Welcome dinners have become a popular prelude to wedding celebrations, offering an intimate setting for close family and friends to rejoice in the upcoming nuptials. The welcome dinner sets the tone for the wedding festivities ahead while providing a relaxed atmosphere for the couple and guests.
A welcome dinner is also a great opportunity to thank those who have traveled from afar to attend your wedding and to thank your wedding party for their dedication to participating in your special wedding day.
As is the case for our lovely couple, Alex and Blake who recently wed in Santa Barbara, with a stunning welcome dinner, hosted by the parents of the groom, Paul and Sheri at their Montecito home. Setting the stage for a memorable weekend, it was an honor for Pure Joy Catering to be a part of this intimate affair for loved ones.
What does a welcome reception menu look like, you may ask? Below is the scrumptious and exhilarating menu that was crafted especially for Alex and Blake's celebration.
Welcome Reception Menu
Guests were greeted with Passed Appetizers while enjoying a full bar and specialty cocktails of Housemade Lemoncello and Organgecello Spritzes.
Baked Artichoke Bottoms
lemony parmesan filling
Seared Ahi
checkerboard of crisp wonton squares with ginger wasabi dollop & alternating spicy tuna tartare
Ribbons of Grilled Filet
golden toasted circles, olive tapenade, arugula & roasted garlic aioli
First Course
Served with hearth baked breads and rolls with herb pressed crocks of sweet butter
Tossed Organic Baby Greens
feta, toasted pecans, cherries, and fresh orange vinaigrette
Caprese
fresh burrata, organic heirloom tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest
pepper spree & local basil
Second Course
Served with Crispy Brussel Sprouts with dried apricots and pistachios on a delicious yogurt sauce.
Portobello Mushroom Raviolis
browned sage butter
Oven Roasted Salmon
sundried tomato and pine nut crust, topped with preserved lemon gremolata
Grilled Fresh on Site Mesquite Flank Steak
chimichurri
And the Crowd Goes Wild...After Party!
Chicken & Waffle Bites
fresh mini waffles, crispy fried chicken, pure maple butter & a dash of hot sauce
Piggy Pot Pies
beer braised pork belly in a parmesan pepper crust
Flatbreads
variety of artisan thin crust flatbreads topped with local organic veggies, virgin olive oil, basil pesto, goat cheese, mozzarella & a handful of baby arugula
Wedges of Grilled Tortillas
creamy brie, cherries, caramelized onions & mango confetti garnish
Dessert Bar
Fresh Baked Brownies & local organic strawberries, Lemon Tartlets brulèèd in handmade crusts, Coupe champagne glasses with a scoop of new york style cheesecake & a variety of toppings, AND an assortment of fresh Baked Cookies
Farm Table Pie Station
hand made flaky crusted pies, beautifully displayed & served with vanilla ice cream
Wow! Guests were delighted by this special celebratory menu hand-crafted by Pure Joy Catering for Alex and Blake. A welcome reception is an invaluable addition to any wedding weekend, offering a unique opportunity to set the tone while creating lasting memories. By gathering friends and family, these events not only ease the transition into the wedding festivities but also serve as a beautiful prelude to the vows and gatherings to follow for a cohesive celebratory weekend.
Written by Shayna Cogan
Venue: Private Estate
Planning: Jane Alexandra Events
Florals: Velvet Blooms
Photography: Geoff & Lyndsi Photography
Catering: Pure Joy Catering
Rentals: Bright Event Rentals
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