Many people have the impression that destination weddings are easier and less stressful than planning a wedding at home – but that’s not always the case. Here are 5 important factors to consider when planning a destination wedding

1. YOUR GUESTS
Destination weddings ask a lot of your invitees: the cost of travel, of course, and depending on the location guests may have to take time off work to attend your nuptials. You’ll likely have friends or family who cannot attend or choose not to attend for various reasons. Be prepared for some loved ones to miss the occasion and don’t take it personally.

Tips:

• • Provide accommodation options at different price points to suit a range of budgets.

• Setup a wedding website to convey travel information to your guests to make it easier for them to attend.

2. PLANNING FROM AFAR
If you have “Type A” tendencies, a destination wedding may not be a good fit! Unless you’re able to travel to the location before the wedding to scope out venues and meet with vendors in person, you may find it difficult to make all your plans remotely, especially when cultural differences and language barriers come into play. In some destinations it can take weeks to receive email responses – not every bride has the patience to deal with that pace of planning.

Tips:

• Do your research! Search for real photos from travel review sites or destination wedding blogs to avoid unwelcome surprises.
• Engage the services of a Wedding Planner experienced with weddings in the area.

3. BON VOYAGE BUDGET
It is a common belief that destination weddings are much cheaper than celebrating at home, however tropical resort packages can be deceiving as they are often for a very small number of guests and do not include a private reception.

A weak Canadian dollar can affect affordability of destinations abroad, so why not consider a beautiful destination closer to home? Canada boasts incredible locations throughout the Rocky Mountains, Okanagan Valley and West Coast.

Tips:

• Look off-resort for great local venues that will give you more flexibility in customizing your wedding and choosing your suppliers.
• Some locations may offer better rates for weekday and/or low season weddings.

4. THE UNEXPECTED
Destination weddings are more likely to be affected by factors beyond your control. Examples include extreme weather, such as hurricanes, snow storms, floods and forest fires (we’ve had weddings affected by all of the above); health outbreaks like Swine Flu and most recently, Zika Virus; and foreign political unrest.

Tips:

• If you’re heading somewhere tropical, check when that area is most likely to experience severe storms – in other words, don’t have your wedding during hurricane season!
• Look into getting traveller’s insurance and wedding cancellation insurance.

5. MAKING IT LEGAL
Each country has their own legal requirements for marriages. Some countries mandate blood tests and may require that you’re in the country for a specified number of days before the wedding takes place. In Canada and the U.S. marriage licenses are issued by province / state, so be sure to check the particulars for your wedding location.

Tip: 

• Consider getting married legally at home shortly before or after your destination wedding, and have a symbolic ceremony abroad. This can look and feel exactly the same as a legal ceremony so your guests won’t know the difference – and you may save yourselves some headaches.

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As published in the Fall/Winter 2016 issue of Blush Magazine.

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

Kara + Adam jetted off to Jamaica for their nuptials at Sandals Whitehouse (see more of their destination wedding on Style Me Pretty).

One month later, they celebrated in Edmonton with a chic reception for their family and friends at the Art Gallery of Alberta. Their evening cocktail party reception was one of timeless sophistication with crisp white furniture, modern florals and a show-stopping dance floor. We loved the mixed seating and minimalist design that our friends at OneWest Events executed for our discerning couple.

See more of Kara + Adam’s wedding in the Spring/Summer 2017 issue of Blush Magazine.

Suzanne, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management

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Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Suzanne)
• Photography: Eternal Reflections Photography
• Videographer: A Love Story
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Cake + Dessert Table: The Art of Cake
• Photo Booth: Neat Photo Booth
• Decor Design: One West Events
• Rentals: One West Events, Special Event Rentals
• Dance Floor: Dance Floor Décor
• Calligraphy: Justine Ma Design & Hand Lettering
• Music: Johnathan Morris
• Hair: Janice Patterson of Kaleidoscope Hair
• Makeup: Sen Studios
• Bridal Gown: Galia Lahav New York
• Bridesmaid Gowns: Sorella Vita from The Bridal Boutique
• Groom’s Suit: Suits by Curtis Eliot / Tom Ford Holt Renfrew
• Groomsmen Suits: Zara
• Bridal Jewellery: Elsa Corsi
• Bridal Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Last spring’s unseasonably warm weather meant the beautiful pink blossoms were out 3 weeks early – a welcome surprise for Monica + Sam’s wedding day!

The morning of the wedding was full of festivities, as traditional Chinese Tea Ceremonies were held at both family homes. Tea is the symbol of purity, stability and fertility, and the act of serving tea to family members represents respect and gratitude for all the years of love and care they’ve shown the bride and groom.

The wedding ceremony was held at the Oasis Centre in the early afternoon, and when the bridal party departed for photos we whipped out our wedding wands and transformed the space for the reception. Romantic gold Chateau chairs and timeless ivory linens set the tone, while accents of mint, blush and peach added a hint of whimsy. The Oasis team was top-notch, as usual! We love working with this superb Edmonton wedding venue.

Food was a very important part of the celebration, as Monica + Sam love cooking together and trying new restaurants around the world. We worked with Stir Catering to design a custom 7-course meal served family style, which incorporated Chinese fusion dishes.

Monica + Sam’s gorgeous wedding day was captured by Nicole Ashley Photography and Ring Tail Films – they even had a Same Day Edit shown at their reception for their guests to enjoy!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners + Designers

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Photo Booth: Ready, Set, Booth
• Videography: Ring Tail Films
• Officiant: Bill Pisarchuk
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis (DJ Kidslim)
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Caterer: Stir Catering
• Cake: The Art of Cake
• Décor: Special Event Rentals
• Lighting: Production Lighting
• Transportation: Esquire Limousine
• Hair + Makeup: NewHairLine

This post is a long time coming. We’re so thrilled to finally share Ashley + Dave’s romantic fall wedding, which is featured in the current issue of Bridal Fantasy Magazine. 

Matrix Hotel was the setting for both ceremony and reception, fulfilling the couple’s wish to make the day convenient and easy for their guests. After a first look in the backyard gazebo of Ashley’s childhood home, the Wedding Party spent the afternoon taking photos before arriving for a candlelit ceremony with café lights hanging at the altar.

We designed the reception with a rich, warm colour palette reminiscent of the fall season, including shades of raspberry, marsala, plum, navy and gold. A mix of round and long wooden harvest tables were covered with lush florals, fruit and greenery. Gold accents and soft amber uplighting added extra sparkle to the romantic atmosphere.

After a set of exceptionally memorable and hilarious speeches, Ashley + Dave took to the dance floor to kick off the party. Harman B & DJ Kwake manned the DJ booth – a boxwood hedge with custom marquee letters spelling “A&D.”

This highlight video from A Love Story brings back all the memories from this incredible day – enjoy!

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Sharon Litchfield
• Videographer: A Love Story
• Officiant: Tammy Banting
• Ceremony Music: Mathias Silvieria + John Fedor
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Cookies & Milk Table: Confetti Sweets
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Lighting: Production Lighting
• Transportation: Esquire Limo
• Hair: Bailey Gartner
• Makeup: Eclectica Beauty Studio / The Makeup
• Gown: Novelle Bridal
• Bridesmaids Gowns: J. Crew
• Groom / Groomsmen Attire: Shaw & Co. Tailors

Living in Alberta, winter is something you must embrace, or you’re in for a long 5 – maybe 6, sometimes 7 – months! Erin and Adam chose to do just that by holding their February wedding in one of Canada’s most spectacular destination wedding locations: Lake Louise. Their two main priorities for the wedding were to extend the festivities over the course of an entire weekend, and to provide guests with a quintessential winter experience in the Canadian Rockies.

The weekend began Friday morning with a chartered motor coach driving Edmonton guests to The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Following a delicious rehearsal dinner in the Alpine Room, guests gathered for hot chocolate and s’mores by the lakeside fire pits and ice bar. On the morning of the wedding, Adam and his groomsmen hosted a pick-up hockey game on the frozen lake, while the ladies enjoyed a leisurely morning in their suite getting ready for the big day.

After exchanging vows in the Victoria Ballroom, the newlyweds went off for photos with their wedding party while guests departed on horse-drawn sleigh rides! Our team spent the next few hours transforming the ballroom with long wooden tables, lush greenery runners, tons of candlesticks and gold accents. The party continued in the Glacier Saloon where late night snacks including poutine and sliders were served, and dancing in hotel slippers went on until the early hours of the morning.

This truly stunning winter destination wedding is featured in the Spring / Summer 2017 issue of Weddingbells Magazine, so grab a copy and enjoy the images below captured by the very talented Brittany Esther Photography.

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Lake Louise Wedding Planning + Design
Rocky Mountain Wedding Planners

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Brittany Esther Photography
• Photo Booth: Creative Photo Booth
• Officiant: Robin White
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Pie Table: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals Banff
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
• Ceremony Music: Music Mosaic
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis
• Transportation: Brewster Travel Canada
• Sleigh Rides: Brewster Adventures
• Hair + Makeup: Botega
• Gown: Delica Bridal

While we’re based in Edmonton, Alberta, we’ve had the pleasure of planning and designing weddings in many beautiful destinations – both in Canada and abroad! This series will showcase some of our favourite locations including information for couples considering a wedding away from home.

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Destination ‘I Do’ Wedding Series: Canmore, Alberta

Canmore is situated in the magnificent Bow Valley within Alberta’s Rockies. A short one-hour drive from Calgary, it is an accessible location for both guests and wedding vendors.

One of our favourite venues in Canmore is Silvertip Resort. The epitome of Rustic Elegance, Silvertip is a popular wedding venue and tends to book up far in advance. Dark wooden beams and ample natural light make the Pavilion banquet space a stunning setting for up to 250 guests.

Conveniently, you can hold both your ceremony and reception at Silvertip. In the summer months, say I Do in a gorgeous outdoor gazebo overlooking the mountains; in winter, nuptials are exchanged in front of a cozy stone fireplace inside the Pavilion.

Here are some images of past JBW couples’ weddings at Silvertip in beautiful Canmore.

Real Wedding: Carly + Taylor // Julie Williams Photography Real Wedding: Maureen + Tyler // Kendal and Kevin Photography + Retrospekt Photography

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Canmore Wedding Planning + Design
Silvertip Resort Wedding Planner

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More and more couples are choosing to break tradition and see each other before they walk down the aisle. Referred to as a “first look,” it is when the to-be-weds see one another in their wedding attire with their photo and video team present to document the moment. Most couples then spend a couple of hours taking photos with their wedding party before heading to the ceremony to say I Do.

While this change of format isn’t for everyone, taking photos before the ceremony is a great idea for a few reasons:

• Feeling fresh. Taking photos right after you get ready means your hair and makeup will be at their best. (This also applies to your flowers!)
• Capture the moment. Your photo and video team will ensure this special moment is captured at all angles, with no risk of Uncle Hank’s iPad obstructing the view.
• Keep calm and marry on. If you’re the anxious type, hanging out and taking photos with the bridal party will help you relax before the ceremony.
• Gone with the gap. Getting photos out of the way before the ceremony saves your guests the painful wait in between events, and allows you to spend more time visiting with them. This is particularly convenient if both ceremony and reception are being held at the same venue.

Here are some amazing photos of JBW couples sharing their first look!

{Sharon Litchfield Photography}

{Blake Loates Photography}

{Carey Nash Photography}

{Gabe McClintock}

{Brianna Hughes Photography}

{Sharon Litchfield Photography}

{ENV Photography}

{Jesse Holland Photography}

{Kevin Trowbridge Photography}

{Sharon Litchfield Photography}

{kate Redinger Photographer}

{Nicole Ashley Photography}

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

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While we’re based in Edmonton, Alberta, we’ve had the pleasure of planning and designing weddings in many beautiful destinations – both in Canada and abroad! This series will showcase some of our favourite locations including information for couples considering a wedding away from home.

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Destination ‘I Do’ Wedding Series: Lake Louise, Alberta

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies and just a short 40 min drive from Banff, Lake Louise is truly a unique mountain escape. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (CLL) has a rich history dating back as early as 1911 when the General Manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway constructed a one-story log cabin on the shores of Lake Louise – a glacier fed lake with stunning emerald hues. CLL has hosted many famous guests and Royalty including Marilyn Monroe, Christopher Reeve and Queen Elizabeth II, to name a few.

Chateau Lake Louise offers several different event spaces to host your wedding festivities no matter the size – from an intimate gathering of 20 guests in the Lefroy Room, all the way up to 600 guests in Mount Temple Ballroom. One of the most popular wedding spaces is Victoria Ballroom, which has recently completed renovations in September 2016.

You can see from our weddings below that no matter the season, The Chateau’s views will not disappoint!

Here are a few photos we have compiled of our Lake Louise weddings with this gorgeous gown to show you the
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise at its finest: Real Wedding: Jenny + James // Sharon Litchfield

Real Wedding: Jodie + Chris // NewHairLine

Real Wedding: Shelley + Stewart // katebackdrop

Real Wedding: Zahra + Jordan // Kelsy Nielson Photographer

Real Wedding: Tess + James // Kelly Redinger

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Lake Louise Wedding Planning + Design
Rocky Mountain Wedding Planning + Design