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

Last summer we did a series of posts with founder of L² Style, Lazina Mckenzie: What to Wear to Your Bridal Shower, What to Wear to Your Stagette, What to Wear to Your Rehearsal Dinner. Lucky for us, Lazina is back! This time around she’s giving wedding style advice to the modern groom. Read on for part 1 of 3 posts in this series.

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Grooms to be, you can admit it. The fashion for your wedding will mostly revolve around your lovely bride-to-be and her search for “the perfect dress!” Thinking about fashion for you on your special day probably won’t rank as high on the priority list…that is, until she’s found her dress and it’s absolutely necessary to think about you! But at the end of the day, I know that you, along with your soon-to-be wife, will want to make sure that you both look and feel confident and amazing on your wedding day.

When it comes to formalwear for grooms, there’s absolutely no need to venture off into the world of tux rentals. First off, that’s old news and secondly, no one looks their best in an ill-fitted and dated tuxedo. Owning a properly fitted tuxedo or formal suit will make you look and feel your absolute best and should last you for years to come (you won’t have the issue of investing a lot in a garment that will only be worn once). Here are my picks for you – the modern groom. We’ll look at shoes and accessories later on but for now, let’s just look at options for THE foundational piece – a great quality formal tuxedo or suit.

Tuxedo

1) Indochino: The Essential Dinner Jacket Tuxedo

Why I like it: This company makes custom tuxedos; this is a great option, especially if you have other formal events to go to during the year. With custom garments, you can pay attention to details such as cut of the jacket, size of lapels, size of buttons, etc.

2) Armani Collezioni: ‘Giorgio’ Wool TuxedoWhy I like it: This is a modern tuxedo that doesn’t have the full look and feel of a tuxedo, which can make it a more versatile garment. I really like the one-button closure and slim fit through the jacket.

Formal Suit

3) Indochino: The Essential Gray 3 Piece Suit

Why I like it: This is a great option for a formal day wedding. A three piece suit can be almost as formal as a tuxedo but in gray, the level of formality is brought down just a notch. For future usage, you can choose to either wear the vest or not. This will change up your overall look without having to invest in another suit.

4) Canali: Wool Suit

Why I like it: This suit is a classic formal gray and is more of a charcoal gray (rather than black). This will allow you to have more variety in choosing shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories.

Dressy Casual Suit

5) DSquared: Navy Woven Suit 

Why I like it: This suit is great for an outdoor spring/summer wedding or for the hipster groom. It is a funky, edgy suit – from the colour to the slim fit to the tapered pant leg.

6) BOSS Black: “The Sweet”  Taupe Wool Suit

Why I like it: Again, this is a great option for an outdoor or destination wedding. While the suit is a great cut with interesting details (I like that extra pocket on the right side of the jacket), the colour tones down the level of formality.

Here are some questions that you should ask yourself while shopping for the perfect suit:

• What’s the theme or style for my wedding? Does the suit or tux I like fit with the overall theme?
• Do I complement my bride-to-be or am I more/less dressy than she is?
• Will I be able to wear this suit/tux in the future? 
• What’s my budget for a new suit/tux? 
• What shirt, shoes, and accessories will complement my suiting choice?

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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.

Holiday celebrations can be festive without screaming clichés. In December we designed a modern lounge-inspired holiday party in Shaw Conference Centre’s Riverview Room (and there was no tinsel in sight)! Some of our favourite design details?

• All-white linens and chiavari chairs exuded understated elegance and allowed colourful accents to ‘pop’.
• Custom die-cut menu cards by Pinkpolka Wedding Design fit perfectly inside silver beaded glass charger plates.
• White perimeter drapery was accented with beautiful shades of pink and purple, while snowflake gobo lights added a textured glow to the ceiling.
• Centrepieces with red mokara orchids and purple lamp shades created a bold colour-blocking effect.
• Ruby votives by local company glass.ful doubled as décor and favours.
• The Three Waiters entertainment group were flown in to provide an experience that guests won’t soon forget. They discreetly blended in with Shaw’s serving staff until breaking out into a full-fledged musical performance!

Sharon Litchfield Photography did a beautiful job capturing the décor and details. {Special thanks to Jessica for assisting at this event!}

Christmas Backdrops for photography

Jennifer
Edmonton Event Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Event Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Sharon Litchfield Photography
• Photo Backdrop: Shopbackdrop
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals and River City Event Rentals
• Lighting: Production Lighting
• Drapery: QSD Event Services
• Florist: La Piazza Dasee
  
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Entertainment: The Three Waiters and Premiere DJs
• Favours: glass.ful

This grey and orange wedding inspiration board is fresh and light with romantic undertones. We think it’s perfect for a spring or early fall wedding!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credits (L-R from top to bottom): bouquet – Style Me Pretty; grey suit – Style Me Pretty; orange drop earrings – Etsy; silver wedding shoes – Blissique Blog; orange and white table design – Aileen Tran; grey and orange reception – Project Wedding; invitation set – Etsy; grey bridesmaid dress – Alvina Valenta.

Music is such an important part of celebrations. The songs you choose for your big day will become lifelong triggers of the emotions you experienced at your wedding.

We’ve had the opportunity to work with a talented local musician at several of our clients’ weddings and it’s been exciting to watch her career take off! Erica Viegas is a singer/songwriter who is available to perform at Edmonton and area weddings. This multi-talented performer released her first EP (Where My Heart Goes) in 2010 and was named one of Avenue Magazine Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2011. Read on for Erica’s tips on choosing your wedding music.

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

I’m a singer/songwriter from Edmonton who loves to play my own music at various shows and I also like to lend my voice to weddings!

What kind of music services do you offer for weddings?

Most often, I am asked to play music for the ceremony (along with about 20 minutes when people are being seated beforehand), though reception music can be arranged, which could include the dance or certain parts in the reception. I can play myself (piano, voice, guitar), but usually like to bring in another instrument too if that suits the wedding – the most popular being cello, or another guitar. I love to make wedding music really beautiful, but also relevant and enjoyable. A lot of people picture ceremony music being boring, or older style hymns, and I want music to add something special and meaningful to a wedding — choosing songs that have words and music that can make a difference to the couple and their guests. Though singing is something I enjoy, I have also done receptions of instrumental music as well. Depending on the couple’s vision and budget, I can also play with a full band, although ceremony music usually tends to be quite acoustic and intimate.

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

I love folky/pop music and tend to write and record music in that vein — I listen to lots of Canadian music like Sarah Harmer, Kathleen Edwards, Serena Ryder, Sarah Slean….and I’m inspired by people who have managed to have successful and growing careers in the Canadian scene. I’m always inspired by music that tells a story and creates an emotion.

Do you have a repertoire of songs that couples can select from, or will you learn new songs if the bride and groom have something special in mind?

I do have a list of songs that I’ve played in the past or that are often requested. A lot of people have never really thought about music before coming in, so I like to meet the couple by doing a little “mini-concert” of different choices at my place before the wedding and have them say “yes” or “no” based on what I’m playing. This also helps me to suggest songs that match the style they prefer.

I’m usually more than happy to learn a song that is meaningful to the couple if I’m given enough time. It’s also fun to learn new songs I’ve never heard of because chances are that other couples might like them too. Though my own music is more mainstream, I did train classically and can sing some traditional classical music pieces if that is what the couple is looking for.

What are some of your favourite songs to play when the bride walks down the aisle?

Most couples prefer instrumental songs when walking down the aisle so that all attention stays on the beautiful bride. I love doing an instrumental version of “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen on piano with a cellist. The “Forrest Gump Feather Theme” is a gorgeous instrumental and many brides still love “Canon in D,” which is also really pretty. A bride once introduced me to “Sea of Love” by Cat Power, and that was a really cool one to sing down the aisle, as well as Fleetwood Mac/Eva Cassidy’s “Songbird” or “Feels like Home” by Chantal Kreviazuk, which has gorgeous words. Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours,” Edwin McCain’s “I’ll Be,” David Grey’s “This Year’s Love,” or Jack Johnson’s “Better Together” have been requested a lot in the last little while, as well as “Ave Maria” for church ceremonies.

Any advice or tips for brides and grooms when considering their wedding music?

Music has the ability to create emotions in a really special way. Picking songs that are meaningful to you as a couple is a great way for your energy and style to shine through in the ceremony. Depending on where you choose to get married, you may have to tailor your music accordingly. Certain churches, for instance, have restrictions on what types of songs you can sing and it definitely helps me if the couple can tell me in advance if the person celebrating their service has restrictions — that way I can work within the confines of the place they are celebrating to still find something that suits them. If you have a “special song” as a couple or songs you remember from other weddings, that always helps. I really enjoy meeting couples and getting to know them enough to help them pick the music, even if they are stumped for ideas when we first sit down.

What’s in store this year for Erica Viegas?

My first wedding of 2012 was in the first weekend of the New Year, and I am looking forward to celebrating lots of weddings with great couples. On a personal front, I think I’ve sung at over 200 weddings, but never actually been a bridesmaid (because I’m always singing instead)….so I’m very excited to be a bridesmaid for the first time this summer! I’m also finishing up recording on a new album I’ve written, produced by Mike Lent (Jann Arden’s former musical director), which has really been a labour of love that I can’t wait to share soon, and travel with (at a few festivals) this summer!

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For more information and to hear Erica’s music, visit her website.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credit: Moments in Digital Photography.