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.

More couples get engaged between December and February than any other time of the year! I recently appeared on CTV Edmonton’s Morning Live Show to discuss some top wedding planning tips for the newly engaged. Click the link below to view the segment:

Edmonton Wedding Planning Tips

Stay tuned to the blog over the coming weeks as we’ll be sharing more great tips to help get your wedding planning off on the right foot!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Fitness and health top the list of New Year’s Resolutions each year, and for brides and grooms tying the knot in 2012, it’s no different! Whether you want to lose a few pounds, gain strength and muscle mass, or run your first road race, Edmonton’s Pure Strength Fitness is here to ensure your resolution stays on track.

I spent some time with Owner and Bridal Fitness Coach, Carlie Paxton, chatting about Pure Strength Fitness and how they can help you achieve your fitness goals. When Carlie’s done with you the only rolls at your wedding will be the ones served with dinner!

Carlie Paxton, Pure Strength Fitness

Tell us about the muscle behind Pure Strength Fitness!

I am Carlie Paxton, the owner and Bridal Fitness Coach of Pure Strength Fitness. I love being active and developed an affinity for living a healthy lifestyle at a very young age. Growing up in a family of sports minded boys, I learned very quickly how to keep up so I could get in on all the action. After seven years of personal training and working for lululemon athletica (a company full of strong, empowered women), I decided to focus my efforts on women and their fitness needs. After attending my first Bridal Expo, I fell in love with the idea of working with Brides. The thought of helping women look and feel great on their special day was very appealing to me. And here I am now…

Pure Strength Fitness is a boutique fitness studio in the West Glenora area. We provide lifestyle coaching that will help clients improve their body, mind and spirit. We offer a wide range of training options that will fit your schedule, rates that will match your budget, and a training style tailored to your individual needs.

What kind of training does Pure Strength Fitness focus on / specialize in?

We specialize in lifestyle coaching for Brides – specifically, women who want to make changes in their life to help them look and feel great for their wedding. Pure Strength Fitness has built a community of women that support and encourage each other to prepare for their wedding day.

How long before their wedding should brides and/or grooms begin a fitness program?

Whether your wedding is next year or next month it is never too late. With Pure Strength Fitness not only will we help you look and feel great for your wedding, we will improve your quality of life and help you create happy, healthy habits that you can use throughout your lifetime.

Many couples are strapped for time. How can they incorporate a fitness program into their busy lives?

If you have a full hour to be active everyday, great – but use your time wisely. Instead of training for longer periods of time, focus your efforts on working harder for shorter periods of time. The key is to keep your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes a day. Make sure your training goals are realistic. The more realistic your goals are the more sustainable and enjoyable your workouts will be. Consistency is everything.

What are your top tips for pre-wedding health and fitness?

Nutrition Tips

• Never skip breakfast. Your body can go into starvation mode after 12 hours of not eating. If you go past a 12-hour period, your body starts to eat away at muscle tissue which then slows down your metabolism. A slow metabolism means unwanted weight gain.
• Watch your sodium intake. Not only is it bad for your kidneys and blood pressure, it makes your face and body retain water (so you look heavier in your wedding photos).
• Eliminate one carbonated beverage, one fruit juice or (god forbid) one Starbucks per day. This accounts for an average 1800 calories per week. At this rate in six weeks you can lose up to 3-4 pounds.

Fitness Tips

• Start today – stop putting it off.
• Add strength training into your fitness routine. Adding muscle will speed up your metabolism.
• Tell others of your physical goals. A little motivation and encouragement from those you love will help keep you on track.

Do you offer any special packages to brides and grooms-to-be?

I have packages available for Brides, Bride and Groom and Bridal Party. If you are looking to start a training program please contact me at info@purestrengthfitness.com. Don’t wait to start living. Live now!

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Here’s to a happy, healthy 2012!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

The last day of 2011 has arrived! It has been an outstanding year full of beautiful weddings and we’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you…

• Thank you to our amazing clients for letting us be a part of such a special time in your lives.
• Thank you to the talented wedding professionals that we have the pleasure of collaborating with.
• Thank you to the hardworking JBW staff for your commitment and dedication to making every event perfect.

Here’s a recap video of some of our 2011 weddings – from Edmonton to the Rocky Mountains, Mexico to Pender Island – it has truly been a wonderful year!

See you in 2012!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credits: Julie Williams Photography, PHOTOPHILCRO, Mark Eleven Photography, Carey Nash Photography, JDS Photography, Night and Day Photography, Sharon Litchfield Photography, C.J. Scott Photography, Tye Carson Weddings, Moments in Digital, Katch Studios.

Married exactly one year from the day they were engaged (in front of the Eiffel Tower, I might add), it’s no surprise that romance was the running theme for this wedding from the start. Hala + Sean’s modern day fairytale wedding was held back in August on a sunny day in Edmonton, Alberta. They chose to have their ‘first look‘ at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald before heading over to St. Joachim Catholic Church to say their vows.

As always, Sharon Litchfield Photography did an amazing job capturing the romance and elegance of this gorgeous wedding. The pictures truly speak for themselves – enjoy!

{Special thanks to Jessica for assisting!}

Hala’s super-talented beauty team: Anita Gill Makeup Artistry and addcolo Wigs

Hala took everyone’s breath away in her stunning Tara Keely ballgown (style 2051) from Novelle Bridal!
Her beautiful bridesmaids looked picture perfect in fuchsia chiffon dresses.

Kate Ashton Florists designed the gorgeous florals. Hala’s romantic bouquet featured mini ivory calla lilies, pink and ivory roses, lisianthus, stock, and mini pink cymbidium orchids.

After the ceremony guests made their way to The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s Wedgwood Room for cocktails, dinner and dancing. We kept the décor design simple to let the beauty of the room’s architecture take centre stage. Lush pink centrepieces popped on the elegant white and silver tables, and reception stationery by Pinkpolka Wedding Design completed the look.

Duelling pianists entertained guests throughout the entire evening! The first dances were one of my favourite parts of the entire day – you could feel the emotion in the room – beautiful!

Congratulations, Hala + Sean! It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and your families to bring your wedding vision to life. Wishing you all the best in the future!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Sharon Litchfield Photography
• Videographer: A Love Story
• Rentals: Elegant Touches
• Florist: Kate Ashton Florists
  
• Cake: Simply Elegant
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Reception Music: Lindsey Nagy + Jesse Peters
• Transportation: Eternity Limousine
• Gown: Novelle Bridal
• Hair: Patricia J Hair Designer
• Makeup: Anita Gill Makeup Artistry