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

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 wedding is very special to our team as the beautiful bride was one of our own. Kelsey began working as an intern at JBW and learned quickly, taking on the role as Assistant Wedding Coordinator. She met Dean as part of her own whirlwind love story and moved to Northern Alberta to be with him, sadly leaving the JBW team – but we were so happy for her new adventure! A couple years later we were honoured to be asked to coordinate Kelsey + Dean’s wedding at Buffalo Mountain Lodge in beautiful Banff, Alberta.

Kelsey + Dean chose to do a first look and take their photos before the ceremony. This is a great idea for a destination wedding, as it allows guests to enjoy their day and explore the local attractions. After the most touching and heartfelt ceremony (for real, we were blown away!), guests enjoyed cocktails while we transformed the Wapiti Room for dinner. Ash grey linens and wooden chiavari chairs complemented the rustic setting, while gold mercury accents and soft blooms in creams and blush added romance and elegance.

The stone fireplace was covered in candlelight, and the wedding party sat in front of it at a grand King’s Table – which only partially collapsed due to a faulty table leg! We can laugh about it now as no dresses were harmed during this incident – and what’s a wedding without a funny story to share!?

Before departing, guests were invited to enjoy Sunday brunch with the newlyweds. It was the perfect mountain wedding weekend for the most deserving couple! Enjoy these beautiful images by Nicole Ashley Photography.

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Banff Wedding Day Management

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Credits:

• Coordination: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Ceremony Music: Kyle Sand (Guitarist)
• Invitations/Stationery: Minted
• Officiant: Barbara Parker
• Pie Table: Buffalo Mountain Lodge
• Hair + Makeup: The Pretty Haus
• Florist: Willow Flower Co.
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Transportation: Banff Transportation Group
• Gown: Pronovias from The Bridal House
• Wedding Veil:  bestweddingveil

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

Destination weddings are a welcome break during our long Canadian winters. Earlier this year we had the honour of travelling to Jamaica with an intimate group of Cindy and Matt’s closest friends and family members.

We suggested holding the wedding festivities off-resort, as this is a great opportunity for guests to see a new part of the island. It also makes the wedding day feel more like a special experience when you travel to a different venue for the wedding day, rather than simply walking down to the beach of the resort.

The historic Rose Hall property was the perfect choice. The ceremony was held on the golf course near the water at Ocean’s Edge. It was a bit windy that day, so perhaps that’s why everyone’s eyes were watering – but more likely it was due to the incredible connection that Cindy and Matt share, which was evident from the moment they saw one another at the altar and pledged their lives to each other.

After the ceremony guests were transported a short distance up to the top of the Rose Hall property where the reception was held. Built in the 1770s, the famous Rose Hall Great House is a mansion in Jamaican Georgian style set high on the hillside with a panorama view over the coast. Cocktails took place under a 150 year-old ficus tree, and a beautiful clear-span tent housed the rest of the evening’s festivities, including a throwback video dance party!

See more of Cindy + Matt’s wedding in the Autumn/Winter 2016 issue of Blush Magazine, and do not miss their incredible highlight film by A Love Story – it’s such a great testament to why you should invest in a wedding video!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Jamaica Wedding Planning + Design
Destination Wedding Planning + Design

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Retrospekt Design 
• Videography: A Love Story 
• Officiant: Rev. Egbert Harvey
• Ceremony + Reception Music: Jamaica Wedding DJ
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
• Florals: Tai Flora
• Rentals: Tai Flora
• Cake: Cakes by Noida
• Transportation: Koolspot Tours
• Hair: Iberostar Rose Hall Spa
• Makeup: Ladies did themselves (lesson from Sen Studios)
• Bridal Gown: Novelle Bridal Shop
• Accommodations: Iberostar Rose Hall Beach Resort
• Travel Agent: Mary Thomas from Holiday Events & Travel

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