Sabrina and Romeo had planned to be wed in New York City at the Rainbow Room in April 2020…we all know how that went. Another couple’s plans deeply impacted by the pandemic, and yet another resilient and optimistic response. They moved it home to Edmonton, Canada, and with only a 6-month planning timeline we worked together to produce a very different event than they had initially envisioned.

Trading skycrapers for an entirely outdoor wedding, Sabrina and Romeo’s late summer soirée featured a mirrored aisle for their Sikh ceremony, live violinists, modern Indian cuisine, and two DJs. There was even a suprise appearance by Punjabi singer, Jazzy B! As a nod to their original venue, the Rainbow Room, we had the iconic compass featured on their dance floor.

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Credits:

• Full Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Jennifer)
• Venue: Aspen Valley
• Photography: Andras Schram Photography
• Videography: Parfait Productions
• Caterer: Zaika Indian Bistro
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Ceremony Arch, Rentals: BASH Decor
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Stationery / Signage: J. Gartner Studio
• Plexi Stages: Exquisite Affairs
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Cocktail Music: Charms YYC
• First Dance Singer: Lindsey Nagy Music
• DJs: Urban Beats Entertainment + Harman B
• Hair + Makeup: MADE by PG
• Vinyl Wraps, Indoor Sparklers: Talent Productions

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Jennifer, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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

Grace + Jason had a gorgeous romantic garden-style wedding at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, in both the Wedgwood and Empire Ballrooms. They had an all-star wedding team to execute their vision, and impeccable bridal party style!

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings 
• Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
• Officiant: Tammy Banting
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Music: DJ Kwake Entertainment
• Hair: Nina Simons
• Makeup: Vicky Vu Artistry

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

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

Alyshea and Al-Karim’s Gala Reception was the very first event held at the new JW Marriott in Edmonton’s trendy ICE District. The spectacular hotel opened just days earlier, providing a truly unique and luxurious experience for guests – most of whom had travelled to Edmonton to attend the weekend celebration.

When designing this signature event, we chose a white-on-white palette with accents of greenery and gold to provide a timeless look, while using clean lines and modern elements to coordinate with the ballroom. The evening was filled with superb food and entertainment, including 10-piece band Billboard Collective and an encore performance by Shweta Pandit.

To wrap up the weekend’s events, the couple hosted a next-day brunch in the iconic Wedgwood Room at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.

This wedding is not only featured on Wedluxe, but it was also honoured as a finalist for Best Wedding over $150,000 at the 2020 Canadian Event Awards!

Credits:

• Reception Venue: JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District
• Photography: Mango Studios
• Cinematography: A Love Story
• Cake: The Art of Cake
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals, Dress My Day
• Stationery: J. Gartner Studio
• Transportation: Exxotic Cars
• Cocktail Hour Musician: Marc Beaudin
• Singer: Shweta Pandit
• Band: Billboard Collective
• Dancers: Desert Rose Dance Studio
• Lighting, Rigging and AV: Freeman Audio Visual
• Dance Floor Wrap + Dry Ice: Talent Productions
• Photo Booth: DJ Kwake Entertainment
• Hair + Makeup: Nickol Walkemeyer
• Bridal Attire: Pooja Boutique
• Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
• Jewelry + Rings: Zameer Kassam

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District Wedding
Luxury Wedding Planner Edmonton

On the heels of their Mehndi celebration, Alyshea and Al-Karim’s wedding ceremony was held at the new 4.8-hectare Aga Khan Garden – gifted by His Highness the Aga Khan. With a stunning waterfall set as the backdrop to their vows, nearly 400 guests gathered to witness their beautiful Ismaili ceremony. Bollywood singer-actor Shweta Pandit sang the couple down the aisle, and a Rubab-Tabla duo filled the gardens with traditional music.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed appetizers and refreshing rose sharbat as they mingled with the newlyweds before heading to the Gala Reception later that evening. You don’t want to miss the final post in this series – coming soon!

This wedding is not only featured on Wedluxe, but it was also honoured as a finalist for Best Wedding over $150,000 at the 2020 Canadian Event Awards!

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings 
• Getting Ready Location: JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District 
• Ceremony Venue: Aga Khan Garden, University of Alberta Botanic Garden
• Photography: Mango Studios
• Cinematography: A Love Story
• Ceremony Catering: Culina To Go
• Ceremony Audio: FMAV
• Ceremony Singer: Shweta Pandit
• Ceremony Musicians: Barkat Ali and Ojas
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals, Dress My Day
• Stationery: J. Gartner Studio
• Transportation: Exxotic Cars
• Headband Wigs + Makeup: Niawigs
• Bridal Attire: Pooja Boutique
• Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
• Jewelry + Rings: Zameer Kassam

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Aga Khan Garden Wedding Ceremony Edmonton

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.

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

Alyshea and Al-Karim celebrated their union with multiple events over a weekend in Edmonton – a destination they chose because of the recently opened Aga Khan Garden at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.

This wedding weekend was such a delight to plan and design (and there are so many incredible details to share!) that we’re breaking it into three blog posts:

• Part 1 – The Mehndi Party at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
• Part 2 – The Wedding Ceremony at Aga Khan Garden
• Part 3 – The Gala Reception at JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District

The festivities kicked off with a Bollywood Chic Mehndi party at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Guests enjoyed a custom ‘Flavours of India’ menu and could visit a draped Mehndi tent to have professional henna artists adorn their hands with beautiful designs.

The event featured dance performances, traditional Ismaili ceremonies and Vancouver’s Juno-nominated DJ A-SLAM. Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 coming soon…

This wedding is not only featured on Wedluxe, but it was also honoured as a finalist for Best Wedding over $150,000 at the 2020 Canadian Event Awards!

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings 
• Getting Ready Location: JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District 
• Mehndi Party Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
• Photography: Mango Studios
• Cinematography: A Love Story
• Live Trio: Indian Music Academy
• DJ: Divinity DJs (DJ A-SLAM)
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals, Dress My Day, M Weddings
• Stationery: J. Gartner Studio
• Henna Artists: YEG Henna
• Transportation: Exxotic Cars
• Hair + Makeup: Nickol Walkemeyer
• Bridal Attire: Pooja Boutique
• Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
• Jewelry + Rings: Zameer Kassam

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Mehndi and Sangeet Event Planner, Edmonton