Posts Tagged: Kelly Redinger Photography
5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Reception Venue
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
5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Ceremony Venue
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
Edmonton Wedding Coordinator: Robyn + Byron
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
Edmonton Wedding Planner: Jessie + Mat
Jessie + Mat wanted to do something a bit different to celebrate their wedding. Rather than a formal seated dinner, they decided to throw a cocktail reception style event with food stations and plenty of outdoor space for their guests to enjoy Edmonton’s beautiful summer.
Fort Edmonton Park’s Blatchford Hangar was the perfect venue to host this unique soirée, as it offered us the ability to hold an outdoor ceremony that transitioned directly into cocktails and lawn games, with plenty of space for the youthful guest list to run around.
Jessie’s vision for the wedding design was an ethereal garden party with lots of lush greenery, vibrant tones of pinks and gold accents. Mixed styles of seating ensured party-goers could mingle and experience various areas of the Hangar. This included vintage lounge furniture, cruiser tables with stools, round dining tables and tall cocktail tables. Two stages – one for the band, the other for the wooden DJ booth – flanked a centre dance floor with a jaw-dropping greenery chandelier dripping in plumosa and ferns.
Food stations were themed around summer BBQ-style comfort foods including gourmet potato salad, a perogy station with all the fixins’, a prime rib slider station, and a made-to-order pasta action station.
The Counterfitz Band and DJ Twix alternated sets throughout the night, keeping all ages entertained and on the dance floor until the early morning. The newlyweds served their guests a late night snack of hot dogs from the infamous Viking Meats (Jessie’s hometown), alongside a delicious dessert table with treats from The Art of Cake.
Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design
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Credits:
- Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
- Photography: Kelly Redinger
- Officiant: Tammy Banting
- DJ: Happy Life – DJ Twix
- Band: The Counterfitz
- Invitations / Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
- Florist: faBLOOMosity
- Dessert Table: The Art of Cake
- Rentals: Special Event Rentals, Neat Rentals, Site 6 Events
- Transportation: Apex Limousine
- Late Night Snack: Viking Hot Dogs
- Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush
- Gown: Novelle Bridal
- Suits: Suits by Curtis Eliot
Unique Wedding Venues in Edmonton
With the New Year just around the corner, we know a lot of newly engaged couples will be scouring the city for the perfect venue. What better time to shine a light on some of Edmonton’s most unique wedding and event venues?
Transformation Potential: Art Gallery of Alberta
This architectural stunner in the heart of Edmonton’s downtown can host all your wedding events, making it a convenient option for couples looking to streamline their day. Begin with a romantic ceremony in the theatre, enjoy cocktails and urban views on the 3rd floor terrace, then host a delicious dinner catered by Zinc on the main level in Manning Hall. Offer your guests a unique wedding favour by providing access to the exhibits. Most comfortable for 180 attendees.
{Gem in the River Valley: Edmonton Country Club
You don’t need to be a member of Edmonton’s first private golf and country club to host an event at this historic property. The dramatic views of the river valley and city skyline provide an ideal setting for momentous celebrations. Your guests can order their entrée at the wedding – no need to request meal selections in advance. Having a summer fete? Hold your dance outdoors on the patio under a tent! Best suited for 150 guests.
{Warehouse Vibe: Yellowhead Brewery
Beer lovers take note! Yellowhead Brewery has quickly become a favourite Edmonton venue for those seeking an intimate, non-traditional space. Exposed brick and wooden beams offer character and warmth with little décor required. Perfect for couples who love to celebrate, the festivities can continue until 3:00am after a 2:00am bar closure. Holds up to 100 guests for a seated meal.
{Grandeur in West Edmonton: Oasis Centre
With impeccable service comparable to that of a 5-star hotel, the Oasis Centre has developed an outstanding reputation as one of Edmonton’s top wedding and event venues. Luxurious finishes including marble pillars, rose quartz chandeliers and 24 ftceilings are highlights among couples who favour timeless elegance on their big day. Bring your favourite caterer and bar selections, and enjoy the beautiful outdoor gardens for photos or cocktail hour. Suitable for up to 350 guests.
Dramatic Blank Slate: ATB Financial Arts Barns
Located in Edmonton’s popular Old Strathcona area just off Whyte Avenue, the Arts Barns’ Westbury Theatre offers a unique setting for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Built-in lighting capabilities and dramatic theatre backdrops provide intriguing ambiance and make this venue a favourite for creative visionaries. Bookings include a highly skilled in-house technician to operate the theatrical lighting. Another plus? Bring your favourite caterer. Best suited for under 200 guests.
{Rustic & Cozy: Old Timers’ Cabin
With a log cabin feel, Old Timers’ Cabin is perfect for couples after the ‘shabby chic’ theme. Hire your favourite caterer and bring in your own bar selections for a personalized food and beverage experience. Conveniently located near downtown, guests have ample options for nearby accommodation and transportation. Keep your guest count under 200 for a seated dinner and dance.
{Summer Lovin’: Blatchford Hangar at Fort Edmonton Park
Set in historic Fort Edmonton, the Blatchford Hangar’s tall wood beam ceilings and concrete floors give this space a trendy warehouse vibe. The large hangar doors open up to an expansive green space, making it a perfect venue for summer weddings. No B-list required – the Hangar accommodates up to 450 guests.
{Best View: Shaw Riverview Room / Shaw Hall D
With floor to ceiling windows, Shaw Conference Centre’s Riverview Room (cap: 130) and Hall D (cap: 1000) offer stunning views of Edmonton’s river valley, providing a gorgeous backdrop in every season. Clean lines and modern styling make Shaw’s spaces easy to personalize with décor, and you can have a corkage bar for weddings (a huge plus, especially for larger celebrations).
{As featured via a collaboration with ExploreEdmonton.com.
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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design
Destination I Do: Lake Louise
While we’re based in Edmonton, Alberta, we’ve had the pleasure of planning and designing weddings in many beautiful destinations – both in Canada and abroad! This series will showcase some of our favourite locations including information for couples considering a wedding away from home.
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Destination ‘I Do’ Wedding Series: Lake Louise, Alberta
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies and just a short 40 min drive from Banff, Lake Louise is truly a unique mountain escape. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (CLL) has a rich history dating back as early as 1911 when the General Manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway constructed a one-story log cabin on the shores of Lake Louise – a glacier fed lake with stunning emerald hues. CLL has hosted many famous guests and Royalty including Marilyn Monroe, Christopher Reeve and Queen Elizabeth II, to name a few.
Chateau Lake Louise offers several different event spaces to host your wedding festivities no matter the size – from an intimate gathering of 20 guests in the Lefroy Room, all the way up to 600 guests in Mount Temple Ballroom. One of the most popular wedding spaces is Victoria Ballroom, which has recently completed renovations in September 2016.
You can see from our weddings below that no matter the season, The Chateau’s views will not disappoint!
Here are a few photos we have compiled of our Lake Louise weddings with this gorgeous gown to show you the
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise at its finest:
Real Wedding: Jenny + James // Sharon Litchfield
Real Wedding: Jodie + Chris // NewHairLine
Real Wedding: Shelley + Stewart // katebackdrop
Real Wedding: Zahra + Jordan // Kelsy Nielson Photographer
Real Wedding: Tess + James // Kelly Redinger
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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Lake Louise Wedding Planning + Design
Rocky Mountain Wedding Planning + Design
Destination I Do: Jasper, Alberta
While we’re based in Edmonton, Alberta, we’ve had the pleasure of planning and designing weddings in many beautiful destinations – both in Canada and abroad! This series will showcase some of our favourite locations including information for couples considering a wedding away from home.
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Destination ‘I Do’ Wedding Series: Jasper, Alberta
Less than a 4-hour drive from Edmonton, we’re incredibly fortunate to have Jasper National Park in our “backyard.” Many Edmontonians have grown up with fond memories of winter ski trips and summer camping trips to the area, so it’s no surprise that it is a desirable wedding destination for both local Albertans and visitors from around the globe.
From snow-capped mountains to turquoise lakes, Jasper offers captivating landscapes year round. These aren’t postcards – they’re real wedding photos, folks!
Our most favourite venue in Jasper is The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. This iconic lakefront property has a truly special feeling when you step foot on the grounds. It is a tranquil retreat in the midst of unspoiled nature, and the service and cuisine are top-notch.
JPL has recently completed extensive renovations to the property including over 90% of the guest rooms and signature cabins. Here are a few images from our past weddings at The Lodge:
Real Wedding: Violeta + Barry // Kelly Redinger Photographer
Real Wedding: Valentine’s Day Wedding // Carey Nash Photography
Real Wedding: Cybil + Brian // Meaghan Milne Photography
View more of our past weddings at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge:
Wendy + Trevor // Blake Loates Photography
Andrea + Colin // Rachel Boekel Photography
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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Jasper Wedding Planning + Design
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Wedding Planner
Destination I Do: Los Cabos, Mexico
While we’re based in Edmonton, Alberta, we’ve had the pleasure of planning and designing weddings in many beautiful destinations – both in Canada and abroad! This series will showcase some of our favourite locations including information for couples considering a wedding away from home.
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Destination ‘I Do’ Wedding Series: Los Cabos, Mexico
We love Los Cabos as a wedding destination and have been fortunate to plan several there over the past few years. Why?
- Proximity to Western Canada – Cabo is a quick (direct!) flight from Alberta.
- Picturesque views – from expansive desserts to aqua blue waters, a gorgeous marina and the famous El Arco, your wedding photos will be incredible
- Climate – Cabo has very consistent weather. It is generally warm and dry, not humid. Average temperatures range from 19°C – 30°C.
- People – the local vendors are so warm and welcoming, it makes the destination wedding planning process smooth and enjoyable.
Over the years we’ve worked at some incredible Los Cabos wedding venues:
Here are a few photos of our Los Cabos Weddings to show you Cabo at its finest…
Above Location: Melia Cabo Real
Real Weddings: Robyn + Aaron // Naomi + Tim
Above Location: Hotel RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas
Real Wedding: Jaclyn + Curtis
Above Location: Sunset Da Mona Lisa Restaurant
Real Wedding: Kim + Pierre
Photo Credits: PHOTOPHILCRO, Ana and Jerome Photography, Carey Nash Photography, Kelly Redinger Photographer.
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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Los Cabos Wedding Planning + Design