A Tasting With Duvall Catering

A few weeks ago, we were invited to a tasting by Duvall Catering and Event Design.    Duvall, while having been well established in Charleston, SC for over 33 years, is relatively new to the Upstate in Greenville, SC.  Caroline Heuring the Catering Sales and Event Coordination Manager set up quite a tasty display for us.  My favorite, if I had to pick one, was the chicken tenders with little vials
of sauce.  I thought that was so unique and clever.

Here are some phone pics of the different treats we enjoyed.  If you’re interested in talking with Duvall about your event, be sure to let Caroline know.  Caroline@EventsbyDuvall.com

Having Your Cake and Eating it Too.

Pic Source:  Woman Day Budget Weddings,Cake by Dan Pasky

Let’s say you have seriously fallen in love with an over the top wedding cake.  Problem is there is no way you can afford this cake in the size you need to feed your 200 guests.  Well you might solve this problem, by having the cake made in a smaller size and then surrounding it with cupcakes made of the same flavors.  You get your beautiful detailed cake for you and the groom to slice and the guests get to taste the delicious flavors.  It’s a win, win.

Want to save even more?  Have your small cake out front for guests to see but order kitchen cakes (iced but undecorated sheet cakes).  These are actually cut in the kitchen and then brought out and served to guests.  Again, you get the beautiful cake for your event, the guests get the great flavors and you save money.

A Wedding With a View - Chattooga Belle Farms

 On Sunday, we did a wedding at Chattooga Belle Farms.  What a setting, the view is unbelievable.  The view at sunset will bring tears to your eyes.  Knowing this, our bride did not want to do anything to compete with the view.  Flowers were minimal, simple bowls of blue, white and yellow blooms.  But a lot of color was added with the table linens the bride had specially made for the occasion.

These brightly colored cloths were the “sign in” book for the guests.  Each table had colored pens available for each guest to sign their names, draw a picture, write advice or make a wish for the couple.  Since this couple has friends and family in several states, they are planning several different receptions.  The table linens will be used at each reception and once the receptions are completed they will be turned into a quilt for the couple.

Since this couple does a lot of international travel, the bride had the chance to do a lot of wedding dress shopping across the ocean.  And this fashion diva did not let any of her finds go to waste.  She had 3 outfit changes during the evening and each dress was breath taking.

For cocktail hour wine was served that was local from Chattooga Belle Farms itself.  Beer and soft drinks were also served.  A beautiful strawberry tree drizzled in white chocolate was the showpiece of the food display.  Along with that there was a fruit and vegetable display.  Dinner was hors d’oeuvres of pumpkin bread, amaretto spread, quiche and smoked turkey with sweet potato biscuits.  There was a yummy smoked salmon display with bagel crisps.

The wedding cake was made by the bride herself (she does this for a living).  Since they both work for a college, it was stacked books that represented both their interests.  The top was a heart that reads C2, both their last names start with the letter C.

The bride wanted a wedding that was all about the view, fashion and fun.  That was exactly what she got.

Cute Find

Now I have to say this is a pretty cute idea.  Made from your photograph, it is unqiue and personalized.  There are several different styles to choose from.  Check it out at Simply Silhouettes.

Source:  Simply Silhouettes

Hunter and Justin's Southern Charm Wedding

Saturday’s wedding of Hunter and Justin took place at the Greer, SC home of her grandparents.  This home is a very special place and a perfect setting for a wedding.  Hunter envisioned a June wedding with a soft elegant feel.  It was all about Southern charm and shabby chic elegance.   Colors were soft bridal pinks, antique lavender and a bold plum to add a pop of color.  Linens were soft ivory with an overlay in a tone on tone ivory leaf pattern.  Cocktail tables were covered in ivory and tied with dusty rose sashes that matched the blooming garden flowers.

The ceremony took place under a tent in the front yard with a back drop of huge shade trees, a fountain and blooming flowers.  The couple stood beneath an arch of beautiful flowers to say their vows.  The pathway to the arch was covered in petals.

This couple is all about family and it was reflected everywhere in the reception.  Family wedding photos were displayed throughout the reception and generations of wedding gowns were displayed on mannequins in the pre-reception area. Hunter’s antique toy car welcomed guests as they entered the party area.  Hunter’s collection of antique butter dishes were used on guest tables.  Bird cages of varying sizes were filled with flowers and placed on some guest tables.  Other tables held low silver bowls or tall glass arrangements of hydrangeas, roses, callas and snap dragons. Cocktail tables were decorated with candles and mint julep cups filled with flowers.

The pre-reception menu featured fresh fruit with chocolate mousse dip, imported cheese and crackers.  Guests were met by servers carrying silvers trays of wild salmon salad in a cucumber cup or smoked duck breast on toast with red onion jam.  There was also pink punch with edible purple orchids. 

Dinner was action stations of grilled medallions of beef or roasted pork loin crusted with Dijon and herb bread crumbs with cranberry and apple chutney.  Chicken Slovakia with cucumber and mint sauce and grilled vegetables were served.  There was also mussels’ sautéed in white wine and low country shrimp with a tasso and tomato gravy served over aged cheddar grits.  Accompanying this was jalapeno and cheddar corn bread and crusty French bread.  There was a mashed potato martini bar with bacon, chives, smoked Gouda, cheddar, sun dried tomatoes, sour cream and at least a dozen other toppings.   

Dessert was a wedding cake work of art.  On top of the cake were an antique bride and groom.  The flavors were raspberry, milk chocolate, lemon with blackberries and chocolate with strawberries.  Fancy coffee drinks were available at the coffee bar.

After dancing the night away, the tired couple left in Hunter’s grandfather’s antique car.  The perfect ending to a perfect wedding.

Hunter and Justin's Wedding

Here are just a few pictures to get you excited about the extraordinary wedding we did this weekend. Much more to come!

What Goes Into Setting Up a Reception Tent

Ever wondered what goes into setting up a tent for a wedding reception.  We have a wedding under a tent this weekend and tent setup started today.  They actually started setting up about 9:00.  We were there at 1:00 and took some pictures I thought you might find interesting.  Enjoy.