Last week we shared the inspiration behind Andrea + Tom’s elegant winter wedding at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. There are so many details about this wedding that I absolutely adore: Andrea’s breathtaking gown from Delica Bridal, the rustic elegant flowers by faBLOOMosity, and the custom illustration of Andrea, Tom and their son Max designed for their stationery suite by Pinkpolka. It was truly a special day for a very deserving couple. Read on to hear what the gorgeous bride had to say about her wedding day as featured on top wedding blog, Style Me Pretty!

“Tom and I loved the idea of having a wedding that felt more like a stylish party than a formal, over-the-top event. We had the same approach when it came to making choices about the décor – we wanted it to feel warm and rustic, with a backdrop of elegance. I was thrilled that our wedding planner, Jennifer Bergman, was able to achieve that vision. The palette featured neutral tones, ivory and pops of metallics. We also incorporated warm amber lighting and candles that helped create a welcoming feeling despite being in a large ballroom.

It was important to us to incorporate some personal touches into the wedding: our wedding stationery featured a custom illustration of our family and we included a photo of Tom’s mother along with a bouquet of lilacs (her favourite) at the entry table to have her there in spirit. Our wedding day was absolutely magical and we enjoyed every bit of it!”

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

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Credits:

• Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Studio 9 Photographics
  
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: FaBLOOMosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
  
• Cake: Over the Top Cakes
  
• Music: Premiere DJs
• Hair Stylist: Bailey Gartner
• Makeup Artist: Anita Gill 
• Gown: Delica Bridal

I was raised in a northern community and found myself drawn to camping, hiking and exploring at an early age. After high school I started out on my first international backpack trip and before I knew it, nearly ten years had passed, and I had traveled around our globe many times. During my years abroad I had the good fortune to meet some great people…two of which, a young Danish photographer and a Parisian artist, set me on my path to photography. I had no formal education in photography but I saw the world quite differently than many others I knew.

My greatest success was meeting my wife Colleen, who comes from a completely different background.  She is well educated and encouraged my passion and has taught me how to pursue my dreams with hard work.  In our nine years together she has given me three amazing little backpackers. I’m goofy, I laugh a lot and I don’t take life too seriously. And when I take photos I don’t just want them to be pretty, I want them to be pretty freaking awesome.

My parents. They had me at a young age and left their remote hometown and followed an opportunity for a better life. Life wasn’t easy when we were young but they taught me to explore, be independent and take risks. For photography, Sebastiao Salgado. His early work is quite dramatic and I am drawn to his framing and powerful emotions.

My work has continued to change and develop over the past 15 years. I’m not sure I can label it, but from my travel background I’m drawn to wide spaces and powerful and intense portraits. I lean towards the dramatic even though my personality is loose and light – perhaps that style of imagery is my outlet for my dramatic side?

I’ve been fortunate to shoot in incredible places with fun brides and grooms which has lead to some pretty cool weddings and shots. I don’t think I could pick one favourite and I’m just happy that people trust me with them.   The new father in me has really changed the way I view weddings from when I had no children. Of my three kids I have two daughters, so every wedding reminds me that one day I hope to be lucky enough to walk these princesses down the aisle.

Each couple and the photographer have their own personality and style. Speaking on behalf of myself I want to remind couples that this day is about bringing family and friends together one time! No two weddings or emotions are ever the same so your day will be yours, and your images unique to your wedding.  So you might have images in mind from Pinterest or somewhere, but it’s likely impossible to replicate them, and they may look forced. Trust whoever you hire on your wedding day to capture the real moments that mattered to you that day and take time to enjoy your day and the people surrounding you.

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Visit Carey’s blog to see all his latest adventures!

Cheers,

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

It’s the middle of the summer and the last thing you want to do is think about snow. But today’s Real Wedding post will make you want to welcome winter with open arms!

There’s something about The Chateau Lake Louise that makes it such a special place to visit. There’s an atmosphere of serenity like you’re removed from the busyness of the everyday. Add snow-capped mountains and crisp blue sky and it’s winter wedding perfection!

Jenny + James chose to get married a few days after Christmas so that visiting family members from the UK could be in attendance at this special occasion. Both their ceremony and reception were held in the Victoria Ballroom, where a warm stone fireplace served as the backdrop for their nuptials while beautiful sounds of cello and violin filled the room.

Their gorgeous wedding party, outfitted in timeless black and white, braved the chilly air for picturesque views prior to returning to the ballroom for cocktails. The reception design was classic with a dash of whimsy. Gold chiavari chairs, pewter frames, silver julep vases and gold charger plates developed the mixed metallic palette, adding to the elegance of the space. The wedding cake design was based on Jenny’s grandparents’ cake and a photo of the original was placed on the cake table along with it.

Sharon Litchfield never ceases to impress with her stunning photography. Enjoy Jenny + James’ love story from behind her lens…

 Jenny + James: It was such a pleasure to work with you and your wonderful families. Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!

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

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Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Sharon Litchfield
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: Willow Haven Flower Shop
• Rentals: OneWest Events
• Cake: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Officiant: Robin White
• Ceremony Music: Music Mosaic
• DJ: Banff Entertainment
• Hair + Makeup: Helen Kwan

Michael and Haley Shandro are an award-winning photography team based in the Edmonton area. I actually met Michael before either of us were in the wedding industry. I was behind a computer in a Management Science lab in Business School and Michael was my T.A.! Years later we’re both totally passionate about our unexpected career paths, and Michael has a beautiful wife and family. I have enjoyed getting to know Haley as she has a heart of gold and always has a smile on her face. Together, they bring a relaxed, cheerful vibe to the weddings they shoot and this makes all the difference on your big day!

Read on to learn more about Shandro Photo, and be sure to visit their blog and Facebook page to keep up with this talented duo.

Quick – give us your best Tweetography (tell us about Shandro Photo in 140 characters or less)!

We love every aspect of photographing weddings. We love playing with light and nature, and looking for creative and interesting ways to let our couples shine.

Why did you become photographers?

We became photographers because we wanted to run a creative business, and we had the opportunity to shoot a few weddings and loved it! We grew the business into a full time career for both of us, and never looked back. We love working with our couples and their families, and thrive on the diversity of each and every wedding. We’ve had our business for 6 years and it’s been an amazing ride, I can honestly say that we look at the world differently.

Who have been the biggest influences in your life?

We often influence each other, bouncing ideas off of each other, and we also expose ourselves to multiple learning opportunities every year (workshops and seminars). Each time we take away something to improve our business and our photography. Our clients also influence everything that we do. We are constantly thinking about ways to make our client experience extraordinary. And of course our families (especially our 2 kids) keep us grounded.

How would you describe your photography style?

It’s a hard question to answer because we don’t shoot in one specific style. Our photos are bright and colourful, and we try to keep everything clean and elegant. I suppose our style is ‘diversity’, and finding the unique beauty and spirit of each couple and wedding.

What’s up and coming at Shandro Photo?

There’s always something going on!  In November we are holding a fundraiser at our studio for Adoption By Choice, a celebration of newly formed families. In 2013 we’re looking forward to working with some amazing couples, but first we’ll be taking a few trips – our other passion is travel. In April 2013 we have our first big speaking gig at the Canada Photo Convention where we’ll be talking about business to an international crowd of over 150 photographers! We’re also expanding our studio to accommodate more portrait clients. Of note for Edmonton Wedding Industry folk – we are hosting a year end wrap party at The Common in October, you can email us for details!

Do you have a favourite part of the wedding day that you love to shoot?

One of Haley’s favourite moments is when the bride is coming down the aisle, and turning around to see the groom’s reaction. We remember that moment of our own wedding and how special it was for us. One of Michael’s favourites is the father-daughter dance, because it makes him emotional thinking about our children growing up. When it comes down to it, weddings are all about families, and we have such a close connection with our own, that it’s truly amazing to share in the joy of a wedding day.

What are some wedding day photography tips that couples should keep in mind?

Relax! Enjoy! If couples ever ask us for tips about booking photographers, we always recommend that they find a photographer that they really connect with, someone that they trust and will have a good time with. We want our couples to have a great time on their wedding day and not feel stressed out! Hiring a great planner can help with that of course, knowing that all of the details are taken care of will put you at ease. The more relaxed you are, the better your photos will be. Of utmost importance also is hiring a professional photographer who will have backup gear, and also safeguards their wedding photos with multiple (including off-site) backups.

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Here’s a look at some of Shandro Photo’s gorgeous images – who wouldn’t want one of these masterpieces hanging on their wall!?

Thanks, Shandros!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

I’m excited to share this chic winter wedding with you! Lindsay + Mike were married back in March at the Calgary Golf & Country Club. They took photos before the ceremony at the gorgeous Le Germain Hotel, arriving relaxed and excited to walk down the aisle.

Throughout the evening, guests snacked on Crave Cupcakes and personalized M&M’s while dancing the night away to fabulous live music by 80’s cover band, RETRObution!

Mark Eleven Photography was on hand to capture the beautiful moments throughout the day. (Catch more of Lindsay + Mike’s wedding on the Mark Eleven Photography Blog.) Special thanks to Tara, Angela, Alexis and Danielle for assisting throughout the weekend.

Guests wrote their advice and best wishes for the couple on black water rocks which were incorporated into a special moment during the ceremony.

Lindsay wore Melissa Sweet’s Ambrose from Priscilla of Boston. As you can see, she was the perfect picture of romance – absolutely stunning! Her lush bouquet featured roses, calla lilies, cymbidium orchids and stephanotis. All the flowers and centrepieces were designed and arranged by Amy McGilvary – the couple’s (very) talented close friend.

Lindsay + Mike wanted their reception to be warm and inviting with chic and modern décor. To achieve this vision we contrasted textured ivory linens with several black lacquer elements: chiavari chairs, charger plates and centrepiece vases. Candlelight and amber uplighting provided ambiance while a mix of round and square tables added interest and dimension to the room.

{Rental items provided by Special Event Rentals; drapery and lighting provided by OneWest Event Design and Rentals.}

Lindsay + Mike have a penchant for Tabasco Sauce, so they provided their guests with adorable miniature bottles of the hot stuff! The ultra-modern stationery suite was designed by Box Paper Scissors.

Lindsay + Mike: Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your amazing wedding day! It was a pleasure getting to know you both – best wishes for an exciting future together!

Jennifer + Team

Sterling + Heng were married on September 11, 2010 – precisely 11 years after they started dating! At the wedding, their family and friends shared the same sentiment: “It’s about time!” We worked together to plan their modern, urban wedding for just less than a year. I truly enjoyed Sterling + Heng’s relaxed demeanours and the strong friendship between these two high school sweethearts is evident.

Sterling and Heng decided they wanted a very unique, very urban ceremony location with a great view of the city. The top level of Windsor Carpark on the University of Alberta Campus was a perfect choice, and we lucked out with a clear day. When considering where to hold the reception, Edmonton’s Matrix Hotel stood out for the couple. It is definitely one of the most modern venues in the city and suited their wedding style perfectly.

Sterling had some awesome ideas in mind for the wedding (after all, she had quite a bit of time to think about it over the years)! Here’s a glimpse of their day captured beautifully (as always) by JDS Photography.

Sterling’s gorgeous bouquet designed by Best Buds (Oliver Square) included cascading white phalaenopsis orchids inset with ivory roses.

Ceremony chairs perfectly placed by the team at Special Event Rentals.

The adorable fairy flower girls and the cutest ring bearer ever – Sterling and Heng’s son. This boy’s going to break some hearts!

Just married!

The handsome groom!

Sterling was a stylishly stunning bride and her accessories perfectly reflected her personality!

Matrix Hotel’s Quartz Ballroom was decorated beautifully in black & white damask accented with turquoise. Alternating centrepieces of white ostrich and peacock feathers sat atop eiffel vases glowing with turquoise lights. Single white carnation blooms in flower tubes were hung from the light structures in the ballroom, creating an amazing chandelier effect!

Small wooden elephants, symbolizing strength and good luck in Chinese culture, were placed on the tables for guests to take home.

Sterling + Heng’s modern wedding invitations and reception stationary were created by PinkPolka Wedding Design.

Sterling, Heng: thank you for allowing us to be a part of your wonderful day. All the best for the future!

Jennifer + Sarah
Edmonton Wedding Planners

{Featured! This wedding was recently featured on Wedding Obsession.}