieces – Project Wedding; sweetheart table – WedLuxe; bride with bouquet – Project Wedding; macaron tower – WedLuxe.

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

Photo Credit: Kelsy Nielson Photographer.

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On Monday we’ll share the full blog post featuring Kristy + Joe’s wedding…stay tuned!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

We had the pleasure of working with Zahra + Ali to design and coordinate their festive wedding weekend in June. On Friday, special celebrations were hosted for both the bride and groom. Ali’s side hosted their party at Khazana, while Zahra’s family and friends attended a vibrant event at Edmonton Hotel & Convention Centre with Indian and Moroccan inspired décor. Both parties were filled with amazing food, music and of course – dancing!

The next day, Zahra + Ali shared a ‘first look’ before their marriage ceremony at Ismaili Jamatkhana & Centre. After making it official the couple spent some time taking photos with their stylish wedding party before heading to the reception at Shaw Conference Centre’s Hall D. For this event, we opted for a sleek modern design with a palette of pewter, white and pops of fuchsia and purple. The highlight of the evening was a surprise all-male Bollywood dance performance by some of Zahra + Ali’s family and friends – you should have seen these guys move!

Mark Eleven Photography didn’t miss a moment of the festivities – enjoy a sampling of these gorgeous images!

Zahra + Ali: It was such an honour to be a part of your amazing wedding weekend – thanks for choosing JBW!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Design + Coordination: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Mark Eleven Photography
• Videographer: Aydin Wedding Films
• Rentals: Arlene Yam Decor, Elegant Touches, ABC Weddings
• Flowers: Akiko Floral Artistry
• Cake: Sonia Shewchuk
• Reception Music: DJ Al V
• Bride’s Hair + Makeup: Sunita Sumaru

It’s been a while since we’ve posted a Real Wedding, but that doesn’t mean they’re not happening! Over the past few months we’ve helped dozens of couples say I Do in style, and I can’t wait to share their beautiful weddings with you.

First up is a wedding that is near and dear to me as the bride and groom have been close friends of mine for years. Shannon + Nathan were married on a sunny day in July at St. Matthew Parish. Shannon looked stunning in her romantic lace gown (Grace by Maggie Sottero), accessorized with a gold sash and teardrop earrings.

Their reception at St. Albert Inn was full of touching toasts from family and friends, a ceremonial “screechin’ in” of the groom (he’s now an honorary Newfie!), and lots and lots of dancing! The gorgeous images you see below are courtesy of Jill Coursen Photography.

{A very special thank you to Jessica for coordinating the day so I could enjoy and celebrate with my close friends!}

A collection of family wedding photos were displayed outside the ballroom, while ornate gold frames showed guests to their seats. The centrepieces were a grouping of gold sprayed bottles and floating candles. The bride’s father handmade the chunky wooden table numbers which added a gorgeous contrast to the table décor!

The couple included a special thank you note at each place setting to let guests know how much their presence was valued. An expansive pink and gold sweet table included cupcakes, macarons, cake pops and a variety of tasty candies.

A huge congrats again to my dear friends – wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Coordination: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Jill Coursen Photography
  
• Rentals: Arlene Yam Decor and Special Event Rentals
• Flowers: Flowers Alive
  
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Reception Music: Baseline DJ
• Transportation: Esquire Limousines
• Gown: Bridal Début Edmonton
• Hair: Amber at Lavish Salon & Spa
• Makeup: Bella Mia Makeup

Being the MC at a wedding is a great honour but it can also be a bit scary. Here are some tips to help you prepare for this special role.

Top 10 Wedding MC Tips

1. Prepare well in advance so you aren’t in a panic the week of the wedding. Type your script and read it back to yourself in the mirror to make sure it flows.
2. Know the reception itinerary (speak to the bride and groom or the wedding planner to get this in advance). The best MCs keep things running smoothly and on time.
3. Inform the wedding planner about any special touches or A/V requirements in advance.
4. Arrive at the reception early to do a sound check. Speak clearly into the mic while holding it approximately 15 cm away from your mouth.
5. Keep your comments and stories short and sweet.
6. Keep guests informed throughout the evening. Give them 10-15 minute warnings before important events occur (eg. dinner, speeches, dance, cake cutting).
7. Ensure the caterer / servers are aware when you are beginning speeches so that they don’t disrupt guests by clearing tables.
8. When introducing speakers, mention something personal about them and/or about their relationship to the bride and groom. Learn how to pronounce their names before the wedding.
9. Don’t have too many drinks before and during dinner. Even though you may be nervous, keeping a clear head is important.
10. Avoid embarrassing subjects and information that can’t be taken back. If you’re unsure about a joke or topic always check with the bride and groom, close family members or the wedding planner.

Good luck – you’ll do great!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credit: Sharon Litchfield Photography.

Last month we were thrilled to learn that one of our weddings has been nominated for an ISES Esprit Award from the International Special Events Society (ISES)! The recipients will be announced in a couple weeks, but regardless of the outcome we already feel like winners. It is an absolute honour to be in the company of such esteemed event professionals from around the world.

About ISES Esprit Awards

ISES honors industry excellence through its prestigious awards program, the ISES Esprit Awards, which fuel a spirit of competition within designated categories. ISES Esprit Awards gain global visibility and recognition for ISES members. It honours special event professionals who exhibit a “spirit of excellence” in their work. The importance of global industry recognition helps improve industry standards internationally and further promote our professionalism. ISES is dedicated to recognizing excellence in events and rewarding those individuals whose vision and creativity make their events “Special.” (www.ises.com)

2012 ISES Esprit Award Nominee – Best Wedding – “West Coast Chic”

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. Good luck to all the nominees!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

Photo Credits: C.J. Scott Photography

Today marks the 3rd Anniversary for one of our 2009 couples, Carilynn + Conor!

Here’s a fun idea from their summery yellow wedding…setup a fresh lemonade table at your reception so guests can enjoy a cool, refreshing drink. The cute lemonade sign below was designed by Pinkpolka.

Happy Anniversary!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credit: Jana Kendall Photography.

We had the pleasure of working with Theresa + Jake for over two years to plan their 11.11.11 wedding. Living in the remote town of Norman Wells, Northwest Territories, they chose to have a destination wedding in Edmonton to create a memorable weekend for all their guests (for some, it would be their first trip out of the North)!

Matrix Hotel was the perfect setting for this modern, edgy wedding. Theresa wore a stunning Vera Wang gown accessorized with a black sash and sparkling Christian Louboutin pumps. Jake was dashingly handsome in black on black. Together they looked like they could be on the cover of a magazine!

The wedding design was inspired by its auspicious date, as the three elevens visually create clean, modern lines. Paired with a dramatic colour palette of black, pewter and dark purple, this pattern was carried throughout many elements of the wedding. To incorporate their northern culture, Theresa and Jake gave guests miniature Mukluk ornaments as favours. These were handmade by Theresa’s aunts – a loving, personal touch!

Alicia Price is the talented photographer behind these gorgeous images that tell the story of Theresa + Jake’s wedding day. We were honoured that this wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty Canada!

{Special thanks to Jessica for assisting!}

The ceremony was held in Matrix Hotel’s Amber Ballroom. The couple’s daughters served as their Flower Girl and Ring Bearer – they looked adorable and super stylish in black tulle and plum accents!

The stationery suite reflected Theresa + Jake’s wedding style perfectly and helped tie everything together. It was expertly designed by Jenelle at Pinkpolka.

The reception decor included black chiavari chairs, pewter pintuck linens and black lacquer charger plates finished with black satin napkins. This unconventional palette was further accented with dramatic fuchsia and purple uplighting. Ultra-modern centrepieces by La Piazza Dasee featured a cluster of three arrangements and included purple callas, dendrobium orchids and white hydrangea.

Whimsical Cake Studio supplied the delicious wedding cake and sweet table treats, including: sugar cookies, mini cupcakes, square cake pops, macarons and chocolate dipped pretzel sticks. The table was designed in an all-white theme with accents of silver incorporated in the linear pattern.

Chunky silver table numbers were the perfect modern table accessories; below, a photo booth with quirky props kept guests entertained all night.

Theresa, Jake + Family: It was an honour to get to know you all throughout the planning process. I thoroughly enjoyed your visits to Edmonton and wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Alicia Price
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals, Elegant Touches
  
• Florist: La Piazza Dasee
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Cake + Sweet Table: Whimsical Cake Studio
• Music: DJ Kwake of Premiere DJs
• Transportation: Esquire Limousine
• Officiant: Joan Tkaczyk
• Hair: Sunita Sumaru
• Makeup: Anita Gill

What woman doesn’t love shoes? They can make you feel like a million bucks, and your wedding is probably the best excuse to splurge on your dream pair. Here’s a collection of some of our past brides’ amazing shoes.

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First up, it’s all about the sparkle. Warning: you may need sunglasses to look at some of these beauties!

What better way to incorporate your ‘something blue’ than with a pair of gorgeous blue heels?

Studio Jellyfish will create a custom design to reflect your relationship and wedding, then hand-paint the design on to a pair of shoes. Perfect for the bold bride who wants to make a statement on her big day!

These hot pink Kate Spade shoes add a playful punch of colour to an elegant bridal look.

Those famous red soles make Christian Louboutins the most coveted bridal shoe. Our brides have rocked Louboutins in all different styles, from nude patent pumps to ruffled lace stilettos.

For the classic bride, white rosette heels by Cole Haan add just the right amount of fancy to your feet.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credits: JDS Photography, Alicia Price Photography, Carey Nash Photography, Sharon Litchfield Photography, Katch Studios, Sharon Litchfield Photography, Julie Williams Photography, Katch Studios, Paperheart Photography, C.J. Scott Photography, Sam Ng Photography, Eric Daigle Photography, Eric Daigle Photography.