Dessert tables have been a popular feature at wedding receptions over the past few years. This trend began with candy tables and has evolved to include a couple’s favourite sweets and desserts, such as doughnuts, cookies, cupcakes and pies. We’ve also done frozen yogurt and ice cream bars, custom chocolate truffle stations and popcorn displays!

Why do we love this trend?

• Sweet tables are a great way to personalize your reception, showcasing your tastes as a couple. Think out-of-the-box to your childhood favourites or desserts from your heritage.
• Use a dessert bar to reflect your reception design, adding an element of décor to the space.
• Rather than giving away individual guest favours, instead invest that budget in a fun dessert table that guests can enjoy all evening.

Here are some of our favourite sweet tables and dessert bars we’ve designed for JBW couples. Warning – do not view on an empty stomach!

 White + Pink Sweet Bar: Mariah + Nathan’s Wedding
{Shandro Photo}

Cookie Table: Stephanie + Clark’s Wedding
{C.J. Scott Photography}

Moonshine Doughnut Table: Anita + Ben’s Wedding
Katch Studios}

Homemade Pie Table: Alexis + Tom’s Wedding
{Blake Loates Photography}

Cupcake Table: Carly + Taylor’s Wedding
{Julie Williams Photography}

Cupcakes + Candy Table: Jenny + Hon’s Wedding
{Sharon Litchfield}

Cookies & Milk Table: Ashley + Dave’s Wedding
{Sharon Litchfield}

Dessert Table: Allena + Jamie’s Wedding
{Kelly Redinger}

Pink + Green Candy Table: Krista + Scott’s Wedding
{Sharon Litchfield}

Pink + Purple Candy Table: Sabrina + Fil’s Wedding
{Sharon Litchfield}

French Themed Sweet Table: Kristy + Joe’s Wedding
{Kelsy Nielson}

Purple + White Candy Table: Saveena + Rodnie’s Wedding
{Katch Studios}

Rustic Sweet Table: Violeta + Barry’s Wedding
{Kelly Redinger}

Black + White Dessert Table: Melanie + Chris’ Wedding
{Kelly Redinger}

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

High school sweethearts, Mariah + Nathan have a love for tradition and an affinity for Old World Romance, making The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald the perfect setting to celebrate their love story.

It was a complete hotel takeover, with Team JBW working hard the morning of the wedding to transform three different spaces. After a touching ceremony in the Wedgwood Ballroom, guests joined the newlyweds on the terrace for a garden party complete with refreshments, live music and caricature artists. Cocktails were held in the Empire Foyer, where guests mingled and snapped candids in a photo booth to help make a memorable guest book for Mariah + Nathan.

The doors to the Empire Ballroom opened, unveiling timeless décor, with English Garden inspired florals in soft creams and pinks. The first of many surprises throughout the evening, Mariah + Nathan entered the ballroom sharing their first dance to singer and pianist Lindsey Nagy’s rendition of A Thousand Years. The festivities continued with a 5-course meal, a delicious “sweet bar,” signature drinks poured through a custom ice luge, a surprise hip hop performance, and two dress changes!

Thanks to Shandro Photo and A Love Story for beautifully capturing the day. Enjoy!

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Shandro Photo
• Videographer: A Love Story
• Officiant: Robert Ligertwood
• Ceremony Music: Strathcona String Quartet
• First Dance Performance: Lindsey Nagy Music
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis (Harman B)
• Hip Hop Dance Performance: 3rd Street Beat Entertainment
• Caricature Artists: Gerry Rasmussen + Laurel Hawkswell
• Photo Booth: Borsellino Photography 
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Design
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Lighting: PSAV
• Transportation: Esquire Limo
• Cake: The Art of Cake
• Sweet Table: The Art of Cake, Duchess Bake Shop
• Martini Luge: Ice Works
• Hair: Behind the Blush + Bailey Gartner
• Makeup: Behind the Blush
• Gowns: The Bridal House

Mint, royal, midnight, navy – take tradition to your toes and make them your ‘something blue’!

Photo Credits (top-bottom, L-R): Blake Loates Photography, Katch Studios (L+R), Shandro Photo, Julie Williams Photography, Jessica Fern Facette, Sharon Litchfield Photography (R), Sharon Litchfield Photography, Sharon Litchfield Photography (L+R).

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

Show off those ankles with sexy, strappy wedding shoes! Here are some favourites worn by our stylish brides over the last couple years.

Photo Credits (top-bottom, L-R): Jessie Holland Photography, Sharon Litchfield Photography, Jessica Fern Facette, Shandro Photo, Jessica Balfour, Images by Frost, Sharon Litchfield Photography, Shandro Photo.

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

Part 2 of our bouquet inspiration series – we’re featuring bright and bold bouquets full of colour! Bold bouquets really pop against a white or cream wedding dress.

Keep it all one colour for a more classic look, or play with various shades of a colour for more dimension and texture. To make an even bigger statement, pair complementary colours such as fuchsia and kelly green or violet and tangerine.

Here’s a collection of JBW brides who have chosen to go with bright and bold bouquets on their wedding day!

Photo: Stephanie Fay Photography / Florist: Petal Pusher AZ

Photo: Carey Nash / Florist: Emporio Arte Floral

Photo: (L) Sharon Litchfield, (R) Infused Studios / Florist: (L) The Wild Orchid, (R) faBLOOMosity

Photo: Blake Loates Photography / Florist: Elysion Florals

Photo: Shandro Photo / Florist: faBLOOMosity

Photo: (L) Eric Daigle, (R) Jessica Fern Facette / Florist: (L) Willow Haven (R) faBLOOMosity

Photo: Julie Williams Photography / Florist: Willow Haven

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Next up: Romantic bridal bouquets…

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

Delica Bridal is one of Edmonton’s premiere bridal gown boutiques. Not only do they carry GORGEOUS gowns, but we love the relaxed atmosphere in-store and the large private dressing rooms. Our brides always rave about their experiences at Delica!

Read on below to learn more about Delica Bridal from owners Ashley McNeill-Dorado and Nicole McNeill…and brides, be sure to check out Delica’s upcoming Sample Sale. On October 19th, 2013 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, select dresses will be up to 70% off! Plus, the first 10 brides in store will also receive an additional $50.00 savings off their purchase during this sale!

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Tell us about Delica Bridal.

Delica Bridal is a bridal boutique in south Edmonton, owned by two sisters with a passion for fashion and weddings. The vision to bring a different bridal experience to Alberta started about three years ago and became a reality in May 2011. We have loved helping all our brides and look forward to helping more achieve their wedding day vision!

Why did you start Delica Bridal?

Although the Alberta market has some amazing bridal stores, we wanted to created a store that had a boutique environment with a strong customer service aspect. It can be a very overwhelming experience when looking for a perfect dress and we wanted to create a store that has a relaxed atmosphere with educated consultants to help make the experience easier and more comfortable. We believe that purchasing a bridal gown should be stress free and low pressure, and we wanted to give Alberta brides this experience.

What types of gowns do you offer?

Every bridal dress found at Delica Bridal is exclusive to the boutique; meaning you will not find the exact same dress anywhere else in Edmonton. The designers offered at Delica are Lazaro, Alvina Valenta, Jim Hjelm Blush, Hayley Paige, Lillen, and Jenny Yoo. We are excited to be introducing Monique Lhuillier Bliss in October 2013!

We hand pick all our sample pieces to ensure there is a large diversity among our pieces. We take into account how the dress will fit on a bride, quality of the fabrics and price. We look for pieces that are trendy yet still timeless, different from other dresses in the market, and that offer customization options.

When should a bride begin looking for her wedding gown?

A bride should start looking for her gown 8- 10 months prior to her wedding date. Every designer is different and has their own lead times, but generally it takes between 4-6 months for the gown to arrive. It’s also important to take into consideration alterations, which can take up to 2-3 months to complete. It’s important not to leave shopping for your gown last minute; the longer you wait, the fewer options you will have.

What are some of the upcoming bridal trends you are seeing for 2014?

For bridal, we are seeing a lot of beaded column dresses with head-to-toe embellishments – think Great Gatsby. Along with that, we are seeing a lot of gowns with illusion necklines and detailed backs. Designers are also experimenting with different fabrics and textures: metallic lace, glitter tulle and textured embroidery. Blush and champagne colours are still popular for those seeking something different than the traditional white.

Any tips for brides-to-be?

1. Be open-minded and trust your consultant. Your consultant is a bridal gown expert and can help guide you to finding the right dress.
2. If the dress doesn’t appeal to you on the hanger, don’t shy away from it –  it might look completely different on, and could possibly be ‘the one!’
3. Another important tip is to avoid bringing a large entourage with you to your appointment. Too many opinions can be overwhelming and may overshadow the vision you have for your wedding. Instead, bring a few trusted family members and/or friends that will support you one hundred percent.

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Here are some beautiful JBW brides in Delica Bridal gowns!

Photo Credit: Studio 9 Photographics

Photo Credit:  Diamond Cake Photography

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

Last week we shared the inspiration behind Ruhee + Ashish’s luxurious pink and gold wedding. With elegant, romantic undertones and bold, glamorous details, it’s no surprise that this soirée caught the attention of WedLuxe – Canada’s luxury wedding magazine.

The day before the wedding, Ruhee’s family greeted a large contingent of Ashish’s family and friends flying in from Chicago. Following a festive welcome they enjoyed a delicious meal at Sorrentino’s Downtown. The next morning was an early start as guests were shuttled to Eagle Rock Golf Course for the ceremony, followed by a celebratory lunch.

The reception was held later that evening in The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s Empire Ballroom. Most couples like to play it safe and stick with the ballroom’s natural elegance in neutral tones, but we were thrilled that Ruhee + Ashish wanted to break the norm and allowed us to design the space to look like it never has before! The lighting started out with an elegant golden glow which transitioned to a vibrant pink during the dance to add energy to the room – a perfect way to accelerate the party!

Head on over to Shandro Photo’s blog for more wedding eye candy, and be sure to check out the amazing Same Day Edit by A Love Story Cinema.

{Special thanks to Lana, Krista and Suzanne for assisting!}

Ruhee + Ashish: It was such a pleasure working with you and your families to create this amazing celebration of your love. Thank you for trusting JBW with such an important time in your lives!

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

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Credits:

• Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Shandro Photo
• Videography: A Love Story
• Invitations: Invitations by Ajalon
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: FaBLOOMosity
• Lighting + Drapery: Site 6 Events
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
  
• Cake: Cake Couture
• Music: Premiere DJs
• Photo Booth: Laugh Photo Booth
• Favours: Henna Designs
• Hair Stylists: Sunita Sumaru and Strut Hair & Art
• Makeup Artists: Sunita Sumaru and Nina Nguyen

Today’s Inspiration to Reality post features a luxurious pink and gold wedding at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Ruhee + Ashish wanted their wedding reception to make a bold statement while still radiating romance and elegance:

Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): ombre flowers – Beauty Moves Me; tall centrepiece – Inside Weddings; letterpress wedding invitation – Invitations by Ajalon; pink lighting – The Knot; pink and gold paisley wedding cake – Couture Cakery; pink centerpiece – Style Me Pretty; pink and gold reception – In Style Weddings.

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

Photo Credit: Shandro Photo.

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On Monday we’ll share the full blog post of this gorgeous wedding as featured on WedLuxe…stay tuned!

Jennifer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer