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

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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

Tara + Brett were married in February (our first wedding of 2012!) in the midst of one of Edmonton’s most mild winters in history. Both Environmental Scientists, their love for nature and animals was evident throughout all aspects of their soirée. Add in some charming vintage elements and dozens of thoughtful, unique details…the result? An absolutely gorgeous day that truly reflected this special couple.

Tara + Brett chose historic locations for both their ceremony and reception venues. After attending an intimate ceremony at McKay Avenue School, guests made their way to Freemasons’ Hall for the reception, where they ate a delicious meal and danced the night away.

The highlight of the reception was the AMAZING photo backdrop! This jaw-dropping set featured trees, taxidermy, fake snow and a green vintage couch. The couple’s family and friends pitched in to make this masterpiece come to life.

The essence of Tara + Brett’s day was captured so beautifully by the talented ladies at Diamond Cake Photography, that it was really no surprise the wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty Canada! We are thrilled that 2012 started off with such a bang!

{Special thanks to Jessica and Jenna for assisting!}

The invitations featured a custom winter woodland illustration by Pinkpolka Wedding Design that was carried throughout the rest of the wedding stationery. Lori from Laurel’s On Whyte incorporated wooden flowers into all the bouquets – the result was so beautiful and unique!

Tara’s gorgeous bridesmaids wore matching robes that featured a vintage floral motif. At the ceremony, the flower girl announced the bride’s entrance with an adorable chalkboard sign!

Wedding party tebowing? Totally awesome.

As they entered the reception hall, guests were wowed by a guest book table that mirrored a forest floor! An abundance of moss, driftwood, lichen and wooden flowers were pressed beneath an acrylic tabletop, creating a gorgeous show piece. Guests were treated to delicious homemade jam favours made by the couple’s mothers and aunts.

The centrepieces were an eclectic mix of old books, antlers and crystal vases collected from friends and antique shops. Vases were filled with hydrangea, ranunculus, garden roses and cotton. Fruitwood chiavari chairs added a rustic flair to the room, while lace was used in the linens and napkins to enhance the romantic, vintage vibe.

Tables were named after an animal species and featured a bronzed version of the corresponding creature. In lieu of clinking glasses, guests had to mimic an animal sound to make the newlyweds kiss. The winning sound? An elk!

As a surprise for the couple, we commissioned Naturally Chic to make custom “Bride” and “Groom” chair signs. The winter woodland scene perfectly matched the wedding invitations and reception stationery. Below, the photo backdrop in all its glory! Isn’t it just spectacular!?

Tara + Brett: It was such a joy to help bring your unique wedding vision to reality. Thank you for entrusting Jennifer Bergman Weddings with such an important milestone in your lives. I’m looking forward to hearing all about your Tanzanian honeymoon!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Diamond Cake Photography
  
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals and Elegant Touches
• Floral Design: Laurel’s On Whyte
• Boutonnieres + Corsages: Erica Cavanagh
• Wooden Flowers: Accents and Petals
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Chair Signs: Naturally Chic
• Cake: Over the Top Cakes
• Reception Music: Jeff Ramsey and Baseline Services
• Transportation: Esquire Limousines
• Gown: Enzoani “Farlow” via The Bridal House
• Makeup: Anita Gill Makeup Artistry

The weather outside may be frightful, but winter weddings can be so delightful! Today’s inspiration board pairs various shades of blue with crisp, white details for a modern winter wedding design.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner

Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): blue martinis – DP Challenge; winter wedding invitation – Miller + Miller; winter wonderland wedding – Jennifer Bergman Weddings; lampshade centrepiece – In Any Event; bride and groom – Mattramos Photography; blue lighting and callas – Project Wedding.