Goodbye 2011....Welcome 2012

As we say goodbye to 2011, we will remember both happy and sad times over the past 12 months.

We have watched as family members have gone on and good friends have lost their spouses.  We continue to watch our dear friends as they struggle day to day just to stay alive.  We watch what our government is doing and not doing.

We have seen new lives this year....baby Luke is bringing alot of joy with his happy self.  We are getting back in touch with our family after being away for oh so long.  We are trying diligently to reconnect with some of our old friends but to no avail.  It is hard to lose a friend when you are older, they are just such a treasure and one you want around you.

We have watched those we love and care about fight daily battles with cancer, kidney failure, heart problems, alzheimers and other medical conditions. 

We have watched from afar things that were once so beautiful, not ever look quite the same.

But through it all, we have SURVIVED 2011!  Bad weather, a move back to the Baton Rouge area, new clients, new babies, yes, we have survived. 

2012 is fast approaching....what will it bring....we pray for continued health and a good solid foundation for our small business.  People know they can count on us, and we want them to....that is our wish...May God Continue to Bless Each of You and Shower you with Love.....Amen

To our small team....we wish to thank you for believing in us....for hanging in there with us...for working so hard ....and for being our friends throughout this past year...to our family....you are the reason we started this whole crazy catering thing all those many years ago...one day soon, Bailee, Ty, Dylan and Evans can cater if they like it....or they can, as some of my friends used to say..(before they started doing this catering thing and fell in love with it too)....'GET A REAL JOB!......Happy New Year!!!!!

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!

"10,000 Lights" - Auburn Wessman and Anna Peters - 11.12.2011

When Anna and Auburn came to Best Catered Events for a tasting, they were shy.  It didn't take long for them to get to know us, and our food.  Auburn loves our pecan smoked wings and Anna had her favs as well. 

Today, November 12, 2011 was their wedding day at the Chapel at Lamar Dixon in Gonzales, LA.  The couple chose this special place to pledge their love one to the other and it made a lovely and quaint setting.  Vicki's Passion For Flowers provided gorgeous fresh florals for the chapel as well as the reception site.  Soft flowers in shades of ivory, white and deep purple completed the beautiful garden setting back at the couple's lovely home. 

The sky overhead was strung with 10,000 tiny white lights.  It was like being under a cover of twinkling stars once the sun went down.  There were heaters and a fire pit going and plenty of eating and visiting.  This bride and groom created an absolutely breathtaking setting for their reception. They strung all 10,000 lights just for this event.

The couple chose their menu which was.
Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
Pecan Smoked Wings
Bacon Wrapped Green Beans with a Honey Drizzle
Louisiana Crawfish Stuffed Bread
Voodoo Cheese Dip
Apache Dip in Bread Bowls
Finger Sandwiches
Fresh Fruit
Summer Punch

Auburn had also made one of his favorite drinks called, Honey Whiskey...He used 9# of fresh honey (complete with honeycomb) and 3 large bottles of Makers Mark.  He told me that he poured the bourbon over the honeycomb and let it ferment for about 3 weeks.  Then he strained it and ran it through a coffee filter.  It smelled divine and was a rich honey color.  I was on the clock so didn't partake, but those that did, told me it was great and I could tell they were enjoying it alot. There were also galvanized tubs of beer, lots of beer and cute Koozies to put around them in the purple fleur de lis pattern.
Inside Anna had created a precious candy bar with all purple choices.  It smelled like grapes and everyone was getting a little bag to enjoy on the ride home. 

This was an absolute perfect site for Auburn and Anna on this most Special Day.  Everything fit, and it came together so beautifully.  

Best Wishes to Our Couple with the 10,000 Lights.....that is a first....and it was an awesome day!

Oh, and Auburn, call me when you crave those wings....

October 29, 2011 Kevin and Ashley Barton

Greenwood Plantation once again provided a beautiful backdrop for the wedding of Kevin Barton and Ashley Burychka on Saturday, October 29, 2011.

Guests had the pleasure of listening to the Magnolia Strings while awaiting the bride and her father.  The aisle was covered in all shades of rose petals and the sand ceremony was truly emotional and very personal.

After the ceremony the attendees were greeted by Best Catered Events' team members Bonnie Baxley and Brenda Kelly passing seafood mushrooms and stuffed new potatoes.  The main food table offered shrimp and crawfish pasta, green bean bundles, mini blt's, black bean and corn dip with chips, mini muffelettos, ham and asparagus roll ups, grilled vegetables, brisket, ham, and fresh fruit and cheese.

The cakes were very unique and they were exquisite in detail.  Sweet Impressions provided both cakes and Allie Wester and her team from Weddings by Allie coordinated the entire evening's activities.  Rex Photo Booths set up in the rear of the house and everyone just loved dressing up and taking photos.  X Pert D J Services provided the music for the reception. A K Photography got all the day's happenings documented on film and they did a great job!

Charlotte and the entire staff at Greenwood Plantation always do a great job and today was no exception. 

Congratulations to Kevin and Ashley!  Best Catered Events wishes you a happy and exciting future!