I love a lot of things about East Indian weddings: the colours, the dancing, the food…but above all, the festive spirit. Everyone who attends is ready to have the time of their lives, and often the celebrations continue for the better part of a week!

We were fortunate to be involved in Aanchal + Rajat’s wedding festivities last July. We designed and coordinated their pre-wedding Sangeet party as well as the wedding ceremony. The Sangeet was held at Meridian Banquets in Edmonton. Aanchal wanted this evening to be colourful and Moroccan-inspired, complete with lanterns, lighting and a bazaar where ladies could adorn themselves with bindis and bangles!

Enjoy a small sampling of images from this festive fete by Night and Day Photography, and stay tuned for Part 2 coming later this week.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Night and Day Photography
• Drapery + Lighting: QSD Event Services
• Rentals: Elegant Touches, Special Event Rentals
  
• Florist: La Piazza Dasee

As with your wedding planner / coordinator, it’s so important to have a good connection with the professional photographer that you hire to capture those special moments on your wedding day.

Meet Sharon Litchfield. Not only is she a super sweet person, she takes some pretty sweet photos! We’ve worked with Sharon on some gorgeous events and we’re looking forward to collaborating more this upcoming wedding season. Read on to learn more about Sharon, why she became a photographer and her favourite part of the wedding day.

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

I’m Sharon! I’m the face behind Sharon Litchfield Photography. Other than taking too many photos and scouting the next great location, I also love coffee dates and indulging in all things pretty. I’m really just your typical girl.

Why did you become a photographer?

I’ll be honest, photography was never something I thought would interest me, until I saw my own wedding photos. I was surprised that my favourite photos were the ones that captured us when we weren’t looking at the camera, with perfect smiles, and just being ourselves. I was instantly inspired and attracted to creating something that evokes so much emotion. Since then, photography has become a creative outlet for me. I feel so lucky to actually be able to do this for a living.

Who have been the biggest influences in your life (photographers or otherwise)?

I know this sounds cliché, but the biggest influence in my life is my husband, Jeff. He has unwavering faith in me and is always encouraging and supportive of everything I do. Without him (and his gentle nagging), I would never have accomplished half the things I have today.

How would you describe your photography style?

I don’t think I really have a specific style. I am inspired by my couples and their personalities really infuse the style of their photos. Some couples love the posed editorial fashion style, while others prefer something more natural and photojournalistic. Most of the time, we’ll find the sweet spot and we’ll play.

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

My favourite part of a wedding to shoot is the bride’s “Getting Ready.” Being a lover of all things pretty, sparkly, soft and delicate, the getting ready part is heaven to me. Starting off the day with something so beautiful and serene really helps set the tone for me for the rest of the day.

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

• Pick a photographer who shares your vision. When you commit to a photographer, be sure that you absolutely love what they do, and not what you would like them to do. While it is your day and the photographer is dedicated to capturing your day, it’s also important to not expect that they will be able to recreate existing shots.
• Allot enough time for photography because you never know the roadblocks along the way, and be realistic of how many locations you want to visit. Sometimes, you realize on the day, there isn’t enough time so you should really strive for the locations that mean the most to you and not try to get TOO creative.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to be free and express everything that you’re feeling. The best shots are from the ones where you’re relaxed and letting your guard down in front of the camera.

Here’s a beautiful sampling of images Sharon has captured of our clients and their weddings:

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Visit Sharon’s blog and Facebook page for more gorgeous wedding eye-candy!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Ombré: shaded or graduated in tone.

Last year we saw the ombré trend emerge in hair styles and fashion, and now the wedding scene is following suit with delectable ombré details from flowers and invitations to cakes and gowns.

That being said, some celebrity weddings incorporated ombré nearly a decade ago. Gwen Stefani wore a pink ombré wedding dress in 2002, and Trista and Ryan Sutter followed suit in 2003 when they wed after meeting on The Bachelorette – guests sat on pink ombré chair covers at the beautiful outdoor ceremony in California.

A full-on ombré wedding might be a little much, but incorporating the gradient trend in one or two areas adds beautiful impact. Here’s some pink ombré wedding inspiration to take you into the weekend!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credits: pink ombré bouquet – Lauryl Lane; Gwen Stefani wedding gown – Park Avenue Blog; pink ombré tablecloth – Inspired by This; pink ombré wedding cake – Everything Fab; ombré wedding invitation – Etsy; pink ombré petal aisle runner – Martha Stewart Weddings; pink ombré chair covers – Events by Heather Ham; pink ombré centrepiece – Inspired by This.

From photographing an event for Grammy award-winning artist David Foster to the Delux Burger Bar Celebrity Chefs, Moments in Digital photographers Bruce and Sarah Clarke bring their experiences capturing unique events to your wedding day. Their mantra? Take beautiful photos while having a whole lot of fun!

We had the pleasure of working with Moments in Digital Photography on Sherena + Clay’s gorgeous wedding last fall. Some images from their day are included at the bottom of this post.

Read on as Bruce and Sarah share their top wedding photography tips and why they love being behind the lens.

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Credit: Pink Sugar Photography

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

We are a fun-loving husband and wife team who love telling people’s stories through our photography. Capturing moments while having fun is what we are all about!

Why did you become photographers?

Photography was something that we both always enjoyed and like most people, our interest in photography began as a hobby. Growing up we were both fortunate to be raised in families who loved to document important moments with a camera. Later in life, it was travel and the desire to to do a better job of documenting our journeys that led us to want to learn more about photography. That eventually evolved into pursuing photography professionally and we realized how much we loved to tell people’s stories with our photography so documenting weddings became a natural evolution for us. We love getting to know our couples and we think that helps us create genuine images that really show off their personalities.

One of the other motivating factors that got us into wedding photography was the experience we had with our own wedding photography. Regretfully, we put budget ahead of the skill and artistic vision of the photographer we chose to photograph our own wedding, and the result was images we weren’t over the moon with. If we could go back in time, we would definitely spend more time finding the right fit of personality, experience and vision and not worry about spending a bit more to get images we’d be happy with for the rest of our lives.

Who have been the biggest influences in your life (photographers or otherwise)?

Our parents were definitely large influences on us although it wasn’t until recently when we started to dig around in their basements looking for vintage cameras to add to our growing collection that we both realized how many cameras our families owned. Even though neither one of us had any professional photographers in our families, photography and photographs were always prevalent in our lives.

In terms of other photographers, we draw a lot of our inspiration from a mixture of old and new photographers including Ansel Adams, Cartier Bresson, Bambi Cantrell, Jesh deRox, Joe McNally, Jerry Ghionis, Kevin Kubota, and many others. We also love movies and get a lot of inspiration for lighting and composition from them.

How would you describe your photography style?

Most people would say our photography style is laid back and fun. We love to laugh and goof around with our couples but we also take what we are doing very seriously. We try to keep our images fun and fresh while at the same time making sure the finished product is clean and timeless. There are many trends in photography and in post production that are here today and gone tomorrow. While we do like to keep up with the trends, we also try not to overdue it with any one trend as we think it will quickly date our clients’ images. We don’t want them looking back on their images in a few years and thinking that they look old and dated. Trends like selective color or applying a vintage wash to an image might look interesting for awhile but quickly lose their appeal. We love bright, bold, and colorful images along with classic black and white photography.

Do you have a favourite wedding or wedding moment that you’ve photographed?

It probably sounds cliché but there has been something special about every wedding we have photographed. Most recently, we had the opportunity to travel to India to photograph a destination wedding at a palace in the middle of a lake so that would probably rank up there with one of our more memorable weddings. Another wedding we really enjoyed was Hunter & Rod’s intimate wedding at Rutherford House. It was a small family affair that was anything but traditional and included a casual dinner with close family and friends followed by parlour games and everyone sharing stories about the happy couple.

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

• Relax and have fun. Don’t feel you always have to be looking at the camera. Interact with each other and your friends and family and you’ll wind up with more natural looking images from your wedding day.
• Discuss your schedule with your photographer. Make sure you leave plenty of time for photographs. Often couples underestimate the amount of time they’ll need for photos and forget to plan for things like people being late, traffic snarls, and travel time between locations. Great images take time to create and if you and your photographer are pressed for time, you’ll both be stressed and it will show in the images
• Also, talk to your photographer about what time of day will be best for your wedding photos. Many people think that the middle of the day during a summer wedding would be a great time for photographs because it will be nice and sunny out but that is actually one of the worst time to do your photographs. If it’s a hot summer day, you and your wedding party will be uncomfortable and at that time of day the sun is high in the sky resulting in harsh, unflattering shadows.

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Thanks for sharing, Bruce and Sarah! Head on over to the Moments in Digital blog to view more of their work and to book this fun-loving couple for your wedding day.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

City and Dale is a local lifestyle blog devoted to delighting in what’s new, hot and undiscovered in the capital region – from fashion and style to tasty eats and local happenings. We were thrilled when editor Kendall Barber contacted us to be their wedding expert for a new series: The Edmonton Wedding Guide. The guide is chock-full of fabulous local vendors, unique venue ideas, and tips to help you along the way. Follow the links below to view the full posts and be sure to keep City and Dale on your list of regular reads.

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(1) Unique Edmonton Venue Ideas

• If you have a lot of out-of-town guests attending ensure there are hotel options nearby or be prepared to provide transportation for your travelling guests.
• Is having a rockin’ party one of your wedding priorities? If so, don’t forget to ask about noise restrictions and closing time.
• June through September is an extremely busy time for weddings in Canada and especially in Alberta where our warm weather is short-lived. If you are set on a summer date be prepared to begin planning at least 12 months in advance.

(2) Gowns, Baubles & Shoes

• Before trying on wedding dresses, do your hair and makeup as though you are going out for a nice dinner or a night on the town. It’ll give you a better idea of what the gown will look like on your big day.
• Your dress should complement your wedding location, season and style. Share these important details with your bridal consultant so he or she can help guide you towards choices that will work best.
• Break up your shopping trips – visit no more than two boutiques in a day. You don’t want to become overwhelmed or get confused. 

(3) Cakes, Flowers & Stationery

• When it comes to dessert, there’s no need to play it safe! Be bold and have some fun with your wedding cake’s design. This is a great area to incorporate your personalities and shared interests.
• If you’re on a tight budget, instead of cutting back on all flowers focus your floral funds on a few important areas: your bouquet, the head table, and a statement piece at the reception. These items will be in many photos throughout the day.
• Your invitations set the tone for your wedding’s style and level of formality. Ensure the design, typeface and wording reflect just that.

(4) Photographers – Who to Snap Your Big Day

• When choosing your professional wedding photographer make sure you see an entire wedding that they’ve shot. It’s also important that your personalities are compatible – you’ll be spending a lot of time with them on your wedding day!
• Allow enough time for your photos. Most photographers want at least 2 hours (3-4 is even better). Your wedding planner or coordinator will help ensure your wedding day schedule can accommodate this important photo time.
• Have an engagement session with your photographer. This is like a practice session for your wedding and will help you feel more comfortable when the big day arrives.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Lazina Mckenzie from L² Style joins us for the final post on our modern groom style series. Thank you, Lazina, for providing such valuable (and stylish) information for our sometimes overlooked grooms.

If you need help putting together your wedding day attire (or simply revamping your everyday wardrobe), you must contact Lazina! And if you missed the first two posts be sure to check them out: Part 1 – Suits for the Modern Groom, Part 2 – Shoes for the Modern Groom.

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For part 3 of our series, we’re going to look at accessory ideas for the modern groom. You may not even realize that there are accessory choices out there for men, or you may be the type of guy who doesn’t know how to pare down the many options available. Here are some of my top picks that are sure to open your eyes…or perplex you. Either way, I hope these options help make your wedding ensemble totally you.

Formal

1) Herringbone Cufflinks

Why I like it: I really like the etched silver inside of the polished silver border. After your special day, these little babies will do wonders to spruce up a more casual outfit.

2) Burberry London Foulard Tie

Why I like it: Though your look is formal, you can still have some fun with your accessories. This is a great, non-black, non-neutral alternative that is bold and dynamic.

Dressy Casual

3) Chrome Cubes

Why I like it: These are simple yet very sophisticated. After the big day, they will transition well into your daily life and would look great for other special occasions.

4) Lanvin Calf Leather Belt

Why I like it: I love the interesting, pebbled buckle and the smooth feel of the leather. This belt would look amazing on a bright, navy blue suit.

Fun Alternatives

5) Geometric Green Silk Pocket Square

Why I like it: This is perfect for a spring, summer or destination wedding. It adds a bold pop of colour to a neutral suit.

6) Robert Geller Andreas Glasses

Why I like it: If you’re going for more of a funky, hipster-esque look, these will surely hit the mark. They would look great with a tapered suit and funky oxford shoes.

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About the Contributor:

Lazina Mckenzie is the founder of L² Style, a style consulting firm based in Alberta, Canada. Lazina believes that the style (or image) you share with others communicates a lot about who you are. She regularly has her clients articulate the answer to the question: what do you want your style to say about you? More recently, Lazina has opened her service offering to work with brides-to-be and their bridal parties. She is happy to provide her advice and support to brides on their very special day.

Moving on to part 2 of our modern groom style series with L² Style – today, it’s all about the shoe! If you missed last week’s post check it out here: Suits for the Modern Groom.

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When grooms-to-be think about footwear for their wedding, they often default to the basic black dress shoe. In reality, there are many options out there and I’d encourage you to find a shoe that really plays up your personality and style preferences. Your bride, after all, is spending a ton of time and effort on every last detail. It’s ok for you to spend even a quarter of that time making sure you look and feel great as well. Take a look at these great shoe options for your walk down the aisle.

Formal

1) To Boot New York “Torino” Lace-Up Oxfords

Why I like it: This is a classic, chic shoe that will finish a very formal wedding style. The thin sole gives the shoe a very streamlined and polished look.

2) BOSS Black Cetto Black Wing Tip

Why I like it: I love this brogue shoe because of the subtlety of the stitch. This is a great shoe that won’t just look good for your wedding but for other formal or dressy casual events.

Dressy Casual

3) Hugo Boss “Coloson”

Why I like it:  Although this shoe is a classic shape, the colour and matte leather gives it a casual appeal, making this pair a more versatile choice than a black dressy shoe.

4) Fratelli Footwear 2336

Why I like it: The textured, brown leather looks almost brushed – an interesting detail for the unconventional groom.

Funky

5) Cole Haan Nike AIR Colton Saddle Dress Shoes

Why I like it: Perfect for a fashion-forward groom who is looking for some edgy details to liven up a classic suit. This 60’s inspired shoe would look great with a grey or navy blue three-piece suit (see part 1 of the modern groom style series).

6) Aldo Stathas

Why I like it: I love this tone-on-tone brown shoe with its retro feel. Added to a suit, they’ll look as though you’ve thought about every last detail.

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About the Contributor:

Lazina Mckenzie is the founder of L² Style, a style consulting firm based in Alberta, Canada. Lazina believes that the style (or image) you share with others communicates a lot about who you are. She regularly has her clients articulate the answer to the question: what do you want your style to say about you? More recently, Lazina has opened her service offering to work with brides-to-be and their bridal parties. She is happy to provide her advice and support to brides on their very special day.

The term destination wedding typically conjures up images of a sandy ceremony in a sunny locale. But you don’t have to look too far to find amazing destinations right here in Canada. Pender Island is one of the Southern Gulf Islands along the Pacific Coast of British Columbia – and let me tell you, it’s spectacular.

Stephanie + Clark were living in Halifax during the entire planning process, but through many emails and Skype calls we worked together to plan their dream wedding at Poets Cove Resort & Spa. As guests were travelling to Pender Island from all over the country, Stephanie + Clark wanted their wedding to reflect the destination as well as their own personal styles. ‘West Coast Chic’ describes a perfect pairing of elegant and luxurious décor with coastal elements such as driftwood, twine and nautical stripes.

Stephanie was a dream bride to work with! She has impeccable taste and put the utmost trust in each and every one of her wedding professionals, allowing us to do what we do best.

We are thrilled that this gorgeous wedding was featured in the Winter/Spring 2012 issue of WedLuxe Magazine. Enjoy the photos below taken by the so-very-talented C.J. Scott Photography.

Stephanie’s bridal look was exquisite! She wore ‘Dorothy’ by Vera Wang – a stunningly beautiful ballgown with hand-painted flowers on the tulle skirt and a jaw-dropping band of ‘bling’ across the neckline. Her hair and makeup were styled by Sharon Rai Hair and Makeup Artistry and Elsa Corsi designed her jewellery. Nude Christian Louboutin pumps completed the look.

Verbena Floral Design created the gorgeous bouquets and flower arrangements. I was so impressed with Vanessa and her team’s dedication to making sure every bloom looked perfect. I can’t wait for another opportunity to work with them again!

The stationery suite was designed by Jenelle at Pinkpolka Wedding Design. From the ‘ferry ticket’ Save the Date to custom postage and monogrammed welcome bags, every detail was perfectly coordinated to reflect Stephanie + Clark’s wedding style.

The ceremony was held on Poets Cove’s terrace facing the picturesque harbour. Rose petals and grand birch bark arrangements lined the aisle, while guests kept cool with ceremony program fans.

Clark was dashingly handsome in his Tom Ford tuxedo from Holt Renfrew. The bridesmaids wore ivory knee-length gowns by Melissa Sweet, tied with a black sash. They each carried a different bouquet composed of a flower used in Stephanie’s bouquet, representing the distinct roles they play in her life.

Stephanie looked breathtaking! She was a perfect bride – poised, elegant and classically styled. Clark cleaned up pretty well himself!

The reception décor carried through the ‘West Coast Chic’ theme. Walnut chiavari chairs contrasted beautifully with ivory Wilshire Stripe linens. Place cards were wrapped and tied around individual menu cards that sat atop ivory napkins and chocolate weave charger plates. The centrepieces were a lush combination of hydrangeas, roses, dahlias, lisianthus, stock, dusty miller and freesia. Birch bark containers, driftwood and ferns added rustic coastal elements to the romantic décor. A 3-tier vanilla buttercream cake sat amongst a table of freshly baked cookies which were later served with cartons of milk as a late night treat.

Guests held sparklers for the newlyweds’ first dance – a custom mash-up by DJ Clinton featuring Train’s Marry Me and Keith Urban’s Without You. A flare bartender served signature martinis with style while the dance party continued in the ballroom. Pink LED uplighting flooded the space with colour and energy, and Stephanie + Clark were delighted with a surprise flash mob performance to Party Rock Anthem coordinated by the wedding party!

Stephanie + Clark: I cannot thank you enough for entrusting Jennifer Bergman Weddings with your special day. Wishing you the very best as you begin the next chapter of your love story.

Jennifer and Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: C.J. Scott Photography
• Rentals: Upright Décor
• Florist: Verbena Floral Design
• Cake + Cookie Table: Pender Island Bakery
  
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Ceremony Music: Harbour Strings
• Reception Music: Capital City DJ
• Gown: Blush
  
• Hair + Makeup: Sharon Rai Hair & Makeup Artistry