A New Year and A New Outlook

If you are like me, you always plan to make a New Year's resolution, and by now it has been cast by the wayside.

Not this year!  I set a goal to reconnect with old friends and enjoy great conversations.  So far, so good.  I am glad I set my goal so high, because I really didn't realize that I had lost touch with so many.  Catching up is great, and I am enjoying this during our typically slow catering season. 

This is the time of year that we visit with potential brides and grooms, particpate in bridal shows and get all of our important paperwork together for the CPA.  I even got all the paperwork together and in early this year!  That is a sign for me that I am enjoying life.  And time for family, that is what makes each day wonderful and awesome.

So, what resolutions did you make for this wonderful New Year 2012?  If you and I have lost touch over time, call or email me and we can catch up!  I hope to see all of you at an event catered by my company, Best Catered Events. 

Your Friend,

Dianne Evans

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.

Matt and Ami McGucken - December 17, 2011, Baton Rouge, LA

Ami Parks married Matt McGucken in the backyard garden of her parents home on Saturday, December 17, 2011 surrounded by family and friends.  A large tent with seating and dance area as well as all of the little seating areas in the yard really led to a comfortable evening for those in attendance. 

Earlier, while this chef/owner was frying the catfish for the tacos in the family kitchen, she witnessed the throwdown challenge between Matt and Ami's father.  Mr. Parks had to eat a fried catfish taco and Matt had to eat pasta noodles with plain tomato soup, right out of the can.  Priceless!  They both bit the bullet, or should I say, the tomato soupy noodle thing and the taco?

Dr. Jazz http://www.drjazzmusic.com/ of New Orleans provided wonderful music.  Alex Harvie, a local  artist painted all evening to capture the special moments.   Melissa McCaa did the cake which was beautiful and the guests said was absolutely wonderful. Doug Olinde provided tables, chairs and tenting with his usual excellent service.
Best Catered Events set up the food on a small deck area.  We served our Shrimp and Cheese Grits, Fried Fish Tacos with homemade tartar sauce, Sweet and Sour Meatballs on Pretzel Sticks, Louisiana Stuffed Crawfish Bread, Brandied Fig and Apricot Torte with Cinnamon Crisp Cookies, mini muffelettos, fire grilled vegetables, mac and cheese with bacon, and our No Evidence Caesar Salad. 

Ami wore the same dress that her mom Marie had worn when she married Ami's dad 36 years ago.  Natasha Marie Bridal altered the dress for Ami with a few changes.  That was a beautifult ribute to a wonderful marriage and the picture of her mom in the dress all those years ago is priceless.

Matt and Ami, we wish you all the best.  Loved your setting and all of  your guests were so nice. Your band was incredible with the seranade to you early in the evening Ami and then your send off in the limo.  WOW....that's all this caterer has to say!

Christopher Craft and Rosalyn Rice - 11.11.11

On this very special Veterans Day, Christopher Craft and Rosalyn Rice were joined in marriage.  The bride's uncle performed the very personal and sentimental ceremony at this beautiful lakeside setting at half past three in the afternoon.  The weather was picture perfect and there was an awesome reflection off the water.  Rosie walked down the burlap aisle on the arm of her father while the harpist played beautiful melodies.  After the couple exchanged vows and rings, the cocktail hour began.  After being showered with fresh Fall leaves, the couple gathered up their wedding party and families for pictures.

Meanwhile, Bonnie Baxley, Kathy Jones and Stephanie Jones passed our shrimp cones, sweet and sour meatballs on pretzel sticks, taco rolls and assorted finger sandwiches to the hungry crowd.  The guests enjoyed "Rosie's Tea Bar" along with coffee, hot peach tea and some specialty drinks of Mojitos and Spiked and non alcoholic Apple Cider provided by the bride's mom and served up by Wendy Chapman.

Stephanie Brown attended the Pasta Bar where we featured our favorite Alfredo sauce with bowtie pasta, with ham, parmesan cheese and brocolli options.  Smoked turkey breast with freshly made rolls, feta cheese torte with crackers, sweet and sour meatballs, fire grilled vegetables and fresh fruit and cheese along with finger sandwiches rounded out the menu.  A special Jambalaya was prepared for the occasion by Lionel Burrell and it was certainly enjoyed by the guests.

After pictures were taken by Kaylynn Marie Photography, the couple joined their families and friends and the reception started.  Chris and Rosalyn danced their first dance to "At Last", and there were many memorable songs and dances throughout the evening.  The wedding cake was decorated beautifully and brought up from New Orleans by Cake Designs by Meg.  The leaves were so realistic, but made of chocolate.  The cake was unique with it's pumpkin spice layer, apple spice layer and carrot cake layer.  There was Almond Buttercream frosting on the outside and Cream Cheese Buttercream on the inside....heavenly!  Everyone raved over the flavor of those cakes.

As the sun was setting, the full moon shone down on the dance floor and the white twinkle lights made it almost storybook, and definitely picture perfect.  This bride did so many little extras for this special day and the touches were noticed everywhere.  So much attention to detail and very unique. 

The groom's cake was a homestyle cheesecake made for the groom by Rosalyn's aunt.  She told me that she had made it once and he loved it!


We also heard quite the buzz about the "Cadillac Restroom".  Funny thing was, the day before, the bride's Uncle Anthony  had told me that everyone would remember those first class facilities and I think he was right!  No lines either!

Late in the evening, the family members and friends joined Chris and Roslynn down by the lake once again for a huge bonfire, s'mores and hot chocolate.  A fun ending to an absolutely perfect day. 

Best Catered Events wishes this fun loving and unique couple all the best.....oh, and I forgot to fill out one of the prediction cards.....but in 5 years, I predict you will remember.....Your wedding day, reception,  and all the special memories you made on 11.11.11.  Maybe, just maybe, you will take a minute to look up this caterer and give us a ring....We certainly hope to hear from you!!!