Matt Sibley and Devon McDonel 12.30.2011 Louisiana Old Governor's Mansion - Baton Rouge, LA

When Devon McDonel and her mom first met Dianne Evans of Best Catered Events, it was almost a year ago and there was an immediate connection.  This connection came full circle this evening in beautiful downtown Baton Rouge in the Rose Garden at the Louisiana Old Governor's Mansion. 

Devon married the love of her life Matthew Sibley surrounded by family and friends under the starlight and encompassed by a wall of white roses.  A string trio played lovely soft music as the bride was escorted down the 12 steps holding onto her daddy's arm.  Earlier, Mr. McDonel told me a story about how Devon was about 4 and it was Halloween, "she never meets a stranger", he told me and he knows her so well.  I am going to miss all the planning and conversations leading up to today!  Her daddy was so proud of his daughter and so very excited to see this day finally get here for her.  I could tell in his voice just how much love he holds for his daughter.

After exchanging vows the couple made their way inside the Mansion to be greeted in the main ballroom by all those in attendance.  There were special dances and Devon and her daddy did a special dance, one which this caterer won't forget!  Truly a fun loving and happy group, there were passed appetizers, bars, grits and gumbo, gourmet cocoa and coffee station and a a wonderful buffet set up in the main dining room.

Tonight's menu provided by Best Catered Events was: 

Crab Mornay Cups
Southern Grits with Gulf Shrimp and Crab Gumbo
Appalachian Spinach Puffs
Stuffed New Potatoes
Shrimp and Crab Mushrooms
Mini B L T's
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
Chicken and Wild Rice
Chicken Salad Croissants
Smoked Beef Brisket with freshly baked rolls and condiments
Fire Grilled Vegetables
Fresh Fruit featuring Louisiana strawberries
Blackberry Iced Tea

Carl Will of Sweet Impressions created the wedding cake and also 3 flavors of bread pudding for the groom's cakes.  These cakes were so popular and raved over the entire evening.

Doug Olinde of Doug Olinde LLC, provided tables, chairs, outdoor heaters and linens and did a perfect job, just like always I might mention.' Cammie with the Old Governor's Mansion was everywhere and kept the timeline perfect.  I appreciate all of your attention to detail with events at the Mansion.

Bray Danielle was the photographer and she and her assistant were everywhere!  Melissa Duhe did the florals and I have one word....breathtaking, she could not in my opinion have possibly done a better job....a shout out to you Melissa! 

The event was flawless, beautiful and one to remember from start to finish.  What a way to end 2011.

As the evening was winding down, the little Bentley showed up out front to deliver our bride and groom to a local honeymoon suite for the night.  Tomorrow they will arise bright and early, and leave for Hawaii for a week....I'm gonna miss you Devon!  Stay my friend on facebook, check out the blog when you can,,, and keep on being you.  Thank you so much for the confidence you showed by choosing my small catering company for the Special Day we all enjoyed so much.

Best Wishes to you and Matt.....from your Best Catered Events Team.

Ultimate Bridal Show - Sunday, October 23, 2011

The Louisiana Old Governor's Mansion was filled up and overflowing with future brides looking for ideas and inspirations for their wedding day.  Lots of excitement and plenty of questions were the topic of the day, as was the food, entertainment, florals, accessories, photographers, musicians, accessories, bridal gowns, and anything else needed to create storybook weddings and dream come true for these future brides.

Best Catered Events owner, Dianne Evans enjoyed visiting with lots of brides and their moms and fiances.  Answering questions and offering up samples made for a very fast afternoon.

This owner also enjoyed seeing old friends Martha Smith, owner of Al Smith Catering and Cheryl, owner of Ambrosia Bakery.  We also visited with Matt Blankenship of X Pert DJ Service, Louisiana Wedding Music, Warren Conerly Photography, Brides On a Budget, Mojeaux, Carolyn Roland of Heirloom Cuisine, Chef Don Bergeron, owner of Chef Don Bergeron Catering, and too many others to remember.  We are always so busy and these shows give us the opportunity to visit for a minute and catch up.

Special thanks to Weddings With Style Magazine, Weddings by Allie and all others involved on a great Sunday afternoon in Downtown Baton Rouge.  See you next year!