It’s hard to believe it has almost been one year since Melanie + Terry’s wedding! We had to hold off sharing until the Fall / Winter 2017 issue of Blush Magazine was released, as their gorgeous day is one of the real weddings featured in the current issue.

When we first started working with Melanie + Terry to plan their early September wedding at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, we chatted about what elements of the wedding were most important to them. Their responses? To serve excellent food, for there to be gorgeous décor and flowers, and to have an amazing live band for the party!

The ceremony was held in the stunning Wedgwood Room, and featured a statement altar canopy dripping in florals. We kept the ceremony design soft and muted in whites, blush and lavender, using the beautiful white round-back Grace chairs to complement the ballroom’s shape.

The reception design carried through the ceremony’s timeless elegance, but we added a dramatic punch of colour in tones of berries, pinks, purples and greens. This venture into a more bold palette added an element of surprise and ‘wow factor’ when guests joined the newlyweds for the reception. The tables were luxuriously layered with champagnes and golds. Each place setting was adorned with gold rimmed dishware, gold flatware, and ornate crystal wine goblets. The tall, lush floral centrepieces were elevated on mirrored boxes, and blooms and fruit spilled onto the tables accented with romantic candlelight.

Famous Players Band joined us from Vancouver to lead the party – they were incredible! The band alternated sets with Harman B, ensuring the dance floor was packed all night!

Terry wrote a poem and read it to Melanie as part of his speech at the reception. It was so beautiful and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. This highlight video by A Love Story uses the poem as the base of the video and it turned out beautifully! It’s an absolute must-watch.

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Carey Nash Photography
• Videography: A Love Story
• Officiant: Robert Ligertwood
• Ceremony Music: Violin-Cello Duo (Mathias and Adele)
• Band: Famous Players Band
• DJ: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis (Harman B)
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Specialty Linens: Dress My Day
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Cake + Dessert Table: Over the Top Cakes
• Photo Booth: Ready, Set, Booth
• Hair: Sen Studios
• Makeup: N2 Makeup
• Gowns: Pure Bridal

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Katherine + Stephan spent their entire wedding day smiling – which is exactly how it should be. These two have an infectious zest for life, and this celebratory atmosphere was present throughout the festivities from start to finish.

Once they were all dressed up and looking incredible, Katherine + Stephan met up at Fort Edmonton Park for a ‘first look‘, followed by photos with their awesome wedding party. The rain held off for a late afternoon ceremony on the Hangar lawn. Guests then enjoyed refreshments and lawn games including bean bag toss and mini golf.

The evening continued inside the Hangar, where over 200 guests celebrated with delicious food, drinks, toasts, an ice cream dessert bar, and of course – dancing! Kelsy Nielson did a gorgeous job capturing the special moments of the day. Enjoy this sneak peek!

Katherine + Stephan: thank you for allowing us to be part of your incredible day. Looking forward to seeing where your next adventure takes you!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management
Edmonton Wedding Day Coordination

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Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography backdrop: ubackdrop
• Pastor: Matt Ziprick
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Drapery / Lighting: Site 6 Events
• Cake: Crave Cupcakes
• Music: Happy Wife, Happy Life
• Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
• Transportation: Apex Limousine
• Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush
• Gown: Lilybridal
• Bridesmaid Dresses: Groupdress
• Suits: Derks

Lee-Ann + Moe’s Art Deco inspired wedding at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald was a day full of love! Both ceremony and reception took place in the beautiful Wedgwood Room – the perfect setting for the wedding theme. The classic decor had details reminiscent of the Art Deco era, including intricately beaded linens, Gatsby inspired stationery and lush, romantic florals with gold accents. Even the guests dressed in 1920s style attire!

They involved both their families in every part of the day: their grandchildren made up their wedding party; Lee-Ann’s brother and son walked her down the aisle; and their children were witnesses in the Signing of the Registry.

SideOne band provided the entertainment for the evening and they really brought the party with their high energy and incredible voices! Enjoy a glimpse at this special day captured by Nicole Ashley Photography.

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Suzanne)
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Officiant: Kerry Yeo
• Florist: Laurel’s on Whyte
• Music: SideOne Band
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Linens: Dress My Day
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations + Stationery
• Cake: The Art of Cake
• Favours: Bernard Callebaut
• Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush
• Gown: Pure Bridal

Kari Ann + Trent knew exactly what kind of wedding they wanted: Sophisticated, Luxurious and Timeless. These words perfectly describe them as a couple too, which is precisely what your wedding should be – a reflection of your personalities and your relationship.

The ceremony was held in the iconic Hotel Macdonald Wedgwood Room, followed by refreshments and mingling with their guests on the terrace. We transitioned the all-white, classic design of the ceremony into a more bold and edgy look at the reception. Long rectangle tables with modern white florals suited the Art Gallery space perfectly.

Geometric design elements added a contemporary edge, beginning with gorgeous custom black and gold foil invitations by Pinkpolka. We used gold geometric place mats underneath glass charger plates, and custom gold acrylic laser cut names greeted each guest, doubling as both place card and favour.

After the meal and toasts guests hit the dance floor, and cotton candy on glow sticks brought next-level fun to this one-of-a-kind event! Just Married Photography did such an awesome job capturing the details of the day, not to mention shots of the STUNNING Bride + Groom.

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Just Married Photography
• Videographer: A Love Story
• Officiant: Tammy Banting
• Ceremony Music: Violin-Cello Duo (Mathias Silvieria, John Fedor)
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Cake: Art of Cake
• Cotton Candy Station: Mr. Inflatable
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Transportation: Baseline Limo Bus
• Hair: Hair Designs by Maggie
• Makeup: Eclectica Beauty Studio
• Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Dessert tables have been a popular feature at wedding receptions over the past few years. This trend began with candy tables and has evolved to include a couple’s favourite sweets and desserts, such as doughnuts, cookies, cupcakes and pies. We’ve also done frozen yogurt and ice cream bars, custom chocolate truffle stations and popcorn displays!

Why do we love this trend?

• Sweet tables are a great way to personalize your reception, showcasing your tastes as a couple. Think out-of-the-box to your childhood favourites or desserts from your heritage.
• Use a dessert bar to reflect your reception design, adding an element of décor to the space.
• Rather than giving away individual guest favours, instead invest that budget in a fun dessert table that guests can enjoy all evening.

Here are some of our favourite sweet tables and dessert bars we’ve designed for JBW couples. Warning – do not view on an empty stomach!

 White + Pink Sweet Bar: Mariah + Nathan’s Wedding
{Shandro Photo}

Cookie Table: Stephanie + Clark’s Wedding
{C.J. Scott Photography}

Moonshine Doughnut Table: Anita + Ben’s Wedding
Katch Studios}

Homemade Pie Table: Alexis + Tom’s Wedding
{Blake Loates Photography}

Cupcake Table: Carly + Taylor’s Wedding
{Julie Williams Photography}

Cupcakes + Candy Table: Jenny + Hon’s Wedding
{Sharon Litchfield}

Cookies & Milk Table: Ashley + Dave’s Wedding
{Sharon Litchfield}

Dessert Table: Allena + Jamie’s Wedding
{Kelly Redinger}

Pink + Green Candy Table: Krista + Scott’s Wedding
{Sharon Litchfield}

Pink + Purple Candy Table: Sabrina + Fil’s Wedding
{Sharon Litchfield}

French Themed Sweet Table: Kristy + Joe’s Wedding
{Kelsy Nielson}

Purple + White Candy Table: Saveena + Rodnie’s Wedding
{Katch Studios}

Rustic Sweet Table: Violeta + Barry’s Wedding
{Kelly Redinger}

Black + White Dessert Table: Melanie + Chris’ Wedding
{Kelly Redinger}

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

There was something magical about Aasttha + Prasann’s wedding day. The warm sun, a serene calm in the air, the majestic beauty of North Arm Farm – perhaps something else, that can’t be explained. But the feeling of that day truly embodied Aasttha + Prasann’s beautiful personalities and the love they share.

Traditional East Indian wedding customs were blended with a laid-back, organic vibe in a truly picture-perfect setting. North Arm Farm is a hidden gem of a venue, tucked away in Pemberton, B.C. – a short drive north of Whistler.

My words won’t do this day justice, but luckily you can read more about it in the Wedding Tales feature by Edmonton Journal, and you absolutely cannot miss watching this highlight film shot in Super 8mm film by Tomasz Wagner. It is such a perfect showcase of the day and the love that surrounds this special couple.

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Pemberton, B.C. Wedding Planners + backdrops

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photo + Video: Tomasz Wagner Photo + Films
• Caterer: Bearfoot Bistro
• Priest: Pandit Dabral
• Flowers and Rentals: Bliss Events
• Reception Music: Divinity DJs (DJ A-Slam)
• Invitations: Minted
• Wedding Day Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
• Hair Stylist: Kerry Waring
• Makeup: Myuz Artistry

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