We couldn’t have hoped for a more perfect fall day to celebrate Brittany and Justin’s wedding at Sparrow Lane. Their ceremony, held in the late afternoon, was on the outdoor patio surrounded by golden fall trees. A string quartet played as Brittany walked down the aisle with her parents, and she and Justin exchanged vows in front of a stunning modern ceremony arbour with white phalaenopsis orchids and white roses.

It was a relaxing day with all events being held at the gorgeous Edmonton area venue, making for a seamless, enjoyable experience for the couple and their guests. The wedding design featured a timeless black and white palette with modern minimalist styling.

After riding the wild wave that was the pandemic with Goong and Gary, we were so thrilled to help them finally celebrate with their loved ones in July 2022. With Goong’s family coming to Edmonton all the way from Thailand, it was important that we rescheduled (twice!) in order for travel to be easier.

Like all good things, G+G’s wedding day was well worth the wait. We held their early afternoon ceremony in the Wedgwood Room, and transitioned guests to an evening celebration in the grand Empire Ballroom at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Enjoy this glimpse of their beautiful day.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Empire Ballroom
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Cinematography: Integra Films
• Officiant: Tammy Banting
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Dance Floor Wrap: Talent Productions
• Plexi Stage: Exquisite Affairs
• Ceremony Music: Lindsey Nagy
• Band: Five On the Side
• Stationery: J. Gartner Studio
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Team JBW  |  Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

Jessica and Jonathan wanted a stress-free planning experience, so they hired us for Full Service planning, design and coordination nearly 2.5 years before their wedding date. Little did they know, that decision would turn out to be incredibly wise, as they completely avoided the pandemic event restrictions and rescheduling headaches by planning for a July 2022 wedding!

Their intimate Hotel Macdonald wedding featured some personal touches to reflect their interests and relationship, including customized keepsake bookmarks for their guests and stacks of novels from their own collection displayed on the tables; blue and white salad plates as a nod to Jessica’s Portuguese heritage; and protea flowers used in their ceremony arch to pay homage to Jonathan’s South African roots.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Wedgwood Room
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Cinematography: Brayden Janzen Films
• Officiant: Pastor Al Plat
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Ceremony Music: Jan Janovsky
• DJ: Urban Metropolis Entertainment
• Stationery: J. Gartner Studio
• Cake: Cake Affair
• Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush
• Gown: The Bridal Boutique

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Team JBW  |  Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

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!

Top: Carey Nash | Bottom: 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.

Top: 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.

Photo: 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.

Top: 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.

Top: 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.

Photo: 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.

Top: 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

Day two of Bethany + Mathew’s wedding festivities included a traditional Catholic ceremony at the iconic St. Joseph Basilica, followed by a gala celebration at JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District.

If you haven’t already checked out Part 1 of the festivities, here’s the link to that post. You can also see more of this incredible wedding weekend in the 2023 issue of Blush Magazine.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Jennifer)
• Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph Basilica Cathedral
• Reception Venue: JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Videographer: Wagner & Co.
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals, Exquisite Affairs
• Stage Backdrop: Invert 720 Productions
• Dance Floor Wrap: Talent Productions
• Ceremony Music: Wild Rose Quartet
• Band: Uptown Band
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs (Harman B)
• Stationery: J. Gartner Studio
• Hair + Makeup: Sen Studios
• Transportation: Apex Limousine

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Jennifer, Event Producer and Designer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Luxury Edmonton Wedding Planner

Be sure to check out the next post, Part 2 – The Wedding Day…

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Jennifer)
• Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Videographer: Wagner & Co.
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Modern Rentals, Special Event Rentals
• Music: Premiere DJs (Harman B)
• Stationery: J.Gartner Studio
• Hair + Makeup: Sen Studios
• Henna Artist: Elegance by Simi

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Jennifer, Event Producer and Designer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Luxury Event Planner, Edmonton

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

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

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

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

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

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