Light-Hearted Fall Wedding at Tampa Bay Watch

Briana and Louis

I knew when I first met Briana and Louis, that they were a "team" in planning their late November wedding at Tampa Bay Watch. They decided on a joint email address for wedding related communications that both could access, and they shared lots of thoughts and ideas whenever we met.

Photos by A Stewart Graphics, Photo

On their wedding day, they had many emotional, yet positive moments together as they realized all of their planning decisions had been achieved.

When I asked them what were most important aspects of their wedding day, they said family, first dance, food, and cake . . . all in that order. They attended as many of our food tasting events as possible and based much of their reception food on those experiences.

Since Louis had proposed to Briana on the beach, Tampa Bay Watch was the perfect location for both ceremony and reception. Their color combination of white, navy and silver played out well.

Here is Briana and Louis' wedding day in pictures!

Our white pergola arbor was used for the ceremony along with our white shepherd hooks and hanging white lanterns down the aisle

The Sirata Beach Resort was their chosen hotel for getting ready and guest room block.

Hand-Passed Hors D'oeuvres included Caprese Skewers with Basalmic Drizzle, Spring Rolls, Deep Fried Mac and Cheese Bites, Sesame Chicken Strips with Honey Mustard, Crab Stuffed Mushroom Caps, and Proscuitto Wrapped Melon

 

 

Centerpieces were our 14" glass cylinders with florist provided white hydrangea stems. We utilized other blue and white stems in our containers on other tables. 

Although we served our popular Paella during the reception, it was freshly prepared in our ground level "tent" kitchen. 

We always give brides and grooms the option of us bringing their dinner plates to them at their table  

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

Photography: A Steward Graphics, Photo and Video

DJ: DeLite Entertainment

Florist: Jason's Creations

Videographer: CLN Videographer

Fall Client Open House at Southern Plantation Oasis

As a client of Catering By Robert /Event Concepts. FL, you are invited to attend multiple group tastings which focus on our diverse menu offerings. 

Since we do not need to know clients' final menu selections until two weeks prior to their events, these open house tastings are excellent opportunities to sample a variety of options prepared for 50 or more attendees.

Our host for our fall open house and food tasting was the incredible Southern Plantation Oasis specializing in wedding weekend packages. 

Since private mansion/vacation rental settings make up 50% of our annual events, we welcomed our current clients to experience the hospitality we provide in this unique and often challenging outdoor atmosphere.

This expansive estate is conveniently located just minutes off the Veteran's Expressway/Suncoast Parkway in the Lutz area of Hillsborough County. While the house resembles a plantation house, the centerpiece of the property focuses around a large tropical pool area complete with waterfall and lagoon. Just about any theme goes here.

Our theme for this event was "Ports of Call" which featured cuisine from around the world.

Because rain was expected, we located guest tables under the first breezeway adjoining the house with a garage area (where we do much of our prep work). Food was served mostly on the back covered veranda. We utilized the adorable Tiki Bar for complimentary Blue Hawaiins and other beverages for our guests.

We chose a color palette of silver, rose, and various shades of blue ranging from baby blue to  wedgewood to royal.

While acquiring a tent for the guest seating area is a plus, we demonstrated that clients holding all outdoor events at Southern Plantation Oasis, have some options for inclement weather. We were able to accommodate up to 60 guests under the first breezeway which connected to other covered areas where sign-in, gift table, bar, and food tables could be located.   

Even though SPO is located near lots of natural preserves and woodlands, it gets its fair share of tropical breezes which can be a challenge for guest table settings. Napkin folds that are secured over our in-house charger plates, are one of the best ways to make sure settings stay in place. Lower centerpieces anchored by water have less chance of tipping over.

The expansive wrap around porch offers cover and shade for welcoming guests.

Social hour hors d'oeuvres are one of the first impressions guests receive. Our talented on-site culinary staff takes special time to make sure these tidbits look appealing and interesting. 

Venetian Salami Coronets with Garlic 

Proscuitto-Buffalo Cheese Pinwheels

Memphis Bourbon Drunkin Dogs

Key West Coconut Shrimp with Rasberry-Marmelade Dipping Sauce

Singapore Spring Rolls

Cucumber Rounds with Garlic Pate

Southern France Mini Quiche

 Greek Calamari

Mumbai Curried Chicken Salad Tartlets

Our buffet and stations featured our chafing dishes inside wood crates protecting the heat from the wind.

One of our station features was an Italian favorite, Chicken Frangelica. Tender chicken medallions were sautéed in heavy cream with shallots and red and green peppers, and then flamed with Frangelica liquer. Toasted hazelnuts provided the finishing touches.  

Pasta Primavera

Hand-Torched Montreal Maple Glazed Salmon 

over Wild Rice

Our carved feature was Hawaiian Honey Glazed Ham served with Pineapple Salsa and Hawaiin Rolls.

Our displayed salad was Mandarin Orange with Toasted Coconut, Red Onion, and a Citrus Viniagrette Dressing.

Many thanks to Southern Plantation Oasis and West Coast Events and Rentals for being a part of this event.