Nelia and Brennan wanted to celebrate their wedding with a close group of family and friends, and decided on a destination wedding so the festivities could be spread over a weekend. Their love of great wine and warm weather made Kelowna the perfect choice – I mean, who wouldn’t want to be married in a vineyard!?

We arranged for shuttle transportation to take everyone from downtown Kelowna to the ceremony site at Ex Nihilo Winery in Lake Country. Forest fires in the Okanagan region made the view a bit hazy, but it was still a stunningly beautiful backdrop for their vows. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed sparkling wine and passed canapés in the vineyard.

The reception was held at a true gem of a venue – The Laurel Packinghouse in downtown Kelowna. The building is part of the Kelowna Museums Society and its exposed brick, wooden beam ceiling and hardwood floors made it the perfect canvas for an Industrial Glam design. A soft neutral palette of whites, creams, blush and gold added romance to the setting. Lush greenery runners and a stunning hanging greens head table backdrop brought life and vibrancy to the space. Ample candlelight on the tables and café lights strung from the ceiling beams added a warm, welcoming glow to the event.

The four-course meal was one of the best we’ve ever had at a wedding, and that’s all thanks to Details Catering. The perogies appetizer course was a nod to Brennan’s Ukrainian heritage and this was certainly a highlight of the meal. An absolute must-have for Nelia and Brennan was McDonald’s cheeseburgers as a late night snack! Their wishes were fulfilled, and guests munched on the McD’s delicacies while dancing up a storm to the mixes of DJ Invizible.

Featured in the Fall/Winter 2018 issue of Weddingbells Magazine, here’s a sampling of the gorgeous images by Jenna Hill Photography and a fantastic highlight video of their day by Tailored Fit Films.

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Kelowna Wedding Planning + Design

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Caterer: Details Catering
• Photography: Jenna Hill Photography
• Videography: Tailored Fit Films
• Officiant: Darlene Samin
• Ceremony Music: Jeff Piattelli
• Reception Music: DJ Invizible (Kevin Moore)
• Rentals: Vintage Origami / All Occasions Party and Event Rentals
• Florist: New Leaf Floral
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations and Stationery
• Cake + Cupcakes: Kakes by Kathie
• Limo: Okanagan Limousine
• Shuttle: Distinctly Kelowna
• Hair: Inspirado Designs
• Makeup: Jenny McKinney
• Gown: kate Bridal

We had the pleasure of working with Michelle and Matt to plan and design their destination wedding in B.C.’s beautiful Okanagan Valley! From the beginning of the planning process it was clear that they were more concerned about the comfort and experience of their guests than making the event about themselves. They wanted to create an experience for their guests to enjoy a mini vacation, and spend as much time possible visiting with loved ones.

To kick off the wedding weekend an exclusive event was held at the spectacular Mission Hill Winery. The venue was privately booked so guests were able to explore the architecture, take a private tour through the wine cellars and enjoy the ambiance of a string quartet under the stars.

On the wedding day the ceremony was scheduled in the late afternoon so guests could relax in the sun at the resort. Held at the picturesque CedarCreek Estate Winery, guests enjoyed a post-ceremony wine reception before being shuttled back to the resort for the evening events. Dinner and the formal program were held in a beautifully draped tent adjacent to Manteo Resort. After dinner guests made their way into the ballroom which was transformed into a contemporary lounge with a nightclub atmosphere, where they danced the night away to music spun by Edmonton’s top DJs, Harman B & DJ Kwake.

Here’s a look at Michelle + Matt’s gorgeous Kelowna wedding photographed by Jessica Balfour Photography.

{Winner of the 2014 Canadian Wedding Industry Award for
Best Luxury Event Planning, Alberta Region}

Bridesmaid Dresses au

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Kelowna Wedding Planning + Design

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Jessica Balfour Photography
• Marriage Commissioner: Barbara Cragg
• Ceremony Music: Jeff Piatelli (Air Waves Music)
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis (Harman B & DJ Kwake)
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Design
  
• Florist / Rentals (Decor): Celebrate Lavish
• Rentals (Tent, Chairs, Furniture): Avalon Event Rentals
• Croquembouche: Sugar Sweet Cake Co.
• Limousine: Kelowna Limo
• Shuttle Service: Western Bus Lines
• Hair: Nadine and Cody from Grateful Head Hair Studio
• Makeup: Style Bar by Sonia Sajnani
• Shoes: Christian Louboutin

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting an amazing new resort in the Okanagan, located just 15 minutes from downtown Vernon, British Columbia. After perusing their website I couldn’t wait to experience Sparkling Hill Resort and check out their wedding facilities. First of all, over 3.5 million Swarovski crystals are infused into this modern oasis…3.5 million!? They’re not lying. Crystals, sparkle and bling abound in this place. From the welcome sign to the washrooms, every single nook and cranny shines.

From the moment you first arrive you can feel your tension lifting and relaxation setting in. The resort has a European flair and KurSpa (Kur means healing in German) is nothing like I have experienced before. Complimentary with your stay you receive access to the 7 unique aromatherapy sauna and steam rooms, an indoor pool complete with underwater music and starry Swarovski crystal sky, and an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the Okanagan. This would be the perfect wedding destination for the couple who wants to give their guests a weekend to unwind and rejuvenate.

Guests looking for a unique experience can try KurSpa’s signature health treatment – the cold sauna. Popular in Europe and the first of its kind in North America, the cold sauna provides a treatment called cryotherapy, which involves spending up to three minutes in a room set at -110°C. Yes, you read correctly. -110°C! Spending the maximum amount of time (3 minutes) in the chamber will allow your skin temperature to drop to 5°C, which helps alleviate pain and assist with inflammation, among other benefits. For me being cold is tortuous so I opted out, but my husband tried it and enjoyed the experience!

Enjoy a peek at Sparkling Hill’s amenities below and continue reading for more information on weddings at this gorgeous resort.

Lakeview rooms feature a unique “tub-for-two” with this incredible view and a Swarovski crystal “starry sky” ceiling overhead.

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Weddings at Sparkling Hill Resort

Sparkling Hill Resort boasts an astonishing view of Lake Okanagan! The Terrace, pictured below, seats up to 120 guests. For your reception, choose from an intimate dinner for up to 35 guests in Gernot’s private room or host up to 180 guests in the grand Austria Ballroom. The Fireside Lounge is the perfect spot for cocktails or for an intimate ceremony with your closest friends and family.

Sparkling Hill Resort Terrace

Sparkling Hill Resort Terrace

Gernot's Private Room at Sparkling Hill Resort

Austria Ballroom at Sparkling Hill Resort

Fireside Lounge at Sparkling Hill Resort

Lobby at Sparkling Hill Resort

If you’re interested in having your destination wedding at Sparkling Hill Resort or in the Okanagan area, contact us today!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner / Okanagan Wedding Planner

Photo Credits: Jennifer Bergman Weddings, Sparkling Hill Resort, Ema Peter Photography.