Mill Valley Wedding from Taste Catering + A Spotlight
Shining the spotlight on 'the pretty' is what we do best here at SMP and let me tell you, we've got exactly that for you this morning. This unique wedding was executed with such attention to detail by Taste Catering & Event Planning that each and every photo from Kate Webber and Sara Atkins makes us wish we were at this fabulous shindig. From the stunning florals and cheery yellow + green color palette to the beyond beautiful hors d'oeuvres and ga-orgeous cake, we were so impressed that we decided to go behind the scenes with wedding designer, Hayley, of Taste to see how they pull all the pretty together. Keep reading for the interview!
SMP: What is the story behind Taste Catering?
TC: The story of Taste Catering begins almost 30 years ago with a vision and mission to bring the fine, dining restaurant experience to your event table. Where food is cooked and plated on-site by quality, dedicated Chef’s who procure fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farmers for every event. I came to Taste in 2010 to build the wedding department and my goal was to continue to offer this unique catering experience to our brides and grooms, but with a little something extra – the ability to customize and fine-tune a menu to perfection. None of this “pick your protein” business, I wanted our clients to know we are here to cook for them and if they can dream it, we can make it!
TC: The story of Taste Catering begins almost 30 years ago with a vision and mission to bring the fine, dining restaurant experience to your event table. Where food is cooked and plated on-site by quality, dedicated Chef’s who procure fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farmers for every event. I came to Taste in 2010 to build the wedding department and my goal was to continue to offer this unique catering experience to our brides and grooms, but with a little something extra – the ability to customize and fine-tune a menu to perfection. None of this “pick your protein” business, I wanted our clients to know we are here to cook for them and if they can dream it, we can make it!
SMP: Can you tell us a bit about your process with each couple?
TC: I always encourage the couple to set the date and book their venue first as that will dictate how formal the event is, the season and what ingredients we have access to, and what we can realistically execute at the wedding. Our process begins with an in-person menu consultation, where we will discuss in detail all of the couple’s food preferences – Likes and Dislikes, favorite restaurants, most memorable meals and their overall vision for the most important dinner (or lunch) of their lifetime. From that conversation, I will collaborate with our executive wedding chef, Alex Kollock, to create a customized menu for the couple. Over the months of the planning process, the menu will go through several revisions as more of the overall event design is realized so that the food and beverage plan tie’s into the rest of the event with color, themes and décor.
TC: I always encourage the couple to set the date and book their venue first as that will dictate how formal the event is, the season and what ingredients we have access to, and what we can realistically execute at the wedding. Our process begins with an in-person menu consultation, where we will discuss in detail all of the couple’s food preferences – Likes and Dislikes, favorite restaurants, most memorable meals and their overall vision for the most important dinner (or lunch) of their lifetime. From that conversation, I will collaborate with our executive wedding chef, Alex Kollock, to create a customized menu for the couple. Over the months of the planning process, the menu will go through several revisions as more of the overall event design is realized so that the food and beverage plan tie’s into the rest of the event with color, themes and décor.
SMP: What was the inspiration behind this wedding?
TC: Laci & Travis wanted the food to be casual and approachable, but in an elegant way. They are a young, casual couple, who love art and appreciate the beauty in simplicity. They wanted the food to reflect their personalities. Knowing this, we designed a menu to suite with hors d’oeuvres such as a mini Carne Asada Taco and a Tequila Braised Pork Shoulder on a housemade Buttermilk Biscuit with Habanero Mustard & Pickled Onion – festive, fun and casual (but beautiful!).
Personal touches were also really important to them. They kept the guest count relatively small (70 of their nearest and dearest) so that they could make a lot of elements themselves. Travis is a glassblower by profession and together, he and Laci handblew all of the glass vases that housed the floral centerpieces. They also made all of the water glasses for the guests to use during dinner, then take home as a party favor. Laci hand stitched personal fabric coasters (that also served as the guests place card) and she also letter pressed all of the printed collaterals herself! The invitations to the escort cards and custom menus.
TC: Laci & Travis wanted the food to be casual and approachable, but in an elegant way. They are a young, casual couple, who love art and appreciate the beauty in simplicity. They wanted the food to reflect their personalities. Knowing this, we designed a menu to suite with hors d’oeuvres such as a mini Carne Asada Taco and a Tequila Braised Pork Shoulder on a housemade Buttermilk Biscuit with Habanero Mustard & Pickled Onion – festive, fun and casual (but beautiful!).
Personal touches were also really important to them. They kept the guest count relatively small (70 of their nearest and dearest) so that they could make a lot of elements themselves. Travis is a glassblower by profession and together, he and Laci handblew all of the glass vases that housed the floral centerpieces. They also made all of the water glasses for the guests to use during dinner, then take home as a party favor. Laci hand stitched personal fabric coasters (that also served as the guests place card) and she also letter pressed all of the printed collaterals herself! The invitations to the escort cards and custom menus.
SMP: What other services does Taste offer, beyond catering?
TC: Taste is a full service catering and event planning company. We offer a wide range of services including floral & décor design, lighting, furniture rental and coordination services. Travis & Laci’s wedding is one example of our full service floral and event design capabilities.
TC: Taste is a full service catering and event planning company. We offer a wide range of services including floral & décor design, lighting, furniture rental and coordination services. Travis & Laci’s wedding is one example of our full service floral and event design capabilities.
Detail Photography: Kate Webber | Event Photography: Sara Atkins | Event Design & Florals: Billy Cook of Taste Catering & Event Planning | Catering & Cake: Taste Catering & Event Planning | Custom Birdcage Veil: Katie Burley Millinery | Glass Centerpieces and Water Glasses: Travis Sandoval (the Groom) | Decor + Furniture: Hartmann Studios | Table Linens: La Tavola | Stationery: Custom-made by the Bride