JPC Event Group blogs

JPCEG opens new ELEMENT CAFE!

jody_wimer — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 02:12:27 +0000

We are excited to announce the opening of our organic. local. sustainable. cafe concept in downtown Butler- Element Cafe!

Element {el-u-munt, noun }: an ingredient or component of a mixture. a cause that contributes to a result; a factor.

At JPC Element Cafe, we believe quality, organic, sustainable elements are the foundation of the best food and the basis of the best business practices. We are very excited to be bringing our organic. local. sustainable. concept to the downtown Butler corridor.

Set to open Monday March 26th, we have carefully crafted the interior of the cafe with sustainable wood, metal and glass accents, using local artisans and businesses throughout the process. We have formed alliances with local farms, and organic, free-range egg farmers, as well as local dairies. The coffee that we will serve was carefully selected based upon the fair trade ethics and business principles behind Starbuck's Seattle's Best and Tazo tea lines.

We are also featuring Blue Sky Certified Organic soda along side the traditional Coca-Cola beverages.

The stylish compostable and sustainable dinnerware we will use is Verterra, and our cups, straws and bamboo coffee stirrers are from biodegradable corn and post consumer kraft paper created by Eco-Products. Sandwich wrap, bagel boxes, bakery bags, takeout soup containers, coffee boxes, boxed lunch and delivery bags... you name it...it is all post consumer content from the finest bio-companies carefully selected for their sustainability, low carbon footprint, and ease of recycling or composting.

Our beautiful logo, menus and papergoods were designed by Karrie Pyke Designs of San Diego, and were printed by GreenerPrinter of soy inks, and Print Center in New Castle. Karrie also created the design of our website at www.jpcelementcafe.com which was then coded and produced by Plumb Media of Pittsburgh. Plumb Media also created our on-line order platform to make delivery and pick-up a breeze for you or your office.

Our exterior signage and vinyl lettering were created and installed by local artisan Rick's Signs of Butler from Karrie's logo design.

Obviously, Element Cafe has been a labor of love with contributions from many fine artists, vendors and local businesses. We appreciate the hard work of each and every local plumber, electrician, painter and carpenter and are proud to credit them in our project! We also thank our partners Verterra and Eco-Products, as well as industry friends for their input and advice {Thank you Jon Brown, Meryl Snow, Josh Parker, and Steve Sanchez}. We also thank Joe Gray and Franus Architects for keeping the project going from an architectural and engineering standpoint- we couldn't have done it without Joe's guidance and knowledge. We thank the JPCEG staff for their participation in sourcing great items, lending a hand with all tasks big and small {William},and seeking out the very best from potato chips to paperbags {:) Allyson} . And The Butler Eagle, Table Magazine, and Butler Downtown for helping us get the word out about the opening!

And most importantly, we thank you in advance Butler for your support and patronage...now let's get some coffee brewing! YAHOO!

A Bright Shiny Happy New Year!

jody_wimer — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 14:33:54 +0000

Happy New Year! from all of us at JPC Event Group and GARNISH Event Design! 2012 here we come...

Happy New Year!

from all of us at JPC Event Group and GARNISH Event Design! 2012 here we come...

Holiday Baking

jody_wimer — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:39:52 +0000

It's holiday baking time, and we are sharing some of our favorite JPCEG confections of the season!

It's beginning to "look" alot like Christmas, but around JPCEG it "smells" like Christmas! Spicy warm aromas of baking gingerbread people. Enticing wafts of sugar cookies in holiday shapes of angels and trees. Minty peppermint garnishes on whoopee pies, red velvet cakes and white chocolate dipped shortbread. I bet you wish smell-o-vision existed right about now!

In the holiday spirit of giving, we can't keep all this baked goodness to ourselves, so we are sharing one of our holiday favorites.

Cranberry-Caramel Bars

1 cup fresh cranberries
2 Tbls. sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 cups uncooked regular oats
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup butter or margarine melted
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup flour
1 12. oz. jar of caramel sauce

Stir together cranberries and 2 Tbls. sugar in a small bowl and set aside.

Combine 2 cups flour and next 4 ingredients; stir in melted butter until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture. Press the remaining mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with pecans and cranberry mixture. (can add 10 oz. of chopped dates also if desired) Stir together caramel sauce and 1/3 cup flour and spoon over cranberries.

Sprinkle top with reserved 1 cup of flour mixture. Bake 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars, Yields: 2 dozen.

Styling: Engagement Photography

jody_wimer — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:52:12 +0000

Engagement photo shoots are so much more today than the posed portraits that they used to comprise! Enter exciting props, staged locations and reflections of the future bride and groom's interests. JPCEG staffers Monica and Mark shared their rustic engagement shoot with the Wimer family horses Ariel & Murphy in a fabulous barn setting!

We adore our staff family at JPCEG, and just as with any nuclear family, we get pretty excited when there are milestones like engagements, weddings, births, graduations and more. When the subject of Monica and Mark's engagement photos came up... we knew just the place and the look for this uber cute and oh so perfect for one another couple!

JPCEG photographer Sarah Winkler, event planner Allyson Veronesi and owners Richard & Jody Wimer headed out to the barn on an unseasonably cold October Sunday to hang with the Wimer family horses Murphy and Ariel and we LOVE the results!

Seriously? Could these too be any cuter? Oh Monica and Mark are so cute too! haha!

Gratuitous engagement ring shot! {Expertly staged by Rick :)}

Ariel prefers her left profile best! What a fab time we all had... and if this was such a fun, memorable, wonderful time...we can't wait for the wedding next year!

YEEEEE! HAAAAAA!

Blog credits:
photography: Sarah Winkler Photography for JPCEG
location: Ariel & Murphy's humble abode
styling: Ariel, Murphy, and Rick Wimer

Pittsburgh Catering: Giving Back

jody_wimer — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:01:33 +0000

At JPCEG we believe in giving back to our community, supporting the arts, and gratefully sharing with our industry and our clients. In 2011 we have had the opportunity to pay forward to many local and national organizations and we wanted to share some of our favorite experiences with you as the year winds down.

At JPCEG we believe in giving back to our community, supporting the arts, and gratefully sharing with our industry and our clients. In the past 12 months we have had the opportunity to pay forward to many local and national organizations and we wanted to share some of our favorite experiences with you as the year winds down.

Giving Back to our Community:

December 2010 Butler County Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party Sponsor

It was such a fun experience to host the Chamber Holiday Celebration at Butler's Grand Ballroom. Adopting an old Hollywood glamour feel for the event, JPCEG and our decor division GARNISH donated elaborate decor and delicious food stations in support of the chamber and it's member companies.

March 2011 The Mahoning Valley Home and Garden Show

In March JPCEG was asked to present live cooking demonstrations to assist in promoting the Mahoning Valley Home and Garden Show. Our flaming marsala mushroom crostini and authentic Alfredo Primavera were both big hits with the audience!

May 2011 The Carnegie Library Late Night at the Library: Southside Deconstruction Party

Free to the people since 1895, the South Side branch of the Carnegie Library System is raising funding to assist with the rennovation of the library. It was so much fun to participate in the Late Night at the Library "deconstruction party" with our bookshelf food display and book spine food markers!

September 2011 United Way of Mercer County Restaurant Revue

In support of the United Way of Mercer County, we whipped up some of our favorite harvest desserts and a rustic tablescape that we shared with our friends at Buhl Mansion Guesthouse and Spa. Executive chef Rick Wimer torched s'mores live, and served up deconstructed pumpkin pies and cheesecake pops. Yummy!

October 2011 Community Care Connections of Butler- Chef's Tasting

For the past 2 years, JPCEG owners Richard and Jody Wimer have served on the committee for the chef's tasting event to benefit Community Care Connections of Butler County. Arranging the LIVE chef's demo area each year, as well as featuring delicious food at a vendor booth, our company is proud to partner with this worthy organization.

Supporting The Arts:

April 2011 Society for Contemporary Craft "Out of Hand" Fundraiser

In support of the Society for Contemporary Craft Museum in the Strip District of Pittsburgh, JPC presented a display of our "savory cupcakes" at their fundraising and auction event. Macaroni and 4 cheese cupcake with roma tomato topper, savory meatloaf cupcake with mashed potato "icing," and our stuffed chicken breast cupcake with white wine drizzle. Delish!

June 2011 The Mattress Factory "Urban Garden Party"

We had such a blast in the wild urban atmosphere in support of the Mattress Factory Museum at the Urban Garden Party! The JPC EG decor division- GARNISH set up a whimsical mad hatter style garden chess display to showcase our food donations of mint scented watermelon soup shots with feta garnish, pulled pork sliders on brioche rolls with hand cut coleslaw, and bacon wrapped organic dates. Lots of rave reviews that night!

October 2011 Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor: "Built On Steel" Exhibit

When approached by the "Friends of the Museum" of the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor to assist with a fundraising opening for the "BUILT ON STEEL" retrospective of the steel industry throughout the Mahoning Valley, we knew just what to do! The JPCEG decor division- GARNISH, provided the most lovely platinum crush table linens {from Creative Coverings}, and mercury glass table decor with white fresh florals that set the tone for an elegant soiree. And JPC donated butler passed appetizers and a gourmet dessert.

Gratefully sharing with our Industry and our Clients:

January 2011 Assisted The JDK Group of Harrisburg with the Inaugural Ball for PA Governor Corbett

March 2011 CEO Jody Wimer inducted to the Board of Directors for the International Caterer's Association

Wimer is currently serving on the directors board of the International Caterers Association as the Marketing and Communications Chairperson for a two year term. The opportunity to give back to the industry after so many caring and innovative colleagues have given to JPCEG of their knowledge and experience over the years is very rewarding.

September 2011 Mahoning Valley Wedding Network "How To Do I Do Seminar"

We loved sharing "8 Things You Must Know When Hiring a Caterer" at the first annual "How To Do I Do" Seminar! It was great to interact with future clients, and share the knowledge we have amassed after 15 years in the culinary industry. We also loved serving up a delicious repas after our session!

Pittsburgh Wedding: The Mattress Factory

jody_wimer — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 02:41:16 +0000

Gina and Domenick hosted a modern reception filled with monogrammed details that reflected their urban style at The Mattress Factory.

What do monograms, circles, and urban style all have in common? They were the staring elements in this featured wedding hosted at The Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh.

Planning from Washington D.C., Gina and Domenick brought a sense of urban chic to their personalized reception, and we loved working with them to create the perfect atmosphere.

Cocktail hour began with an authentic Italian Antipasto table resplendent with smoked mozzarella, ricotta insalata, aged parmesan, charcuterie, imported and garlic stuffed olives, grilled marinated Italian vegetables, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, tomato bruschetta, oils, crusty breads, and rosemary breadsticks.

Our pistachio and rosemary crusted lamb lollipops were a crowd favorite as JPC staff butlered them along with shrimp cocktail shots and our popular artisan pasta forks garnished with sundried tomato pesto, red pepper caponata, olive paste and basil pesto.

A unique circular seating chart in the form of dot shaped clings was displayed on the glass doors leading into the museum lobby. Table numbers were fashioned from metal, as well as an ampersand unitying the bride and groom's chairs at their sweetheart table.

Dinner service included a pre-set tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil caprese salad stack with aged balsamic and a plated duo course of grilled filet mignon, spinach and asiago crusted tilapia, garlic mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus with pinenuts. Tableside wine service featured Dreadnought Wines.

The tables were dressed with charcoal dotted table runners created by bride Gina, and boasted unique urban centerpieces.

The bridal monogram adorned stemless wineglass favors that were placed at each place setting. The monogram also embossed the cocktail napkins and the wedding cake which was also graced with pearls to match Gina's beautiful necklace.

Not a single detail was left to chance with Gina thoughtfully creating a continuous flow of color, monogram and circular shape. And of course... it wouldn't be a Pittsburgh wedding without a cookie display! {For beautiful photography of Gina and Domenick's celebration visit the Caitlin Thomas Photography blog HERE!}

Fresh florals by Hepatica of dusty miller, lambs ear, white tea roses, garden roses, stock, norene lillies and dendrobium orchids were a lovely yellow and white contrast to the charcoal grey

Much happiness to Gina and Domenick from all of us at JPC Event Group!

JPC blog Photography credits: Caitlyn and Jody Wimer, JPC Event Group
Wedding day Photography: Caitlin Thomas Photography
Event venue: The Mattress Factory
Linens, tables, chairs, china and rental equipment: JPC Event Group rental division
Culinary services: JPC Event Group
Bar Services and stemware: JPC Event Group
Wines: Dreadnought Wines
Florals: Hepatica

Pittsburgh Catering: A Pittsburgh Opera Wedding

jody_wimer — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:48:26 +0000

Jessica and Josh celebrated in eco-friendly, urban style at The Pittsburgh Opera with a Quaker marriage ceremony, feasting tables with family style service, and vintage florals.

The Pittsburgh Opera is a fabulous event space for an urban vibe with an eco-conscious platform. With three different spaces available for rental, it is flexible for sizing and the rental prices are both fair and affordable. An added perk!-- use a green caterer like JPC Event Group, and follow green event guidelines set forth by the opera and you receive an extra discount on your rental price.

Jessica and Josh utilized two spaces for their ceremony and reception held on September 4, 2011. Planning from Seattle, this urban couple created a marital fete that distinctly reflected them.

A Quaker style ceremony was held to unite the couple with friends and family members speaking of their memories throughout the courtship and their support of the marriage. We loved the jumbo white balloon decor that lined the aisle and the stage.

After the ceremony, cocktails were served and then the dramatic room reveal took place with a parting of the red velvet opera curtains! Tables were arranged in long feasting style and decorated with vintage vases and mason jars that Jessica painted in the wedding accent colors.

Customized pins served as escort cards and assisted the guests in locating their seats.

The menu of sustainable and organic foods was comprised of our Grecian Table display with parmesan artichoke dip, greek salad skewers and spanakopita triangles with dill dip. Hand butlered mac n' cheese cupcakes, shrimp shots and proscuitto wrapped melon medley were passed by JPC staff members.

Dinner was served family style with a mesculan salad course, apple cider braised shortribs, butternut squash ravioli with brown butter, sage and hazelnuts, asiago mashed yukon gold potatoes and haricot verts with red pepper strips.

A kiss to seal a lifetime of happiness for Jessica and Josh....

and then an exit stage left to start their new life!

Photography credits: Caitlyn Wimer, JPC Event Group
Venue: The Pittsburgh Opera
Chairs, tables, linen, china and rental items: JPC Event Group Rental Division
Culinary services: JPC Event Group
Bar Services and glassware: JPC Event Group

Pittsburgh Wedding: Garden Party Style

jody_wimer — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:24:46 +0000

Despite the scorching July heat, Stephanie and James celebrated their marriage in elegant garden party style at the Buhl Mansion.

Stephanie and Jim Miller celebrated their marriage in elegant garden party style at The Buhl Mansion. Despite the sweltering July heat wave in full force, it was a day filled with love, joy and laughter!

The mansion gardens featured a rose petal path with floral laden shepherd's hooks ending at a rose garnished arch underwhich the couple said their vows. To accomodate the heat, fan inspired ceremony programs and a cooling beverage station of cucumber and mint water, citrus infused iced tea and fresh lemonade were on hand.

Following the ceremony, guests were served chilled fruit and organic vegetable crudite with house dill and ranch dips, while JPC event staff hand butlered crab cake mini martinis with our famous house remoulade sauce, and old bay rimmed shrimp cocktail shots.

Under the tent, a stunning garden inspired decor was created with hanging ferns and lighted floral arrangements. Tables were resplendent with ivory Wellington damask cloths and napkins and golden chivari chairs with brocade pads.

Escort cards were displayed on antique guilded mirrors leading guests to the tables that were marked with framed photos of the various guest rooms and features throughout the Buhl Mansion.

Introductions of the new Mr. and Mrs. Miller and their bridal party were made, and cake cutting commenced with some fun mayhem. Guests were serenaded by Stephen Vance as he strolled with the violin. Piano notes floated in the air throughout dinner service as well.

Dinner service began with a plated asparagus, citrus mesculan salad garnished with citrus zest, shaved aged parmesan and our house balsamic vinaigrette. Following the salad course, the meal was served family style on porcelain platters and in modern porcelain bowls. Entrees of Chicken Milanese with a shallot and tarragon white wine sauce and fresh grilled herb and garlic crusted beef tenderloin were accompanied by Penne Alfredo Primavera, herb and sea salt roasted fingerling potatoes, and fresh grilled seasonal vegetable skewers garnished with balsamic reduction drizzle.

The requisite Pittsburgh cookie table was accented with lustred and garnished cake pop bouquets!

And after dancing the evening away, JPC event staff butlered a "Savory Ending" trio of mini wraps wrapped with leeks: chicken caesar, sesame asian veggie and turkey-bacon-avocado on frames filled with memorable photos of Stephanie and JIm for guest enjoyment before they departed.

Best wishes and much happiness to Stephanie and Jim as they begin their life together from all of us at JPC Event Group! Thank you for entrusting your special day to our care.

Event Credits:
Blog Photo credits: Jody and Caitlyn Wimer, JPC Event Group
Linens: JPC Event Group: Chaircovers & Linens
Chivari chairs, china, beverage display, decor props and all service equipment: JPC Event Group
Culinary services: JPC Event Group
Wedding cake: JPC Event Group
Musicians: Steven Vance
Florals: Greens Floral
Venue: The Buhl Mansion

Pittsburgh Catering: An Armstrong Farms Wedding

jody_wimer — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 16:41:52 +0000

Featuring one of our favorite lovelies today...Armstrong Farms! Maggie and Brett ordered a fabulous day of sunny skies, delicious cuisine and a popular SMOOTHIE BAR for their wedding at the Westminster Preserve.

What a lovely day for Maggie and Brett at one of our favorite venues: Armstrong Farms. {You can find more information about this amazing venue with three unique barn settings by clicking HERE.} The weather cooperated beautifully with sunshine and a cool breeze, and the atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable for all.

Maggie and Brett chose classic red and black for their wedding color palette, but with a mix of nature wildflowers and some rustic elements suited to the barn atmosphere. Adorable jam favors were homemade and tied with twine to serve as the placecard markers, and mason jars held the wildflower centerpieces

Guests were greeted by a chilled beverage station of Lemon and lime scented citrus water, lemonade and fresh brewed citrus infused iced tea.

Inside the Westminster Preserve barn an appetizer display of fresh summer fruit, organic vegetable crudite, cubed cheeses, pepperoni and crackers, and tomato bruschetta with herbed crostini awaited them. JPC event staff also hand carried bacon wrapped sea scallops with a choice of teriyaki glaze or lemon herb aioli.

The big hit of the event was our JPC organic fruit smoothie bar! JPC sous chef Jen King, Event Planner Allyson Veronesi, and staffer Caitlyn Wimer created refreshing smoothies with a variety of delicious ingredients throughout the event. Choices included our Sunset Smoothie of watermelon, fresh peach, raspberry sorbet and orange juice, or the Citrus Creamsicle Frost with vanilla ice cream and orange juice, and the Strawberry Kiwi Chiller!

Dinner commenced under the tent with a sit-down salad course and a serviced buffet of fresh grilled organic summer harvest {eggplant, zucchini, yellow crookneck squash, tri-colored bell peppers, and red onion grilled with a balsamic reduction drizzle}, Farfalle pasta with fresh sauteed spinach, sun dried tomato, herbs, white wine reduction and fresh mozzarella, Chicken Italiano in a tomato cream sauce {stuffed with proscuitto and provolone}, and merlot braised medallions of beef with shallots and mushrooms.

Maggie desired a traditional round wedding cake presented all in white with a mixture of decor accents. The flavor profile was champagne white cake with raspberry puree filling.

Maggie and Brett's marriage also received the Armstrong Farms seal of approval from "guests" Stella the goose and Daisy the dog!

Congratulations to Maggie and Brett from all of us at JPC Event Group.... we greatly enjoyed working with you and your families to create a memorable and delicious event!

*Photo credits: copyrighted by JPC Event Group

Pittsburgh Styling {An Engagement Photo Shoot}

jody_wimer — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:07:30 +0000

I recently had the pleasure of working alongside the uber talented Elizabeth Craig of Craig Photography to style a fabulous engagement photo shoot set in Mellon Park. What an amazing time we had creating three distinct looks that Elizabeth captured so expertly!

In today's world of engagement photo shoots, gone are the stiff posed portraits and formal studio backdrops, and in are the days of props, set styling, themes, unique locations and FUN that reflect the couple and their interests! Enter Gina and Brian...clients of Elizabeth Craig of Craig Photography in Pittsburgh. This vibrant and adorably earthy couple chose the beautiful Mellon Park as the site for their engagement shots and now have memories of a lifetime!

Let me digress a bit before I share the images that are to die for...When Elizabeth contacted me to participate in styling the shoot I was so excited. I LOVE working with her and John and have been a big fan of their skillful and artistic work for so long. Seriously brides, you need to contact this talented couple for a consultation and hire them on the spot! They have an amazing work ethic, love the industry, are intensely loyal to the integrity of their clients and above all and most importantly-- TAKE THE MOST STUNNING PHOTOS!

I approached this shoot wanting to create three distinctly different looks for Brian and Gina from our arsenal of JPC decor collections. I settled on: shabby chic bistro, vintage charm, and modern sophistication. The rest was up to Elizabeth to bring the talent, and Brian & Gina to bring the love!

First up shabby chic bistro.

A collection of our shabby chic picture frames, fresh gerbera daisies and hydrangeas, cherries, beautiful linens from Chaircovers and Linens, and custom created B and G monograms for the chairs. Funny side note that we created the monograms for "Bride and Groom" and realized when we arrived that they were appropriate for "Brian and Gina" too!

[Just love how Elizabeth captured them in the mirror!]

Next up vintage charm...

this look included a log slice, birch bark vase covers, purple and sage florals and wild flowers, moss, a vintage amish quilt Rick gave me as a wedding gift 23 years ago, a rustic chair, our favorite tree bowl filled with fresh organic raspberries, a sweet treat from our kitchen and a sentimental prop.

[The vintage ironing board belonged to my Great Grandmother Ethel! how fun I got to use it so uniquely!]

[Fresh Frangipane Almond Raspberry mini pies from the JPC kitchen- delish!]

[I love the washed out sepia tone Elizabeth applied to this photo to create a vintage look!]

And for the final set: modern sophistication.

When you are already in such a lovely location filled with natural beauty, and the Gods have smiled and given you the perfect azure sky with the fluffiest white clouds, sleek whiteness with reflective surfaces and softening elements of "million star" and organza are your best compliments. That in mind we gathered some of our favorite pieces from our extensive JPC mercury glass collection, along with a piece from our white leather lounge seating collection and hand fashioned a wreath and garland of million star. The results-- stunning.

This was just so much fun, and gave us a chance to showcase a few of our JPC decor and floral collections! Thank you to Elizabeth and John Craig of Craig Photography for including us and sharing the amazing photos, and MUCH HAPPINESS to Gina and Brian! Check out Elizabeth's blog for her take on the shoot-- http://craigphotography.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/engagement-photography-mellon-park-gina-brian/ and http://craigphotography.wordpress.com/2011/07/06/pittsburgh-engagement-photographers-mellon-park-gina-brian/ .

One more thing before I sign off...thanks to our daughter Makenzie for postponing her birthday a day so that we could particpate...

Jody Wimer
Founder/Creative Director