I’ll be inspecting 8 specific properties and getting to experience many of Jamaica’s premiere attractions.

{ Negril Beach, Jamaica | credit: Joshua Smith }

If you want to follow along, ‘like’ my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Destinations to watch as I share some pictures through the week.

I look forward to sharing some detailed tips and destination wedding hot spots on my {Destinations} Wedding Blog on my return!

Jolyn | Lifestyle Wedding Planner & Designer
Nuance Occasions
780.628.6457

It starts with the perfect location…a backroom storage area at Elegant Touches…yes, it’s a beautiful space isn’t it?

{ set space for Blush Magazine photo shoot | photo: Cindy Gagnon Photography }

But then we add some draping…and it starts to look a little better…

{ added draping for the photoshoot | photo: Cindy Gagnon Photography }

So let’s cue some basic white lighting…

{ white lighting added to set design | photo: Cindy Gagnon Photography }

Then we start to play with colors – this is where the fun starts…

{ amber room lights for ambience | photo: Cindy Gagnon Photography }

{ lavender wedding lighting | photo: Cindy Gagnon Photography }

{ teal lighting | photo: Cindy Gagnon Photography }

So tell me, what is your favorite color set?

Anyhow, you’ll have to look into back issues for the Summer 2010 issue of Blush Magazine – but it was fun to share with you how a photoshoot for a magazine comes to life!

Jolyn | Lifestyle Wedding Planner & Designer
Nuance Occasions
780.628.6457

This May wedding day started with a ceremony at the family Korean Presbyterian Church in southern Edmonton – and although the day was a little drizzly, the warmth of family and friends filled the church.

{ T & D :: Calla Lily Pew Markers :: Sam Ng Photography }

The aisle was decorated with calla lily and chrysanthemum florals from Flowers in the Park and a custom printed aisle runner.

{ T & D :: ceremony at Korean Presbyterian Church :: Sam Ng Photography }

And even though it was raining, Tiffanie and Daniel with their photographer Sam Ng braved the weather for some incredible portraits – I love umbrella shots!

{ T & D in the rain :: Sam Ng Photography }

{ Sam Ng Photography }

As the festivities moved towards the reception at the Marriott at River Cree, 400+ guests were greeted with the ceremony aisle runner for signing. This runner was turned into a fabulous keepsake for the couple.

{ aisle runner for signature banner :: Sam Ng Photography }

The seating chart was created using a printable template from DIY Party Designs – once the names were in the chart, the file was uploaded to Staples for printing and placed in a frame for the wedding.

{ seating chart made using a DIY printable template from DIY Party Designs | photo: Nuance Occasions }

The dramatic teal lighting was emphasized on the backdrop by QSD Rentals. The teal and black linens from Elegant Touches were augmented with the rhinestone buckle accents. Wanting a more tailored and chic design, centerpieces were created with custom imported black feather balls.

{ dramatic teal decor with feather balls :: Sam Ng Photography }

{ wedding reception head table | cake by Deliciously Different | Sam Ng Photography }

When making decisions about the wedding cake, the couple was torn on two designs – and decided ultimately to find a way to incorporate the two together for a dramatic statement piece.

Tiffanie and Daniel wanted a real ‘wow’ element to their reception and we decided the best way to do that was bring in an aerial artist – performing to a Cirque du Soleil number from the show Ka.

{ our aerial artist performing to music of Ka :: Sam Ng Photography }

And want a sneak peak at what a groom does who loves his new wife? When you new wife loves Hello Kitty, he buys her a Hello Kitty Diamond Ring!

{ hello Kitty diamond ring gift :: Sam Ng Photography }

The day may be been drizzly but it was sizzling inside! With a hooked up party thanks to DJ Qwake, this party went into the wee hours. To continue the festivities, a Korean Tea Ceremony was held with immediate family the next day. Dan & Tiffanie – I hope your wedding day resonates in your mind as an incredible party for years to come!

Jolyn | Lifestyle Wedding Planner & Designer
Nuance Occasions
780.628.6457

You can read the feature here: Featured Planner: Jolyn Saramaga

Thanks WPIC for the feature!

Jolyn | Lifestyle Wedding Planner & Designer
Nuance Occasions
780.628.6457

{ San Diego skyline | photo credit: Paul Cantea }

I’m a guest of Westjet Vacations and doing some research on Southern California properties for hosting destination weddings & honeymoon retreats! LA, Anaheim and San Diego have so many fabulous options for those who want to go somewhere warm without the logistics of planning a huge international trip.

Be sure to follow our {Destinations} Facebook Page this week for sneak peeks and follow my {Destinations} Wedding Blog when I return to learn all about the various options for your destination wedding or honeymoon in Southern California.

Have a fabulous week, and I’ll catch up on voicemails and emails next week!

Jolyn | Lifestyle Wedding Planner & Designer
Nuance Occasions
780.628.6457

{ Sandals Whitehouse European Village : Jamaica }

• Are you hoping to lounge on a picturesque beach with non-stop margaritas?
• Do you want to explore lush rainforests which may include a zipline tour?
• Do you want a honeymoon closer to home – Rockies, Maritimes or Pacific Coast?
• Would you like to ski/snowboard, golf or fish for marlins?
• Would you prefer to shop, spa or sail?

How to Enter :
** CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED **
In the comments below – by 23:59h on August 31/10 – share your ideal vision of a perfect honeymoon if money wasn’t an object! Then on September 1 – I’ll randomly draw one post to win and email the winner!

Prize :
One FREE honeymoon consultation with Jolyn – an hour to discuss your ideal honeymoon, your honeymoon budget and different location/resorts throughout the world that may best meet your honeymoon vision. After your consultation, I’ll provide you with a detailed honeymoon itinerary – you can then chose to book online at your leisure, book with me, or book with your own travel agent. Value of the consultation is $150.

Rules :
One comment entry per person. You must be a Canadian Resident over 18 years of age. You must be either willing to attend honeymoon consultation in person – if you live in or near Edmonton, AB or by skype video call.

Jolyn | Lifestyle Wedding Planner & Designer
Nuance Occasions
780.628.6457

{ Nancy & Mike's engagement photos }

If you are looking for a fun urban backdrop for your engagement photos, talk to your photographer about scouting the graffiti in the area and seeing what options exist for your engagement photos.

Jolyn | Lifestyle Wedding Planner & Designer
Nuance Occasions
780.628.6457

In the fall of 2009, I had an opportunity to meet Peter Mary – author of “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!”

His book is full of ideas and details that are often overlooked at a reception. As a professional DJ director, Peter is well aware how a personalized grand entrance, fun activities such as kissing games and first dances – can all enhance your reception…when done right!

The second edition of his book is about to be launched, watch for it in a bookstore near you!

In Edmonton, we have many ‘interactive’ DJ companies that can MC your reception or help you create a personalized grand entrance or spectacular first dance. If you want specialized entertainment or direction from your DJ, be sure to mention at the time of interviewing as you want to ensure your DJ can manage your expectations for the particular type of interaction you are looking for.

Jolyn | Lifestyle Wedding Planner & Designer
Nuance Occasions
780.628.6457

Cointreau Silk Cake

This delicious cake consists of:
Dark Chocolate Ganache | Minted Orange | Hazelnut Wafer = HEAVEN!

An incredible dessert to consider for your wedding reception!

Jolyn | Lifestyle Wedding Planner & Designer
Nuance Occasions
780.628.6457

A rosebud ring can easily be prepared by your florist with a rosebud and wire that matches your wedding colors.

   

I first saw these beauties at a California wedding planner conference, where all the women attending the evening soiree were given one…what a fun favor that could be for the women in attendance at your wedding – to each receive their own signature rosebud ring!

Jolyn | Lifestyle Wedding Planner & Designer
Nuance Occasions
780.628.6457