Tara + Brett were married in February (our first wedding of 2012!) in the midst of one of Edmonton’s most mild winters in history. Both Environmental Scientists, their love for nature and animals was evident throughout all aspects of their soirée. Add in some charming vintage elements and dozens of thoughtful, unique details…the result? An absolutely gorgeous day that truly reflected this special couple.

Tara + Brett chose historic locations for both their ceremony and reception venues. After attending an intimate ceremony at McKay Avenue School, guests made their way to Freemasons’ Hall for the reception, where they ate a delicious meal and danced the night away.

The highlight of the reception was the AMAZING photo backdrop! This jaw-dropping set featured trees, taxidermy, fake snow and a green vintage couch. The couple’s family and friends pitched in to make this masterpiece come to life.

The essence of Tara + Brett’s day was captured so beautifully by the talented ladies at Diamond Cake Photography, that it was really no surprise the wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty Canada! We are thrilled that 2012 started off with such a bang!

{Special thanks to Jessica and Jenna for assisting!}

The invitations featured a custom winter woodland illustration by Pinkpolka Wedding Design that was carried throughout the rest of the wedding stationery. Lori from Laurel’s On Whyte incorporated wooden flowers into all the bouquets – the result was so beautiful and unique!

Tara’s gorgeous bridesmaids wore matching robes that featured a vintage floral motif. At the ceremony, the flower girl announced the bride’s entrance with an adorable chalkboard sign!

Wedding party tebowing? Totally awesome.

As they entered the reception hall, guests were wowed by a guest book table that mirrored a forest floor! An abundance of moss, driftwood, lichen and wooden flowers were pressed beneath an acrylic tabletop, creating a gorgeous show piece. Guests were treated to delicious homemade jam favours made by the couple’s mothers and aunts.

The centrepieces were an eclectic mix of old books, antlers and crystal vases collected from friends and antique shops. Vases were filled with hydrangea, ranunculus, garden roses and cotton. Fruitwood chiavari chairs added a rustic flair to the room, while lace was used in the linens and napkins to enhance the romantic, vintage vibe.

Tables were named after an animal species and featured a bronzed version of the corresponding creature. In lieu of clinking glasses, guests had to mimic an animal sound to make the newlyweds kiss. The winning sound? An elk!

As a surprise for the couple, we commissioned Naturally Chic to make custom “Bride” and “Groom” chair signs. The winter woodland scene perfectly matched the wedding invitations and reception stationery. Below, the photo backdrop in all its glory! Isn’t it just spectacular!?

Tara + Brett: It was such a joy to help bring your unique wedding vision to reality. Thank you for entrusting Jennifer Bergman Weddings with such an important milestone in your lives. I’m looking forward to hearing all about your Tanzanian honeymoon!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Diamond Cake Photography
  
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals and Elegant Touches
• Floral Design: Laurel’s On Whyte
• Boutonnieres + Corsages: Erica Cavanagh
• Wooden Flowers: Accents and Petals
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Chair Signs: Naturally Chic
• Cake: Over the Top Cakes
• Reception Music: Jeff Ramsey and Baseline Services
• Transportation: Esquire Limousines
• Gown: Enzoani “Farlow” via The Bridal House
• Makeup: Anita Gill Makeup Artistry

Jay + Joe are definitely one of our most memorable couples from 2011. It’s not every day that we receive a (legitimate!) wedding planning request from a couple living in Africa!

After meeting at the University of Alberta, Jay + Joe took advantage of an opportunity to move to Gabon, Africa for Joe’s job. They wanted to have a summer wedding in Edmonton to spend a weekend celebrating with their friends and family in Canada.

Jay + Joe chose to have their ceremony and reception at LUX Steakhouse + Bar in downtown Edmonton. With its chic, modern styling and a warm atmosphere, LUX was the perfect choice for this globe-trotting couple to spend an intimate evening catching up with their loved ones. Guests danced the night away to the musical talents of Lindsey Nagy and Jesse Peters, two local duelling pianists, and they munched on delicious late night snacks including Kobe beef sliders, mini hot dogs and sweet potato fries.

To our delight, this sophisticated soirée was recently featured on Style Me Pretty Canada! Here’s a sampling of the stunning images captured by Sharon Litchfield Photography – be sure to head over to the Style Me Pretty feature and gallery to see more gorgeousness!

On the morning of their wedding, Jay and Joe got ready at The Westin Edmonton before meeting up for a “first look” and photos with their wedding party and families. Jay wore a gorgeous fitted lace gown by Essense of Australia (D1108) in ivory from Pure Bridal and a pair of stunning silver Jimmy Choo’s!

In lieu of a traditional guest book Jay + Joe asked their friends and family to write them an anniversary card which they will open on the corresponding future year! Another very personal touch at the reception was a table of family wedding photos. It was lots of fun for everyone to see generations of marriages displayed at such a special occasion.

We complemented the dark wood accents in the space with a warm palette of chocolate, copper, ivory and black. Each tablescape was covered in candlelight and ivory blooms, including hydrangea, garden roses and dendrobium orchids.

Jay + Joe: Thank you so very much for trusting us to bring your wedding vision to life! It was truly a pleasure to work with you. No matter where life takes you next, I’m certain it will be filled with adventure!

Jennifer + Team
Edmonton Wedding Planner

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Vendor Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Sharon Litchfield Photography
• Officiant:  Thanx On Time (Joan Tkaczyk)
• Hair Wigs: addwigs
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Florist: Laurel’s On Whyte
  
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Entertainment: Lindsey Nagy + Jesse Peters
• Hair + Makeup: Eveline Charles