Madeline and Filip’s 2-day wedding was one we’ll never forget…for several reasons! Usually when we’re a few weeks out from a wedding, all the plans are well laid and we are simply confirming final details and buttoning up logistics. Unexpectedly, Maddi and Fil’s reception venue closed down just 3 weeks before their big day, and we were faced with the daunting task of finding a new location and moving their event.

Not only were most venues already booked for the popular September weekend, but Maddi and Fil didn’t want to settle for a cookie cutter ballroom. With only a couple weeks to go, we pivoted to build them a custom tented venue on the WELCA grounds located in central Edmonton.

The wedding could not have come together more beautifully, with our incredible vendor team working hard alongside us to adjust plans. Maddi and Fil had a beautiful evening ceremony at The Hive on Friday, and arrived to their cocktail hour Saturday evening in the same 1969 Cadillac convertible that Maddi’s parents drove on their wedding day! See more of this incredible wedding weekend in the Fall / Winter 2023 issue of Rocky Mountain Bride Canada.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Lead Planner: Suzanne)
• Ceremony Venue: The Hive
• Reception Venue: Whitemud Equine Learning Center Association (WELCA)
• Catering: Stir Catering
• Photography + Videography: Kaitlyn Etoroma & Co.
• Florist: Fall for Florals
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals, Sokari Event Rentals
• Furniture: Knotwood Rentals
• Ceremony Music: Duo d’Amore
• Cocktail + Dinner Music: Lindsey Nagy
• Reception Music: Bradley James Entertainment
• Invitations: Feast Studio + Press / Alexa Tonn
• Stationery + Signage: Wedding Designs By Anika
• Hair + Makeup: Veil Beauty Co.
• Gown: Anais Anette
• Rings: Brilliant Earth
• Transportation: Apex Limousine
• Food Truck: El Mero Mero Taco Truck

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Team JBW  |  Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

Jahan and Michael chose to have an intimate destination wedding where Michael grew up on Vancouver Island. The dreamy Brentwood Bay Resort was the perfect fit to give their guests an experiential weekend on the beautiful West Coast.

The wedding events began with a Pithi and Mandvo on the Terrace, where guests were invited to have Mehndi done by a talented Henna Artist. Later that evening, the Sangeet celebration was held on the pool deck. Guests dined on fusion cuisine and danced the night away!

Stay tuned for Part 2 – the Wedding Day…

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Venue: Brentwood Bay Resort
• Photography: Fragment of Light
• Florist: Rook & Rose
• Rentals: Trend Décor Rentals
• Music: Urban Metropolis Entertainment
• Stationery: Love Letters Co.
• Hair + Makeup: Heartwood & Co.
• Henna Artist: Jasmine’s Henna

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Jennifer, Event Producer and Designer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Victoria Wedding Planner

Day two of Bethany + Mathew’s wedding festivities included a traditional Catholic ceremony at the iconic St. Joseph Basilica, followed by a gala celebration at JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District.

If you haven’t already checked out Part 1 of the festivities, here’s the link to that post. You can also see more of this incredible wedding weekend in the 2023 issue of Blush Magazine.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Jennifer)
• Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph Basilica Cathedral
• Reception Venue: JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Videographer: Wagner & Co.
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals, Exquisite Affairs
• Stage Backdrop: Invert 720 Productions
• Dance Floor Wrap: Talent Productions
• Ceremony Music: Wild Rose Quartet
• Band: Uptown Band
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs (Harman B)
• Stationery: J. Gartner Studio
• Hair + Makeup: Sen Studios
• Transportation: Apex Limousine

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Jennifer, Event Producer and Designer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Luxury Edmonton Wedding Planner

In our previous post we shared 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Ceremony Venue. Today we’re sharing 5 important questions to ask the venues you’re considering booking for your reception or wedding celebration.

1. What time must the event end? Are there any community noise bylaws that must be adhered to? Most commonly in Alberta we see a 1:00 AM bar closure time, but some venues choose to shut down a bit earlier than this. Other communities have noise bylaws that prohibit loud music past 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. This can especially be true for venues located in residential areas, or backyard tented events. Check the bylaws in your area if you’re hosting an event at home.

Whyte Museum Grounds (Banff, AB) / Natalie Andrusiak

2. When can the venue be accessed for decorating? When must all items be removed? It may seem early to worry about logistics, but it is important to consider when you will be able to set up and decorate for your event, and when everything must be taken down and picked up. Most rental and decorating companies will charge a premium to come back late at night, so if your venue allows next-day pick up this can save you some cash.

50th Parallel Estate / Tara Peach

3. Is catering provided by the venue, or is external catering permitted? Are alcohol and bartending services provided by the venue, or can you bring your own alcohol and liquor license? It can be convenient when the venue provides all food and beverage services. On the other hand, choosing your own caterer and bar company offers you more control over your menu and budget. In either case, be sure to ask ahead about meal service styles (plated vs buffet vs family style) and any special must-have menu items or cultural dishes.

JW Marriott, Wayne Gretzky Ballroom / Mango Studios

4. What are the nearby options for guest parking? It is helpful to include parking details on your invitations or wedding website so guests have a heads up about parking locations, costs, walking distance to the venue, and whether they can leave their vehicles overnight. If your venue is outside of an area serviced by taxis or Uber, consider arranging shuttle bus service to provide your guests with a safe and convenient way to attend your wedding.

Aspen Valley Events / Andras Schram

5. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue provides and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding reception include: chairs, tables (ask about sizes), linens, napkins, staging, dance floor, podium, AV equipment (microphones, sound system, projector, screen), dishware, flatware, glassware, candles, easels and coat racks.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Nicole Ashley Photography

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Event Planners

You can visualize yourself walking down the aisle, locking eyes with your partner, saying ‘I Do’ and sharing that first kiss as a married couple. You’re ready to sign on the dotted line to book your wedding ceremony venue! But wait – have you asked all the right questions?!

Not to worry, Team JBW has got your back! Here are 5 important questions to ask when booking your wedding ceremony venue.

1. Are there any décor restrictions? For example, many indoor venues do not allow real flower petals down the aisle. Some churches have restrictions on what (if any) décor can be placed at the altar. It’s important to find out what is and isn’t permitted before booking your wedding ceremony venue.

St.Joseph’s Basilica / Carey Nash Photography

2. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue is providing and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding ceremony include: chairs or bench seating, a signing table for the registry, a ceremony arch or arbour, a sound system with a wireless or lapel microphone, and easels for directional signage.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise / Stoffer Photography

3. When can a rehearsal date and time be confirmed? Some venues will allow you to schedule this upon booking, while others will only confirm your rehearsal a couple weeks in advance. This is important to ask, as it may take some juggling to coordinate the availability of your Officiant, Wedding Party, Wedding Coordinator and rehearsal dinner venue.

The Lake House / Infused Studios

4. Is there an indoor or covered backup space in case of inclement weather? Always have a Plan B! If weather is poor, is there an on site backup space you can move the ceremony into? And when must you make the weather call? Often times this can be done on the day of the event, as late as a few hours prior to your ceremony start time, but some venues require 24 hours notice if utilizing the backup space.

University of Alberta, Botanic Gardens / Kelly Redinger

5. Is only one wedding held per day? Some ceremony venues book multiple weddings on a single day (we’ve seen as many as 4 different timeslots), while others provide exclusivity to a single wedding couple. It’s important to understand if you are restricted to a specific ceremony time, and whether you have to hustle out of there following your nuptials or if you can stick around to take photos.

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald / Romy Young

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We hope this is a helpful resource for you when booking your wedding ceremony venue. Stay tuned for our next blog post outlining 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Reception Venue!

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

Finding your wedding venue can be one of the toughest parts of the wedding planning journey. We speak with so many couples who are overwhelmed at this stage, so we’re sharing some of the best Edmonton (and area) wedding venues in 2022.

Downtown Luxury  |  JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District

• Capacity: up to 400 guests in the Wayne Gretzky Ballroom
• Highlights: From the moment you enter the lobby of the JW Marriott, you’re transported to a luxurious “big city” hotel – something we’ve been missing in Edmonton…hallelujah, it’s been found! The Wayne Gretzky Ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows (hello natural light) and its streamlined, modern aesthetic make it the perfect canvas to hold your elegant, upscale event. We love designing in this space and working with the entire JW Marriott Edmonton team – the service is truly top-notch.
• IG: @jwmarriottedm

Mango Studios (top) / Nicole Ashley Photography  (btm)

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Unique  |  The Hive

• Capacity: up to 180 guests
• Highlights: An industrial blank canvas, The Hive is a gem on the west end of Edmonton that wins huge bonus points for flexibility. You can bring your own caterer and alcohol…did we mention there’s a built-in stage and onsite AV? Light and airy with a dash of fun, The Hive is a great choice for couples looking to customize an event to their own unique tastes.
• IG: @creativehiveyeg

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Intimate  | Glasshouse Kitchen + Bar

• Capacity: up to 90 guests
• Highlights: Located inside St. Albert’s Enjoy Centre, Glasshouse Kitchen + Bar is an intimate venue perfect for foodies. Chef Julia Kundera’s custom menus feature local cuisine with a focus on fine flavours. The corkage bar option gives you flexibility with your bar offerings and budget. With uninterrupted views of Lois Hole Provincial Park, Glasshouse offers the perfect blend of an indoor venue that feels like you are surrounded by nature (no need to worry about Alberta’s temperamental weather)!
• IG: @glasshousekitchenbaratenjoy

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Newly Renovated  |  Royal Glenora Club

• Capacity: up to 250 in the Braemar Ballroom; up to 140 in the Strathcona/Glenrose Ballroom
• Highlights: We couldn’t be more excited about the renovations at RGC! Floor-to-ceiling windows in each ballroom offer enviable views of Edmonton’s River Valley. Each space has its own private patio for your guests to enjoy the outdoors. Ample free parking is available, along with a private events entrance. Centrally located, Royal Glenora Club ticks all the boxes for us.
• IG: @royalglenoraclub

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Best Party Vibe  |  Polar Park Brewing Co.

• Capacity: up to 140 guests
• Highlights: Polar Park Brewing Co. is a delightful addition to the city’s venue roster. The second floor event space features gorgeous hardwood floors, stylish arched windows, an exposed industrial ceiling and a small outdoor patio. If you’re considering live music, look no further! The built-in stage and state-of-the-art sound system give Polar Park top marks in the party department. Buying out the main level’s resto-brewery will give you the flexibility to have your ceremony, dinner and dance all under one roof.
• IG: @polarparkbrewco

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Up & Coming  |  Sparrow Lane Weddings & Events

• Capacity: up to 200 guests
• Highlights: Brand new and opening in May 2022, Sparrow Lane features stunning arched windows, tall ceilings, luxe finishes and an elegant fireplace. With both ceremony and reception spaces, a bridal suite and an expansive covered patio, this countryside estate has everything you need to host the perfect wedding day. Located 45 minutes from Downtown Edmonton, 25 minutes from west Edmonton.
• IG: @sparrowlane.events

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We hope you found our round-up of the Best Edmonton Wedding Venues helpful.

– Team JBW –
Edmonton Wedding and Event Planners

Robyn and Byron are such positive and caring people – one of those couples that lights up the room when they enter. Even the rain on their wedding day and a change to the Plan B ceremony location couldn’t dampen their moods. If anything, it made the day even more romantic!

Following their wedding ceremony at UofA Botanic Gardens, the newlyweds brought their cultures together in a beautiful Chinese Tea Ceremony. The couple shows their respect to the elders in their families with an offering of tea; in turn, they receive acceptance of the marriage.

The celebration followed at Edmonton Country Club, where guests dined at long tables and danced on the terrace under the stars.

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Ceremony Venue: University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Pine Pavilion
• Officiant: Bob Wyatt
• Reception Venue: Edmonton Country Club
• Photographer: Kelly Redinger
• Ceremony Music: VIF String Quartet
• Reception Music: Happy Life Entertainment
• Donuts: Apollo Donuts
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush

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

Vanessa and Jamie were married in February 2020, and while we didn’t know it at the time, they were our last “normal” wedding before the world changed. Lucky for everyone in attendance, these newlyweds know how to celebrate!

Not ones for the traditional wedding reception format, Vanessa and Jamie chose to host their celebration with a cocktail party vibe to encourage mingling and dancing. With mixed style seating, creative food and drink stations around the room, Ukrainian dance performances and an incredible party band (The Barkells), they treated their loved ones to a night to remember at Edmonton’s new luxury hotel – JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District.

https://vimeo.com/422598889

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Suzanne)
• Ceremony + Reception Venue: JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District
• Officiant: Seanna Collins
• Photography: Sharon Litchfield
• Videography: Blushed Beaute
• Cake: Cake Affair
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Rentals (chairs): All West Wedding Rentals
• Limo: Last Minute Limousine
• DJ + Photo Booth: Revolution Entertainment
• Reception Band: The Barkells
• Hair + Makeup: Blushed Beaute

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Suzanne, Lead Planner | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District Wedding Planner