Dorothy + Chad were married in Jasper, Alberta over the May long weekend (you may remember the sneak peek I shared a while back). I began working with this down-to-earth couple in February 2009, and after 15 months of planning it was so wonderful to see them enjoy the day with their family and friends in the Rockies.

The wedding reception was held at The Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre, and the day was captured beautifully by A Different Angle Photography. Guests danced the night away to tunes played by DJ Tommy of Jasper’s Alpine Music. Special thanks to Christine for assisting me throughout the day.

Dorothy + Chad’s son, Chase, is the cutest little boy! He had the important job of being the ring bearer at the ceremony.

The ceremony was held at one of the lookouts on Jasper’s Pyramid Lake Island. A handmade wooden sign pointed guests in the right direction.

This wagon pulled the flower girl and ring bearer down the aisle, while announcing the bride’s entrance! How cute is that!?

It’s tough work bearing rings!

Dorothy’s beautiful, rustic bouquet – all flowers were arranged by the wonderful team at Elysion Florals. As a surprise for the couple, I had two wooden tags made with Dorothy + Chad’s names engraved on them.

It was a chilly walk across the bridge to meet her groom, but the stunning scenery made up for it!

The ceremony was performed by Marriage Commissioner Beryl Cahill.

The beautiful bride!

Dorothy + Chad decided they wanted the reception décor to be a surprise. Here is their reaction to seeing the room for the first time!

We designed the table décor with an “Alpine Elegance” theme in mind:

• A brown lantern sat on top of a wooden slab covered in earthy elements (moss, pine cones, sticks and berries);
• Votives and candles in mason jars surrounded the lanterns to make the tables glow;
• Ivory pintuck linens, chocolate satin chair wraps and brown napkins polished off the look.

Table seating cards in a bed of moss pointed guests to their seats.

The rustic wooden table numbers were custom made by the highly talented Sharon Auld of Naturally Chic. They went so perfectly with the theme and design of the wedding!

Dorothy + Chad opted for delicious cupcakes from Bear’s Paw Bakery Jasper.

Dorothy, Chad + Chase: Thank you for trusting me with this important day! I wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter in your lives.

xoxo

Jennifer

Photo Credit: A Different Angle Photography.

A new section has been added to JenniferBergmanWeddings.com. Check it out here to read some of our recently married clients’ experiences!

Jennifer

Carolynne + Dan had the perfect summer day for their wedding reception at Fort Edmonton Park’s Blatchford Field Air Hangar. They wanted their guests to feel relaxed and have a lot of fun, while still attending a classy event…and I believe they achieved it, no question!

Highlights of the day:

• An awesome grand entrance – the bridal party was escorted from the park gates to the Hangar by a Scottish piper!
• A signature blue cocktail was poured through a monogrammed ice luge and served to guests as they arrived.
• Carolynne + Dan’s toasts to each other were so genuine and from the heart – definitely the best bride + groom speeches I’ve ever heard!

John and his team at Food for Thought Catering did an amazing job with dinner and drinks, and Jana Kendall Photography captured the day beautifully! Thanks to Krista for her wonderful assistance throughout the day.

Here are a few images, and you can find more on Jana’s blog here:

Congratulations, Carolynne + Dan! Thanks for letting me share in your wonderful day!

Jennifer

Related Links: Fort Edmonton Hangar Wedding Sneak Peak.

More and more couples are choosing to break tradition and see each other before they walk down the aisle. While this change of format isn’t for everyone, taking photos before the ceremony offers a few key benefits:

• Calm those nerves: If you’re the anxious type, hanging out with the bridal party beforehand will help you relax before the ceremony;
• Feeling fresh: You (and your flowers) will look your best during photos;
• Gone with the gap: If your ceremony and reception are being held at the same venue, taking photos first makes a lot of sense and saves your guests the painful wait in between events;
• Capture the moment: You can still have a wonderful first moment together, and your photographer(s) can ensure it’s captured at all angles.

Check out these adorable pictures of Jacqui + Steve’s first look at each other (photos by the talented Kelsy Nielson):

…and here’s a look at their stylish, modern wedding held at The Westin Edmonton last summer:

Think about it – this might be a great option for your wedding day!

Jennifer

Photo Credit: Kelsy Nielson.

I had the pleasure of meeting Cosmin and his wife Ioana last November. They are wonderful, genuine people and if you follow his blog you’ll learn quickly that Cosmin is a spunky character! Oh, and he takes some pretty awesome photos too!

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

I have a camera and I’m not afraid to use it!

Why did you become a photographer?

I didn’t take a picture until the age of 24. At that point I started to work on cruise ships and visited some of the most amazing places. I just felt the need to show my family and friends all of those places and the only way was to take pictures. The rest is history…

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

That has to be my wife! Yes, definitely! Everything I was able to accomplish in the last 10 years it’s because of her love and support. I wouldn’t even be in Canada if it wasn’t for her. Also I like to believe that I’m learning every day from all the people I meet. It’s amazing how much you find out if you open your eyes and ears.

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

Stressing on the wedding day is not going to help anybody. It’s a good idea to have somebody – like a professional – to keep things organized. You should have only beautiful memories from the day, so just enjoy it!

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

One of my favourite events I’ve had the chance to be part of was my first East-Indian wedding. It was a 4 day one and I got to know the family quite well and I got attached emotionally. It was an extremely overwhelming experience!

What’s in store this year for Cosmin Danila Photography?

4 weddings and…another wedding, and another one, and so on. It’s going to be a crazy busy summer! I’ll also be travelling more for weddings, which is good, because when I grow up I want to be a destination wedding photographer.

You’ve been married for 10 incredible years. Any marriage tips for the newlyweds out there?

It’s an obvious one, but I have to say it: LOVE each other. If you do, everything else falls into place. And don’t be afraid to show it! I consider love to be contagious and soon enough it will work in everybody’s advantage!

~~~

Check out some of Cosmin’s gorgeous work below and on his website:

Thanks for sharing, Cosmin!

Jennifer

Here’s a quick look at Carolynne + Dan’s blissfully blue wedding reception held this weekend at the Blatchford Field Air Hangar in Fort Edmonton Park. More photos to come soon!

Jennifer

Amanda + Kelly’s wedding day was filled with love, laughter and a lot of rain – oh, and a little snow too! Both the ceremony and reception were held at the Executive Royal Inn West Edmonton, and the ballroom looked beautiful in purple and gold accentuated by tall dendrobium orchid arrangements.

I had the pleasure of working with two very talented photographers: Tricia from Tricia Moskal Photography and Bruce from Moments in Digital. Tricia and Bruce did a great job of capturing the details of the day and the happy friends and family who were there to celebrate Amanda + Kelly’s love.

Special thanks to my assistant Krista for helping wherever needed, and to Laura and Micheline for assisting with the ceremony setup.

(All photos below are courtesy of Moments in Digital.)

Congratulations Amanda + Kelly! I wish you and your families the very best in the future.

Jennifer

More of Chad + Dorothy’s Alpine Elegance affair to follow in the coming weeks!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jennifer