Emily and Doug | Cary Pennington Photography | La Jolla Women’s Club

Wisconsin met California at this La Jolla Women’s Club wedding on Saturday, March 21, 2015. Paige with Bliss Events did an amazing job of coordinating this Midwest/West Coast wedding. Emily and Doug used influences from both of their home states to showcase each other’s roots. Emily being from California featured tray passed sliders during the cocktail hour, and Doug, hailing from Wisconsin had bacon wrapped kielbasas passed around. It was a really fun wedding complete with lawn games to keep their guests entertained and a photobooth to keep the fun going. Both the bride and groom were glowing all night.  Cary Pennington Photography captured this special day so beautifully.  Congrats to this wonderful couple!

Sarah and Dave | Glasz Productions | Darlington House

We were really feeling the love as Sarah Lovin turned into SarahEberlin on June 6, 2015.  Dave and Sarah exchanged their vows at one of our favorite spots, the Darlington House, where they continued to celebrate and danced the night away. Love was truly in the air that day as our bride and groom radiated with happiness throughout the entire night. It was wonderful to be a part of this adorable couple’s big day.  Thank you to Glasz Productions for the beautiful pictures. Good luck to the new Eberlins!

Brittany and Callan | ABM Photography | Darlington House

Brittany and Callan got married at the Darlington House on May 5th, 2015. Thank you to ABM Photography for sending over these beautiful pictures. It was such a beautiful day to match an equally as beautiful bride, to go along with her handsome groom. These two love birds could not stop smiling, and it was plain to see the love they have for each other.   The McLaughlins are two of the sweetest people we know and it was such a joy to be a part of their wedding. We are sure there are great things in store for these newly weds, and we wish them a world of love and happiness!

4 Wedding Trends that are Here to Stay

The wedding business, like any business creates its own trends and fads. Some come and go, and some make a lasting impression.  Below are 4 wedding trends that we love, and with ever-growing popularity, are here to stay!

#1. Signature Drinks

I know we have mentioned these before, but we really do love the signature drink.  It is a great way to add a personal touch to your event in a way that guests appreciate and are excited about. You can do a single drink that represents your newly married status, or two drinks that draw from each of your personalities.  For example if the bride has a bubbly personality, try mixing her favorite juice with champagne and top it off with her favorite fruit.  For a more masculine drink for the groom try his favorite whisky or liquor and top it with a simple fruit, such as a lime. Keep in mind your signature does not have contain alcohol.  It could just be a refreshing delicious drink. Whatever you decide, be creative and choose fun names that really show off your personalities.

#2. Family Style Receptions

Lately we have been seeing more and more requests for family style receptions; and we think it’s great! This is more of a classic wedding style that has been re-introduced, where food is placed on the table and your guests help themselves and each other to the delicious entrees you have provided. This promotes a warm and friendly atmosphere amongst your guests. To create more of a “family” feel your guests can be seated across from each other at long banquet tables or at intimate round tables.

#3. Bird Cage Veils

With the growing popularity of outdoor weddings, long cathedral veils don’t seem to be practical (even though we do love cathedral veils!). The birdcage veil is just enough to add a little something special to your look, instantly adding a touch of elegance, sophistication, and vintage glamour to your look. If you aren’t a fan of the birdcage try a beaded or flowery headband.

#4. Midnight Snacks

In the hustle and bustle of the wedding and dancing your guests may build up an appetite.  What better way to satisfy this than a delicious midnight snack at the end of the night?  A midnight snack station could consist of pizza, sliders, donuts, or really any type of comfort food for your guests to revive them after a long night of dancing and maybe some cocktails. This is also a great way to send your guests home with love in their hearts and food in their bellies.

Wedding Food Trends We Love

Gone are the days of bad food at weddings.  More and more couples are really focusing on the food aspect of their wedding. Food at weddings isn’t just a thing to fill a need for your guests; it’s a way to really wow them! With more and more “foodies” in this generation couples can really amp up their wedding with some fun, creative, and delicious food options. Check out some wedding food trends that we can’t help but love!

Treats and Desserts as Favors

Recently guests have been growing tired of the standard favors that they most likely won’t use after the wedding, but one thing we have noticed as that people go crazy for food-related favors.  A candy bar is a popular favor that guests love.  If you are looking for a little something different give out something that you and your fiancé both love.  Maybe on your first date you found out you both loved peanut butter cookies and give them out as favors. This way you add your own personal touch, while giving your guests something they will love!

Donuts

Donuts are a big one this year. It seems to be the new craze whether it’s a cronut or a gourmet maple bacon donut; guests just can’t get enough of them!  You can choose to forgo a cake, if you aren’t really into cake that much, or use it as a dessert enhancement to satisfy your sweet tooth.  Donuts can be stacked up high with different flavors or spread out on an assortment of platters.  Either way, have fun with it and choose flavor that you like!

Stations

Stations are growing ever so popular in the wedding world.  If you are looking for more of a moving style reception, but you don’t want your guests to have to wait in a long line for their food, try out stations.  Your stations can all work together to form a cohesive menu, or you can mix up your selections to give your guests a little bit of everything.  Scattering your stations will allow your guests to move about your reception and not be confined to their tables.

Gourmet Comfort Food          

For a lot of your guests, the most memorable part of the wedding is the food. Your menu does not have to be limited to just chicken and fish! Some of the most memorable menus we’ve seen involve lots of comfort foods. Imagine your guests’ faces when they walk into your reception expecting to see the typical trays hors d’oeuvres and instead find mini chicken and waffles with BBQ Maple Sauce or mini sliders with smoked gouda; or even a mini grilled cheese with a tomato bisque shooter!

Melissa and Tiny Featured on Equal and Forever

 Two of our sweet brides were featured on Equal and Forever this week!  The article high-lighted their adorable first look pictures taken by Altar Image Photography at the beautiful Mt. Woodson Castle, their ceremony officiated by the great Bethel Nathan, and their fun, laid back, backyard reception.  It was a beautiful day, perfect for such a truly beautiful couple inside and out. If you would like to look at the article you can go to:

https://equalandforever.com/rustic-wedding-in-ramona-california/

Joshua and Robert | True Photography Weddings | The Ultimate Skybox

We are so happy that we were able to be a part of this beautiful wedding on April 25th, 2015 at The Ultimate Skybox. Robert and Joshua tied the knot overlooking Petco Park with the fans erupting in cheers shortly after the couple was announced, making it seem like all of Petco Park was cheering them on! True Photography Weddings outdid themselves yet again capturing the love and joy of this terribly cute couple.  It was truly a delight to work with Joshua and Robert.  We wish them lots of love and happiness in their marriage.

Let Us Help You Host Your Company Party

It’s about that time of year to start planning for your company party, whether it’s a summer company picnic or a festive holiday party, either way we have  got you covered. What better way to show your appreciation for your hard working employees than a party?! It doesn’t have to be an extreme and extravagant event, (but if it is we can certainly help). Personal Touch Dining can offer you an array of different options from an over the top knock your socks off extravaganza to a down to earth family friendly picnic enjoyed by all ages. We can help you arrange entertainment and activities for your event to make it a fun and memorable experience that has your employees feeling appreciated and excited for the next year’s company party! No matter what type of event you are creating, the food and service will always be of great quality.