We worked with Melissa and Bassil to plan their Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Edmonton wedding while they were living in Toronto. Melissa knew she wanted a wedding with Art Deco influence and a nod to The Great Gatbsy. Her gown was perfectly suited to the theme – the stunning Foxglove by Jenny Packham! Bassil and his groomsmen looked dapper in classic black suits and bow ties, and the bridesmaids were gorgeous in dark blue cocktail length dresses from J.Crew.

At the reception, crystal garlands and phalaenopsis orchids cascaded from silver candelabras. Navy blue napkins and silver charger plates mimicked facets inspired by Art Deco era architecture. Melissa’s bouquet was designed with sections of homogeneous white blooms that were included in each of her bridesmaids’ bouquets. As a nod to Bassil’s Lebanese heritage, a belly dancer surprised guests after dinner, getting everyone up on the dance floor to kick off the party.

Enjoy these gorgeous images by Carey Nash and head over to the Style Me Pretty blog to see even more of this delightful event!

Melissa + Bassil: We are so happy to have been a part of your love story! All the very best.

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

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Credits:

• Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Carey Nash Photography
  
• Officiant: Monsignor Joseph Salame
• Invitations: Paper & Poste (Toronto)
• Reception Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: FaBLOOMosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
  
• Cake: Cake Couture
  
• Ceremony Music: David Moret 
• Reception Music: Baseline DJs
• Transportation: Esquire Limousine
• Hair Stylist: Aveda Academy (Paula)
• Makeup Artist: Loud & Lovely Makeup Artistry (Amy)
  
• Gown: Jenny Packham Foxglove
  

We had the pleasure of working with Melissa and Bassil to plan their Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Edmonton wedding while they were living in Toronto. Melissa knew she wanted a wedding with Art Deco influence and a nod to The Great Gatbsy. A classic palette of navy, silver and white combined with crystal and pewter accents conveyed the formality needed to perfectly reflect the theme.

Below is the inspiration board we used to design Melissa + Bassil’s wedding:

Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): Cake – Art Deco Wedding Cakes; Centerpiece – Style Me Pretty; Bridesmaids – The Cinderella Project; Bouquet – Martha Stewart Weddings; Tablescape – Karen Tran; Table Number Mirrors – Habitat Events; Bride – BHLDN.

…and here’s a look at their wedding design in action!

Photo Credit: Carey Nash Photography.

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Come back soon for more from Melissa + Bassil’s gorgeous wedding as featured on Style Me Pretty Canada!

Cheers!

Jennifer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Chris + Terry were such a dream to work with! They were so easygoing throughout the whole planning process and trusted us to give them the wedding they both desired: a celebration with their loved ones full of great food, plenty of wine and nonstop dancing. Above all, they are so in love it makes your heart melt being in a room with them. You can genuinely feel their connection.

The ceremony and reception were held back-to-back at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, making it easy for guests to attend. The evening was full of delicious cuisine, cocktails and cigars, along with some thoughtful toasts. Then the Wedding Crashers band took over and the dance floor was full all night!

Images by Frost was on hand to capture these beautiful images of their day. Enjoy this peek into Chris + Terry’s love story.

Chris + Terry: Thank you for trusting us with such a special time in your lives. Cheers!

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

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Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Images by Frost
  
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: faBLOOMosity
  
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Ceremony Music: Terry McDade
• Reception Music: Wedding Crashers Band
• Hair/Makeup: Jenn Chivers
  
• Bridal Gown: Vera Wang

Jenn Chivers – Freelance Hair + Makeup

Your bridal look (ie. hair and makeup) is something you do NOT want to mess around with! Hiring a professional hairstylist and makeup artist who is experienced in weddings is an absolute must for your big day.

Meet Jenn Chivers. Jenn is a freelance hairstylist and makeup artist based in Edmonton who has beautified many JBW brides! Read on to learn more about Jenn Chivers, and check out her website and Facebook page for more information on booking Jenn for your wedding or special event.

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

I’m a freelance hairstylist/makeup artist with a passion for bringing out women’s hidden beauty, seeing every corner of the world, and loving my awesome family.

Why did you become a hairstylist / makeup artist?

I knew I wasn’t an ‘office’ type person – I have always worked directly with people. My background in the hospitality industry built a solid foundation in service and established my need to interact closely with clients. I also identified the enjoyment I get from working under pressure. Since becoming a hairstylist/makeup artist my focus has been on working with my clients to create an experience that is memorable and special for them. I was a bit of a late bloomer in the industry but had an interest in fashion from a young age. My parents always used to laugh at how I could come up with a look out of almost anything. When the opportunity presented itself I jumped on it and haven’t looked back! I started freelancing 7 years ago, which has been amazing for me professionally as it has given me the freedom to provide the service I think my clients deserve, while still allowing me to have more time with my husband and son.

What’s your favourite part about your job?

I don’t know if I would say I have one favorite thing. I love working with my clients to interpret their vision – whether it is for an editorial shoot, a wedding or an advertisement. I love coming into their environment, hearing their story and transforming them from a blank canvas to their dream look. I feel incredibly proud to see the look on their face when they look in the mirror and see what I see.  I am fortunate that I do both hair and makeup so I am always inspired by different things that my clients bring to me.

What are your top tips for brides when considering their bridal makeup and hair?

Firstly, it is important to ensure you book well in advance so you aren’t disappointed. I normally suggest booking 6-12 months in advance. Doing a trial is key as this is your opportunity to get to know your stylist and see if the look you envisioned looks as good on you as you hope, as well as giving your stylist the opportunity to ensure your look is achievable and having anything they may need to ensure your morning is stress-free and enjoyable. Lastly, make sure that you are comfortable. If you don’t feel comfortable, it will show. I’m not talking about sweats and sneakers, but just make sure you feel that your look still lets YOU shine through – no matter whether you are going for a natural, glamorous or vintage look.

What bridal makeup trends and hair trends are you seeing for weddings in 2013 / 2014?

I am always a big proponent of brides wearing a look that is timeless and modern, while reflecting their own unique style. In the past few years, the focus has shifted to brides wearing looks that are more suited to them while incorporating trends, so we are seeing a variety of looks for this season to suit every style from fresh, natural looks with a pop of color on the lip, to soft smokey eyes to add an element of glamour to your makeup and soft, natural waves to sophisticated vintage styles with a modern twist for hair. Braiding continues to be a popular element to individualize your look.

When should brides book their bridal makeup artist and hair stylist?

I normally book 6-12 months in advance. This doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find someone if you wait longer, but your choices can be more limited as you get closer to your date. Many of the top stylists work on referral and are included in lists that are provided to clients by wedding planners, photographers, or other wedding vendors. Edmonton is a city with a lot of in-demand artists. Many of them will try to give you names of someone they would recommend but the best thing to do is plan ahead. The other benefit of booking early is that you get to check one more thing off your list!

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Here are some beautiful JBW brides that had their wedding day hair and makeup done by Jenn Chivers!

L: Images by Frost; R: Diamond Cake Photography

Katch Studios

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

Today we welcome a guest blogger – Christine Meadows – to share her thoughts on Hashtagging your wedding! Christine is the Early News Producer at Global Edmonton. Follow Christine on Twitter @CMeadowsGlobal.

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It’s 2013. Let’s face it…phones will be out at your wedding and pictures will be posted almost instantly to the World Wide Web. If you are okay with the idea, it’s time to give your guests and your big day a hashtag!

Instagram, Twitter, and now Facebook use hashtags. It’s the # symbol before a relevant keyword or phrase with no spaces. When a guest goes to post a photo he or she will include the hashtag. It creates a searchable category that essentially tags your photo by whatever catchphrase you used. Just like that a virtual album is born.

How To Successfully #YourWedding:

• Choose a unique and memorable hashtag:  If your hashtag is too simple or too generic, there is a good chance it will already be used.  For example, #SmithWedding may not be the best choice but #SmithsSayIDo2013 could be unique to your wedding.
• Search your hashtag: To find out your hashtag is already in use, simply do a search on Instagram.
• Spread the word: Share your hashtag with your guests in the wedding invitation, on a sign at the wedding or through word-of-mouth.
• Enlist a few friends to get the ball (and your hashtag) rolling: Guests will be more inclined to post if they see others already doing it!

It was not too long ago that disposable cameras were left on tables for guests to capture photos of the party. This is just an evolution of that trend. The hashtag is also a great perk for those who can’t make it to your wedding. They can follow along and witness the day unfold over social media. You can also screen grab or collect the images later and make a photobook. #YourWedding doesn’t replace a professional photographer – it’s just a bonus from a different viewpoint.

I wish I could have had #ChristineAndSteveGetHitched back in 2009, when I said “I Do”. Many of our guests came armed with cameras snapping photos, getting great angles and frame worthy candids. The majority, we’ve never seen. Nearly four years later those photos are likely sitting lost on a memory card or even worse, in a virtual trash can.

Now, if you tremble at the thought of a snap of you in your dress on Instagram before the ink on your marriage certificate even dries – a hashtag isn’t for you. What you need is a smartphone ban and someone to enforce it.

Happy Hashtagging and Happy Wedding!

Photo Credits: Left, Top, Bottom.

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

Last week we shared the inspiration behind Andrea + Tom’s elegant winter wedding at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. There are so many details about this wedding that I absolutely adore: Andrea’s breathtaking gown from Delica Bridal, the rustic elegant flowers by faBLOOMosity, and the custom illustration of Andrea, Tom and their son Max designed for their stationery suite by Pinkpolka. It was truly a special day for a very deserving couple. Read on to hear what the gorgeous bride had to say about her wedding day as featured on top wedding blog, Style Me Pretty!

“Tom and I loved the idea of having a wedding that felt more like a stylish party than a formal, over-the-top event. We had the same approach when it came to making choices about the décor – we wanted it to feel warm and rustic, with a backdrop of elegance. I was thrilled that our wedding planner, Jennifer Bergman, was able to achieve that vision. The palette featured neutral tones, ivory and pops of metallics. We also incorporated warm amber lighting and candles that helped create a welcoming feeling despite being in a large ballroom.

It was important to us to incorporate some personal touches into the wedding: our wedding stationery featured a custom illustration of our family and we included a photo of Tom’s mother along with a bouquet of lilacs (her favourite) at the entry table to have her there in spirit. Our wedding day was absolutely magical and we enjoyed every bit of it!”

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

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Credits:

• Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Studio 9 Photographics
  
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: FaBLOOMosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
  
• Cake: Over the Top Cakes
  
• Music: Premiere DJs
• Hair Stylist: Bailey Gartner
• Makeup Artist: Anita Gill 
• Gown: Delica Bridal

A noticeable trend this year in design – whether in fashion, interiors or events – is a return to the rich colours, bold geometric shapes and lavish ornamentation of the Art Deco era. We’re even seeing this on the big screen with this weekend’s release of one of the most highly anticipated films of 2013, The Great Gatsby.

Whether you’d like to incorporate a few touches from the era or have a completely Art Deco themed wedding, here’s some eye candy for inspiration!

Photo Credits: Art Deco Cake, Art Deco Earrings, 1920s Style Wedding Shoes, Vintage Bridal Cap, Art Deco Invitations, Gatsby Style Wedding Decor, Typewriter Guest Book, Gatsby Styled Wedding, Gold Art Deco Wedding Invitations, Gold Gatsby Cake, Art Deco Fashion.

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Suzanne | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

Tina + John’s gorgeous Art Gallery of Alberta wedding was recently featured on WedLuxe.com – home of Canada’s luxury wedding magazine.

The day began with an intimate candlelight ceremony in the AGA’s Ledcor Theatre, followed by a cocktail reception on the 3rd floor terrace. The couple’s signature drink, aptly named “Evening Love Affair,” was served with personalized cocktail napkins. Delicious sweets accompanied their four-tier wedding cake, all black & white in theme with pink ombré rose petals overflowing on the table.

The menu by Zinc Catering was exquisite! Guests were given a choice of four entrées which were served with the couple’s favourite dish – truffle macaroni & cheese – as a side. Dessert included anise poached pears with caramel ginger sauce and frangelico crème brûlée.

Tina + John kept their guests entertained all night – from amazing music for the dancing crowd to take-home caricature drawings to a drool-worthy late night snack from Drift Food Truck – there was something for everyone! These two have so much fun together and this shines through in Kelly Redinger’s beautiful photography shown below.

{Special thanks to Krista, Lana and Arlene for assisting on this wedding!}

Tina + John: Best wishes for an amazing future together – and congrats on your recent addition to the family!

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

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Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Wedding Photography and Photobooth: Kelly Redinger
• Catering: Zinc Catering
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: Laurel’s On Whyte
• Drapery and Canopy Design: Site 6 Events
• Rentals: Production Lighting and River City Events
• Cake: Whimsical Cake Studio
• Entertainment: VIF String Quartet and Baseline Event Services
• Caricature Artist: Quirky Art Cafe
• Formal Wear: Sam Abouhassan
• Gown: Ines Di Santo from Blush Bridal
• Bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo from Holt Renfrew
• Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale from Delica Bridal
• Hair Stylist: Tracy Underwood
• Makeup Artist: Eric MacNeil