We’re excited to be featured in the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of Weddingbells Magazine! It’s on stands now so go grab your copy (and flip to page 393)!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Reception dresses have become quite popular with modern brides. A second, shorter wedding dress allows you to get your groove on during the dance – plus it’s a great excuse to change up your bridal look and accessories! Here are some fab finds under $1000!

Chic
BCBG Avanti Strapless Dress – $328

Vintage
B H L D N Dainty Diversion Mini – $600

Romantic
J. Crew Hyacinth – $926

Fun
Nordstrom Sue Wong with Ostrich Feathers – $574

What do you think about a second wedding dress? Are you wearing one at your reception?

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

The weather outside may be frightful, but winter weddings can be so delightful! Today’s inspiration board pairs various shades of blue with crisp, white details for a modern winter wedding design.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): blue martinis – DP Challenge; winter wedding invitation – Miller + Miller; winter wonderland wedding – Jennifer Bergman Weddings; lampshade centrepiece – In Any Event; bride and groom – Mattramos Photography; blue lighting and callas – Project Wedding.

Victoria + Nathan are that couple. That couple you know who are so in love that you feel like you’re watching a romance movie when you’re with them. It was only fitting that their wedding exuded romance as well!

Using a fresh palette of pewter grey, ivory and icy blue, we designed and coordinated their wedding at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. The result: an elegant, enchanting affair that felt warm and inviting.

Here’s a look at Victoria + Nathan’s day with photos by Katch Studios. I had such a hard time narrowing down the photos to share with you (drop-dead gorgeous couple + insanely talented photographers = soooo many amazing images)!

{Special thanks to Sarah and Jessica for assisting.}

Love a groom in a bowtie. Paired with a phalaenopsis orchid boutonniere – elegant and timeless!

Victoria’s gown by Pronovias (Fantastica) from Pure Bridal was full of romantic, cascading ruffles.

The ceremony was held at St. Joseph’s Basilica – one of Edmonton’s iconic landmarks. The emotion on Victoria’s face says it all.

At the reception guests left their thumbprint on a custom guest book tree drawing. The Empire Ballroom is naturally stunning, so minimal décor is required. The room was enhanced with vanilla satin chair wraps, silver damask linens and gorgeous centrepieces by La Piazza Dasee composed of white phalaenopsis orchids, and blue and white hydrangea.

Victoria + Nathan opted to include thoughtful thank-you notes at each guest’s place setting. Blue butterfly place cards added a whimsical touch to the table décor.

The Art of Cake created this gorgeous ruffled white chocolate masterpiece. It smelled amazing!

Victoria + Nathan: Thank you for choosing us to help bring your wedding vision to life. Wishing you a marriage filled with romance!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

• Wedding Design + Coordination: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Katch Studios
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Florist: La Piazza Dasee
• Cake: The Art of Cake
• Invitations + Stationery: Notables
• Ceremony Music: Strathcona String Quartet
• DJ: Puttin’ On The Hitz
• Gown: Pure Bridal
• Hair: Ricci Hair
• Makeup: Anita Gill Makeup Artistry

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

If you are looking for an elegant setting for your Edmonton wedding, look no further than The Oasis Centre. Coined “The Jewel of the West End,” The Oasis Centre hosts weddings, conferences and events. I sat down with Anne McLennan, Oasis’ Wedding & Event Coordinator, to chat about what makes this venue a unique choice for Edmonton weddings.

Describe The Oasis Centre in 3 words: Elegant, Unique, Outstanding!

What sets The Oasis Centre apart from other venues in Edmonton? We offer a beautiful, elegant, private setting and specialize in providing a full service ceremony and reception package. We serve our clients on an individual basis for their special event with warm, friendly and professional service with attention to every detail. The Grand Hall features marble pillars, a 24-ft floating ceiling, rose-quartz chandeliers, cathedral-like glass block windows for natural lighting and a built-in stage for head table seating.

What size of weddings can The Oasis Centre accommodate? Our Grand Hall holds 100-350 guests and on average we see groups of approximately 200 using the facility.

Can The Oasis Centre accommodate wedding ceremonies? Absolutely! The Grand Hall is a stunning location for indoor wedding ceremonies, and our beautifully manicured gardens accommodate outdoor ceremonies.

What are some of the unique features available for weddings at The Oasis Centre?

• Elegant marble foyer with Italian espresso machine
• Indoor 1300 gallon Koi aquarium
• Luxurious, private Bridal Suite for bridal party and VIP Board Room for groomsmen
• Stunning gardens with waterfall
• Free convenient parking for all of your guests in our large and easy-to-access private parking lot

Does The Oasis Centre offer catering services? The Oasis Centre works with a variety of professional caterers. Each of our “preferred” caterers have a proven track record of providing outstanding service for our clients!

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Here are a couple photos of the Grand Hall dressed up for a gorgeous wedding reception (photos by Vinson Lim Photography):

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credit: Vinson Lim Photography.

Clear, blue skies and golden sunshine – nothing beats a gorgeous day in the Rocky Mountains! Brianne + John had the perfect weather for their September wedding at Delta Lodge Kananaskis Resort.

Family and friends came from all over to celebrate the weekend with Brianne + John. The festivities included pre-wedding drinks at Woody’s Pub and a Sunday morning brunch before the couple left on their Hawaiian honeymoon.

Tye Carson did an amazing job capturing the warmth of the day. Check out his blog for more lovely images! {Special thanks to Victoria for assisting!}

Brianne + John were wed on a meadow (Viewpoint 5) near Delta Lodge Kananaskis – the view was spectacular!

Canmore’s Willow Haven Flower Shop created the bridal party’s dress beautiful bouquets! Brianne’s bouquet featured a delicious mix of orange callas, roses, mokara orchids, dahlias, asclepia and freesia.

The reception was held in Mt. Kidd Ballroom. Brianne + John’s modern vision was achieved with pewter pintuck linens, silver chiavari chairs and perimeter uplighting from OneWest Event Rentals. Orange napkins and mokara orchid centrepieces added a punch of colour to the streamlined design.

Delicious cupcakes from Bliss & Co. Cupcakes and Desserts were displayed at the reception on a modern acrylic stand.

 Thank you, Brianne + John, for allowing us to be a part of your beautiful mountain wedding!

Jennifer + Team
Kananaskis Wedding Planner
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

• Wedding Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Tye Carson Weddings
• Officiant: Monique Hunkeler
• Bridal Veil: BestWeddingVeil
• Florist: Willow Haven Flower Shop
  
• Cake + Cupcakes: Bliss & Co. Cupcakes and Desserts
• DJ: Revolution DJ Services

Jay + Joe are definitely one of our most memorable couples from 2011. It’s not every day that we receive a (legitimate!) wedding planning request from a couple living in Africa!

After meeting at the University of Alberta, Jay + Joe took advantage of an opportunity to move to Gabon, Africa for Joe’s job. They wanted to have a summer wedding in Edmonton to spend a weekend celebrating with their friends and family in Canada.

Jay + Joe chose to have their ceremony and reception at LUX Steakhouse + Bar in downtown Edmonton. With its chic, modern styling and a warm atmosphere, LUX was the perfect choice for this globe-trotting couple to spend an intimate evening catching up with their loved ones. Guests danced the night away to the musical talents of Lindsey Nagy and Jesse Peters, two local duelling pianists, and they munched on delicious late night snacks including Kobe beef sliders, mini hot dogs and sweet potato fries.

To our delight, this sophisticated soirée was recently featured on Style Me Pretty Canada! Here’s a sampling of the stunning images captured by Sharon Litchfield Photography – be sure to head over to the Style Me Pretty feature and gallery to see more gorgeousness!

On the morning of their wedding, Jay and Joe got ready at The Westin Edmonton before meeting up for a “first look” and photos with their wedding party and families. Jay wore a gorgeous fitted lace gown by Essense of Australia (D1108) in ivory from Pure Bridal and a pair of stunning silver Jimmy Choo’s!

In lieu of a traditional guest book Jay + Joe asked their friends and family to write them an anniversary card which they will open on the corresponding future year! Another very personal touch at the reception was a table of family wedding photos. It was lots of fun for everyone to see generations of marriages displayed at such a special occasion.

We complemented the dark wood accents in the space with a warm palette of chocolate, copper, ivory and black. Each tablescape was covered in candlelight and ivory blooms, including hydrangea, garden roses and dendrobium orchids.

Jay + Joe: Thank you so very much for trusting us to bring your wedding vision to life! It was truly a pleasure to work with you. No matter where life takes you next, I’m certain it will be filled with adventure!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Sharon Litchfield Photography
• Officiant:  Thanx On Time (Joan Tkaczyk)
• Hair Wigs: addwigs
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Florist: Laurel’s On Whyte
  
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Entertainment: Lindsey Nagy + Jesse Peters
• Hair + Makeup: Eveline Charles