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Hi, y’all! I’m so sorry for the unexpected delay in “Emily Plans a Wedding” posts! Can I make it up to you with a loooong post about food, full of pretty photos and even a pair of guest experts? Yes? Okay, let’s go!

When we ask our real wedding couples what their top three wedding priorities are, food and/or drink is almost always one of the areas listed. For all the time we spend thinking about the pretty details, the food is often what guests remember most about the wedding – whether it was tasty, whether it was served at the right temperature and at the right time, and whether there was enough. Food and drink also account for the largest portion of most couples’ budgets, so it only makes sense that we’d all want to serve something that shines!

All that being said, I am VERY excited about what we’ll be serving at our wedding!! What will we be dishing up? In a word (or two): mini food. What does that mean? A little something like this:

From top to bottom and left to right: Baby Greek salads via Martha Stewart Weddings, mini grilled cheese sandwiches from Fresh Tart, mini chicken and waffles by Cru Catering (photo by Bryan Johnson via Southern Weddings), sliders photo by Jose Villa, fancy pigs in a blanket photo by Thorsen Photography via Weddingbee, fancy deviled eggs by Cru Catering (photo by Bryan Johnson via Southern Weddings), mini lobster rolls from Martha Stewart Living, mini crocks of mac and cheese by Martha Stewart Weddings, shrimp BLTs by Cru Catering (photo by Bryan Johnson via Southern Weddings), mini tacos and tequilas by Peter Callahan, mini pulled pork tacos photo by SMS Photography via Style Me Pretty

Fun, right? In addition to some of the small bites pictured above, we’ll be serving small plates of composed mini meals at our evening reception. I don’t want to give away all of the details, but let’s just say I think our guests will be verrrry excited.

Once we had decided on mini food (full disclosure: it took a bit of convincing to get John on my side on this one!), it was time to find a caterer who could bring our somewhat unusual vision to life. We were looking for a few specific things in our food provider:

1. Someone in whom we had complete confidence. We knew that if our plan was executed incorrectly, our grand idea for a meal of minis could, quite literally, leave a bad taste in our guests’ mouths. Not exactly what we’re going for.
2. Someone who was willing to work with us on budget. We were prepared to pay a bit more per person than we might have for a traditional dinner, since more staff is required, but definitely needed to keep the overall cost within our budgeted amount.
3. Most importantly, someone who was open to our “mini” ideas, and who could run with them and make them even better than we had imagined.

On one whirlwind weekend home in Connecticut, we interviewed three caterers in a row. We almost immediately crossed off the first option, as we felt like they were a bit hostile to our ideas, instead wanting us to simply pick from their list of standard appetizers. We were pleased with the second option based on our first meeting, but they ultimately lost us as customers in the way they followed up after said meeting. The third option, however, was just right.

From the moment we stepped into the kitchen of A Thyme to Cook, we felt taken care of. Could it have been from the welcoming sign on the front door? Why yes, I think it could!

Our meeting, too, was exactly what we were hoping for. Instead of nailing down a menu right then and there (which would have been a bit absurd), Linda, the owner, spent considerable time getting to know John and I, asking specific questions about what type of wedding we’re planning and what type of foods we love and loathe.

I also loved Linda herself — she was, honestly, a tiny bit intimidating, but that’s what I’m looking for in a caterer! Someone who gets things done. Bonus points for feeding us (yay!), and for reminding me of Martha Stewart — Linda built her business from the ground up twenty five years ago, and it’s now housed in an adorable building behind her house. We also couldn’t have been happier with their follow up time: we received a menu and budget proposal within two weeks of our meeting, and it was clearly crafted with John and me in mind, and not cookie cutter. We are so happy to be working with A Thyme to Cook, and know we are in very capable hands!

Before I wrap up this post, I wanted to share a few tips from Maria Cooke and Kelly Seizert of Ritzy Bee Events. It was actually one of their weddings featuring a “strolling small plates” menu that inspired me to try something similar for our wedding, so I figured they’d be the perfect people to help any readers who might be curious about what pulling off an event like this entails. Here are a few of their expert tips:

What are your suggestions for making the food seem like a well thought-out meal, and not just a parade of appetizers?
We suggest you work with a caterer that is well-versed in this type of food service. It is important that enough of each item sweep the floor at the same time so that guests feel like they are taken care of. Work with your caterer to offer composed plates that are essentially a mini entree. Each plate should contain layers of flavor to keep things interesting. An example of a plate we love comes from Design Cuisine in Arlington, VA: braised beef short ribs and gnocchi with black trumpet mushrooms, baby carrots, and English peas.

How much and what type of seating would you recommend?
We suggest about 60% seating to help keep guests moving and out on the dance floor! Cocktail style seating is best. We suggest mixing 3′ cafe tables with chairs, bar height cabaret tables, and some furniture groupings to encourage guests to mix and mingle. It is always considerate to reserve a few cafe tables for any elderly guests that might not be able to be up-and-down as much as others. Be sure to let those guests know in advance that they have a reserved seat.

Examples of a clever “floor plan” from a Ritzy Bee cocktail-style reception, and a reserved seating sign from the same event (photos by Kate Headley).

How would you recommend altering the flow of the reception to accommodate the unusual food service?
It is a great idea to begin the event with more traditional cocktail hour with beverages and 1-bite passed hors d’oeuvres. Then, consider introducing the bridal party and kicking off the remainder of the reception with a speech or two and perhaps the first dance. From there, introduce the small plates in “flights” of food as opposed to offering every item at once. This will simulate the same dining experience and timing as a multi-course plated dinner. It will allow the kitchen and servers plenty of time to plate and stroll with each item and your guests will have a nice variety of food offered throughout the event.

What are your recommendations for making food and drink easily “walkable”?
— Serve fork-friendly food that is perfectly portioned to be eaten in a few bites.
— Keep plates small. 5″-6″ is a great size. Be sure to pass a reception fork and fresh cocktail napkin with each plate.
— Use big trays that hold 8-12 plates each and make sure that you have enough waiters that you can easily feed half the guests in “one sweep of the room”.
— For every server on the floor passing plates, make sure you have another server following behind to bus empty plates and flatware.
— Keep in mind that food, service, and rental costs are generally a lot higher for this style reception due to the quantity of people and items needed to provide an exceptional experience for your guests.

Thank you so much, ladies! Readers, can’t get enough Ritzy Bee? Be sure to preorder their new wedding planning book, due out in January!

My stars! If you’ve made it this far, pat yourself on the back! Then tell me: What sort of food will you be serving at your reception? Breakfast? A buffet? A sit down meal? Just dessert? I’m dying to know, so please comment and fill me in!

P.S. In case you missed a post…
The main characters
Where we’re getting married
I go dress shopping
We choose a photographer
I ponder bridesmaid style

emily Written with love by Emily
14 Comments
  1. avatar Madelynne Miller reply

    We are having Jim N Nick’s BBQ! There will be bbq chicken and pork, buns, cheese biscuits, spinach and artichoke dip, baked beans, mac&cheese, and tater salad! Don’t forget the tea and lemonade! Nothing healthy, but definitely nothing gross! I grew up eating there and my sister had them cater at her wedding as well. It’s affordable AND yummy!

  2. avatar Kathi reply

    We had the tiny cups of tomato soup and mini-grilled cheese sandwiches at my daughter’s wedding earlier this month, during the cocktail hour. They were a huge hit, probably the most popular thing served.

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Kathi! That sounds amazing! There’s just something about mini food that people LOVE, isn’t there?

  3. avatar desiree reply

    ahh this post couldn’t be better timing for me :) I am coordinating my first ‘5 hour cocktail party’ wedding reception…Dec 18th. I have be so excited to work with this couple and bring their vision to life and Ritzy Bee’s guidelines totally help (and actually make me feel better about the decisions I’ve made thus far)! I have already play low and high-top cocktail tables…lounge areas, too. BUT I didnt think to reserve tables for the elder members of the family…BRILLIANT! The couple are not doing any assigned seats, but I love the idea of still have reserved seats for grams and gramps :) THANK U for posting this…so glad I checked todays blogs. :)

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Desiree! The reserved seating is a good idea, isn’t it? This was actually a concern (and a solution!) that my Mom thought up, too! If Grandma’s happy, everyone’s happy :)

  4. avatar Joanna reply

    I am curious if you are concerned about people not being able to sit with people they know. That if one of your high school friends straggles in late, will get placed at a table with your (very new) husband’s college friends and feel out of place. I know the goal is to mingle, but what happens when people put their jackets and clutches down and claim their seat. They could obviously catch up over in the area with higher tables, but no place to sit and have long conversation (unless there is a lounge area). Weddings are also often a time that your friends who haven’t seen each other can get together and spend time connecting. How are you dealing with that concern?

    • avatar Emily reply

      Hi Joanna! That is a great question! My best answer is that no one will be “seated” anywhere, so no one will end up placed with the wrong people. We’re hoping people won’t try to claim seats, so we hope it won’t be that much of a concern. (As for the coats and clutches, that is definitely a concern, and so we will be offering a cubby-type system so people have somewhere to stash their stuff other than a table!) Also, we will be having two lounge areas, so that should help with somewhere to have longer conversations!

    • avatar Joanna reply

      Emily: The cubby system is interesting. How are you doing that without it looking like a pre-K room? I like the idea though. It would save that concern, save the hassle of a seating chart, and keep people’s stuff out of the way. I have a lounge space in my venue and will have high top tables, but I am just wanting everyone to feel really welcome and that they are wanted. I don’t know if we will end up with assigned seats or not, but who knows. Thanks for this post it was super helpful for the yummy station, mingle, foodie reception thoughts!

  5. avatar Kathleen reply

    We’re having a buffet with food you don’t normally get on a buffet (sit down dinner type food) and we will have a carving station. We haven’t picked our menu yet, but when we were looking at the choices we couldn’t pick just one thing to serve so we wanted the option of serving a few different items and letting people pick how much or how little to eat. I’m so excited to go to our tasting in May! :)

  6. avatar Southern Weddings Weekly Round-Up « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] the right place! Emily’s back with more wedding plan fun! No really, y’all — her next installment detailing the food she’s serving up is so much fun. Want a hint? It’s miniature! See […]

  7. avatar Emily Plans a Wedding :: The Music « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] y’all! Welcome back to Emily Plans a Wedding! After my last post, which was quite long, I’ve got a bit of a simpler one to share with you today. Let’s […]

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Y’all! She is HERE (and beautiful!)! It is my absolute pleasure to announce that Grace is HERE! Grace Austin Isaacson was born on 11/22/11 at 10:24am EST, weighing 8lbs 9oz and 21 inches long. Lara, Ari and this beautiful new bundle of joy are doing wonderfully!

In honor of Grace’s birthday, we have a very special surprise from Nancy Ray (who was at the hospital all day capturing these precious first moments with the new parents!) and Inkspot Crow Films that was completed just after this little gal was born…

And just in case you haven’t started balling your face off yet, this will put you over the edge! Be sure you’ve got your hankie before you click play.

Isn’t she a complete doll? Please join me in congratulating Lara and Ari on their sweet bundle of joy! We love y’all and couldn’t be happier for your adorable little family!

SO much love,
Your (favorite) Aunts: Marissa, Emily, Whitney, Sierra and Nicole.

P.S. Leave this adorable little belle some love here, as Lara is on maternity leave until March 2012 to spend time with her new family. Hooray!

marissa Written with love by Marissa
51 Comments
  1. avatar Sarah S. reply

    Oh my heavens, I’m blubbering my face off so ecstatic to see baby Grace and so happy both of you (Lara and Grace) are safe and healthy! Congratulations, Lara and Ari! Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey with us. XO

  2. avatar Brittany reply

    That video was so precious and such a wonderful thing to have to show little Gracie in the future!

    I’m so happy that this new little family is doing wonderfully and I wish Ari and Lara the best. Have fun bonding with your bundle of joy! I’m sure she’ll give you one million more reasons to smile and love each other just as you love her :)

    Congratulations!

  3. avatar MacKenzie reply

    Welcome to this world, Gracie girl! We can’t wait to give you and your mama a big hug! xo

  4. avatar Lara Casey Birth Announcement Video | Inkspot Crow Films : North Carolina wedding videography I Durham wedding videography I Chapel Hill wedding videography I Raleigh wedding videography I Greensboro Wedding Videography I Asheville Wedding Videography reply

    […] more Grace goodness, visit the Southern Weddings blog and read Emily Ley’s post on Lara Casey’s site for their special announcement of […]

  5. avatar Veronique Bise, Weddings By Vero reply

    This was such a nice surprise, a wonderful film and i had goose bumps all over ! It is insane ! we waited for her for so long and now she is finally here ! discovering her first pictures, so beautiful full of talent pictures, was just wonderful ! good job Nancy, thank you for that lovely present and I am so happy for Lara and Ari to finally have discovered their little Princess…

  6. avatar Shannon Reeves reply

    Well, welcome sweet Grace! 11-22-11! What a fun birthday!

  7. avatar Amber Housley reply

    So, so, so sweet! Congrats and much love to Lara, Ari and sweet little Baby Grace! xoxo

  8. avatar Melissa Pearce reply

    Congratulations! I LOVE that video– it’s been so fun to see the whole pregnancy through photos on Nancy Ray’s site, and now to see the beautiful baby girl Grace herself–it’s amazing.

  9. avatar Dana reply

    i’m absolutely THRILLED for lara & ari!!! Congratulations! little grace is so precious! i’m so glad she’s here!!! :) xo

  10. avatar Brittany R reply

    oh my starts. the happy tears are flowing! God bless Lara, Ari and baby Grace, and I pray that you soak in every second. So excited to see the SW family growing and I look forward to baby Grace updates from her SW aunties! Congrats, she is beautiful!!

  11. avatar Gina reply

    Lovely! Congrats for this happy moment and the ones to come!

  12. avatar Liz reply

    Hooray!! So happy that little Grace is here safe and sound! Beautiful video and gorgeous photos to match. What a welcome for her! Also, I love that you used the word hankie (no one does anymore – I miss it!).

  13. avatar Katiuska reply

    That-was-beautiful! All of it. Congratulations & God bless! *:)

  14. avatar Patti reply

    Such a beautiful introduction for a beautiful baby girl! So happy for you Lara! God bless you and Ari as you begin your journey with Grace!

  15. avatar Allison Barnhill reply

    Such a beautiful little girl and what a blessing for this Thanksgiving! Congrats on the sweetness and enjoy your time as a family! Happy Thanksgiving!

  16. avatar Camille Detrick reply

    Congratulations Lara & Ari & welcome to the world baby Grace! What a blessing. God is so good! Can’t wait to see more photos! Much love, Camille

  17. avatar Christina B. reply

    So, so, very excited for you both. What a sweet angel she is. Congratulations!!

  18. avatar Michelle March reply

    Wow! The video brought tears to my eyes! I loved it! What a journey! Congrats to you and your loved ones. Grace is so beautiful! I’m so happy for you all! xoxo

  19. avatar Laura Brooks reply

    Congratulations! What a beautiful child! What a beautiful family! Wishing you all the happiness in the world!

  20. avatar Marissa reply

    Thank y’all so much for all your sweet words about baby Grace! I know Lara sincerely appreciates your love and I look forward to passing them on to her!

  21. avatar Barbara Stevens reply

    Oh, she is a glimpse of Heaven.

  22. avatar Kristina reply

    What a blessing! Congrats!

  23. avatar Sara reply

    Ahhhh!! Oh my goodness!! Congratulations Lara!! What an amazing video to look back on and remember the journey!! Welcome to the world, little Grace!! We already love and adore you more than words can say!! xoxo

  24. avatar Lauren Kinsey reply

    Congratulations Lara and Ari! We are so happy for you, Grace is lovely and will bring you so much joy! We wish you all the love and happiness that having a sweet baby brings, and Happy Thanksgiving! :)

  25. avatar Tamara Menges reply

    Oh MY!! This is so beautiful!! Congratulations Lara and Ari and all the SW girls on your new addition! She is so loved and will have many blessings just like her mom!! Congratulations again she is beautiful!

  26. avatar Brit @ Landlocked Bride reply

    I’m just so thrilled for them! She is precious! And, I could not be more excited for this little adventure their heading down!

  27. avatar Madelynne Miller reply

    CONGRATULATIONS! What a sweet and wonderful thanksgiving gift! God is so good!

  28. avatar Brittany reply

    what a beautiful season of life! from the looks of this video, it seems like you’ve already created a solid foundation for this little lady to be welcomed into! praying for even more sweet times ahead!

  29. avatar Danielle Fletcher reply

    You know.. i was just sitting here thinking ‘what i really need is a good early morning CRY!’ So thank you! ;) Truly so beautiful… I can’t find any other words. Just beautiful.

  30. avatar Lydia reply

    Congratulations Lara and Ari! Grace is precious!!

  31. avatar Amy Lynn reply

    AAACK!!!! This is the sweetest EVER! SO happy for you! *love love love*

  32. avatar Katie reply

    Congratulations! Grace is a doll! What a beautiful family and an amazing video!!

  33. avatar Shayla reply

    Lara & Ari, congratulations!!! Grace is beautiful and such a blessing. Happy Thanksgiving to your new family!

  34. avatar Jennifer reply

    Oh my word! What a little miracle. Congratulations!!!1

  35. avatar Desiree reply

    i know that your office was just-a-buzzin with love after Grace’s intro. the video is just beautiful. i pray that Lara is able to really invest these months with her daughter and a big congrats to this new addition to the SW family! xoxo

  36. avatar Corinna Hoffman reply

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! She’s beautiful just like her mama and papa :) I’m so happy for you, Lara! Grace Austin is one lucky baby to have you guys as her parents! The video just got me all warm and fuzzy inside–almost makes me wanna have a baby (almost) ;) May God bless you and your sweet family!! XOXO

  37. avatar Amanda Noel reply

    Congratulations! Absolutely beautiful. Enjoy getting to know her and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to hearing about baby’s first Christmas!

  38. avatar liz rotz reply

    She is beautiful! Sending all my love and best wishes to Lara, Ari, & Baby Grace!

  39. avatar Phyllis reply

    Congratulations Lara and Ari! Baby Grace is beautiful and the video had me in tears. I’m so happy for you all! Happy Thanksgiving!

  40. avatar Happy Thanksgiving from the Southern Weddings Gals! « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] had a baby on Tuesday (yay!!!), we’re betting she is feeling particularly thankful for her new baby girl and her whole family right now. I have no doubt she would also say how thankful she is for each of […]

  41. avatar Kelly reply

    Ahhhhh!!!! Sooo precious! I am so so so happy for you, Lara! Enjoy every minute of this time!!! :)

  42. avatar Frida’s Mum reply

    Many many congratulations!!! She is beautiful and I love the name Grace. I wish you many moments of joy and love together. What a beautiful family you are!

  43. avatar Eliana @ ellyB reply

    Congrats Lara and Ari! Grace is just beautiful and I cannot wait to see you all again! xoxo E.

  44. avatar Feuza reply

    So precious Lara, May God Bless you in this new journey, she is beautiful

  45. avatar AshleyHH reply

    What a precious blessing. Congrats to your beautiful family!!

  46. avatar Sara reply

    Congratulations! What an amazing Thanksgiving blessing. Grace is proof that God is truly amazing! Best wishes.

  47. avatar emilie inc. reply

    Happy congratulations!! Such a stunning keepsake you’ll treasure for always of your little girl’s beginnings. Love and joy to you all! xoxo

  48. avatar Taylor reply

    Yes, I definitely am wiping tears from my cheeks! Congrats Lara and Ari!! Welcome to the world, Grace!

  49. avatar Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory :: Videographers! « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] as we shot the Paper, Cotton and Flour shoot for Southern Weddings V4. Inkspot Crow also shot this amazing maternity video of our own Lara Casey and her new bundle of joy, Grace. Warning: have tissues ready, it’s a […]

  50. avatar Southern Weddings 2011 Recap « Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] Weddings office 1 :: number of new additions to the Southern Weddings office. Welcome to the team, Grace! Of course, there are things that numbers just can’t do justice to, so we each wanted to […]

  51. avatar Welcome to the World, Emerson Katherine! – Southern Weddings Magazine reply

    […] joins Grace as baby number two in the SW clan, and we couldn’t be happier. Emmy Kate, as she is known […]

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Howdy, friends! It’s a bittersweet day for me. I’m savoring my last day in the office with the wonderful SW ladies before I head out on maternity leave. Seriously, y’all, I’m so sad thinking about not seeing Emily, Whitney, Marissa, Sierra and Nicole for a few weeks! They are the bees knees. I’m 40 weeks pregnant and due any day now. Wahooo!! So, we decided to make y’all a fun little video with some exciting updates so you could join in the fun…

Southern Weddings Staff Meeting Updates! from lara casey on Vimeo.

The wonderful SW ladies will fill you in when Grace arrives and you can always stay posted on my personal blog, daily tumblr and twitter. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season ahead!

lara Written with love by Lara Casey
7 Comments
  1. avatar Taylor reply

    This is so adorable. What I wouldn’t give to work there!!

  2. avatar Meredith Perdue reply

    Too cute! I hope you all enjoyed the cupcakes!

  3. avatar Angee & Vincci reply

    What a fabulous team! Your video literally brightened up our day. :) It’s a true pleasure working with the SW team.

  4. avatar Kelsea Russo reply

    I absolutely love getting a glimpse of what goes on behind-the-scenes at SW! You girls are simply darling!

  5. avatar Clair Fabrizio reply

    Y’all are seriously the cutest! Loved the video :)

  6. avatar cake toppers reply

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Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

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