I just wrapped up my second Bridal Show for Catering by the Family, and I couldn’t wait to share it with everyone!  This season, we decided to incorporate a summery motif with a bright citrus theme to appeal to all of the brides planning their receptions for summer of next year.  The weather in April is gorgeous, so we elected to utilize a venue with both indoor and outdoor space, and the Davis Islands Garden Club was perfect!  Our color scheme was Lemon, Lime, and Orange, and we decided to mix in the colors everywhere we could.

As guests arrived in the circular drive of the venue, they were ushered to an outdoor tent space offering cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  Guests enjoyed a Tropical Fruit Display, a Cheese & Olive Display, and assorted hot and cold dips like Hot Crab Dip and Italian Hummus.  The bar offered beer and wine and a selection of Champagne Cocktails, such as Mimosas, Poinsettias, Champagne Royales, and Pomosas!  They were a HUGE success – everywhere I looked there were guests with champagne flutes in hand.  Servers passed delicious canapés like Seared Ahi Tuna on Wonton Crisps, and Shrimp Shooters over Mango Salsa. 

We opened the doors at 5:30pm and guests entered the foyer to be greeted by a towering faux lemon tree!  Jeff from Four Seasons did all of our floral arrangements and they were magnificent to say the least!  He created this masterpiece by suspending lemons and votives from gnarled tree branches, and this show-stopping piece set the tone for the entire event.  Nearby we displayed a selection of faux cakes, including this citrus-inspired beauty with sugared fruit and ribbon detail. While guests explored the main room, they met with various wedding professionals like photographers, DJs, venues, stationers, personal health and beauty consultants, and more.  We placed various food stations around the room as well, such as a Chicken Strip Station with 8 different varieties to choose from, a Carving Station with three different cuts of meat, and a Cuban Quesadilla station, offering melted bites of Roast Pork, Black Beans and Rice, Salsa, and Cheese, with Cilantro and Cumin Sour Cream for dipping.  Yumm!!  I’m hungry just thinking about them! 

Out on the back patio, cocktail tables lined the wrap-around bench, topped with beautiful, bright-colored linen (thank you Connie Duglin) and coordinating centerpieces.  Guests enjoyed the steel drum band and interactive photo booth, while noshing on a Create-your-own-Cupcake Station with some new filling flavors like Apple Pie Cream and Key Lime Mousse, to compliment the White, Yellow, and Chocolate bite-sized cupcakes.  Guests could also cool off with a glass of Citrus-Infused Water at the beverage station. Beyond the porch is a span of lawn overlooking the river, with towering oak trees and curvy patches of gardens.  Decorating Elves suspended paper lanterns from the tree branches, and we clustered seating tables beneath them, with bright satin linens and mix-and-match chair sashes.  The centerpieces Jeff created were gorgeous, incorporating fresh lemons, limes, oranges, pineapples, and even cacti!!  The man is a genius and that’s why I come back to him time and time again.   

Near the gazebo, we placed hightop tables with rich mahogany Chivari barstools, and bright satin linens, and nearby we featured a chic outdoor lounge area, courtesy of CORT event furnishings.  The sectional and chairs featured woven fiber bases with plush white canvas cushions, bright silk bejeweled accent pillows, and glowing acrylic tabletops… very VIP!  Catrina from CORT is an absolute doll and such a pleasure to work with.  I hope to feature her amazing inventory at more and more future events. 

Before leaving, guests helped themselves to a Candy Buffet courtesy of Lou Coleman (one of the sweetest ladies I’ve ever met, no pun intended)!  I’m still munching on my candied grapefruit… 

Then we opened the buffet to all of the hungry vendors.  We received rave reviews from all of the wedding professionals involved, requesting to participate again and again because the experience is so enjoyable!  The event also provided a perfect opportunity for guests to experience an event hosted by Catering by the Family.  Rather than sitting in a conference room at the office and tasting a few menu items, guests could get a better perspective of what their wedding reception would be like.  It was an amazing evening, and I’m looking forward to planning the next one for this coming July; stay tuned…