wedding reception – part I

Last month we booked a “pre-wedding” wedding reception.  The bride and groom were getting married abroad and wanted to have a wedding reception in the States prior to their big day.   This is pretty standard when a couple decides on a destination wedding.  What is not standard is planning a “pre-wedding” reception that begins at 2pm, ends at 2am and takes place in one room.  (You guessed it.  The famous garage.)

Here’s the kicker… we had 2 weeks to plan everything, and we would not have the chance to meet or communicate with the bride or groom.  At all.

What can we say?  We love a challenge.  We hunkered down at the office, got in touch with a friend of the family and got all of the information that we could:  the bride loves purple and she is in her mid-twenties.

So… we ran with it.  I’d say we ran pretty far!

The tables were covered with lilac satin linens and set with custom place settings including beaded chargers, ghost chairs and bright floral centerpieces.

Individual place settings included a menu card and a decadent Viola truffle atop a white porcelain pedestel.

We treated the early birds to some chips and salsa while they awaited for the majority of the guests to arrive.

The champagne began flowing shortly after 4:00pm, and did not stop until the wee hours!

We served our favorite beer battered green beans…

…and the best lamb chops you’ve ever tasted.

Cranberry pecan bread and honey butter was served to each guest prior to lunch.

First Course: Asian Scallop Salad

The dual entree included braised beef short ribs dusted in gremolata and a chicken breast stuffed with a spinach tamale.

Dessert was a decadent chocolate torte topped with fresh raspberries and a merlot reduction.

A few hours after lunch, guests began snacking at the candy bar.

After lunch was over, guests noticed a photobooth in the corner.  They hopped in front of Queso and began taking photos that they were able to immediately frame and decorate.

We tested the photobooth for quality and accuracy.

Many of the guests took dozens of photos, so we provided a photo sleeve for extra snapshots.

Last but not least, we hired a caricature artist!

In between all of the excitement, guests lounged on gorgeous white furniture accented with lavender cushions.  Overall, the first half of the day was a huge success.  Stay tuned for the second half…

Many thanks to Belle of the Ball, Events in Bloom and Amy Vogel Photography.