Posts Tagged: Nicole Ashley
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!
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
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Team JBW | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Wedding Designers
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:
- Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
- Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph’s Basilica
- Officiant: Father Mike McCafferty
- Reception Venue: Royal Mayfair Golf Club
- Photographer: Nicole Ashley
- Videography: A Love Story
- Ceremony Music: Wild Rose String Quartet
- Reception Music: G. William Belyea DJ Services
- Cake: The Art of Cake
- Florist: Fabloomosity
- Rentals: Special Event Rentals
- Transportation: Apex Limousine
- Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush
- Gown: The Bridal House
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Suzanne, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management
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.
Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner
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Credits:
- Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
- Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
- Videographer: Plaid Collar Films
- Officiant: Rabbi Kliel Rose
- Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
- Ceremony Music: Marc Beaudin of The Counterfitz
- Reception DJ: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis (Harman B)
- Band: The Counterfitz
- Florist: Fabloomosity
- Dessert Table: The Muffin Top Bake Shop
- Rentals: Special Event Rentals
- Chuppah Structure: Site 6
- Hair: Pam Poch, Dianne, Rashelle Beaudry
- Makeup: Colleen Nuc
- Favours: Montreal Steak Spice
Jasper Wedding Coordinator: Kailey + Dave
Kailey + Dave were the epitome of elegance on their September wedding day at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Not a bit phased by Mother Nature’s plans for rain and forest fire smoke, they focused on what matters most about a wedding: soaking in every moment of love from their family and friends.
Kailey and her mother spent months planning so many beautiful details for the day, and sourcing décor from as far as the South of France where Kailey spent time visiting Dave the year leading up to the wedding.
The colour scheme reflected natural shades found in the Canadian Rockies, including hues of greys and dusty blues. Wooden harvest tables and vineyard chairs retained just the right amount of rustic flair, while gold geometric and marble accents added modern elements to the design.
Following a romantic ceremony set in front of an impressive stone fireplace in the Main Lodge, the couple took off for photos in Kailey’s father’s Triumph TR6 convertible! The night ended with the ultimate comfort food inspired by the newlyweds’ initials: deluxe “KD” mac ‘n’ cheese.
Clearly we aren’t the only ones who were wowed by this wedding. Kailey + Dave’s big day was featured in two amazing Canadian magazines: the Fall/Winter 2018 issues of Weddingbells Magazine and Blush Magazine. Here’s a sampling of the gorgeous images by Nicole Ashley Photography and a captivating video by Juan and Angie.
Suzanne, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Jasper Park Lodge Wedding Planner
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Credits:
- Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
- Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
- Videography: Juan and Angie
- Officiant: Gloria Kongsrud
- Ceremony Music: Marilyn Bulger (Jasper Harpist)
- Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis (Harman B)
- Stationery: Minted
- Florist: Fabloomosity
- Rentals: Special Event Rentals + Great Events Rentals
- Cake + Dessert Table: Jasper Park Lodge
- Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush
- Gown: Monique Lhuillier from White Toronto
Wedding Song Ideas 2018
It’s that time again! Nearly every couple struggles with those special musical selections for their Big Day, so we’re bringing you our 3rd edition of Wedding Song Ideas.
This time we’ve compiled a list of songs categorized by style/type, so whether you’re looking for something fun and upbeat for your Grand Entrance, or something soulful for your First Dance, we’ve got you covered. Here is a link to quick-play and listen to this list on Apple Music: 2018 Wedding Song Ideas.
For more song ideas check out our previous lists here: Part 1 + Part 2.
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{Photo: Lolo and Noa}
Sweet + Slow – great options for your Ceremony through to the First Dance
- Best Part / Daniel Caesar feat. H.E.R
- Hold My Girl / George Ezra
- I’m With You / Vance Joy
- Take the World / JOHNNYSWIM
- Perfect Duet / Ed Sheeran feat. Beyoncé
- Sweet Creature / Harry Styles
- Wild Love / James Bay (Acoustic)
- Please Keep Loving Me / James TW
- How Would You Feel / Ed Sheeran
- Better / SYML
{Photo: Stoffer Photography}
Fun + Upbeat – cheery songs for your Grand Entrance or Cake Cutting
- A Good Night / John Legend feat. BloodPop
- Let Me / ZAYN
- Let’s Get Married / Bleachers
- Fresh Eyes / Andy Grammer
- Morning Light / Justin Timberlake feat. Alicia Keys
- All My Love / George Ezra
- For You / James TW
- Light It Up / Major Lazer feat. Nyla & Fuse ODG
- Love Me Like You Do / Ellie Goulding
- Pineapple Skies / Miguel
- One Kiss / Calvin Harris + Dua Lipa
- Feels Great / Cheat Codes feat. Fetty Wap & CVBZ
{Photo: Sharon Litchfield}
Soulful Songs – add some rhythmic sounds to your day
- My Song / H.E.R
- Say You Won’t Let Go / James Arthur
- Unconditional / Freya Ridings
- Love on the Weekend / John Mayer
- My Love / Ria Mae
- Coming Home / Leon Bridges
- City of Stars / Gavin James
- Adorn / Miguel
- Song for You / Rhye
- Baby I’m a Fool / Melody Gardot
- LOVE / Kendrick Lamar feat. ZACARI
{Photo: Nicole Ashley}
Romantic Country – there’s never a bad time to play a poetic country love song
- Love Is a Wild Thing / Kacey Musgraves
- From the Ground Up / Dan + Shay
- You Make It Easy / Jason Aldean
- Heaven / Kane Brown
- In Case You Didn’t Know / Brett Young
- I Need You / Tim McGraw feat. Faith Hill
- This Girl / Hunter Hayes
- I Do / Morgan Evans
- All About Her / Paul Brandt
- Tennessee Whiskey / Chris Stapleton
{Photo: Sharon Litchfield}
Classic Covers – romantic replays to use for a special dance or two
- Crazy Love / Juke Ross — original Van Morrison
- Can’t Help Falling in Love / Haley Reinhart — original Elvis Presley
- I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You / Joseph Vincent — original Frankie Valli
- To Make You Feel My Love / Mick McAuley & Winifred Horan — original Billy Joel
- I’m Gunna Be (500 Miles) / Sleeping At Last — original Peter, Paul and Mary
- Time After Time / Tyler Ward acoustic version — original Cyndi Lauper
- Have I Told You Lately That I Love You / John Adams — original Van Morrison
- Wings / Amber Leigh Irish — original Birdy
- Love at First Sight / Blame Jones — original Kylie Minogue
- Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic / Sleeping At Last — original The Police
- La Vie En Rose / Daniela Andrade — original Louis Armstrong
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Suzanne | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design
Edmonton Wedding Coordinator: Jillian + Ryan
Two creative spirits, Jillian + Ryan ‘s wedding day was a perfect reflection of their personalities and talents. They shared a ‘first look’ at their beautifully appointed home that only a few months earlier had been featured in Avenue Magazine. An outdoor photo session with Nicole Ashley preceded their wedding ceremony and reception that were fittingly held at the Art Gallery of Alberta.
In collaboration with Cory Christopher, Jill + Ryan added organic yet modern décor elements to the AGA’s blank canvas. Ryan is a talented designer and made many of the creative pieces showcased at the wedding, including the wooden centrepieces and concrete votive candleholders on the tables.
The newlyweds surprised all their guests when they performed a duet as part of their thank-you speech. The song transitioned to the dance floor to kick off the party!
Having recently run into them at another family wedding we were fortunate to be a part of, it warmed my heart to see Jill + Ryan so happy and even more in love. Enjoy the photos below by Nicole Ashley, along with the incredible super 8mm highlight film by Arrow Films.
Suzanne, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management
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Credits:
- Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
- Officiant: Marcia Loder
- Photography: Nicole Ashley
- Videographer: Arrow Films
- Ceremony Music: Renee Brad
- Reception Music: Johnathan Pytel
- Florals + Décor: Cory Christopher
- Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush
- Gown: Delica Bridal
- Rings: Hunt Amor
Edmonton Wedding Coordinator: Jeanine + Daniel
It’s always exciting to produce an event in a new venue, so we were thrilled when Jeanine and Daniel decided to hold their modern wedding reception at Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel. Open since Spring 2014, Renaissance YEG is a refreshingly contemporary spot to throw a party. We love their metal tabletops and sleek white styling.
Jeanine + Daniel held their ceremony at Dan’s childhood church – Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Sherwood Park. The wedding party had ample time to take photos in the afternoon before heading to the Renaissance to freshen up for the reception.
With a large guest list, mixing table designs – including rounds, squares and rectangles – added interest to the ballroom. Site 6 constructed a unique geometric backdrop matching the stationery design that Pinkpolka had created for Jeanine + Daniel’s invitations. An all-white dessert table featured tooth cookies since they’re both dentists and met in dental school!
Daniel and his groomsmen surprised Jeanine with a dance performance at the reception! It was to a mash-up of songs including boy band hits by Backstreet Boys and Bruno Mars – they did an incredible job and are clearly missing their calling in the entertainment industry.
Integra Films was on hand to capture the performance – check out the video here – and below is a sampling of gorgeous photos by Nicole Ashley.
Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design
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Credits:
- Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
- Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
- Videographer: Integra Films
- Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis
- Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
- Florist: faBLOOMosity
- Cake + Sweet Table: The Art of Cake
- Rentals: Special Event Rentals + River City Events
- Lighting + Backdrop: Site 6 Events
- Transportation: Baseline Limo Bus
- Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush
- Gown: Delica Bridal
- Bridesmaids Gowns: Delica Bridal
Edmonton Wedding Coordinator: Lee-Ann + Moe
Lee-Ann + Moe’s Art Deco inspired wedding at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald was a day full of love! Both ceremony and reception took place in the beautiful Wedgwood Room – the perfect setting for the wedding theme. The classic decor had details reminiscent of the Art Deco era, including intricately beaded linens, Gatsby inspired stationery and lush, romantic florals with gold accents. Even the guests dressed in 1920s style attire!
They involved both their families in every part of the day: their grandchildren made up their wedding party; Lee-Ann’s brother and son walked her down the aisle; and their children were witnesses in the Signing of the Registry.
SideOne band provided the entertainment for the evening and they really brought the party with their high energy and incredible voices! Enjoy a glimpse at this special day captured by Nicole Ashley Photography.
Suzanne, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management
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Credits:
- Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Suzanne)
- Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
- Officiant: Kerry Yeo
- Florist: Laurel’s on Whyte
- Music: SideOne Band
- Rentals: Special Event Rentals
- Linens: Dress My Day
- Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations + Stationery
- Cake: The Art of Cake
- Favours: Bernard Callebaut
- Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush
- Gown: Pure Bridal