It’s the middle of the summer and the last thing you want to do is think about snow. But today’s Real Wedding post will make you want to welcome winter with open arms!

There’s something about The Chateau Lake Louise that makes it such a special place to visit. There’s an atmosphere of serenity like you’re removed from the busyness of the everyday. Add snow-capped mountains and crisp blue sky and it’s winter wedding perfection!

Jenny + James chose to get married a few days after Christmas so that visiting family members from the UK could be in attendance at this special occasion. Both their ceremony and reception were held in the Victoria Ballroom, where a warm stone fireplace served as the backdrop for their nuptials while beautiful sounds of cello and violin filled the room.

Their gorgeous wedding party, outfitted in timeless black and white, braved the chilly air for picturesque views prior to returning to the ballroom for cocktails. The reception design was classic with a dash of whimsy. Gold chiavari chairs, pewter frames, silver julep vases and gold charger plates developed the mixed metallic palette, adding to the elegance of the space. The wedding cake design was based on Jenny’s grandparents’ cake and a photo of the original was placed on the cake table along with it.

Sharon Litchfield never ceases to impress with her stunning photography. Enjoy Jenny + James’ love story from behind her lens…

 Jenny + James: It was such a pleasure to work with you and your wonderful families. Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!

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

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Sharon Litchfield
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: Willow Haven Flower Shop
• Rentals: OneWest Events
• Cake: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Officiant: Robin White
• Ceremony Music: Music Mosaic
• DJ: Banff Entertainment
• Hair + Makeup: Helen Kwan

We had the pleasure of working with Shelley + Stewart to plan their beautiful Rocky Mountain wedding. With a stunning turquoise lake as a backdrop, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was an obvious choice. It started drizzling right before the ceremony but this didn’t phase Shelley one bit as she made her way down the aisle on her father’s arm. It actually turned into an adorable photo-op as both fathers proudly held umbrellas over their children as they united in marriage! Following the ceremony, guests congregated indoors for a champagne reception. Bel Canto Strings played beautiful classical versions of the bride and groom’s favourite songs by Coldplay and Snow Patrol.

The Victoria Ballroom was decorated to enhance its rustic yet elegant ambiance. Table centres featured beautiful wooden lanterns surrounded by candlelight and mason jars filled with green hydrangea, cotton, ivory roses and scabiosa pods. A comfortable lounge seating area was setup near the dance floor where guests enjoyed warm beverages from a specialty coffee bar. The next day, before departing on their Croatian honeymoon, Shelley and Stewart treated their guests to an experiential brunch at Lake Louise Ski Hill.

Photographed by the insanely talented Phil Crozier, it’s no surprise this wedding was recently featured on Style Me Pretty Canada!

Shelley + Stew: You are one of the sweetest couples I’ve had the pleasure of working with and I know there are only amazing things ahead for your future together! Wishing you all the best,

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

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: PHOTOPHILCRO  Shopbackdrop
  
• Floral: Willow Haven Flower Shop
• Rentals / Lighting: OneWest Events
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Cake: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Specialty Coffee Bar: Senorita Margarita
• Ceremony Music: Bel Canto Strings
• DJ: Class Act DJ
  
• Officiant: Robin White
• Bride’s Gown: Novelle Bridal Shop
• Hair + Makeup: Stephanie Roy

Today’s Inspiration to Reality post features a rustic elegant wedding at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Shelley + Stewart wanted their wedding design to incorporate natural elements, warm candlelight and clean, modern lines:

Photo Credits (clockwise from L-R): lanterns down aisle – Elizabeth Anne Designs; faux wood wedding invitation – Studio Embossed; cream and ivory reception – Cynthia Martyn via Bridal Cookie; cream and green bouquet – Wedding Bee; candles and willow down aisle – Hitched in the Hood; nude bridesmaid dresses – Elizabeth Anne Designs; branch centerpiece – Pinterest.

…here’s a sneak peek at their wedding vision come to life!

Photo Credit: PHOTOPHILCRO.

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Tomorrow we’ll share the full blog post of this gorgeous wedding as featured on Style Me Pretty Canada…stay tuned!

Jennifer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Lake Louise Wedding Planner + Designer

Searching for the perfect reception location can be overwhelming, and for many couples it is difficult to visualize a venue’s potential – especially when they have a particular look and style in mind for their big day. It’s easy to quickly dismiss venues because the walls and carpet don’t coordinate with your wedding colours; however, I’d encourage you to look beyond some of these minor details as nearly all spaces can be transformed!

One of the best ways to ensure your vision comes to life is by hiring a wedding planner/designer who shares your style. When we started planning Carolyn + Martin’s March 2011 wedding they told me they wanted their reception to look like a “modern winter wonderland,” and that rectangular tables, mirrored tabletops and blue/purple lighting were must-haves. Instead of getting hung up on aesthetics, we first found a venue that suited their desire for a Rocky Mountain wedding, accommodated their guest list and fit within their budget.

The Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre is a wonderful hotel in the heart of Jasper, Alberta. The Chief Paul Ballroom accommodates up to 210 guests for a wedding reception and features a gorgeous wooden dance floor in the centre of the room. The below promotional photo of the ballroom features wedding décor that is very traditional – the opposite of Carolyn + Martin’s chic, modern style…but just look at what we were able to do with the space…

With meticulously designed tables and spectacular lighting we achieved the Modern Winter Wonderland that Carolyn + Martin had envisioned!

The tables were dressed with luxurious, textured grey linens and topped with mirrored table runners which reflected the candlelight so beautifully. Tablescapes featured tall vases of curly willow sprayed white to mimic hor frost, glitter “snowballs” in silver julep cups and an abundance of votive and floating candles. Turquoise napkins added a pop of colour to the tables and the chairs were finished off with slate satin wraps. Here are a few more photos of the gorgeous space:

I hope this post inspires you to think outside the box when evaluating spaces for your own wedding. If a venue meets your requirements for capacity, location, food and budget, don’t be so quick to dismiss it just because the carpet is off-putting!

Jennifer
Jasper Wedding Planner

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Rentals & Décor: OneWest Event Design & Rentals
• “Snowball” Centrepieces and Napkins: Special Event Rentals Edmonton
• Flowers & Willow Centrepieces: Elysion Florals
• Cake: Bride’s Family

2011 started off in style with a gorgeous winter wedding in Canmore, Alberta. Lauren + Neal had a strong vision for their big day: a grey and yellow palette with vintage-inspired details, tons of candlelight to create a warm, intimate ambiance and many unique, personalized touches to reflect their relationship. From welcome packages to shuttle service and a post-wedding brunch, making their guests feel at home in the Rockies was also a priority to this fun-loving couple.

Oh and speaking of fun, after a night of amazing tunes spun by Banff Entertainment, guests made their way to an after-party to continue celebrating! Special thanks to Victoria for assisting throughout the day.

Here are a few of the lovely images captured by Julie Williams Photography – be sure to check out Julie’s blog for more gorgeousness!

Lauren’s scrumptious, hand-tied bouquet by Willow Haven Flower Shop featured a mix of yellow roses, ranunculus, craspedia, tulips and narcissus.

Lauren worked with Studio Jellyfish to design her spectacular hand-painted wedding shoes! Lauren + Neal road-tripped all around Canada and the United States together and these shoes feature some of the amazing adventures they shared. I absolutely love this personal detail!

Lauren + Neal chose to do photos before their ceremony and were able to relax and have a blast with their stylish bridal party. Lauren wore an incredible dress that she had revamped into her own custom creation. As you can see, she was an absolutely stunning bride!

The ceremony was held at the Miners’ Union Hall in Canmore. The historic hall fit perfectly with Lauren + Neal’s vintage wedding theme. Featured above is their ceremony program which, along with their invitations and reception stationery, was designed by Box Paper Scissors in Calgary. Glowing candlelight lined the aisle along with an heirloom family carpet.

After the ceremony, guests gathered at the Canmore Golf & Curling Club for the reception. The setting was intimate and warm with a breathtaking view of the snow-covered golf course. Charcoal grey taffeta linens were accented with yellow ribbon table runners (rentals provided by Get Married in Banff). The tablescapes featured glass milk jugs with craspedia, ranunculus and tulips, while an abundance of floating candles in mason jars gave the room a gorgeous glow.

To personalize their reception, Lauren + Neal named tables after places they had travelled to (many from their North American road trip adventure) and included tips pertaining to each locale. Fittingly, guests wrote their best wishes and advice for the newlyweds on vintage postcards and dropped them into a charming old suitcase.

Doughnuts instead of wedding cake? Why not!

Lauren + Neal: What a beautiful start to your new life together! Wishing you many more amazing adventures together for years to come.

Jennifer
Canmore Wedding Planner

Here’s a sneak peak at Danielle + Danny’s romantic Banff wedding:

You can find more stunning images on photographer Perry Thompson’s blog!

Jennifer

Photo Credit: Perry Thompson Photography.

Dorothy + Chad were married in Jasper, Alberta over the May long weekend (you may remember the sneak peek I shared a while back). I began working with this down-to-earth couple in February 2009, and after 15 months of planning it was so wonderful to see them enjoy the day with their family and friends in the Rockies.

The wedding reception was held at The Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre, and the day was captured beautifully by A Different Angle Photography. Guests danced the night away to tunes played by DJ Tommy of Jasper’s Alpine Music. Special thanks to Christine for assisting me throughout the day.

Dorothy + Chad’s son, Chase, is the cutest little boy! He had the important job of being the ring bearer at the ceremony.

The ceremony was held at one of the lookouts on Jasper’s Pyramid Lake Island. A handmade wooden sign pointed guests in the right direction.

This wagon pulled the flower girl and ring bearer down the aisle, while announcing the bride’s entrance! How cute is that!?

It’s tough work bearing rings!

Dorothy’s beautiful, rustic bouquet – all flowers were arranged by the wonderful team at Elysion Florals. As a surprise for the couple, I had two wooden tags made with Dorothy + Chad’s names engraved on them.

It was a chilly walk across the bridge to meet her groom, but the stunning scenery made up for it!

The ceremony was performed by Marriage Commissioner Beryl Cahill.

The beautiful bride!

Dorothy + Chad decided they wanted the reception décor to be a surprise. Here is their reaction to seeing the room for the first time!

We designed the table décor with an “Alpine Elegance” theme in mind:

• A brown lantern sat on top of a wooden slab covered in earthy elements (moss, pine cones, sticks and berries);
• Votives and candles in mason jars surrounded the lanterns to make the tables glow;
• Ivory pintuck linens, chocolate satin chair wraps and brown napkins polished off the look.

Table seating cards in a bed of moss pointed guests to their seats.

The rustic wooden table numbers were custom made by the highly talented Sharon Auld of Naturally Chic. They went so perfectly with the theme and design of the wedding!

Dorothy + Chad opted for delicious cupcakes from Bear’s Paw Bakery Jasper.

Dorothy, Chad + Chase: Thank you for trusting me with this important day! I wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter in your lives.

xoxo

Jennifer

Photo Credit: A Different Angle Photography.

Last week I received an email from the team at bride.ca. They wanted to profile a wedding featured on our website and I must say – I’m flattered! Turns out it’s my own wedding that they’ve chosen to highlight. You can view the feature here.

Sean and I were married at the Jasper Park Lodge in May 2008, and though I have a background in corporate events, it was really through planning my own wedding that I was inspired to start this business and help other couples bring their dream day to life. I love that weddings can be so unique and personalized to each couple, and one of my favourite parts about this “job” is getting to know my brides + grooms and finding ways to infuse personal touches into their event.

The beautiful photography is courtesy of the highly talented husband and wife duo behind James Design Studios – Julie + David.

Stay tuned for more real Rocky Mountain weddings, along with some tips and ideas to help you plan your elegant alpine affair!

Jennifer