Monday, October 31, 2011

Highgrove October Wedding






This was our last event for the month-- and what a chilly fall day it was! It started off cloudy and rainy, but by the afternoon the blue sky was clear and a crisp breeze greeted guests for the outdoor ceremony of Laura and Seth. The ceremony music was provided by a string quartet which made for a special entrance for the guests, bridal party, and bride. The couple were joined by 160 friends and family for the exchanging of their vows overlooking the lake with the beautiful, colorful fall trees in the background. Guests then enjoyed cocktail hour in the house, on the patio, and in the ballroom where the fireplace kept everyone toasty. Hors d' oeuvres included Bruschetta, Coconut Shrimp, Mini Barbecue Sliders, and Brie and Apricot Phyllo Purses. The newlyweds then made their way into the ballroom for the start of the reception and a Family Style dinner. The menu included Spinach Salad with Poached Pears and Walnuts, Pecan Crusted Bourbon Chicken, Beef Tenderloin, Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, and Rosemary Bread. Sweets were also served, as guests enjoyed the delicious wedding cake and Heath bars (a favorite of the bride and groom) at their seats. This was a dancing crowd and they spent the remainder of the reception having fun on the dance floor before sending the couple off to their antique get-a-way car with sparklers on the front porch. It was the perfect end for a fabulous month of weddings at Highgrove. Food and Drink: Highgrove, Linens: CE Rentals, Flowers: The Flower Cupboard, Cake: Susan Ellis, String Quartet: Ted Wagner, DJ: Garrett Brooks

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

October Wedding at Highgrove






Anna and Josh celebrated their wedding along with 130 of their closest friends and family this past weekend on a beautiful Saturday at Highgrove. The ceremony was held outside under our pergola in our garden area. Guests then enjoyed cocktail hour on the patio where homemade Spanikopeta and Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Smoked Ham were passed. Dinner was held in our Garden Ballroom, where guests sat at tables adorned with Butter colored linens and decorated with lanterns hand painted by the bride and groom, along with hand embossed fall leaves. The buffet featured our Pecan Crusted Bourbon Chicken (such a popular choice!), Salmon with Tropical Salsa, Risotto with Parmesan, and Seasonal Vegetables. The cake table featured a beautiful and festive sequined linen and was topped not only with a Fall themed wedding cake, but handmade sugar cookies too. The fire place was lit and guests danced the evening away under our twinkle lights in the ballroom. Food and Drink: Highgrove, Linens: CE Rentals, Cake and Cookies: Blue Moon Bakery, Flowers: The Flower Cupboard, DJ: Part Time Entertainment

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Fall Weddings at Highgrove







This fall wedding was a special day for a sweet couple! Laura and Alex exchanged their vows overlooking our lake in front of 100 of their closest friends and family. Guests then made their way up to the brick patio where they enjoyed Pork Tenderloin Bruschetta with Mango Chutney, our Homemade Crab Cakes, and Fresh Fruit Cosmos. The doors to the Garden Ballroom were then opened as guests were invited in to find their seats for a Family Style dinner. Guests always have fun with this dinner concept as they enjoy sharing food around the table. The menu tonight featured: Field Greens with Grapes and Walnuts and Garden Salad for the first course and then Pecan Crusted Bourbon Chicken, White Wine Poached Salmon, Risotto with Leeks and Parmesan, and Seasonal Vegetables. After dinner everyone took their spots on the dance floor as they boogied the night away! One of the pictures you'll see is one that every couple loves taking on our new hanging swing on the oak tree in the front of the house-- it is a great photo opp! Food and Drink: Highgrove, Linens: CE Rentals, Flowers: Flowers on Broad St., Cake: Friend, DJ: Jeff Leonard

October Wedding at Highgrove






This past weekend we were blessed with another gorgeous day for a wonderful couple! Erin and Tim were married under the pergola with 130 of their closest friends and family looking on as they exchanged vows. Cocktail hour featured 3 hors d' ourves including our Homemade Coconut Shrimp with Spicy/Sweet Red Pepper Sauce, Sesame Chicken Skewers, and a Cheese and Cracker Display-- all on the outside patio. After the bridal pictures were complete, guests were invited into the Garden Ballroom where a beautiful display of romantic flowers adorned the room. Dinner was buffet style where guests enjoyed Caesar Salads, Chicken Piccatta, Smoked Beef Brisket, Creamy Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes, and Seasonal Vegetables. After dinner everyone made their way to the amazing cookie table-- featuring over 20 different types of sweets all made by the family! It was quite an assortment that kept guests happy throughout the night-- along with cupcakes instead of the traditional wedding cake. It was a great night with wonderful food from start to finish! Food and Drink: Highgrove, Linens: CE Rentals, Cupcakes: Ashley Cakes, Flowers: Flowers on Broad St., DJ: Jim from Joe Bunn, Photographer: Tara Parker

Friday, October 14, 2011

More October Weddings at Highgrove





Ashley and Keith celebrated their wedding this past weekend at Highgrove with a festive Fall theme, complete with Apple Cider favors for their guests. The ceremony was held in our garden pergola area before guests moved to the open patio for cocktail hour. Hors' d ourves included Crab Cakes and Fried Green Tomato Crostini with Pimento Cheese and Salsa. The reception was held in our Garden Ballroom where guests first dined on Garden Salads before the dj released tables to the buffet-- only after trivia questions were answered correctly by the guests! The buffet featured Pecan Crusted Bourbon Chicken, Smoked Beef Brisket, Risotto with Leeks, and Seasonal Vegetables. As always, we took care of all the kids with special kid friendly salads and dinners. The rest of the evening was spent mingling, dancing, and enjoying champagne and cake before a sparkler departure on the front porch. A great wedding for a great couple! Food and drink: Highgrove, Linens: CE Rentals, Flowers: Watkins Flowers of Distinction, DJ: Anything Music, Cake: Ambrosia Creative Cakes.

October Wedding at Highgrove





This past weekend we had two beautiful weddings-- both with great weather and fabulous food. Haley and Craig exchanged their vows before 155 of their closest friends and family overlooking our lake. Cocktail hour on the patio featured Goat Cheese and Red Pepper Stuffed Mushrooms, Cheddar Cheese Biscuits with Ham, and Homemade Crab Cakes. The bar also served up two signature drinks (favorites of the couple)-- a Rum and Coke and a "Southern" Iced Tea. Guests then moved into the Garden Ballroom for a Family Style dinner featuring Caesar Salad with our Homemade Dressing and Croutons, and then Pecan Crusted Bourbon Chicken, Herb Crusted Pork Loin with Three Mustard Sauce, Creamy Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes, and Seasonal Vegetables. Following dinner, the cake was served, toasts were held, and guests danced the night away. It was a wonderful evening for all! Food and drink: Highgrove, Linens: CE Rentals, Cake: Ambrosia Creative Cakes, DJ: PC Productions

Thursday, October 13, 2011

October Wedding at Highgrove






Our first wedding of October was an elegant and beautiful evening! Jenna and Sean exchanged their vows in our garden pergola area overlooking the lake on a gorgeous fall afternoon. Guests were then invited to the patio to enjoy our Homemade Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits with Ham and Fried Green Tomato Crostinis with Homemade Pimento Cheese. The party then moved into the lavishly decorated ballroom where amazing vintage table centerpieces adorned each table. Guests were treated to a plated dinner featuring our Mediterranean Salad with Savory Pastry Triangle and then either a Beef Tenderloin over Shitake and Leek Risotto with White Truffle Oil, or a Chicken Cordon Bleu with Lemon Jasmine Rice. Guests then danced the night away in our fabric draped ballroom with twinkle lights before sending the bride and groom off with a sparkler departure. A fabulous start to a fabulous month of weddings at Highgrove! Food and drink: Highgrove, Linens: CE Rentals, Flowers: English Garden

Fall Weddings at Highgrove





This has been a busy past few weeks for us at Highgrove-- but what a beautiful time of year to get married! This wedding featured something unusually fun-- an entire dessert reception! Sweets were the main attraction at this festive wedding, as Ashley and Michael celebrated with over 150 guests. The ceremony was delayed a few minutes as we waited for the storms to pass over, but the rest of the night was clear. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the patio before making their way into the ballroom. After the first dance, guests were welcomed to visit all of the specialty dessert stations including: Ice Cream Bar with homemade pound cake, Fresh Fruit Display with White and Dark Chocolate Fountains, a Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie display with individual shooters of Cold Milk, a station with Tartlets and Mini Desserts, and a Dessert Crepe Station. To top it all off, the bride's grandmother made the wedding cake and guests enjoyed a coffee bar with the all fixings. It was a sweet night for a sweet couple! Food and drink: Highgrove, Linens: CE Rentals, Flowers: Garner Florist