I LOVE telling the story of Sara and Rocky… {Yes, I love all of our couples} not only are they an AMAZING couple; but, they came prepared to be active participants in telling their own story…and it came in several parts
Sara and Rocky, like many of our couples are into food – I think it’s part of being a generation raised with The Food Network.
The story they wanted to tell through food was about the places they each grew up, where they met, and where they live…
A great concept by itself, but they {specifically Sara} wanted to take this one step further –
Rocky has some rather severe food allergies {I think I’ve memorized the entire list} and it was very, very important to Sara that Rocky have a wedding day free of any worries about what he could and could not eat at their wedding reception.
So she and I set off on a mission to work with the team from Max and Me (now Brûlée Catering) to develop a menu and their chef really hit it out of the park!
We started with ‘tasting plates’ reflecting home – LA for Rocky with Grilled Tuna Loin and fresh Guacamole on a Tortilla Crisp and Philly for Sara with Warm Cheese Ravioli in a Tomato Cream….
Then on to Ithaca where they met and Braised Short Ribs and Savory Oatmeal – what sound like an odd combination was a wonderful warm reflection of the comfort food up upstate New York.
On to a favorite location – Tahoe with a fresh tossed salad in a martini class consisting of Apples, Asparagus, Endive and Bibb Lettuce tossed in a Lemon Vinaigrette.
And finally, to Washington, D.C. where they currently live; with Crab Cakes and a Sweet Corn Puree
Signage was key in conveying the experience to the guests as cards listing the cities were places on the stations and butler passed trays.
Dinner came with its own menu card explaining their love of travel and food including an explanation of foods guests had sampled earlier as well as special nods to special places.
A first course of Fresh Watercress, Butter Lettuce and Frisee with Roasted Beets, Toasted Pine Nuts, Orange Aioli, Light Sherry Vinaigrette an Herbed Filo Tuile took them back to the green hills and lush valleys of Lake Tahoe.
Sautéed Sea Bass with a Spicy Gazpacho & Basil Drizzle was reminiscent of Sacramento and a favorite Latin restaurant and many weekend dates; guests were also able to choose from a Seared Filet Mignon with Sauce Amarone telling of the steakhouses of New York and LA where families met and got to know each other.
Special thought was take to care for Vegan and Vegetarian friends with a special Cornmeal Crusted Eggplant with Sweet Corn Pupusas, Spicy Tomato Chutney and Roasted Plantains – reminding them of “Ithaca where loving the land is the custom and finding the love of your life is just plain lucky”
Not only did this meal tell the story of Sara and Rocky – but family and friends felt connected and cared for…
Who could ask for anything more on their wedding day?
Special thanks to Alison Conklin Photography {Alison and Geoff} for sharing their amazing images with us…{You'll see more in part two of Sara and Rocky's Wedding}
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