We’ve made it to part three of our style-infused blog series courtesy of Edmonton’s L² Style. Over the last couple of weeks, founder Lazina Mckenzie has shared her advice on what to wear to your bridal shower and to your stagette. Today’s post will help you look fab for the all-important rehearsal dinner!

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Your wedding day is nearly here and you’re nervous yet excited as can be! The last thing you need right now is to spend hours trying to figure out what to wear to your rehearsal. Take a look at the stunning items below. These are definitely worthy of your rehearsal dinner. After all, YOU are the guest of honour (and that partner of yours, I guess…kidding)!

Restaurant / Bar: Tahari Tilda Sheath Dress

This dress has sex appeal yet it’s very classy for an evening event at a restaurant or bar. The colour-blocking effect at the bottom creates a lot of interest and sass while the elegant waistline will draw the eye to the tiniest part of your waist.

Lazina’s Style Tips: I’d go with a soft updo and add deep red chandelier earrings. Complement with a red lip and very light makeup elsewhere. Add a chunky bracelet that is textured with black and dark silver. Opt for a classic black peep-toe heel to finish off the outfit with stunning impact.

Backyard BBQ: Tory Burch Hildy Dress

The pleating around the waist of this dress is quite funky while the linen and silk combination give it an effortlessly elegant look. It is versatile enough to let you sit and look fabulous or run around overseeing last minute wedding items. (Editor’s note: if you’ve hired a wedding planner you won’t have to worry about the latter!)

Lazina’s Style Tips: Keep your makeup light and opt for a tussled ‘do (as seen in the picture). It’s your party so be bold and add some eye-catching wedge heels, perhaps in bright red or deep blue. For a more neutral look, opt for a tan coloured wedge heel (wedges will be best for a backyard soirée). Accessorize with a chunky wooden ring and matte brass earrings (something a little larger would really complement those messy locks).

Cocktail Party: ASOS Pleated One Shoulder Dress

This one shoulder dress is striking in cobalt blue. It is a classy yet sassy little number that will allow you to feel like the life of the party – just as you should!

Lazina’s Style Tips: I’m leaning towards gold tones to accessorize this dress. I’d suggest rose gold peep-toe pumps, a delicate gold cuff (maybe even something with a fine leaf print) and citrine jewelled earrings. Add a faux-snakeskin inspired clutch with brown and gold tones to pull it all together.

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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.

Last week L² Style, shared three gorgeous looks for your bridal shower…today, it’s all about the stagette!

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Your closest lady friends are about to whisk you away to a fabulous party celebrating your final weeks as a ‘Miss’. After finding out what type of fete will be held in your honour (gosh, who wants to be caught wearing the wrong outfit to her own party?!) take a look at the options below and get ready to drool over these stagette-worthy looks!

Dinner and Drinks: Revolve Draped Back Dress

This dress is perfect for a sophisticated dinner and après-dinner drinks with your closest gal pals. It’s feminine, sexy yet very chic. The back of this dress is daring without showing off too much.

Lazina’s Style Tips: Add a chunky, strappy black sandal (the higher the heel the better), a matte charcoal arm cuff (adds a bit of edge to this dress), and gun-metal tear-shaped earrings (a long tear-shape would look awesome). Opt for a dramatic smoky eye and a nude lip. Go for a big, full mane!

Day Cruise: Tory Striped Minidress

This fun, nautical-inspired print with bold navy accents will surely make you the center of attention.

Lazina’s Style Tips: I’d suggest adding bold accessories (don’t go “overboard” now) to bring the whole look together. Flat gold sandals, oversized sunglasses, a chunky gold ring and a big sunhat would work perfectly with this look. Use an oversized tan handbag to carry essentials like sunscreen and water.

Bar/Lounge Crawl: Catherine Malandrino Stretch Silk-Satin Playsuit

This sexy, playful onesie is perfect for a night on the town. It’s versatile enough to take you from the hottest nightclub to a funky lounge.

Lazina’s Style Tips: Since there’s a sophisticated yet funky feel to this playsuit, I’d suggest really having some fun with the accessories: dark metallic gold platform heels, several chunky bracelets and bangles (stacked on one arm), a deep metallic burgundy clutch and jewelled chandelier earrings. Go with a deep plum or red lipstick for some added drama.

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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.

As your big day is fast approaching so are the pre-wedding festivities and parties (bridal showers, stagettes, rehearsal dinners, oh my!). There is going to be a lot of attention on you and that can be overwhelming for any blushing bride-to-be.

I’m excited to introduce a special guest blogger to help relieve you of some of that pressure! Lazina Mckenzie is the founder of L² Style – an Edmonton-based style consulting firm devoted to helping people look and feel their best. Lazina has put together three great looks for your bridal shower. Stay tuned to the blog in the coming weeks for more bridal style advice from Lazina.

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Your dear family and friends have been planning the most amazing wedding shower for you. You’re excited but awfully nervous because you have no idea what’s in store for you…but more importantly, you have no idea what to wear! Here are some great suggestions that will surely help with the ol’ I don’t know what to wear dilemma.

Garden Party Glam: Maggie London Print Stretch Cotton Sheath Dress

This dress is perfect for an outdoor summer event. It’s feminine yet very chic. Since you will likely spend a lot of time sitting and opening gifts, this dress is a good length to show off your beautiful legs without giving away too much! I’d suggest adding a pop of colour to this little number. The name of the game here is simplicity!

Lazina’s Style Tips: To complete this look add a cherry red shoe, a nude clutch in a shade or two lighter than the beige in the dress and deep emerald-green earrings (nothing too big).

Country Club Chic: Vivienne Westwood Pink Fold Sleeveless Dress

You want to stand out at this Country Club affair without your ensemble screaming “look at me.”  This dress is a fun, tasteful way to say “I’m the bride” (yes, that effortlessly fabulous bride who whipped this look together in no time)! The key to highlighting the beauty of this dress is through accessories. You don’t want to overdo it here so choose wisely.

Lazina’s Style Tips: Sport a peep-toe nude heel, a matted light turquoise clutch, a skinny nude snakeskin belt and the ever-classic diamond stud earrings. A soft up-do will complete the look.

Casual and Comfy at Home: SAM&LAVI Libby Tie Waist Dress

Your soon-to-be mother-in-law is hosting a shower for you at her house and you want to look fabulous without being overdressed for a casual celebration at home. With this dress you will look put-together but not overdone. Opt for simple accessories to compliment this playful, flowy dress.

Lazina’s Style Tips: Accessorize with long, thin gold or brass earrings and 2-3 delicate gold bangles in a rose, white and yellow gold combo. I’d go with a cork wedge heel that isn’t too chunky (you want the attention on you, not your feet).

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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.

I’m excited to share this chic winter wedding with you! Lindsay + Mike were married back in March at the Calgary Golf & Country Club. They took photos before the ceremony at the gorgeous Le Germain Hotel, arriving relaxed and excited to walk down the aisle.

Throughout the evening, guests snacked on Crave Cupcakes and personalized M&M’s while dancing the night away to fabulous live music by 80’s cover band, RETRObution!

Mark Eleven Photography was on hand to capture the beautiful moments throughout the day. (Catch more of Lindsay + Mike’s wedding on the Mark Eleven Photography Blog.) Special thanks to Tara, Angela, Alexis and Danielle for assisting throughout the weekend.

Guests wrote their advice and best wishes for the couple on black water rocks which were incorporated into a special moment during the ceremony.

Lindsay wore Melissa Sweet’s Ambrose from Priscilla of Boston. As you can see, she was the perfect picture of romance – absolutely stunning! Her lush bouquet featured roses, calla lilies, cymbidium orchids and stephanotis. All the flowers and centrepieces were designed and arranged by Amy McGilvary – the couple’s (very) talented close friend.

Lindsay + Mike wanted their reception to be warm and inviting with chic and modern décor. To achieve this vision we contrasted textured ivory linens with several black lacquer elements: chiavari chairs, charger plates and centrepiece vases. Candlelight and amber uplighting provided ambiance while a mix of round and square tables added interest and dimension to the room.

{Rental items provided by Special Event Rentals; drapery and lighting provided by OneWest Event Design and Rentals.}

Lindsay + Mike have a penchant for Tabasco Sauce, so they provided their guests with adorable miniature bottles of the hot stuff! The ultra-modern stationery suite was designed by Box Paper Scissors.

Lindsay + Mike: Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your amazing wedding day! It was a pleasure getting to know you both – best wishes for an exciting future together!

Jennifer + Team

I recently wrote an article for Edmonton Show Home Magazine about what to consider when holding a backyard wedding or event. As the summer season is upon us, I thought it would be a perfect time to share these tips.

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You’re engaged, you have a gorgeous new home, and getting married in your own backyard sounds like the perfect way to celebrate! A backyard wedding is personal and intimate, but it’s not without challenges. There are several factors to consider before forging ahead.

Backyard Basics:

• A large, empty lawn can be deceiving – involve an expert to evaluate your space. Once you add tables, chairs and a dance floor you may be surprised with your yard’s capacity and viability for an event.
• Music, microphones, heaters, fans and lighting – weddings require power! Does your yard have sufficient access to electricity or will you need to rent a generator?
• Consider parking limitations in your area. Will there be enough space for all your guests to park? You may wish to hire parking attendants to assist with this on your wedding day.
• Research any special permits you will require to hold a private event at your residence and purchase sufficient liability insurance.

You’ve done the leg work and your beautiful backyard looks like it will be the perfect space for your soirée. What’s next?

• Hire help. You want to enjoy your wedding day so let others handle decorating, bartending, catering, serving and clean-up. Hiring professionals will allow you to avoid placing this burden on family and friends.
• Where are the washrooms? If you don’t like the idea of guests coming in and out of your home to use the washrooms consider renting portable toilets.
• Have a ‘Plan B’. Weather in Alberta is unpredictable – be prepared for the worst case scenario. Rent extra tents in case of rain, heaters for chilly evenings and fans to help cool down a hot day.
• Be a good neighbour. If neighbours aren’t invited but may be affected by your wedding (more traffic/cars parked on the street, noise late into the evening) it’s courteous to let them know you’re hosting a big event.
• Consider guest comfort. Use your wedding invitations to inform guests that they will be attending an outdoor wedding so they can prepare accordingly. Having sunscreen, fans, bug repellent, lap blankets and umbrellas on hand will make you the ideal host.

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You can pick up your own complimentary copy of Edmonton Show Home Magazine in the red Media Classified boxes throughout Edmonton.

Happy Planning!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Edmonton is home to some great venues for weddings and events, but nothing is quite like the new Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA). Many of our clients are attracted to the versatility of this contemporary, urban space – it looks great with minimal décor or it can be completely transformed! I sat down with Elisa DeFazio, Director of Sales & Catering, to get the inside scoop on what makes the AGA an ideal venue for contemporary couples.

Tell us about Art Gallery of Alberta.

Opened in January 2010, the new Art Gallery of Alberta is an engaging and inviting visual arts centre in downtown Edmonton, Alberta. Celebrating its prominent location on Sir Winston Churchill Square, the city’s arts and government core, the building’s architectural design formally and philosophically extends out into the community, welcoming visitors of all ages and backgrounds to experience contemporary art firsthand.

Why is AGA a great wedding venue in Edmonton?

Visually, the building itself is spectacular. Today still, people will walk by and stop or drive by and slow down to look at the design. It truly is a masterpiece!

The diversity of the venue provides our clients with options for any style of function. Brides and grooms will use the theatre for their ceremony and move up to the main floor for their banquet dinner. Some couples choose to rent the entire gallery and have the exhibits open as part of their event program.

Each rentable area of the building offers special features, such as:

• Sophisticated adjustable lighting
• Contemporary furniture
• Drop-down digital projector and screen to display monograms or slideshows
• All tables, linens and small wares are included with the rental fee

Wedding setup in Manning Hall

What spaces does AGA have available to accommodate weddings?

Our banquet spaces are not like a traditional ballroom found in a hotel or conference centre.

• The Ernest C. Manning Hall and Atrium, located on the main floor of the gallery, is the largest and most commonly used space for weddings, with seating for up to 200 guests.
• The contemporary Ledcor Theatre on the lower level of the building can be used for a wedding ceremony of up to 167 guests.
• The Outdoor Sculpture Terrace is perfect for an intimate ceremony of 60 guests.
• The Borealis Room on the fourth floor is a beautifully enclosed glass space, great for small ceremonies or dinners of up to 30 guests.

Our rental package can be viewed online at: http://www.zincrestaurant.ca/events-catering.php.

Zinc Catering is the onsite provider of food and beverage at AGA. Tell us about their culinary offerings.

Our culinary team focuses on fresh Alberta ingredients fused with local artisan food products. When selecting food and beverage for their catered event, couples have a few options: a customized menu from Zinc Restaurant; a customized menu based on a current exhibition showcased at the AGA; a menu chosen from our Banquets Menu (online at www.zincrestaraunt.ca/events-catering). The same culinary team that showcases their talent in Zinc Restaurant (located at the AGA) is the team that provides the high-end presentation and service in our banquet setting. Our Executive Chef David Omar will meet with you one-on-one to help customize your menu providing his expertise, recommendations and creative flare.

Any tips for brides and groom searching for their perfect wedding venue?

Find a venue that compliments your style – whether contemporary or traditional. When venue shopping, bring along inspiration photos that appeal to you and ask the venue to provide you with pictures of other wedding setups so you can get an idea of how the room can be transformed. Ask a lot of questions, don’t settle and have fun!

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Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credit: Katch Studios.

Crystal + Ian had a beautiful spring wedding in early May. At their reception, guests had a blast with Laugh Photobooth – an Edmonton photobooth rental company. I asked owners Kathy and Steven to share some more information about booking Laugh Photobooth for your own wedding reception.

The beautiful bride and I enjoying Laugh Photobooth

1. Quick – give us your best Tweetography!

Laugh Photobooth is sure to add some excitement to your Edmonton wedding. Guests will break the ice, socialize and leave with a printed photo strip to remember the evening forever!

2. Why is a photobooth a great addition to a wedding reception?

Not only is Laugh Photobooth tons of fun at your wedding reception, but it also provides you with a very memorable and unique guestbook. Every time guests use the photobooth it prints a duplicate copy of the photos – one for the guest to keep and one for the couple. Photos of your guests are placed in a book with their personalized messages to you! The book is put together and bound on the spot by an avid scrapbooker.

3. What are some of the extras that Laugh Photobooth provides?

We are always adding new items to the “Tickle Trunk” – a collection of fun props that guests love to use in their photos. As well, Laugh Photobooth is moving towards shorter bookings for those events that do not require the booth for four hours.

4. How far in advance should couples book Laugh Photobooth?

Couples interested in having Laugh Photobooth for their special day should book at least a year in advance to avoid disappointment.

5. What’s the most memorable photobooth experience you have had at a wedding?

We had a wedding with groomsmen who were oversized hockey players…they had the booth rocking trying to “raise their cups” for the camera!

6. What’s next for Laugh Photobooth?

Laugh Photobooth is embracing technology and will soon be moving to on-the-spot social media pictures!

For more information visit their website and ‘like’ their Facebook page. Thanks Kathy and Steven!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Searching for the perfect reception location can be overwhelming, and for many couples it is difficult to visualize a venue’s potential – especially when they have a particular look and style in mind for their big day. It’s easy to quickly dismiss venues because the walls and carpet don’t coordinate with your wedding colours; however, I’d encourage you to look beyond some of these minor details as nearly all spaces can be transformed!

One of the best ways to ensure your vision comes to life is by hiring a wedding planner/designer who shares your style. When we started planning Carolyn + Martin’s March 2011 wedding they told me they wanted their reception to look like a “modern winter wonderland,” and that rectangular tables, mirrored tabletops and blue/purple lighting were must-haves. Instead of getting hung up on aesthetics, we first found a venue that suited their desire for a Rocky Mountain wedding, accommodated their guest list and fit within their budget.

The Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre is a wonderful hotel in the heart of Jasper, Alberta. The Chief Paul Ballroom accommodates up to 210 guests for a wedding reception and features a gorgeous wooden dance floor in the centre of the room. The below promotional photo of the ballroom features wedding décor that is very traditional – the opposite of Carolyn + Martin’s chic, modern style…but just look at what we were able to do with the space…

With meticulously designed tables and spectacular lighting we achieved the Modern Winter Wonderland that Carolyn + Martin had envisioned!

The tables were dressed with luxurious, textured grey linens and topped with mirrored table runners which reflected the candlelight so beautifully. Tablescapes featured tall vases of curly willow sprayed white to mimic hor frost, glitter “snowballs” in silver julep cups and an abundance of votive and floating candles. Turquoise napkins added a pop of colour to the tables and the chairs were finished off with slate satin wraps. Here are a few more photos of the gorgeous space:

I hope this post inspires you to think outside the box when evaluating spaces for your own wedding. If a venue meets your requirements for capacity, location, food and budget, don’t be so quick to dismiss it just because the carpet is off-putting!

Jennifer
Jasper Wedding Planner

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Credits

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Rentals & Décor: OneWest Event Design & Rentals
• “Snowball” Centrepieces and Napkins: Special Event Rentals Edmonton
• Flowers & Willow Centrepieces: Elysion Florals
• Cake: Bride’s Family