Looking to add a little drama to your wedding vows? Take to centre stage and say ‘I Do’ in a non-traditional ceremony venue. Edmonton has several theatres that can host wedding ceremonies of all sizes. Here are a few to consider for your big moment:

1. The Citadel Theatre: Tucker Amphitheatre at The Citadel offers a unique setting to declare your love for one another in front of up to 150 guests.
2. Festival Place, Sherwood Park: Your rental fee for the theatre at Festival Place includes experienced lighting and sound technicians.
3. Convocation Hall, University of Alberta: Seating over 400 in the audience, Convocation Hall has a truly classic look. Plus, you have the option to rent a grand concert piano for your debut down the aisle.
4. Hawrelak Park Amphitheatre: Protected from the rain and accommodating up to 1,100 guests, the Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park is a great outdoor ceremony choice for our unpredictable climate!

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Jennifer

Photo Credits: The Citadel, Cosmin Danila Photography, Robert Mejia Photography, Convocation Hall, Rachel J Photography.

Calgary-based Cineart Photography is giving away a free wedding photography session – either on your day or after. If you browse their blog you’ll see that Cineart does fabulous work, so don’t miss this opportunity! To enter, simply share your love story and a few words why you deserve to win. The contest ends on Valentine’s Day, so quick – enter now!

Good luck!

Jennifer

Photo Credit: Cineart Photography.

Last week I received an email from the team at bride.ca. They wanted to profile a wedding featured on our website and I must say – I’m flattered! Turns out it’s my own wedding that they’ve chosen to highlight. You can view the feature here.

Sean and I were married at the Jasper Park Lodge in May 2008, and though I have a background in corporate events, it was really through planning my own wedding that I was inspired to start this business and help other couples bring their dream day to life. I love that weddings can be so unique and personalized to each couple, and one of my favourite parts about this “job” is getting to know my brides + grooms and finding ways to infuse personal touches into their event.

The beautiful photography is courtesy of the highly talented husband and wife duo behind James Design Studios – Julie + David.

Stay tuned for more real Rocky Mountain weddings, along with some tips and ideas to help you plan your elegant alpine affair!

Jennifer

If you’re searching for a completely unique, urban venue for your Edmonton wedding, look no further. The new Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is now open and is a perfect fit for the contemporary couple looking to wow their wedding guests.

Designed by Los Angeles-based architect Randall Stout, the 85,000 square foot iconic building is certainly its own piece of art in Edmonton’s downtown core. And with a handful of different spaces for 20-250 guests, there are a lot of great options to explore for your wedding.

Drop us a line – we’d love to talk about planning your amazing wedding at the AGA!

Jennifer

Photo Credit: Art Gallery of Alberta.

Ever wonder what it would be like to be on TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress? Well, one lucky bride-to-be will soon find out! The RingBearer.ca and Kleinfeld Bridal have just launched a fabulous contest.

Here are the amazing contest details:

• The winner will receive a $5,000 gift certificate to Kleinfeld!
• A private store opening in Manhattan, New York
• Personal styling services provided by Randy Fenoli (Fashion Director at Kleinfeld) and a Kleinfeld Bridal Consultant
• Free airfare and five-star accommodations

To enter, simply visit http://theringbearer.ca/kleinfeld and submit your proposal or love story along with a photo of you and your sweetie. Entries are accepted until February 14, 2010.

Good luck!

Jennifer

Love it or hate it, James Cameron’s Avatar is the topic of more water cooler convos than we’d all care to admit. I’m usually not a fan of sci-fi flicks, but I have to admit – I really enjoyed it!

A sucker for romance, my favourite part was definitely the love story…which got me thinking…what would an Avatar wedding look like!? I know, it sounds ridiculous, but here’s my take on a Neytiri and Jake Sully union:

Neytiri would look stunning in a nature-inspired Jorge Terra wedding gown, complete with gold Anna Sui gladiators and a beautiful maang tikka on her forehead. She’d carry a bouquet of fresh tropical flowers to meet Jake at the altar of their quaint ceremony in the forest, and their reception would be filled with crystal trees representing the sacred Tree of Souls. Now as for entertainment…you guessed it – a special appearance by the Blue Man Group! 😉

Jennifer

Photo Credits: (top L-R) ‘I Do’-it-Yourself Weddings, Jorge Terra, Designer Events; (bottom L-R) Anna Sui via Shoe Blog, Andrena Photography, Mike Sidney Photography.

A recent consultation with a client inspired this post. The couple is getting married on the groom’s family’s acreage this summer, and they are incorporating a lot of homespun country touches. Fruit-filled pies and jellies, a late-night bonfire for roasting s’mores, and of course, it wouldn’t be a country wedding without hay!

Hay bales used in place of chairs for the ceremony or an outdoor tent reception creates such a rustic feel. You can even create a super cool lounge area by stacking the bales like a couch – simply add some throw pillows, a few cozy blankets in your wedding colours, and voila!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jennifer

Photo Credits: (top L-R) W. Scott Chester Photography via The Green Bride Guide, The Nicols; (bottom L-R) Tec Petaja Photo, The Knot, Sean Watson Photography via The Green Bride Guide.