Catering By Robert . Event Concepts : The Right Chemistry at the Morean Center for Clay

Thursday, August 8, 2019

The Right Chemistry at the Morean Center for Clay

Kate and Kevin

Photos by Rachael Burkhart

A destination wedding for almost all of the guests, Kate and Kevin's celebration weekend in mid-summer was a welcome break from their education endeavors back in Alabama. They started their journey with us nine months prior to their wedding. Although their visiting time here was limited, we accomplished a huge amount of detailed planning via emails, texts, and phone calls. Their college studies kept them busy.

During one important visit to Tampa Bay, we were able to do a tasting and sample guest table trial at our studio. They also were able to sample some sweet options from Goldies Goodies Bakery, located a mile from us.

Kate's aunt lived in St. Pete so they decided to hold their ceremony at St. Raphael's Catholic Church with the reception at the Morean Center for Clay.

The couple's vision of simple elegance, neat and natural came to life in the center, which once housed a bustling train station. Located in the St. Pete Warehouse Arts District, the Morean Center for Clay offers lots of natural light via its floor to almost ceiling height windows. Exposed brick walls created a timeless backdrop for their 120+ reception.

Kate and her entourage enjoyed the comforting, "getting ready" surroundings of her aunt's home in Snell Isle.

Kevin and his guys rented an Airbnb close by.

Spending time with family and friends was a big priority for Kate and Kevin. Thus, they made the decision to do a first look before the wedding so formalities were kept to a minimum. They also wanted to be a part of some of the social hour.

The couple entrusted our team with installing and placing many different DIY projects they enjoyed creating during their free time together. One was a welcome sign hung at the entrance to the center.

The small lobby had the perfect amount of space for a welcome/sign in/seating chart table. We hung a collage of pictures with a chemistry formula . . . representing their mutual fondness of the subject.

Guests signed jenga pieces.

A simple photo booth was set up next to some high top cocktail tables also in the area.

Inside the main room, our service staff hand-passed an assortment of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres that include Caprese Skewers, Mini Quiche, Kielbasa and Apple Brochettes with Carmel Sauce, Mango Salsa in Phyllo Cup and Drunkin Dogs. (below is a separate presentation we offered the bride and groom at their head table)

Not long after the reception started, the couple arrived with their bridal party.

Kate and Kevin expressed an interest in having all long feasting tables for the guests. This formation suited the center layout to a "T." White garden chairs added to the bright disposition of the sunlit space.

The bride had collected a huge assortment of small and medium clear glass vessels which we mixed with some of our crystal bud vases and other in-house pieces. Her florist provided an assortment greens and white/blush buds which we placed in the vessels down the centers of the tables.

Wedgewood/Dusty Blue runners and napkins, along with silver chargers added a subtle pop of color to the all white tables.

Three off-center flower hoops were hung behind the traditional head table. We utilized additional greenery garlands and the church altar arrangements to add décor to this focal point table.

The father of the bride provided a casual cigar bar that was set up under a wood and tin roof pavilion across the parking lot from the clay center.

Kate and Kevin gave us some leeway in how we utilized their wedding colors for the buffet and other display tables. We chose some custom watercolor blue and sage green accent fabrics along with our tall in-house candle holders.

Our popular Paella was a hit of the evening.

As they had hoped, Kate and Kevin had plenty of time to visit with the many guests who traveled near and far to be a part of their special day.

Goldies Goodies Bakery was our suggestion for a small formal wedding cake with miniature displayed confections that ranged from mini parfaits to macarons. We provided the stands for these.