These two high school sweethearts are truly made for one another. Julie lights up a room when she enters – she’s a bundle of energy and positivity, always wearing a huge smile on her face. Kyle is a calming presence – very kind and patient, but still knows how to let loose and have fun. It was such a pleasure working with this duo to bring their special day to life!

After a traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Parish, Julie + Kyle’s guests made their way to Fort Edmonton Park where the Hangar was staged for the perfect rustic, summer soirée. The big open space allowed kids to run free, while the summer breeze blew in to cool guests down on a warm September day.

Lush floral garlands in warm tones of peach, coral, yellow and blush were swagged down the aisle and hung behind the head table. Antlers, succulents and wooden logs brought the outdoors in, enhancing the organic, natural ambiance of the setting. {More on the inspiration behind this wedding design here!}

We surrounded a large wooden dance floor with cocktail tables, benches and tree stump stools to keep everyone engaged with the party. Once the dance was underway, La Poutine food truck pulled up just outside the Hangar doors to serve the perfect Canadiana late night snack!

Can’t get enough? See more of this lovely day in the current issue of Blush Magazine and on the Katch Studios blog. Enjoy!

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Katch Studios
• Officiant: Father Jim Corrigan
• Caterer: Elizabethan Catering
• Late Lunch: La Poutine Food Truck
• Ceremony Guitarist / Singer: Jeff Ramsey
• Reception Music: DJ Sean Hessman
• Invitations + Stationery: Maureen Walsh – Little Red
  
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Décor: Special Event Rentals
• Lighting / Drapery: Site 6 Events
• Transportation: Blue Sky Limos Bus
• Cake: Angie Mayer
• Hair: Hairbro Hair Designer
• Makeup: Diane Devine Edmonton Makeup Artist
• Wedding Gown: Prombee Bridal

A lot goes into the wedding design process at JBW. We begin by determining a bride and groom’s wedding style – the look they envision, the atmosphere they want their event to evoke, the level of formality. We then create visual inspiration boards and detailed design plans. Once we’re all on the same page, we execute, securing rental and décor items, collaborating with a florist to design centrepieces and bouquets, and working with a stationer to create the couple’s invitations and stationery to perfectly reflect their wedding style.

We’re excited to share some of our 2014 weddings along with the design boards behind them so you can get a glimpse at how we take inspiration and make it reality!

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Julie + Kyle wanted their rustic, summer wedding to reflect her carefree spirit and Kyle’s love of the outdoors. We designed the soirée around a soft, muted palette of creams and taupes with whimsical touches of mint and peach. Woodland accents including antlers and birch stumps brought the outdoors in to the Hangar at Fort Edmonton Park.

This delightful Edmonton wedding was also recently published in Blush Magazine (available for purchase online or at Chapters / Indigo)!

The inspiration:

Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): White Wedding Cake – Borrowed and Blue; Outdoor Wedding Reception – Tumblr; Rustic Wood Lounge – Southern Weddings; Whimsical Bouquet – True Photography; Antler Tablescape – Green Wedding Shoes; Tree Stump Centerpiece – Style Me Pretty; Kraft Circle Menu – Project Wedding; Flower Garland Ceremony Backdrop – Katch Studios.

…and the reality!

Photo Credit: Katch Studios.

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Check back soon to see more of Julie + Kyle’s Fort Edmonton Park Hangar wedding!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

The  last of our bouquet inspiration series features gorgeous organic bouquets perfect for the bride who desires a rustic or outdoorsy element to her wedding day style.

Organic bouquets are full of texture and mixed elements. Think beyond floral – succulents, cotton, berries, scabiosa pods and fiddleheads add so much dimension and movement. Earthy tones give the bouquet a rustic feel, while soft pastels convey whimsy and romance.

Be sure to check out more inspiration from earlier in this series: Classic White Bouquets, Bright + Bold Bouquets, Romantic Bouquets.

Photo: Kelly Redinger / Florist: faBLOOMosity

Photo: Blake Loates Photography / Florist: faBLOOMosity

Photo: Sharon Litchfield Photography / Florist: Willow Haven

Photo: Studio 9 Photographics / Florist: faBLOOMosity

Photo: (L) Katch Studios, (R) Julie Williams /  Florist: faBLOOMosity

Photo: shopbackdrop/ Florist: faBLOOMosity

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

Looking to add a personal touch to your wedding day? Bouquet wraps offer a subtle yet beautiful way to personalize your bridal look and add a unique detail to your wedding. From antique brooches to pearls, rustic bark, bling or ‘something blue’ – the possibilities are endless! Here are some creative ways our JBW brides have personalized their wedding bouquet handles.

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L: Peacock Brooch Bouquet Wrap- faBLOOMosity, R: Antique Brooch – Willow Haven Flower Shop

Rustic Bark Bouquet Wrap – faBLOOMosity

L: Bling Bouquet Wrap – The Wild Orchid, R: Crystal Bouquet Wrap – Blue Petyl

‘Something Blue’ Bouquet Wrap – faBLOOMosity

Tussy Mussy Bouquet Handle – Coral’s Design

L: Pearl Bouquet Wrap – faBLOOMosity, R: Lace and Locket Bouquet Handle – Laurel’s On Whyte

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Photo Credits: JDS Photography, Sharon Litchfield Photography, Kelly Redinger Photographer, Carey Nash Photography, Sharon Litchfield Photography, Eternal Reflections Photography, JDS Photography, Katch Studios, Kelly Redinger Photographer.

Suzanne | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

Jenn Chivers – Freelance Hair + Makeup

Your bridal look (ie. hair and makeup) is something you do NOT want to mess around with! Hiring a professional hairstylist and makeup artist who is experienced in weddings is an absolute must for your big day.

Meet Jenn Chivers. Jenn is a freelance hairstylist and makeup artist based in Edmonton who has beautified many JBW brides! Read on to learn more about Jenn Chivers, and check out her website and Facebook page for more information on booking Jenn for your wedding or special event.

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

I’m a freelance hairstylist/makeup artist with a passion for bringing out women’s hidden beauty, seeing every corner of the world, and loving my awesome family.

Why did you become a hairstylist / makeup artist?

I knew I wasn’t an ‘office’ type person – I have always worked directly with people. My background in the hospitality industry built a solid foundation in service and established my need to interact closely with clients. I also identified the enjoyment I get from working under pressure. Since becoming a hairstylist/makeup artist my focus has been on working with my clients to create an experience that is memorable and special for them. I was a bit of a late bloomer in the industry but had an interest in fashion from a young age. My parents always used to laugh at how I could come up with a look out of almost anything. When the opportunity presented itself I jumped on it and haven’t looked back! I started freelancing 7 years ago, which has been amazing for me professionally as it has given me the freedom to provide the service I think my clients deserve, while still allowing me to have more time with my husband and son.

What’s your favourite part about your job?

I don’t know if I would say I have one favorite thing. I love working with my clients to interpret their vision – whether it is for an editorial shoot, a wedding or an advertisement. I love coming into their environment, hearing their story and transforming them from a blank canvas to their dream look. I feel incredibly proud to see the look on their face when they look in the mirror and see what I see.  I am fortunate that I do both hair and makeup so I am always inspired by different things that my clients bring to me.

What are your top tips for brides when considering their bridal makeup and hair?

Firstly, it is important to ensure you book well in advance so you aren’t disappointed. I normally suggest booking 6-12 months in advance. Doing a trial is key as this is your opportunity to get to know your stylist and see if the look you envisioned looks as good on you as you hope, as well as giving your stylist the opportunity to ensure your look is achievable and having anything they may need to ensure your morning is stress-free and enjoyable. Lastly, make sure that you are comfortable. If you don’t feel comfortable, it will show. I’m not talking about sweats and sneakers, but just make sure you feel that your look still lets YOU shine through – no matter whether you are going for a natural, glamorous or vintage look.

What bridal makeup trends and hair trends are you seeing for weddings in 2013 / 2014?

I am always a big proponent of brides wearing a look that is timeless and modern, while reflecting their own unique style. In the past few years, the focus has shifted to brides wearing looks that are more suited to them while incorporating trends, so we are seeing a variety of looks for this season to suit every style from fresh, natural looks with a pop of color on the lip, to soft smokey eyes to add an element of glamour to your makeup and soft, natural waves to sophisticated vintage styles with a modern twist for hair. Braiding continues to be a popular element to individualize your look.

When should brides book their bridal makeup artist and hair stylist?

I normally book 6-12 months in advance. This doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find someone if you wait longer, but your choices can be more limited as you get closer to your date. Many of the top stylists work on referral and are included in lists that are provided to clients by wedding planners, photographers, or other wedding vendors. Edmonton is a city with a lot of in-demand artists. Many of them will try to give you names of someone they would recommend but the best thing to do is plan ahead. The other benefit of booking early is that you get to check one more thing off your list!

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Here are some beautiful JBW brides that had their wedding day hair and makeup done by Jenn Chivers!

L: Images by Frost; R: Diamond Cake Photography

Katch Studios

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

Choosing your wedding music can be a daunting task that many couples struggle with. We’ve created a list of both Classic and Contemporary song selections for all those memorable moments throughout your wedding day. Leave a comment with your additions and we’ll keep adding to the list!

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Ceremony

C.J. Scott Photography; Sharon Litchfield Photography

Classic:

1. Bridal March (Instrumental) / Jonathan Cain
2. Because You Loved Me / Celine Dion
3. Canon in D / Johann Pachelbel
4. Ava Maria / Schubert
5. Somewhere Over the Rainbow / Israel Kamikawiwo’ole
6. Songbird / Fleetwood Mac
7. Con Te Partro / Andrea Bocelli
8. Only Time / Enya
9. When I Fall In Love / Nat King Cole
10. Fairytale / Enya

Contemporary:

1. A Thousand Years / Christina Perry
2. Marry Me / Train
3. Marry You / Bruno Mars
4. All of Me / John Legend
5. Everything / Lifehouse
6. Better Together / Jack Johnson
7. Till Kingdom Come / Coldplay
8. Ho Hey / Lumineers
9. Love Song / Taylor Swift
10. Make You Feel My Love / Adele & Garth Brooks

Katch Studios

Grand Entrance

Classic:

1. How Sweet It Is / James Taylor
2. Eye Of The Tiger / Survivor
3. Beautiful Day / U2
4. Finally / Ce Ce Penniston
5. Love & Marriage / Frank Sinatra
6. Here Comes The Sun / The Beatles (Glee Cast)
7. We Got Married in Jackson / Johnny Cash & June Carter
8. White Wedding / Billy Idol
9. Let’s Get Married / Jagged Edge
10. Celebration / Kool & The Gang

Contemporary:

1. Treasure / Bruno Mars
2. Home / Phillip Phillips
3. Love Stoned / Justin Timberlake
4. Just The Way You Are / Bruno Mars
5. The Other Side / Jason Derulo
6. Like Home / Nicky Romero & NERVO
7. Feel So Close / Calvin Harris
8. I Gotta Feeling / The Black Eyed Peas
9. Crazy In Love / Beyoncé
10. Home / Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
11. Wake Me Up / Avicii

Carey Nash Photography

First Dance

Classic:

1. The Way You Look Tonight / Frank Sinatra
2. Time After Time / Rod Stewart
3. All for Love / Bryan Adams
4. At Last / Etta James
5. When a Man Loves a Woman / Michael Bolton
6. Amazed / Lonestar
7. Can’t Help Falling In Love / Elvis Presley
8. Lost Together / Blue Rodeo
9. Your Song / Elton John
10. I’ll Be / Edwin McCain
11. L.O.V.E. / Nat King Cole

Modern:

1. Angel / Robin Thicke
2. Forever / Ben Harper
3. Giving Myself / Jennifer Hudson
4. Wanted / Hunter Hayes
5. Everything / Michael Buble
6. Not Even The King / Alicia Keys
7. I Won’t Give Up / Jason Mraz
8. Us Against The World / Coldplay
9. Bubbly / Colbie Caillat
10. Dance With Me / Johnny Reid
11. All Of Me / John Legend
12. Young & Beautiful / Lana Del Ray

Sharon Litchfield Photography

Father-Daughter / Mother-Son Dance

Classic:

1. Butterfly Kisses / Bob Carlisle
2. Wonderful World / Louis Armstrong
3. Unforgettable / Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
4. Forever Young / Rod Stewart
5. Isn’t She Lovely / Stevie Wonder
6. Wonderful Tonight / Eric Clapton
7. Loved Her First / Heartland
8. Stand by Me / Ben E. King
9. Moon River / Frank Sinatra
10. All You Need Is Love / The Beatles

Contemporary:

1. Mama’s Song / Carrie Underwood
2. Daughter / John Mayer
3. My Wish / Rascal Flatts
4. You Raise Me Up / Josh Groban
5. Something I Need / One Republic
6. Celebration / Kool & The Gang
7. Daddy Dance With Me / Krystle Keith
8. Oh Sweet Child Of Mine / Taken by Trees
9. My Little Girl / Tim McGraw
10. Just Wanna Dance With You / George Strait

Kelly Redinger Photographer

Bouquet/Garter Toss

Classic:

1. You Sexy Thing / Hot Chocolate
2. Pour Some Sugar On Me / Def Leppard
3. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun / Cyndi Lauper
4. It’s Raining Men / The Weather Girls
5. I’m Too Sexy / Right Said Fred
6. Bad Boys / Inner Circle
7. You Can Leave Your Hat On / Joe Cocker
8. Baby Got Back / Sir Mix-A-Lot
9. Another One Bites The Dust / Queen
10. Ice Ice Baby / Vanilla Ice

Contemporary:

1. Single Ladies /Beyoncé
2. Only Girl / Rihanna
3. Sexy Back / Justin Timberlake
4. Run The World (Girls) / Beyoncé
5. Little White Church / Little Big Town
6. Can’t Hold Us / Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
7. Gangnam Style / PSY
8. Gold Digger / Kanye West
9. Boys / Britney Spears
10. We Can’t Stop / Miley Cyrus

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

I’m very excited to finally share this beautiful June wedding with you! We’ve been keeping it under wraps until it made its debut in the Spring/Summer 2013 issue of Blush Magazine:

Leslie is one of the sweetest brides I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, and to top it off she’s supermodel gorgeous! When I first met Leslie to chat about her wedding vision, romance was a key theme. After seeing her and Warren together it all made sense – the love that these two share is truly special.

The day started off early with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at Warren’s parents’ house, followed by a Catholic ceremony at St. Joseph’s Basilica. The reception took place in Manning Hall at the Art Gallery of Alberta where ‘Modern Romance’ came to life. The walls were draped in soft ivory voile and lit in a lavender glow. Black chiavari chairs provided a modern contrast to ivory satin tablecloths, while wheatgrass and phalaenopsis orchid centrepieces added a fresh punch of life to the room.

Guests were treated to a lively Lion Dance performance followed by a delicious dinner courtesy of Zinc Catering.

Loving this wedding? Head on over to the Katch Studios blog for more stunning images!

Leslie + Warren: Thank you for allowing us to be part of your love story. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

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

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Credits:

• Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Katch Studios
  
• Floral: faBLOOMosity
• Rentals / Drapery / Lighting: Special Event Rentals
• Linens: Arlene Yam Décor
• Guest Book Table: Elegant Touches
• Cake: Whimsical Cake Studio
• DJ: Premiere DJs
• Transportation: Legends Limousine
• Bride’s Gown: Novelle Bridal Shop
  
• Hair: Jenn Chivers
• Makeup: Anita Gill
  

Ranunculus. Dianthus. Phalaenopsis. Hyacinth…huh?

Flowers may have tough names to pronounce, but their ability to add beauty and life to a wedding is something that everyone understands. Today’s In the Limelight feature is on faBLOOMosity – a new Edmonton flower shop located in downtown’s revitalized Mercer Building. The shop may be new, but the talent behind it has years of experience.

Meet Janine Sebastian. From designing boutonnieres that look more like art than the eyesore your prom date wore, to centrepieces that defy gravity, Janine and her faBLOOMosity team are leaders in the Edmonton floral market and they push boundaries left, right and centre. My favourite thing about working with Janine is her passion and energy – no one will get you more excited about your wedding flowers! Read on to learn what sets faBLOOMosity apart.

Photo Credit: Infused Studios

Tell us about faBLOOMosity:

At faBLOOMosity we specialize in custom floral designs for everyday arrangements, weddings, and special/corporate events. Each client is unique, as is each design created specifically for them. What we do is an art form in which we turn the ordinary into extraordinary, changing the way people view florists and floral design as a whole.

What is your personal experience in the floral industry?

I’ve worked in floral design for the past 10+ years which has allowed me the opportunity to adapt and build my own style and presence within the industry. Gearing myself towards the unexpected and more modern approach has set me apart within Edmonton as a unique and ‘out of the box’ designer. A fan of anything that is “not popular”, I strive to establish new trends and push my clients, and ultimately, myself to take risks and be adventurous.

What makes faBLOOMosity different? How do you provide a distinct wedding experience?

• First and foremost, we are non-believers in packaged wedding florals. What sets us apart is our ability to build off of our clients’ unique personalities, individual style, likes and dislikes, and anything else they’re passionate about to ensure that we truly capture the essence of what it is they are looking for and expecting from us.
• Secondly, we are not afraid to voice our opinions or concerns, as well as love or hates, to our brides and grooms. Honesty is the best policy, and we expect pure honesty out of them and in turn provide that same feedback to the clients.
• Lastly, our amazing team of FAB Florists make for an inviting atmosphere in the shop, and provide our clients with perfection each time. With the team we have in place, nothing is impossible and everything is achievable.

What are some of the upcoming floral trends that you’re excited about?

• One design that I have been working on implementing into the Edmonton market for over a year now is ombré. I was thrilled when a few past clients allowed me to design their wedding with this, and I hope to continue it forward on a larger scale!
• As well, I am a huge advocate for large, structural focal pieces. It really does take your dollar far by creating one over the top focus for your guests to awe over.
• Another way of creating a ‘wow’ factor is by having a more elaborate backdrop behind your head table. Out are the days of boring white voile, making room for things like: texture, LED lighting, en masse florals, etc. Be creative and make a bold statement.
•  am also extremely excited about the introduction of the color mint into wedding designs! It offers a fresh, new vibe and carries a youthful feeling.
• Finally, I am happy to be introducing more elaborate and detailed bouquet handles into the wedding season. Mirrored bands, romantic textures, dramatic graphic prints, and natural elements such as birch are just a few examples of things to watch for from me!

What do you like most about working with brides and grooms?

The sheer excitement and love that fills the room when working with the couples is the most enjoyable part for me. It is SO much easier to build off of that energy. It really drives everything forward and sets the pace for the entire process. Working in that environment truly has the ability to keep me smiling and enjoying my career day in and day out. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of the most important day of someone’s life?

What are your top tips for brides and grooms when considering their wedding flowers?

Don’t be afraid to try something different, and do not allow yourself to get caught up in the opinions of others around you. It is your day – have what YOU want. All too often I see brides give in to what their mother, or sister, or friend, or whoever wants them to have. Everyone has an opinion but remember that it is your opinion that matters the most and it is your voice that I listen to when designing for you. Stick strong to your gut feelings and your vision, and I promise that it will be exactly what you have always dreamed it to be.

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Here’s a look at faBLOOMosity’s stunning work for some of our recent weddings:

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credits: (top) Eternal Reflections, (middle) Kelly Redinger Photographer, (bottom) Katch Studios.