Sabrina and Romeo had planned to be wed in New York City at the Rainbow Room in April 2020…we all know how that went. Another couple’s plans deeply impacted by the pandemic, and yet another resilient and optimistic response. They moved it home to Edmonton, Canada, and with only a 6-month planning timeline we worked together to produce a very different event than they had initially envisioned.

Trading skycrapers for an entirely outdoor wedding, Sabrina and Romeo’s late summer soirée featured a mirrored aisle for their Sikh ceremony, live violinists, modern Indian cuisine, and two DJs. There was even a suprise appearance by Punjabi singer, Jazzy B! As a nod to their original venue, the Rainbow Room, we had the iconic compass featured on their dance floor.

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Credits:

• Full Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Jennifer)
• Venue: Aspen Valley
• Photography: Andras Schram Photography
• Videography: Parfait Productions
• Caterer: Zaika Indian Bistro
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Ceremony Arch, Rentals: BASH Decor
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Stationery / Signage: J. Gartner Studio
• Plexi Stages: Exquisite Affairs
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Cocktail Music: Charms YYC
• First Dance Singer: Lindsey Nagy Music
• DJs: Urban Beats Entertainment + Harman B
• Hair + Makeup: MADE by PG
• Vinyl Wraps, Indoor Sparklers: Talent Productions

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Jennifer, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Suzanne started as a fabulous intern at JBW and she is now working as both an Office Assistant and Assistant Coordinator for the 2013 season. Her fashion background has given Suzanne a keen eye for design…and we all love having a Makeup Artist on staff!

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

Makeup Artist, Stylist, Fashion Guru Extraordinaire. Loves travel, weddings & coffee. Passionate about life and living it to the fullest.

What drew you into the world of wedding coordination?

The joy of making one day special and dedicated to a couple and their love is a big part of what drew me into the world of wedding coordination. Bringing everything together for the couple and seeing them enjoy their day with guests makes me enjoy it even more!

Who or what inspires you?

From an interesting pattern, a previous era or beautiful flower – many different things inspire me. I like to pull my inspiration from many different aspects of life, always trying new things.

What is your favourite venue in Edmonton?

The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald would have to be my favourite venue in Edmonton. I love buildings that have a story and history. It’s a beautiful backdrop for any wedding! Plus it is very castle-like and who doesn’t want to feel like a princess on their wedding day?!

What is your favourite wedding moment?

One of my favorite wedding moments is during the speeches when the happy couple takes a moment to thank each other and to talk about how much they appreciate one another. It always gives me tears seeing them look so happy and in love.

Another moment I have come to really like is the new trend of the ‘first look’ before the ceremony! To capture the reaction of the bride and groom as they see each other on their wedding day for the first time is so magical.

What are your top 3 strengths?

1. Personable-I love getting to know people!
2. Attention to Detail- I love adding original and personable touches!
3. Creative- I love trying new things, being imaginative and always having fun!   .

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Who would you want to play you in a movie?

I would want Audrey Hepburn to play me in a movie. She was a fashion icon, humanitarian and great actress. I admire her humor, style and life.

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

Kelsey joined Jennifer Bergman Weddings in 2012 as one of our amazing interns, and quickly demonstrated she has what it takes to roll up her sleeves and make a wedding come to life!

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

I am an elementary teacher who is passionate about teaching and who loves my family, friends and weddings!

What drew you into the world of wedding coordination?

I would have to say I caught the wedding planning bug five years ago when I was helping one of my best friends plan her wedding. I have always enjoyed planning events: dinner parties, birthday parties, bridal and baby showers and I’m often perusing Pinterest and wedding blogs for ideas during my free time. It is something I truly enjoy and when I found out that I was teaching part-time this year, I thought I would use my extra time to pursue my second passion. I had heard about The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Wedding Coordinator Certification Course and decided to take a leap of faith and register. After completing the course, I got in touch with Jennifer and the rest is history.

Who or what inspires you?

The women in my family inspire me. I always say that I grew up with four mother figures and they happen to all be very strong, independent and successful women. My mother raised me and did everything she could to make sure that I had every opportunity in front of me. I was also lucky enough to grow up down the alley from my grandmother and my twin aunts and I spent just as much time there as I did at my own home. They have all played a huge role in my life and have inspired me and supported me every step of the way.

What is your favourite venue in Edmonton?

I am hoping that working as an Assistant Coordinator with Jennifer Bergman Weddings will allow me the chance to see many more Edmonton venues. As of right now, I would say the Blatchford Hangar at Fort Edmonton Park. It is a big blank canvas and there is something so wonderful and romantic about being able to open those huge hangar doors at night and have the stars and the outdoors as part of the décor.

What is your favourite wedding moment?

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a hopeless romantic, which speaks to my choices. I couldn’t pick just one. One of my favourite moments is watching the groom as his bride is walking down the aisle. I love to watch their facial expressions and the love in their eyes and I always get a little teary eyed if the groom tears up. The other is right after the bride and groom have their first kiss and then they turn to the guests before walking back down the aisle. It is an exciting and joyful moment as the couple have just become husband and wife and they are starting their lives together.

What are your top 3 strengths?

I have always had an eye for detail. I notice the little things, which makes them important to me in my work as a teacher and now in the wedding planning field. Organization also plays a strong role in my life. I love office supplies, lists, and excel spreadsheets and I only feel completely at ease when everything is in its place. I am a very emotional and caring person and I put everything into the things that I am passionate about. My students mean the world to me and I want to make sure that I am the best teacher to them that I can be. When helping to plan a wedding, you want to do the best job you can and help the bride and groom’s ideas come to life. It is such an important day in their lives and you want everything to be perfect for them.

Who would you want to play you in a movie?

I would want Emma Stone to play me in a movie. She is a fellow redhead and I could only hope to be as funny as she is.

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

We have an amazing team here at Jennifer Bergman Weddings, and with wedding season fast approaching we thought it was a great time to introduce you to the people who will be making your wedding dreams come to life! First up – the lovely and talented Ms. Jessica Ireland.

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

I’m 22 years old and a student in my last year at the Alberta School of Business. I’m adventurous driven, and I love to travel! #understatement

What drew you into the world of wedding coordination?

When I started my Bachelor of Commerce at the U of A I really started to think about the type of career I would be interested in. I began thinking of the things I already enjoyed. I love making people happy and organizing events. So I paired my love for weddings along with my major in Management and Organization and realized it was something I really wanted to do. After I joined JBW, I knew for sure that wedding coordination and this company was right for me.

Who or what inspires you?

I take inspiration from many places however, what inspires me most are the people involved. The clients’ personalities both individually and together really mould the wedding and what it expresses. Jennifer Bergman has also acted as a constant source of inspiration for me since she is continuously coming up with new ideas and designs while encouraging creativity to match the clients’ needs.

What is your favourite venue in Edmonton?

My favourite venue in Edmonton has to be the Art Gallery of Alberta. It is an easy choice for me because this modern venue is so versatile. It can act as a blank canvas where a lot of décor can be added throughout the space and transformed anyway imaginable or its architecture and simplicity can speak for itself. It has multiple rooms and levels and is in the heart of downtown which definitely adds to the modern ambiance.

Do you have a favourite part of the wedding day?

This is a tough one. Although I would have to say my favourite parts of the wedding day have to be the first kiss and the first dance. These two moments truly exemplify the couple’s love and excitement for each other in the sincerest of ways.

What are your top 3 strengths?

Organized, Caring, Adaptable.

Who would you want to play you in a movie?

Sandra Bullock. Slight age difference but she’s funny, strong and usually gets a happy ending.

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

City and Dale is a local lifestyle blog devoted to delighting in what’s new, hot and undiscovered in the capital region – from fashion and style to tasty eats and local happenings. We were thrilled when editor Kendall Barber contacted us to be their wedding expert for a new series: The Edmonton Wedding Guide. The guide is chock-full of fabulous local vendors, unique venue ideas, and tips to help you along the way. Follow the links below to view the full posts and be sure to keep City and Dale on your list of regular reads.

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(1) Unique Edmonton Venue Ideas

• If you have a lot of out-of-town guests attending ensure there are hotel options nearby or be prepared to provide transportation for your travelling guests.
• Is having a rockin’ party one of your wedding priorities? If so, don’t forget to ask about noise restrictions and closing time.
• June through September is an extremely busy time for weddings in Canada and especially in Alberta where our warm weather is short-lived. If you are set on a summer date be prepared to begin planning at least 12 months in advance.

(2) Gowns, Baubles & Shoes

• Before trying on wedding dresses, do your hair and makeup as though you are going out for a nice dinner or a night on the town. It’ll give you a better idea of what the gown will look like on your big day.
• Your dress should complement your wedding location, season and style. Share these important details with your bridal consultant so he or she can help guide you towards choices that will work best.
• Break up your shopping trips – visit no more than two boutiques in a day. You don’t want to become overwhelmed or get confused. 

(3) Cakes, Flowers & Stationery

• When it comes to dessert, there’s no need to play it safe! Be bold and have some fun with your wedding cake’s design. This is a great area to incorporate your personalities and shared interests.
• If you’re on a tight budget, instead of cutting back on all flowers focus your floral funds on a few important areas: your bouquet, the head table, and a statement piece at the reception. These items will be in many photos throughout the day.
• Your invitations set the tone for your wedding’s style and level of formality. Ensure the design, typeface and wording reflect just that.

(4) Photographers – Who to Snap Your Big Day

• When choosing your professional wedding photographer make sure you see an entire wedding that they’ve shot. It’s also important that your personalities are compatible – you’ll be spending a lot of time with them on your wedding day!
• Allow enough time for your photos. Most photographers want at least 2 hours (3-4 is even better). Your wedding planner or coordinator will help ensure your wedding day schedule can accommodate this important photo time.
• Have an engagement session with your photographer. This is like a practice session for your wedding and will help you feel more comfortable when the big day arrives.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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.