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

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

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.

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

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.

Lighting instantly transforms the atmosphere of an event by enhancing the décor and evoking emotions through use of colour. Here are examples of some of our past weddings where lighting has been used. You will notice that the colour of lighting greatly impacts the essence of each wedding:

AMBER / GOLD LIGHTING: elegant, formal, traditional

BLUE LIGHTING: calm, cool, fresh

PINK LIGHTING: warm, fun, exotic

PURPLE LIGHTING: romantic, sophisticated, regal

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credits: Kelsy Nielson Photographer, Kelsy Nielson Photographer, Night and Day Photography, Vinson Lim, Perry Thompson Photography, Hugh Lecky, Jana Kendall Photography, Katch Studios, Katch Studios, C.J. Scott Photography, Sam Ng Photography, Katch Studios, Katch Studios, Katch Studios.

One of the first impressions your guests will have of your reception is the guest book. Choosing a unique guest book alternative will set the tone for a fun night ahead! This photo is from Annik + James’ wedding last June. They personalized an Edmonton Oilers jersey and their family and friends signed it to create the perfect keepsake.

Want more creative guest book ideas? Check out this post.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credit: Carey Nash Photography.

Tara + Brett were married in February (our first wedding of 2012!) in the midst of one of Edmonton’s most mild winters in history. Both Environmental Scientists, their love for nature and animals was evident throughout all aspects of their soirée. Add in some charming vintage elements and dozens of thoughtful, unique details…the result? An absolutely gorgeous day that truly reflected this special couple.

Tara + Brett chose historic locations for both their ceremony and reception venues. After attending an intimate ceremony at McKay Avenue School, guests made their way to Freemasons’ Hall for the reception, where they ate a delicious meal and danced the night away.

The highlight of the reception was the AMAZING photo backdrop! This jaw-dropping set featured trees, taxidermy, fake snow and a green vintage couch. The couple’s family and friends pitched in to make this masterpiece come to life.

The essence of Tara + Brett’s day was captured so beautifully by the talented ladies at Diamond Cake Photography, that it was really no surprise the wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty Canada! We are thrilled that 2012 started off with such a bang!

{Special thanks to Jessica and Jenna for assisting!}

The invitations featured a custom winter woodland illustration by Pinkpolka Wedding Design that was carried throughout the rest of the wedding stationery. Lori from Laurel’s On Whyte incorporated wooden flowers into all the bouquets – the result was so beautiful and unique!

Tara’s gorgeous bridesmaids wore matching robes that featured a vintage floral motif. At the ceremony, the flower girl announced the bride’s entrance with an adorable chalkboard sign!

Wedding party tebowing? Totally awesome.

As they entered the reception hall, guests were wowed by a guest book table that mirrored a forest floor! An abundance of moss, driftwood, lichen and wooden flowers were pressed beneath an acrylic tabletop, creating a gorgeous show piece. Guests were treated to delicious homemade jam favours made by the couple’s mothers and aunts.

The centrepieces were an eclectic mix of old books, antlers and crystal vases collected from friends and antique shops. Vases were filled with hydrangea, ranunculus, garden roses and cotton. Fruitwood chiavari chairs added a rustic flair to the room, while lace was used in the linens and napkins to enhance the romantic, vintage vibe.

Tables were named after an animal species and featured a bronzed version of the corresponding creature. In lieu of clinking glasses, guests had to mimic an animal sound to make the newlyweds kiss. The winning sound? An elk!

As a surprise for the couple, we commissioned Naturally Chic to make custom “Bride” and “Groom” chair signs. The winter woodland scene perfectly matched the wedding invitations and reception stationery. Below, the photo backdrop in all its glory! Isn’t it just spectacular!?

Tara + Brett: It was such a joy to help bring your unique wedding vision to reality. Thank you for entrusting Jennifer Bergman Weddings with such an important milestone in your lives. I’m looking forward to hearing all about your Tanzanian honeymoon!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Diamond Cake Photography
  
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals and Elegant Touches
• Floral Design: Laurel’s On Whyte
• Boutonnieres + Corsages: Erica Cavanagh
• Wooden Flowers: Accents and Petals
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Chair Signs: Naturally Chic
• Cake: Over the Top Cakes
• Reception Music: Jeff Ramsey and Baseline Services
• Transportation: Esquire Limousines
• Gown: Enzoani “Farlow” via The Bridal House
• Makeup: Anita Gill Makeup Artistry

Happy Monday!

Patricia J. Hair Designer is back with one final post to help you with your bridal hairstyle. Whether you’re newly engaged or in the final stages of planning, read on for Patricia’s advice on how to treat your tresses right leading up to the big day.

Months Before…Planning and Getting on Track

• Ask your hairstylist if they do special occasion hair. It is equally important to find out if they are familiar with (and comfortable creating) the style you want. If they aren’t, get them to recommend another stylist.
• Feel like you in your wedding do’! Don’t go overboard! You should be relaxed and your hairstyle should reflect your style as well as your personality (keeping in mind any suggestions your stylist has).
• Be organized and prebook your wedding day appointment so that you can ensure you get the right starting time and enough time with your stylist. It is always better to have more time than to be rushed – stress free zone is best!
• Please book a trial! It is great to see the style you want on yourself. Take pictures from all angles so you can see how the style is falling, and determine whether you would like to make any changes. The trial is also a great way to test for any product sensitivities or allergies.
• It isn’t necessary to buy a veil or hair accessories until you know what hairstyle you want.
• Do not decide on a major corrective colour change unless you and your stylist have talked about it and are both aware of what you’re getting into.
• If length is ideal for your hairstyle, make sure you keep going in for regular trims. Split ends will keep on splitting and result in breakage. Healthy hair is what we want!
• If you plan on getting extensions for the wedding make sure your stylist is involved and that the colour matches. It is important to get the extensions properly cut to blend with your own natural style.
• Get on a good shampoo and rinse if you aren’t already using one, so that your hair is getting the proper moisture/ treatment it needs to be in mint condition. The Kevin.Murphy brand of products are one of my favourite lines and are great for everyday use.

Weeks Before…Time for Touch-Ups

• Your last colour and trim can be scheduled 2-3 weeks before the wedding date. This allows the style to soften up a bit and leaves room for unexpected mishaps.
• A treatment to boost moisture and shine goes along great with the touchups. I recommend the L’oreal Professional PowerDose or Fiberceutic treatment (in-salon treatments). They leave the hair hydrated and feeling great without weighing it down.

Day Before…Relax and Prep

• Depending on the style you want, some hairstylists might suggest to wash your hair the day of your wedding but most will ask you to wash your hair 24 hours prior. Freshly cleaned hair can be too soft and fluffy and is harder to work with.
• I tell all my clients to do what is called a Maxi.Wash by Kevin.Murphy. It is a clarifying shampoo that removes environmental and product buildup off the hair – and it’s colour safe! Maxi.Wash leaves the hair incredibly shiny for your big day.
• The Maxi.Wash is like your primer. Follow it up with your everyday shampoo and rinse.
• Deep conditioning masks should be avoided the day before the wedding as they are usually quite rich and can weigh down the hair. (Save them for a little TLC after the big day!)

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Some great advice! Brides, if you don’t already have a hairstylist for your wedding (or for everyday), be sure to contact Patricia J. Hair Designer!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer