TWO FOR THE GARDEN - Part One

Catering By Robert / Event Concepts . FL coicidently hosted two wedding events at the Ybor State Museum two weeks apart this past spring. Each had its own unique elements which reflected the personalities and tastes of each couple.

The first, in mid-March, included the on-site ceremony simply set in front of the garden fountain. Anyone who has done events at the museum already realizes the challenges posed by an all outdoor garden setting. This wedding was no exception. Our amazingly adaptable staff skillfully dealt with falling leaves, shedding pollen, and unpredictable gusts of wind throughout the five hour event. As the sun set, so did our light source behind the scenes. Temporary spot lights were set up along the narrow dirt corridor to our truck loading area.

Never-the-less, Amy and Sean's wedding celebration showed few signs of our behind-the scenes struggles.

Chairs with our covers were first utilized for the short ceremony, and then placed around guest tables in a separate area of the museum garden during the social hour. Their color scheme of burgundy and honey gold fit perfectly within the natural surroundings of the Ybor garden area. Our wrought iron centerpieces wrapped with our in-house ivy and client-provided miniature grape clusters, added personality to the honey pintuck overlays and mom, Becky's custom made stripped runners.

We dug into our in-house fabric inventory for floor length burgundy & gold coverings and print overlays for the buffets, bar, and cake table. Also, our tall black wrought iron candle holders were utilized on the place card and entry tables just inside the main gate entrance. Because of the museum's strict policy regarding candlewax spills, the client asked us to furnish hurricane shades and faux LED pillar candles to be placed around the fountain. Our ivory urns filled with silk burgundy roses were strategically placed on other display tables throughout the reception.

Here's some snapshots of this well-orchestrated wedding and reception at the Ybor State Museum. Our other celebration for Lindsey and J.J. will be profiled in our next blog.

The buffet stations were located in the center portion of the garden . . . accessible from the guest tables near the entrance and the dance floor/bar areas toward the back.





The gift table matched the guest table decor
and our tall wrought iron stands offered contrast
to the white brick wall backdrop.

Place cards were anchored on the table by netted bags of candy.



Wedding guests focused their attention across the fountain
to the simple ceremony area.

The full service bar was tucked away in a corner of the dance area.
One of the advantages to holding an event at the garden is the
ability to furnish your own alcohol with our liquor liability
insurance and open bar service.

Our square glass vases held faux grape clusters and were placed on the
high top cocktail tables in the social area.

Dusk brought a new emphasis on the candle lit guest tables,
hurricane globes around the fountain,
and the vintage street lights in the center of the museum garden.

We elevated the all white wedding cake and
surrounded it with silk ivy and grape clusters.
It was protected from the "elements" by
being placed under the stage over-
hang next to the dj



The Power of the Flower: Heidi & Ben

April 16, 2011 Harbor Hall Dunedin, FL

Heidi and Ben's colorful wedding reception reflected their emphasis on vibrant flower shades of Pistachio Green and Azalea Pink found in daisies, poms, and hydrangea. The 100-person wedding filled the hall to capacity but with plenty of dance floor available for the celebration that continued after dinner.

The backdrop behind the sweetheart table was bathed in bright pink lighting. Our tall white "sails" are an affordable option used to
fill blank walls with texture and reflected lighting.


The youngest member of the bridal party, posed for the camera.