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

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

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Ceremony + Reception Venue: Whyte Museum Grounds (Banff, AB)
• Bride Getting Ready Location: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
• Photographer: Natalie Andrusiak
• Videographer: A Love Story
• Officiant: Karyn White
• Ceremony + Cocktail Music: RSVP Weddings
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis
• Catering: Fork + Farm
• Cake: Kake Canmore
• Florist: Flower Artistry
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals Banff
• Vintage Furniture: Orange Trunk Vintage Styling & Rentals
• Limo and Shuttle Service: Highland VIP
• Invitations + Stationery: J. Gartner Studio
• Washrooms: Rangeland RV
• Generator: Bison Electric
• Hair + Makeup: The Pretty Haus
• Bride’s Hair Stylist: Marika Stimac from Mousy Brown’s
• Bride’s Gown: Dalaarna from Pearl & Dot
• Bridesmaid Attire: Park & Fifth Co.
• Groom + Groomsmen Attire: SUITS by Curtis Eliot

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Banff Wedding Planner

The Pavilion at Silvertip Resort in Canmore was the perfect Rocky Mountain venue for Maureen + Tyler’s winter wedding getaway.

It was important to Maureen + Tyler that the weekend was a celebration filled with personalized touches, wow-factor décor, and fun! The weekend kicked off with a welcome cocktail party in the penthouse suite at Grande Rockies Resort, and the fun continued with a killer dance party and soft serve ice cream station to finish off the evening festivities.

See more of this delightful winter wedding on Canadian Mountain Chic, with photography by Midnightea and Retrospekt Designs.

The décor shots were taken by Edmonton wedding photographer Retrospekt Designs.

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Wedding Photography: Midnightea
• Décor Photography: Retrospekt Designs
• Videographer: A Love Story
• Officiant: Klaus Ohlhoff
• Ceremony Music: Lily Quartet
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis (Harman B)
• Invitations/Stationery: Bride (Little Red Inc.)
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals Banff
• Wooden Boxes for Centrepieces: Naturally Chic
• Transportation: Highland VIP
• Babysitting Service: My Hotel Sitter
• Hair + Makeup: Botega Hair Salon
• Rings: Tacori
• Earrings: Tiffany & Co.
• Bridal Gown + Veil: Lazarro, Delica Bridal
• Bridesmaids Gowns: Dessy, Cameo & Cufflinks

Melissa + Trevor contacted us almost two years before their Canmore wedding weekend. Living in Fort McMurray, they wanted to ensure they had lots of time to enjoy the process and weren’t rushed with meetings and bookings. It was such a pleasure working with this sweet, easy-going couple!

Their guests were travelling from all over Canada, so Melissa + Trevor wanted to ensure the priority for the weekend was a FUN, relaxing experience for their family and friends. We lucked out with perfect weather all weekend, and their dream of an outdoor ceremony in the mountains came true! Both ceremony and reception were held at Canmore Nordic Centre.

Photographik did an incredible job capturing Melissa + Trevor’s big day, both on film and with still images. Enjoy this selection of photos and check out their Wedding Film as well.

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Photographik
• Videography: Photographik
• Officiant: Karyn Faryna
• Ceremony Music: Andrew Ibanez
• Reception Music: Banff Entertainment
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Invitations & Stationery
  
• Florist: Flower Artistry
• Décor: Special Event Rentals Banff
• Transportation: Blue Sky Limos
• Shuttle: Highland Executive Chauffeurs
• Cake: Cake Rhapsody
• Hair: JK Hair Designs
• Makeup: Avenue Beauty

Wendy + Ian’s wedding was published in WedLuxe Magazine’s Winter/Spring 2014 issue, but we haven’t yet blogged it! In honour of their first anniversary (today!), here’s a look at their incredible wedding at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

The week leading up to the wedding was quite eventful as the area suffered catastrophic flooding, resulting in the highway being closed. Thankfully it reopened just a couple days before the wedding and everything carried on as planned. We also lucked out with a warm and sunny day for the outdoor ceremony set on Bow Valley Terrace with a postcard-perfect view.

Enjoy Wendy + Ian’s love story as captured by the talented C.J. Scott Photography!

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: C.J Scott Photography
• Officiant: Bruce Adlington
• Stationery: First Snowfall (Etsy)
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals Banff
• Cake: The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
• Reception Music: Livin’ & Dancin’ DJ Services
• Hair: Sherri Pasquini
• Makeup: Karen Malcolm
• Gown: Vera Wang (Diana) from Blush Bridal & Special Occasions 
• Accessories: Elsa Corsi
• Shoes: Valentino from Holt Renfrew
• Bridesmaid Dresses: Jim Hjelm Occasions
• Formal Wear: Prada from Holt Renfrew

Violeta + Barry were married at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge on a hot and sunny weekend last summer. Violeta’s energy and enthusiasm is off the charts, while Barry is the epitomy of calm, cool and collected. They balance one another perfectly, which made the planning process a lot of fun!

The couple decided to make a weekend out of their destination wedding celebration dress and included some additional events for guests to enjoy and get to know one another. The day before the wedding guests enjoyed a fun golf tournament at the Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course – the number one rated resort course in Canada. Following the tournament, the couple held an informal “meet and greet” barbecue to relax with their friends and family in the beautiful setting.

On the big day, the scene at Whistler’s Plateau was absolutely stunning. The combination of Lac Beauvert’s sparkling green water and the majestic Rockies made for the perfect, natural backdrop for the outdoor ceremony. After the happy couple exchanged vows, guests made their way to the Beauvert Room for the reception. The head table featured a showstopping tablescape which epitomized rustic elegance: lanterns, driftwood, candlelight and an abundance of lush florals and ferns.

Guests enjoyed a fabulous 5-star buffet dinner and midnight snack featuring fresh cut French fries, which were a huge hit. As many children were in attendance, Vio + Barry created a “kids’ zone” which included supervised games, activities and movies. The kids had plenty to keep them busy while their parents danced the night away!

Thanks to the brilliant photography of Kelly Redinger, Vio + Barry have some amazing images to help them relive their Jasper wedding weekend.

Vio + Barry: Your Jasper wedding weekend was such a memorable occasion to be a part of – thank you for trusting us with this important time in your lives. All the best!

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

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Credits:

• Coordination + Design your own wedding gown: incelebstyle
• Photography: Kelly Redinger Photography
  
• Stationery: I Do Invitations
• Florals: faBLOOMosity
  
• Linens/Chargers: Special Event Rentals
• Chair Covers: Chair Cover King
• Officiant: Beryl Cahill
• Ceremony Musician: Monika Schaefer
• DJ: Jasper’s Alpine Music
• best hair loss treatment: Hairbro
• Makeup: Jaclyn Folkinga
• cocktail Dress: Fedra (Pronovias), Lucky Bridal
  

Wendy + Trevor were married at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge – one of my absolute favourite venues. As a guest, you’re removed from the hustle and bustle of your busy life, while luxurious amenities are at your fingertips. And the scenery? Amazing.

Both originally from a small Alberta town, Wendy + Trevor wanted their wedding to feel comfortable and welcoming while still exuding the elegance of the Lodge. Guests were invited to an informal ‘meet & greet’ the night before the wedding, which allowed old friends to catch up and new friends to become better acquainted.

The next day we were treated to the most perfect summer weather. It was warm and sunny on Whistler’s Plateau where Wendy + Trevor exchanged vows in front of their loved ones. Dinner was held in the Beauvert Ballroom which has the most remarkable view of Lac Beauvert. After some heartfelt toasts, guests danced the night away with the newlyweds!

Blake Loates did a fantastic job capturing the romance of the day – my absolute favourite is the look on Trevor’s face as he sees Wendy walking down the aisle. Enjoy the photos below and head on over to Blake’s blog to see more of her gorgeous work!

Wendy + Trevor: Looking back on these pictures reminds me of what a pleasure it was to work with you two! You’re a wonderful couple and I wish you both all the best with your recent move!

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

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Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Blake Loates Photography
  
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: Elysion Florals
  
• Linens: Special Event Rentals
• Chair Covers: Chair Cover King
• Officiant: Beryl Cahill
• Ceremony Musician: Marilyn Bulger
• DJ: Jasper’s Alpine Music
• Hair + Makeup: Kirsten Klontz of Mousy Brown’s

Wedding season hasn’t quite begun for JBW, but we still have some gorgeous soirées to share from 2012!

Today’s Inspiration to Reality post features a fresh, romantic summertime wedding in the mountains at one of my favourite venues: The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Both originally from a small Alberta town, Wendy + Trevor wanted their wedding to feel comfortable and welcoming while still exuding the elegance of the Lodge. The soft pink, cream and green palette was blended with homespun touches to create the perfect wedding day for this super sweet couple.

Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): green bridesmaid dress – Style Unveiled; milk glass vase centerpiece – Style Me Pretty; pink rose bouquet – Wedding Bee; wooden table number – Belle The Magazine; rustic outdoor guest book table – Style Unveiled; pink and green wedding décor – Style Unveiled; vintage tablescape – Style Unveiled; pink and white wedding invitation – Project Wedding.

…and here’s their wedding vision come to life!

Photo Credit: Blake Loates Photography.

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Come back soon for more from Wendy + Trevor’s special day.

Cheers!

Jennifer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer