Katherine's

National Peach Month

2011-08-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

In honor of National Peach Month, we'd like to share one of our favorite summer recipes with you...

photo credit- www.bigredkitchen.com

Classic Peach Cobbler

6-8 farm fresh peaches, peeled and thickly sliced (about 5 cups)
1 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup water
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tbsp cinnamon

Place peaches, brown sugar, lemon juice, water and salt in a saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring regularly. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine sugar and flour. Slowly add milk, stirring under just combined.

Pour melted butter into a glass baking dish. Pour in peaches and place batter, in clumps, on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees (or until golden brown).
Enjoy with Washtenaw Dairy's French Vanilla ice cream.

Erin + Jason

2011-08-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

Erin + Jason's wedding was the epitome of casual summer elegance. With relaxed, lounge style seating, strolling stations from around the world and small touches of tropical design,
their personalities shined in every way.

A particularly memorable touch was the display of family photographs next to Erin's grandmother's antique wedding gown. Their love of family, travel and good food made this wedding truly one to remember.

Enjoy!

photos courtesy of photography by kat

Big House Weddings

2011-07-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

For all true blue fans, the University of Michigan is now hosting weddings and special events! As an exclusive caterer, Weddings by Katherine's can create any style menu for your big day. From a casual, picnic wedding to an elaborate black tie affair, the Jack Roth Stadium Club is the perfect setting. For more information, check out www.mgoblue.com/specialevents.
Go Blue!

At Home "Destination Weddings"

2010-11-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

If you've always fantasized about a destination wedding but can't imagine flying all of your family and friends around the world to get there... just stay home. No, really!

Bring the world to you with an at home "destination" wedding!

Here are three of our favorite "getaway" ideas...

Paris

Romantic French music, fleur de lis accents, pink and white striped linens, an Eiffel Tower cake,... transforming your wedding into an all out Parisian affair can easily be done, without ever leaving the states! Or set up a gourmet coffee bar with cafe tables and croissants for late night mingling.

Caribbean

Let brightly colored flowers, serene music and friendly faces be the setting of your Caribbean wedding getaway. Compliment your style with tropical food, like jerk pork skewers, black bean cakes and mai tai cocktails. And centerpieces have never been more affordable than hurricanes of sand and shells with votives. Even in the middle of a Michigan winter, your guests can still feel that tropical hospitality!

Russia

One of the most elegant themes, Russian weddings can make the most of a winter style, with traditional touches, (faux) fur wraps, caviar and vodka bars. With so many ideas available, who needs to jetset to have the wedding of their dreams?

Inviting F. Scott Fitzgerald to Your Wedding

2010-10-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

As wedding themes seem to come and go, we've found one trend that's been sticking around for the past few years. Literature and era themed weddings transport your guests to a whole new world, into an event like no other wedding they've attended. One of our favorites is the Great Gatsby wedding...

A set back into the prohibition days of the '20s, with scandalous dancing, strong cocktails, elegance and glamour. Whether themed from start to finish, or incorporating just a few touches from the novel or decade, authenticity is key creating this ginchy atmosphere...

Instead of traditional ballroom dancing, take a few classes with your groom-to-be and learn to Charleston!

Whether indoors in a gorgeous ballroom or outside on the lawn, nonstop dancing, drinking and debauchery are the only requirements for a great flapper party.

For decor, keep it simple and borderline gaudy with centerpieces of big black and white feathers, crystal beading, roses or candlelit chandeliers hanging low above each table.

Take a cue from Daisy and simplify your wedding day attire. Or slip into a vintage cocktail dress after the ceremony and spend the rest of your night doing the Charleston!

Don't forget to invite your guests to dress appropriately as well!

http://www.stylemepretty.com/tag/the-great-gatsby/

For a fun twist on the traditional bar, make it a true "speakeasy" with prohibition-style libations! Try a Gin Fizz (gin, lemon juice, sugar and seltzer) or a Bee's Knees (gin, honey and lemon). Favors for the night could be small boxes of chocolate or mini bottles of homemade infused liquor.

And in the spirit of a true flapper, try our favorite Prohibition Punch recipe from the Campbell Apartment in Grand Central...

1 ounce Appelton Estate Rum V/X
1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
2 ounces passion fruit juice
Splash of cranberry juice
Splash of fresh lemon juice
1 ounce Moet et Chandon Champagne

Combine the rum, Grand Marnier, and fruit juices with ice in a brandy snifter, and stir gently.
Top with Champagne.

More Great Gatsby wedding ideas here and here...

Pink Ribbons Everywhere

2010-10-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

Happy October!

Beyond pumpkins, costumes and autumn leaves, this month holds a deeper meaning for many...


The White House, October 2008

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrating it's 26th anniversary, bringing treatment and preventative options to millions of women (and men) around the world.
Susan G. Komen For The Cure has raised over $1.5 billion since it began in 1982.

In celebration of the lives saved and the future health of those we love, check out this amazing sugar cookie recipe! Bake a few dozen ribbons, top them with cute sprinkles and offer them to family and friends
with a gentle reminder to support the cause...

Because, as they say, everyone deserves a lifetime...

Best Ever Sugar Cookies

(courtesy of Sweet Heather Anne bakery)

Ingredients
3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
9 1/2 oz unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tbsp milk
1 tbsp vanilla paste
1/2 tsp lemon zest

Directions
Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and mix well. Add milk, vanilla and lemon zest. Gradually stir in flour mixture until well blended. Refrigerate dough for one hour or up to 3 days.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll out dough on floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut desired shapes and place on parchment lined baking sheets. Chill cut cookies for ten minutes before transferring to the preheated oven. Bake for 8 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before icing.

Or call Sweet Heather Anne directly to order a few dozen of her signature cookies!

Budget Friendly Options

2010-09-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

While Jordan almonds, mini candles and picture frames are perfectly lovely wedding favors, they tend to be written off as an "extra" at the average wedding. When your budget is stretched from the cost of flowers, photos, centerpieces, linens and more,

the favors are usually the first thing to go!

So before you take out a second mortgage just to pay for this wedding, consider making your centerpiece pull double duty.

Like Erin + Ryan did with homemade cakes at each table, an edible centerpiece cuts down on the overall cost of the wedding while providing a memorable touch.

Try bouquets of Cheesecake or Brownie Lollipops. Sweet, whimsical and delicious, they take on the feel of a candy buffet for half the price.

We made ours more casual with clear vases, ground cookie crumbs and bright sprinkles and ribbons.

Or present a miniature Candy Buffet at each table. Fill glasses, jars and vases with licorice, chocolates, lollipops and colorful candies on a lazy Susan in the middle of each table. Theme the candy by color or style, or place different candy at each table to encourage mingling!

Not a sweets person? That's okay.

How about fresh apples?

In a vase, a tower or just scattered on the table,

carry out the theme with apple place cards (or any fruit you like!)

Not all wedding favors and centerpieces are the same. Just start thinking outside of the candles-and-flowers box and the possibilities are endless...

Erin + Ryan

2010-09-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Erin and Ryan's light, summer wedding was a homemade, family style dream.

Their sweet exchange of vows took place at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, the most beautiful spot in Ann Arbor for a warm weather wedding, with an abundance of flowers and sunshine.

After taking photos all around Ann Arbor, these two enjoyed a fresh, flavorful dinner of Herb Encrusted Pork Loin with caramelized onion and apples

with a Caprese Salad of juicy tomatoes, mozzarella and basil,

creamy Tortellini St. Tropez and a zesty Fire Roasted Vegetable Platter.

In lieu of a traditional tiered wedding cake, they placed homemade cakes, courtesy of the bride's cousin, on each table for guests to serve themselves. Wedding favors doubled as place cards with jars of sweet, homemade jam.

All photos courtesy of Courtney Michalik Photography.

Congratulations you two!

Alison + Nirav

2010-09-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Imagine the most enchanted, elegant wedding,

add cozy seating, warm lanterns and amazing food,

then move the whole event outdoors.

This is just a taste of Alison and Nirav's magical September wedding,

whose big day was made complete by not only the crisp Autumn weather

but the impeccable cuisine they chose.

Filet Mignon... Sea Scallops in Champagne Sauce...

Individual dishes of Eggplant Parmesan...

A tower of handmade cupcakes in Alison's colors...

Colorful Mint Mojitos...

and, after all the dancing and laughter had peaked, they kept the party going

with late night Tomato Soup Shooters and Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

All photos are courtesy of Michael Sackett Photography- www.michaelsackett.net

Jen + Francois

2010-08-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

05.08.10

Jen and Francois had the kind of at-home wedding we all dream of.

Sweet, homegrown flowers, an intimate setting and fresh, delicious food...

From Beef Satays to Mahi Mahi with Margarita Lime Butter,

Mixed Berry Skewers and Grilled Cheese Bites and Tomato Soup Shooters-

their eclectic menu was just the right touch for their close friends and family.

Many thanks to Lauren Youngs for sharing her beautiful photos.

Congratulations Jen and Francois on your happily ever after!!

Photo Inspired Weddings

2010-08-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, imagine how many will be said
about your unique, photo-inspired wedding?

Photos are the most expressive way to represent your new life together,
by celebrating how you got there.
Or honoring family and friends that have supported you.

Instead of table numbers, honor incredible marriages
by naming the table after them!
The "Grandma and Grandpa Fitzpatrick" table can be adorned
with photos of their wedding day.
How surprised would Mom and Dad be by a table dedicated to them?

Or, for a smaller wedding, have a friend take Polaroids of guests at the ceremony. At the reception, string them up or paste them to a large photo mat for guests to sign throughout the night.

Another idea is a homemade "banner". It's a cheap, adorable DIY project that can transform even the stuffiest reception hall into an intimate gathering. Skip the flowers and toile and string together photos over the years- your first day of kindergarten, your high school prom, intermingled with photos of you two dating.

The best part about a photo "banner" is it can be dressed up to fit an elegant reception, or more casual for a picnic wedding.

More Station Ideas

2010-08-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

We were recently featured in Catering Magazine, in an article detailing stations. Check it out and get some ideas for your wedding! Smoothie Station, anyone?

Fun & Festive Stations, Catering Magazine"One tried-and-true strategy caterers across the country have employed is the use of food stations. A food station is high-impact, low-cost, festive and fun. And itsn't creating a "festive and fun" atmosphere why we're all in this business anyway?

"Stations truly make an event," says Carol Thompson of Katherine's Catering in Ann Arbor, MI. "If a client has a tight budget or can't afford that extra 'oomph'- the entertainment factor- we like to suggest a station because it brings an element of class and extravagance. It's the reason people watch the Food Network; they love to see live cooking, professional chefs or bartenders in their world. The fact that it's still a part of their meal is very appealing."

The staff at Katherine's Catering has a unique idea for a breakfast station. They offer the Pancake Station with a Smoothie Bar- which is much more than the name suggests. Katherine's chefs fill the station with an assortment of baked goods, fresh fruit, bacon and sausage, transforming an everday breakfast into an actual event for a good price.

Originally, this station featured myriad choices of pancake toppings, such as fresh fruit, chocolate chips, pecans, whipped cream, jams, butter and five different syrups. Needless to say, the station was a hit, frequently requested by clients. But as the recession commenced, our friends in Michigan noticed that this station became very costly for the clients. Offering all those extra ingredients added up to a pretty heft price. Instead of getting rid of the options that the station offered completely, Katherine's merely revamped it's ingredients. They now offer three signature pancake batters, replacing the variety of previously available toppings. This change gave them a way to stay cost effective but still give their clients that "wow" experience.

Katherine's Catering Smooth Bar complements the Pancake Station with delicious, freshly made smoothies in Berry Banana and Peach Mango. For elegant adult breakfasts, Katherine's even offers a Champagne Smoothie. To help keep the costs down, the company tweaks the menu to feature smoothies made with in-season fruits."

A Charming Rehearsal Dinner

2010-08-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

We love local businesses.

There's something about the community of being a Michigan owned company that creates a sense of warmth and hospitality

that no corporate place can touch.

Which is why, whenever possible,

we love to give shout outs to some amazing people who are doing things right.

Like Amici Italian Bistro in Plymouth..

An Old Village farmhouse transformed into a quaint, traditional Italian restaurant. Owned by two brothers, one runs the kitchen and the other the dining room, you feel like family the minute you walk in the door.

The best part about Amici is that everything is homemade and local.

Absolutely everything- from the salad dressings to the desserts.

Fresh, handmade pastas, pizzas and a chicken parmigiana

that would make your grandmother jealous!

As we dined, all we could discuss was how this place would be the perfect spot for a rehearsal dinner (or perhaps to pop the question?). A quiet setting with Frank Sinatra playing in the background, space is limited but it just adds to the cozy appeal.

Definitely check it out and keep supporting local businesses!

Tone Down Your DIY Wedding

2010-08-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings had an amazing article about DIY weddings- including a few couples whose entire wedding was made by their own hands!

While that is an impressive feat, most brides just don't have the time to sew their own dress, bake their own cake or arrange their own flowers... and that's okay.

Make your wedding special by choosing just a couple elements or personal touches. One idea we found is the invitation. Since it can be made a few months before the stress sets in, it's a great way to add your own flair and set the tone of your wedding, simply. Try this idea we found on the DIY Website...

A simple stencil on recycled paper creates a fun, fanciful style! Flip the stencil or use a different color paint or paper on your Thank You cards for a continuous look without extra work or cost.

Another way is to add a few signature ideas to a professional's touch. Like a few of your grandmother's antique brooches to your bouquet, perhaps?

Or add a few favorite recipes to your delicious wedding dinner!

Just hand your caterer your mother's (Top Secret!) Italian meatloaf recipe
and it can become Tuscan Mini Meatball Skewers with Rustic Italian Pepperonata. She, and the rest of your guests, will adore it!

Kyle + Mike

2010-08-17T07:21:00.000-07:00


This past weekend's wedding was a particularly special one for us. Mike, our service manager, married Kyle, one of our event planners. What an amazing gift to be able to witness two people fall in love, right in front of your eyes. And their wedding was i n c r e d i b l e . . .

Their custom made martini luge was the hit of the cocktail hour! Cotton Candy Martini, anyone?

LOVED the photo booth- it added a fun touch to a very elegant affair!

The ballroom absolutely sparkled with diamonds and the fresh flowers at each table were accented with dangling crystals and crystal rocks around the table.

The happy couple!

More photos to come of this amazing night...

Picnic Under the Stars

2010-08-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

A new idea for a casual, picnic wedding? Ditch the tables! AND chairs!

Offer each of your guests a blanket to sit on with a picnic basket dinner and mason jars full of lemonade.

Think of how much you’ll save on rentals, centerpieces, a fancy reception hall and decorations!

Just reserve your favorite park or even set up in your backyard.

Go all out with the picnic theme and set up areas of hula hoops for kids, horseshoe or croquet.

Dance under the stars, with grass under your feet and your closest family and friends nearby.

Finish your evening with a s'mores station, the perfect end to a warm summer night.

Just be sure to give your guests a heads up, so that Aunt Sharon doesn’t show up in that red mini dress and stilettos she loves so much…

Top 5 Wedding Food Myths

2010-08-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

One comment we hear constantly in the wedding business is, "We're not exactly foodies..." or "we love good food but we don't know much about gourmet." So we'd like to debunk the top 5 wedding food myths.

Myth #5- Family Style means Cheap and Easy

Eh, not exactly. From a caterers point of view, family style (when large platters of food are set out on the table for guests to pass around) certainly brings a level of intimacy to the event. However, it can be hard logistically. There tends to be a lot of extra food gone to waste, extra platters need to be rented, extra dishes to be washed, centerpieces are small or nonexistent... And unlike served dinners, your guests will be determining their portion size, instead of the trained Chef. So little Timmy might have eyes bigger than his stomach, leaving Uncle Joe with a smaller size (or feeling ripped off!). Family style can be done very nicely, but note that it requires a lot of planning to appear this casual.

Myth #4- Your alcohol choices are limited to nonalcoholic, wine and beer OR full bar. Period.

Mango Mojitos

While your venue may have specific limits on alcohol, you are by no means limited creatively in your cocktail conundrum. If you choose just wine and beer, add sangria to a summer wedding or hot spiced wine to a winter affair. Or champagne smoothies for a more whimsical touch.

Wanting to do a full bar but not sure what to get? Stick with the basics (vodka, rum, gin, tequila, whiskey), add in some mixers (triple sec, vermouth, sour mix, grenadine, soft drinks, juice), some garnish (lemons, limes, cherries and olives) and just a couple add-ins (Kahlua, Bailey's, etc.). Wedding guests know what they like to drink, but if offered a world of free liquor, most people use the opportunity to taste test (costing you more money).

A word on dry weddings... unless your venue forbids it or it's a morning ceremony, please consider cocktails. Remember that your guests will be mingling with strangers, sitting at a table of mixed company and dancing in the midst of many flash cameras going off. Since they are here to support you, libations are appreciated.

Myth #3- Buffet Food is straight out of the 80's

Garden Themed Buffet

The word buffet has become somewhat negative over the years- conjuring up images of chafing dishes, mirrored platters and servers with really bad hair. But the word has long evolved into a fresh, new take- ranging from towers of sculpted cuisine to creative arranged bites. And while chafing dishes may still show up at your wedding, rest assured that they will not be the centerpiece. Most caterers create beautiful food displays without being prompted, but be sure to let them know what your vision is. A candy themed wedding? How about strands of gumdrops draped in the background, with colorful layered platters holding your food. A rustic, outdoor celebration? Handwritten menu items on recycled paper can be hung from cut tree branches in a vase.

Myth #2- Vegetarian Bride means Vegetarian Wedding

Summer Pasta Toss

Oy. This is a popular one. Again, it's about personal taste and respecting that everyone might not share your love for tofu. But instead of the "Beef, Chicken or Veg" option, mix it up with a strolling station wedding. Offering tables and bars set up around the room with various items (both vegetarian and carnivorous) lets your guests mingle, cocktail in hand, and enjoy the best of both worlds! Besides, it much easier to convince your meat-and-potatoes family of the joy of vegetables when it's offered from an exotic station and not off of your fork with a plea of "try this!!"/

We suggest a Spanish tapas style mixed with Mediterranean. Garlicky, delicious hummus with freshly baked tortilla chips mingling with assorted olives, savory beef empanadas and lamb meatballs means heaven for your eclectic group of guests.

and the #1 Myth about Wedding Food- It Must Be Gourmet

Mac N' Cheese Cakes

This is your wedding. Don't let anyone tell you what "should" be or what they would do. If you and your fiance fell in love over a plate of Mexican food and a pitcher of margaritas, incorporate it into your wedding with Exotic Nacho Bites (individual baked tortilla chip bites topped with fresh pineapple mango salsa) with a Tropical Margarita Bar. Are you more the picnic type that can't stand stuffy affairs? Throw an outdoor wedding with Martini Hamburgers (to-die-for burgers stuffed with bleu cheese and olives and topped with crispy onion slices), a Smoked Sausage and Mixed Vegetable Grill and an array of salads and fresh fruits.

Anything can be made "gourmet". Mac N' Cheese, Bagels, Pizza, Sushi, Popcorn... Just stick with the foods you love and you can't go wrong.

Ann Arbor Farmers Market Wedding

2010-08-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

Mekkena and James celebrated their love with a true Ann Arbor classic. A unique wedding, in the middle of the most organic setting,
the Farmers Market.

After the farmers and vendors cleared their booths, the covered walkways were draped with twinkle lights and antique frames were hung.

The food was pure and simple, vivacious flavors of fresh tomato and garlic in the bruschetta, a tossed spinach and strawberry salad with crunchy pecans, herb crusted pork loin with Michigan apples and more.

Idea of the Week

2010-08-02T11:59:00.000-07:00

For weddings on a budget, in a limited venue or just looking for something fun, Champagne Smoothies are a must!

Champagne + Smoothies

Bartenders mix up fresh fruit and ice with champagne
and serve with a splash more on top.
Fruity and delicious, they're the perfect "blend"
for a beer-and-wine-only wedding!

Wedding Thoughts from Katherine

2010-07-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

"My daughter Amaron happened to be a bridesmaid
in the sweetest wedding I’ve attended lately.
The merging cultures brought a new light to sometimes ho hum wedding traditions. Her friend Katy, who is Colombian, married an American.

Her vows were said in Spanish, his in English.

Magical sounds, as each language co-mingled in the church.

The reception was brimming with the joy expressed by her family-
the love of music, family, hospitality and energy were very strong,
and despite the language barrier, I don’t believe I’ve ever been thanked so profusely and opening for attending a wedding- and not really by words,

but with hugs, smiles, and honest to goodness heartfelt hospitality.

We were encouraged to drink, dance and enjoy our event to the fullest. We even ended the night with a little treat, a bag of Colombian Coffee labeled "Katy and Eric... The Perfect Blend.

Too sweet!"

Sara and Alex

2010-07-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

This wedding was a fountain of romance. Glamorous touches everywhere with fun food stations set up to encourage mingling. Sara and Alex were one of those couples you look at and instantly think, "Wow, they were made for each other!". Truly wonderful family and it showed- happiness abounded at this big day!

Photos are courtesy of the incredible Abby Rose. She has such a gift for telling the love story...

Ah, the food! We served stations- Mini Gourmet Burgers, Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Shooters, Shrimp wrapped in Bacon, and lots of cocktails and hors d'oeuvre!

This kid is just too cute!

Don't you want to be at this party??

Such a beautiful couple...

A Barefoot, Backyard Favorite

2010-07-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

"The food was amazing and we received so many compliments!"
- Sarah Foster, Bride
When Sarah and Adam tied the knot, the wedding was a casual, homegrown dream. A backyard affair with Sarah in a brilliant, flowy gown and Adam in khakis. We fell in love with this couple- and their dream wedding!

Part of the buffet setup... out of the way and delicious!

I do!!!

Cozy seating around the yard made for a nice, intimate atmosphere

Chef Todd, doing his thing!

Guests mingling

Rockin Band!

And they made their getaway in a little rowboat off onto the lake...

Intern Bobby's Tips for the Groom

2010-07-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

"When I was in the wedding planning process for my own wedding I could never find any resources that gave me ideas or help. As the groom you are rarely given advice on your wedding because this is the “big” day for the bride.
Here is a list of different ideas that I felt would help lost grooms in their wedding planning process. The tips listed below are ones that I tried and they worked for wedding.

1. Be Helpful
As your soon-to-be bride becomes more and more stressed you will need to be more assisting than you ever have been before. When I say that you need to be helpful I mean that you need to actually ask your fiancé if she needs help. Also you can be helpful by doing tasks that are not asked of you by your fiancé, like cleaning and preparing a surprise dinner after she gets home from work. Wedding planners are also a great help!

2. Be Involved
By being involved with the process you will be able to make the day more feel like it is your “big” day as well. You need to have an opinion. If you do not like something you need to mention it so you feel more are part of the wedding. If you attend something as simple as the food tasting you can show your fiancé that you are being more helpful.

3. Be Sentimental
There is one thing that is true of most women if not all women, they love when you are sentimental. On the day of the wedding you could give your soon-to-be wife a small gift with a hand written note. Also writing your own vows is very impressive and shows you actually care. My wife and I did our own vows, which you do not have to do, but the moment made us feel more connected because we were looking into each other’s eyes as we said our vows.

4. Enjoy the Time
When you enjoy the process you will get more out of the actual wedding when the day arrives. Being helpful and involved will make you appreciate the food or cake because you made it a point to show your involvement in the wedding day process. What I felt was that when the day arrived I wanted to let loose and enjoy the wedding and enjoy being with my new bride!"

Alyssa + Howard, A Vintage Affair

2010-07-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Alyssa and Howard's wedding was the kind you dream about. A small affair, 24 guests, but the celebration of a lifetime.

Everything vintage- 1930's inspiration in the dress, the decor, the guests' attire, even the food! Lobster Bisque, Filet Mignon, a gourmet cheese course,... A small, candlelit tent on a cool September evening was the perfect setting for this mysteriously romantic night.

Barbara Schuster, the dynamic mother of the bride even commented, "It really was an amazing night. Everything just meshed together to bring about a truly beautiful wedding for them. I really believe a HUGE part of that success was the catering. From the very first phone call until 4:30am the next morning of the wedding (as the party was finally winding down!) Katherine's Catering was so professional, helpful, courteous, amazing staff, I could go on and on."

Photos are courtesy of Jessica Johnston, absolutely incredible. Her work is just beyond words.

Picnics, Carnivals and Fairs

2010-07-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

The ever popular "Picnic-Style" Wedding has been growing over the past few years and we've certainly seen our fair share. But lately they've taken somewhat of a fun twist...

Picnic weddings have always been a reliable way to have a frugal and fun reception, but by getting a little creative and letting their hair down a bit, many brides are now turning the BIG DAY into a carnival like celebration! It's a chance to enjoy classic favorites like hamburgers and hot dogs with cotton candy, pretzels, cheesesteak sandwiches and more- without looking cheap or tacky.
But like any good wedding, it has to be done right.

A themed wedding, any theme, needs to be carried out entirely or the whole thing falls apart and looks mismatched. Like an elegant, black tie wedding with a partial baseball theme, it just doesn't work if the elements don't match up.

But take heart!
Being "themed" doesn't cost an extraordinary amount of money-
nor does it mean that your wedding has become a three ring circus. Rent a local park or use a family member's backyard. Recruit friends to help make fun games like ring tosses and photo boards. Hire a local art student to draw caricatures. Ditch the flowers and decorate with candy- rock candy bouquets, cotton candy centerpieces, gumball favors, etc.

It's a chance to celebrate this incredible day, your way. Show off who you and your groom are, your interests, your whimsical side. After all, once the vows are said and rings are exchanged, isn't it just one big celebration??
Loosen up and have fun!
It's your day.