Preparing for your wedding day can be stressful! Between dress shopping, menu tastings, finalizing the guest list and mastering wedding etiquette, brides often feel overwhelmed during what should be one of the happiest times of their lives. Exercising, eating right and taking time to unwind often take a backseat to pre-wedding checklists, which can result in weight gain, mood swings and difficulty sleeping.

To help you feel healthy and balanced as you gear up for your big day, Jennifer Bergman Weddings is partnering with a few of our favourite local health and wellness businesses. Every Wednesday for the month of May, local experts will share best practices to keep you motivated, refreshed and on track with your goals. Plus, we’re giving away 4 weeks of custom wellness experiences!

You don’t have to be walking down the aisle in order to participate – bridesmaids, family and friends of brides are all welcome to enter the giveaways! Simply fill out the form at the end of each post and a lucky winner will be chosen at random.

Check back on the blog and follow us on Facebook to find out which experience you could indulge in each week!

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

Featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs blog, Lisa + Marc’s modern wedding is one of my favourite designs from our 2013 season. The day began at St. Joachim Catholic Parish – one of the most beautiful churches in Edmonton. The wedding party took photos on the U of A campus where Lisa + Marc had met (and spent plenty of time over the years)!

Signature cocktails welcomed guests to the reception in the Riverview Room at Shaw Conference Centre, where bold geometric patterns and pops of green and navy brightened a classic cream and black palette. The dynamic duo from Diamond Cake Photography captured all the emotions of their day. Enjoy!

Lisa + Marc: Your huge smiles in the wedding pictures above say it all – you’re destined for a life of happiness together! So glad we could be a small part of it. All the best!

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

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Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Diamond Cake Photography
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: Wild Orchid
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Drapery + Lighting: Site 6 Events
• Cake: Cake Couture
• Ceremony Music: Mathias Silveira
• DJ: Premiere DJs
  
• Hair + Makeup: Jenn Chivers
• Gown: Delica Bridal

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

Krista Furey joined Jennifer Bergman Weddings back in 2009 as our first official employee – I’m so very glad she’s still with us!  Krista’s relaxed demeanor brings a sense of calm to our hectic wedding days.

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

I’m a funeral director by trade and I have been with JBW since the tail end of 2009 loving every minute! I relish the chance to celebrate love and the union of two families. I look forward to the coming season with our lucky couples!

What drew you into the world of wedding coordination?

The world of weddings is something that I wanted to be in for a few years. I love flowers, photography, fashion and design – so having a creative outlet, the opportunity to work with many wonderful vendors, and the skills to give our couples their dream wedding day is more than I could’ve asked for.

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by nature. I love weddings with a theme of the natural world. Outdoor ceremonies are lovely because the receptions that follow bring the outdoors in. I find those natural themes invigorating.

What is your favourite venue in Edmonton?

I’m not sure if I have a favourite venue. There are so many venues and they are each unique. The architecture of the Hotel Macdonald or the AGA, the modernity of the Matrix Hotel, the versatility of the Fort Edmonton Hangar and the Muttart Conservatory are all enjoyable.

What is your favourite wedding moment?

My favourite moment of a wedding is when the last bridesmaid and groomsman walk down the aisle, we close the doors and the bride and her father are ready to make their way in. As soon as we open the doors and everyone smiles, the couple’s first look at each other – there is so much joy in that moment. It feels great.

What are your top 3 strengths?

I’m relaxed, organized, and adaptable.

Who would you want to play you in a movie?

Marion Cottilard. She’s stunning and a very talented artist.

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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

Married exactly one year from the day they were engaged (in front of the Eiffel Tower, I might add), it’s no surprise that romance was the running theme for this wedding from the start. Hala + Sean’s modern day fairytale wedding was held back in August on a sunny day in Edmonton, Alberta. They chose to have their ‘first look‘ at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald before heading over to St. Joachim Catholic Church to say their vows.

As always, Sharon Litchfield Photography did an amazing job capturing the romance and elegance of this gorgeous wedding. The pictures truly speak for themselves – enjoy!

{Special thanks to Jessica for assisting!}

Hala’s super-talented beauty team: Anita Gill Makeup Artistry and addcolo Wigs

Hala took everyone’s breath away in her stunning Tara Keely ballgown (style 2051) from Novelle Bridal!
Her beautiful bridesmaids looked picture perfect in fuchsia chiffon dresses.

Kate Ashton Florists designed the gorgeous florals. Hala’s romantic bouquet featured mini ivory calla lilies, pink and ivory roses, lisianthus, stock, and mini pink cymbidium orchids.

After the ceremony guests made their way to The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s Wedgwood Room for cocktails, dinner and dancing. We kept the décor design simple to let the beauty of the room’s architecture take centre stage. Lush pink centrepieces popped on the elegant white and silver tables, and reception stationery by Pinkpolka Wedding Design completed the look.

Duelling pianists entertained guests throughout the entire evening! The first dances were one of my favourite parts of the entire day – you could feel the emotion in the room – beautiful!

Congratulations, Hala + Sean! It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and your families to bring your wedding vision to life. Wishing you all the best in the future!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Sharon Litchfield Photography
• Videographer: A Love Story
• Rentals: Elegant Touches
• Florist: Kate Ashton Florists
  
• Cake: Simply Elegant
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Reception Music: Lindsey Nagy + Jesse Peters
• Transportation: Eternity Limousine
• Gown: Novelle Bridal
• Hair: Patricia J Hair Designer
• Makeup: Anita Gill Makeup Artistry