Posts Tagged: Nicole Ashley Photography

01/14/23

10 Wedding Trends We’re Vibing in 2023

What’s hot for wedding trends this year? We’re sharing elements you can incorporate into your 2023 or 2024 wedding to stay current and wow your guests!

1. Statement Signage
Whether it’s a welcome sign, a seating chart or an escort card display, a statement piece at the entrance of your event sets the tone as guests arrive. Their interest is piqued and they’re excited to head inside to see what’s next.

Left: JBW | Right: Tomasz Wagner

2. Petite Wedding Parties
We love the simplicity of having only one or two of your besties stand up for you. The benefits of a smaller bridal party? Fewer people to coordinate and cost savings for attire, beauty services, flowers – even transportation!

Intimate Wedding Party Trends 2023 Top: Carey NashBottom: Nicole Ashley

3. Live Music
Live music adds an ambiance that recorded music cannot replicate. For our clients weddings, we try to incorporate live music during at least one portion of the day – whether it’s for the ceremony, cocktails, during dinner or the party.

Wedding BandWedding Live MusicTop: Nicole Ashley
Bottom L: Carey Nash, Bottom R: Retrospekt Photography

4. Ikebana Inspired Florals
Ikebana is a Japanese art of floral arrangement that has seen recent resurgence in popularity. We love ikebana style arrangements as they are minimalist and graceful.

Minimalist WeddingPhoto: Fragment of Light

5. Fashion
If you’re donning a traditional wedding gown during the day, why not have some fun with a fashion-forward cocktail dress for the reception or dance? We’re loving puffy sleeves, oversized bows, removable capes and sheer detailing.

Upcoming Wedding Dress TrendsWedding Fashion Trends 2023Top: Bryttanni | Bottom: Etoroma Creative

6. Delicate Greenery
Thick greenery runners have had their moment. We still love greens, but we’re using them more sparingly for a dainty, refined look. We’re also saying sayonara to mountains of eucalyptus! We want to see greenery in a true green colour, or green and white varigated leaves for a romantic, garden vibe.

Photos: Nikki Collette Photography

7. Luxe Craft Cocktails
Step it up from standard sparkling and treat your guests to an expertly crafted cocktail upon arrival. Old Fashioneds are still fan favourites, but we also love tequila or gin-based beverages. Don’t forget to have something special on hand for those guests who prefer spirit-free drinks.

Craft CocktailsCraft CocktailsTop: Nicole Ashley | Bottom L: Blushed Beaute, Bottom R: Mango Studios

8. Waste Conscious Events
It seems silly to call this a trend, but we want to draw attention to the waste created by events, and get you thinking about how you can make your wedding more sustainable. Our top tips:

  • Say NO to plastic cups, straws and disposable water bottles (anything single use, really).
  • Rent instead of purchase.
  • Source locally whenever possible – this includes food, décor and flowers.

Wedding Sustainability Trend 2023Photo: Nicole Ashley

9. Bright Blooms
Don’t get us wrong – we’re all about timeless, elegant neutrals – but colour adds so much life to events! Even if you want to stay mostly neutral, try adding a splash of colour where guests may not expect it: table stationery, a statement arrangement in the cocktail reception space, or your DJ booth for the dance party.

Bright Wedding Flowers 2023Floral Wedding TrendsTop: Etoroma Creative | Bottom: Kelsy Nielson

10. Mix Up The Menu
99% of the weddings your guests have attended served a soup or salad, followed by a main course and then dessert. Why not mix it up and surprise them with a unique style of service or unexpected courses? Try tapas style family service, or a charcuterie appetizer followed by pasta, a main and a trio of desserts –  we guarantee your guests will be raving about their culinary experience at your event!

Photos: Retrospekt Photography 

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Team JBW | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Wedding Designers

04/15/22

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.

Tent wedding plannerWhyte 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.

Kelowna Destination Wedding Planner50th 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.

Edmonton Top Wedding PlannersJW 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.

Edmonton Tented Wedding Venue 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.

Jennifer Bergman WeddingsFairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Nicole Ashley Photography

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Event Planners

04/13/22

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.

Edmonton's St.Joseph's Basilica WeddingSt.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 Wedding PlannerFairmont 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.

Infused StudiosThe 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.

UofA Botanic Gardens EdmontonUniversity 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, Empire Terrace Wedding CeremonyFairmont Hotel Macdonald / Romy Young

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

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

04/5/22

Best Edmonton Wedding Venues

Finding your wedding venue can be one of the toughest parts of the wedding planning journey. We speak with so many couples who are overwhelmed at this stage, so we’re sharing some of the best Edmonton (and area) wedding venues in 2022.

Downtown Luxury  |  JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District

  • Capacity: up to 400 guests in the Wayne Gretzky Ballroom
  • Highlights: From the moment you enter the lobby of the JW Marriott, you’re transported to a luxurious “big city” hotel – something we’ve been missing in Edmonton…hallelujah, it’s been found! The Wayne Gretzky Ballroom features floor-to-ceiling windows (hello natural light) and its streamlined, modern aesthetic make it the perfect canvas to hold your elegant, upscale event. We love designing in this space and working with the entire JW Marriott Edmonton team – the service is truly top-notch.
  • IG: @jwmarriottedm
Mango StudiosNicole Ashley Photography Mango Studios (top) / Nicole Ashley Photography  (btm)

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Unique  |  The Hive

  • Capacity: up to 180 guests
  • Highlights: An industrial blank canvas, The Hive is a gem on the west end of Edmonton that wins huge bonus points for flexibility. You can bring your own caterer and alcohol…did we mention there’s a built-in stage and onsite AV? Light and airy with a dash of fun, The Hive is a great choice for couples looking to customize an event to their own unique tastes.
  • IG: @creativehiveyeg

Creative Hive EdmontonJennifer Bergman Weddings+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Intimate  | Glasshouse Kitchen + Bar

  • Capacity: up to 90 guests
  • Highlights: Located inside St. Albert’s Enjoy Centre, Glasshouse Kitchen + Bar is an intimate venue perfect for foodies. Chef Julia Kundera’s custom menus feature local cuisine with a focus on fine flavours. The corkage bar option gives you flexibility with your bar offerings and budget. With uninterrupted views of Lois Hole Provincial Park, Glasshouse offers the perfect blend of an indoor venue that feels like you are surrounded by nature (no need to worry about Alberta’s temperamental weather)!
  • IG: @glasshousekitchenbaratenjoy

Edmonton Greenhouse Wedding VenueEdmonton and Area Wedding Venues Glasshouse Bistro+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Newly Renovated  |  Royal Glenora Club

  • Capacity: up to 250 in the Braemar Ballroom; up to 140 in the Strathcona/Glenrose Ballroom
  • Highlights: We couldn’t be more excited about the renovations at RGC! Floor-to-ceiling windows in each ballroom offer enviable views of Edmonton’s River Valley. Each space has its own private patio for your guests to enjoy the outdoors. Ample free parking is available, along with a private events entrance. Centrally located, Royal Glenora Club ticks all the boxes for us.
  • IG: @royalglenoraclub

Edmonton River Valley Wedding VenueEdmonton Beautiful New Wedding Venues+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Best Party Vibe  |  Polar Park Brewing Co.

  • Capacity: up to 140 guests
  • Highlights: Polar Park Brewing Co. is a delightful addition to the city’s venue roster. The second floor event space features gorgeous hardwood floors, stylish arched windows, an exposed industrial ceiling and a small outdoor patio. If you’re considering live music, look no further! The built-in stage and state-of-the-art sound system give Polar Park top marks in the party department. Buying out the main level’s resto-brewery will give you the flexibility to have your ceremony, dinner and dance all under one roof.
  • IG: @polarparkbrewco

Best Party Vibe Wedding Venue Edmonton, Polar Park Brew Co. WeddingsCool Party Edmonton Wedding Venue, Polar Park Brewing Co. Edmonton+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Up & Coming  |  Sparrow Lane Weddings & Events

  • Capacity: up to 200 guests
  • Highlights: Brand new and opening in May 2022, Sparrow Lane features stunning arched windows, tall ceilings, luxe finishes and an elegant fireplace. With both ceremony and reception spaces, a bridal suite and an expansive covered patio, this countryside estate has everything you need to host the perfect wedding day. Located 45 minutes from Downtown Edmonton, 25 minutes from west Edmonton.
  • IG: @sparrowlane.events

Best Wedding Venues Edmonton, Sparrow Lane EventsSparrow Lane Wedding Planner, Edmonton Country Side Wedding Venue+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

We hope you found our round-up of the Best Edmonton Wedding Venues helpful.

– Team JBW –
Edmonton Wedding and Event Planners

11/7/21

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding: Grace + Jason

Grace + Jason had a gorgeous romantic garden-style wedding at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, in both the Wedgwood and Empire Ballrooms. They had an all-star wedding team to execute their vision, and impeccable bridal party style!

Credits:

Edmonton Wedding Stationery Edmonton Bridal Hair & Makeup Best Edmonton Wedding Planner Edmonton Wedding PlannerEdmonton Bridal Best Edmonton Wedding PlannerEdmonton Wedding Coordinator Edmonton Wedding Coordinator Jennifer Bergman Luxe Wedding Planning and DesignFairmont Hotel Macdonald WedgwoodFairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding Planner Best Edmonton Wedding Planner Jennifer Bergman Luxe Wedding Planning and Design Jennifer Bergman Luxe Wedding Planning and Design Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedgwood Fabloomosity Flowers Edmonton Elegant Edmonton Wedding Ceremony Fabloomosity Floral Edmonton Best Edmonton Wedding Planner Best Edmonton Wedding PlannerJennifer Bergman Wedding Planning & Design Jennifer Bergman WeddingsEdmonton Wedding Planner Fairmont Hotel Macdonaldfairmont hotel macdonald wedding Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding Reception Brianne Gabrielle Cakes Edmonton Wedding Coordinator Edmonton Wedding Coordinator Jennifer Bergman Wedding Planning & Design Jennifer Bergman Weddings Luxe Edmonton Planner Edmonton Wedding Cake Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding Planner +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Suzanne, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management

10/14/20

Edmonton Wedding Coordinator: Ania + Matthew

Ania and Matthew began their wedding day with a traditional ceremony at the spectacular Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. After the marriage was official, they took off for photos in a gorgeous red vintage Porsche!

The newlyweds celebrated with their loved ones later that evening at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in the Wedgwood Room – one of our favourite Edmonton wedding venues – infusing several Ukrainian and Russian traditions to personalize the event. It was such a pleasure to provide Wedding Day Management for this happy couple! Enjoy this beautiful snippet of their day.

Credits:

Edmonton Wedding Planning & Design, Peach Bridesmaids Dresses Exquisite Bridal Gown Edmonton Summer Wedding Edmonton Makeup Artist Blushed Beaute Edmonton Wedding Coordinator Edmonton Ukrainian Orthodox Wedding Exquisite Cathedral Wedding Edmonton St.John Cathedral Wedding Ceremony Jennifer Bergman Wedding Day Management Ukrainian Orthodox Wedding Ceremony in Edmonton Edmonton Premiere Wedding Coordination Edmonton Multicultural Summer Wedding Nicole Ashley Edmonton Wedding Florist Fabloomosity Edmonton Florist Edmonton Summer Wedding Planner Edmonton River Valley Wedding Jennifer Bergman Weddings Edmonton Nicole Ashley Photography Edmonton Wedding Day Coordinator Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Elegant Fairmont Wedding Edmonton Wedding & Event Planner Edmonton Wedding Day Coordinator Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Navy Escort Card Table in the Wedgwood Room Luxe White Chairs from Special Event Rentals Navy and Gold Table Numbers, Gold Burst Charger Plates Fabloomosity Edmonton Wedding Florist Edmonton Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding Planner The Wedgwood Room Summer Wedding Edmonton Wedding Day Management+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Suzanne, Lead Planner | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management

05/22/20

Edmonton Wedding Coordinator: Haley + Dillon

Haley and Dillon exude kindness and carry themselves with grace. Their wedding day embodied those same qualities and was the most perfect, timeless celebration of their love! After a traditional church ceremony at St. Joseph’s Basilica, they hosted their guests for dinner and dancing at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club.

We love reliving their day through this beautiful highlight film produced by A Love Story, and their gorgeous images by Nicole Ashley.

Credits:

Bridal Suite Edmonton Matrix Hotel Nicole Ashley Photography Edmonton Hair + Makeup Artists Classic Bridal Gown Edmonton, Nicole Ashley Edmonton Timeless Audrey Hepburn wedding dress Edmonton Wedding Day Management Jennifer Bergman Weddings Nicole Ashley Photographer St. Joseph's Basilica Edmonton Wild Rose String Quartet Edmonton Wild Rose String Quartet Edmonton Summer Cathedral Wedding Ceremony Wild Rose String Quartet Edmonton Cathedral Wedding Edmonton Summer Wedding Planner Edmonton Classic Wedding Florist Classic Grooms Suit A Love Story Edmonton Videographer Royal Mayfair Edmonton Wedding Edmonton Wedding Day Management Nicole Ashley Wedding Photography Jennifer Bergman Weddings & Events Fabloomosity Edmonton Wedding Florist Jennifer Bergman Wedding Day Management Royal Mayfair Golf Course Wedding, JBW Edmonton Edmonton Wedding Cakes by the Art of Cake Edmonton Wedding and Event Rentals Edmonton Wedding Planner and Coordinator Royal Mayfair Golf Club Wedding Edmonton Wedding Day Coordinator Classic Bridal Look, Behind the Blush Jennifer Bergman Weddings Perfect Edmonton Summer Wedding Jennifer Bergman Weddings and Events Royal Mayfair Golf Club Wedding Edmonton Wedding Day Coordinator +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Suzanne, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management

10/20/18

Edmonton Wedding Planner: Lezlie + Michael

Lezlie and Michael were married at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald on a beautiful October day. The sky was bright blue, the sun was shining, and orange leaves still dusted the trees in Edmonton’s gorgeous River Valley. Living in Montreal, the couple wanted their special day to be easy for their guests, and for the focus to be on connection and celebration.

Family is so important to Lezlie and Michael that they chose to have all their siblings in the Wedding Party, including their adorable nephews and nieces walk (and dance!) down the aisle. The traditional Jewish ceremony took place under a custom chuppah covered in greens, willow and ombré florals.

Immediately following the ceremony as they were walking back down the aisle, The Counterfitz took to the stage to play the Hora, while photos of the bride and groom’s grandparents were displayed on a large screen next to the stage. The rest of the evening was full of energy, good food and dancing! A farewell brunch the next morning wrapped up the glorious weekend.

Edmonton Fall Wedding Nicole Ashley Photography Jennifer Bergman Weddings Queen Elizabeth Suite Edmonton Fairmont Hotel Edmonton Wedding Day Management Edmonton Wedding Videography Edmonton Wedding Planner Fabloomosity flower girl bouquet Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding First Look Nicole Ashley Photography Warm Fall Edmonton Wedding Timeless Edmonton Autumn Wedding Jennifer Bergman Edmonton Wedding Planner Edmonton Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Wedding Planner Edmonton Autumn Ballroom Wedding Burgundy and Navy Wedding Bouquets Classic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Ballroom Wedding long rectangle tables reception Creative chuppah design flowers greenery Luxurious Jewish Wedding Edmonton The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald Edmonton Jewish Wedding Ceremonies Jennifer Bergman Weddings Edmonton Gold Chiavaris Chairs Special Event Rentals Edmonton, Edmonton Wedding Design + Management Elegant Edmonton Ballroom Wedding Luxurious Jewish Wedding edmonton creative chuppah design Edible Wedding Favours, Original Wedding Favour Ideas Premiere Djs by Urban Metropolis Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits: