Catering By Robert . Event Concepts : 06/01/2015

Monday, June 29, 2015

Client Relationships Span over The Years

Lilly and Eddie

One of the most rewarding parts of being in the wedding business is when a former client hires us again for a son or daughter's special day. Such was the case for Eddie whose sister's (Ann"s) wedding we did over 12 years ago!!!! Facebook was not a factor here, but his mom, Kathy remembered us when it came time to celebrate another wedding in the family.

Lilly was from China. Despite the language challenges, the Kelsey family considered lot of her preferences for color and design. Again, this second family reception was to be held in their Seffner church hall. The colors: turquoise and red. Former bride, Ann, now has an Etsy website devoted to children's wear. Her creative thinking really pulled all of the ideas together.

We utilized many turquoise accents for table swags, runners and chair ties. Their dj furnished a similar color of uplighting around the room.

We utilized some of our in-house silk calla lilies for the buffet piece and the church hall's lattice pieces were placed in strategic places as backdrops.

Cake was provided by Publix.

Sister-in-law, Ann, created some dramatic guest table centerpieces in tall cylinders using submerged white silk flowers and led lights.

We loved the contrast of the two turquoise runners with a frilly damask organza runner in the center. Red Chinese take out container boxes with favor candies were placed at each guest setting.

It's All in the Details - Clubhouse Wedding in Lakeland

Leighann and Aaron
Selected Photos by Tod Thompson Photography*

A wedding day is all about details. I cannot think of one detail left out of Leighann and Aaron's stunning summer wedding held in a lovely functional clubhouse just northeast of Lakeland. Much of this attention to detail was due to the remarkable relationship Leighann had with her talented mom, Ginger. Although we were brought in to the planning process just two months before the wedding, mother and daughter had 90% of their ideas already "in play."

A super sharp aqua, platinum/gray and white color scheme transformed the community clubhouse into a nautical wonderland. Leighann and Ginger were very open to some other texture options such as silver chevron runners between two aqua runners on each guest tables. They took advantage of our in-house centerpieces and utilized our white carriage lanterns with just a "smiggen" of baby's breath they provided for each table.

The dynamic duo: Ginger and Leighann above.

Although the bluish color scheme was a definite statement for the reception, Leighann opted to include a vibrant combination of fuchsia, orange, lime green, and yellow into her bouquets.

Photographer, Todd Thompson made certain he captured all of the small details of Leighann's attire in the wedding pictures.

Dad was very involved in the wedding day leading the room set-up just hours before the ceremony started in the same area as the reception. Below, Aaron takes a moment to reflect upon on a special note from Leighann during the "getting ready time."

We started with all of the chairs in place for the initial ceremony. Guest tables were pre-set around the perimeter and then our staff reset them with chairs once social hour began.

We loved all of the corresponding details of the aqua, white, and platinum theming. The "dynamic duo" thought of everything from an aqua colored program basket to framed bridal party bios for everyone to view during social hour.

Our staff was more than happy to place everything once our linens were set so the family could enjoy more of the wedding day festivities.

Although Leighann was a bit nervous moments before the ceremony, her mom and dad assured her that everything was perfect.

During the social hour, we featured a stationary presentation of of our hot beer cheese with various dipping items

Chairs were placed around guest tables and Leighann and Aaaron and bridal party members were whisked away to nearby Hollis Gardens for formal pictures.

Mason jar toasting glasses for the bride and groom.

Photo booth fun was provided by Nature Coast Entertainment who also did the dj services.

We loved the opportunity to be creative in our use of chevron designs for the buffet, head table, and cake presentations.

Cakes by Maggi created an ombre design for the couple's wedding cake.

Many fond memories are left with us after this very special celebration. We are very blessed to still be a part of Leighann and Aaron's lives as our relationship lives on via Facebook!

Planning, Design, Coordinating and Catering: Catering By Robert / Event Concepts . FL

Tod Thompson Photography

DJ and Photobooth: Nature Coast Entertainment

Wedding Cake: Cakes by Maggi

Fresh Flowers: Publix, Lakeland

Destination Wedding Brings Family Closer to the 'Heart'

Melissa and Kevin
Private Home, Bradenton
Select Photos by Celebrations of Tampa Bay*

A destination wedding in the Bradenton area, Melissa and Kevin's celebration was full of emotion. Family and friends - mostly all from Connecticut, gathered for an intimate wedding week to be closer to elderly grandparents who would not be able to travel.

Several days before they were to get married at the private vacation rental home, Melissa's brother had a heart attack. Although he eventually was stabilized in the Bradenton hospital, the family was cautious in how "joyful" the wedding would be.

We were thankful to have been able to visit with them several days before to hear the news in person. As a result we were able to take a more neutral approach in how we handled things the day of the wedding. This is one of the risks you take planning a wedding far from home.

About 60 guests were in attendance at the July celebration. The venue had a large lakeview lot and most of the activities were held inside the house because of the heat.

We loved working with Randy of Celebrations of Tampa Bay. He graciously wore three hats that day to be the photographer, videographer, and dj for this simple gathering. The ceremony was held on the lawn under one of our arbors. Guests were able to enjoy the shade of a large tree.

White wood folding chairs from the ceremony were brought indoors for the reception. Melissa and her mom chose a pale pink and white/silver color scheme. Carmen of Carmen's Flowers provided the simple wedding flowers and an assortment of loose buds we incorporated into our bubble bowl centerpieces on the guest tables.

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, Melissa and Kevin chose an assortment of Brownies on a tiered cupcake stand. These were custom made by Sweet Tweets Cakery.

Below are some of the highlights of this very special wedding.

Melissa spends a special moment with her mom.

We offered guests an array of hand-passed hors d'oeuvres which ranged from seasonal fruit skewers to gazpacho "shooters," smoked swordfish canapes, and our popular meatballs.

We did a lot of freshly prepared foods both indoors and out (behind the scenes). We sauteed fresh shrimp for the New England Newberg and grilled Italian Chicken.