Culture, Service, & People: Aaron Kendrick

I love people and I love seeing things work smoothly and efficiently.  If I had to think about managing operations and staff at Highgrove in it's simplest form, those two things state it perfectly.
I've realized over time that in any organization, people are one of, if not the biggest, investment to be made.  My philosophy is pretty simple.  Happy people make happy people.  This serves us well in the hospitality industry.  I mean think about it, we are trusted by guests to run their entire event! Something as special as a wedding or important as a corporate event is put in our hands to be created and run seamlessly.  This can't be done without a team of staff that is committed, highly functional, humble and relentless in making things work not just good, but great.

How do we make this happen, you ask?  Simple.  I think about what I would want in a workplace and work hard to create that type of environment for our staff.  I know that as an employee I want to be known and invested in, I want to have clarity and understanding about why we're doing what we do and the reason behind all decisions, I wanted to be treated with dignity and respect, and I want to have fun.  I want to know that my work has a purpose and a point, otherwise we're just completing meaningless tasks!  Of course, this couldn't be done without 'buy-in' from every member of the team.
And I feel the need at this point to say that our staff is amazing.  Each and every member brings a different gifting to the table which makes it exciting to figure out ways to draw out those talents and use them to serve our guests at Highgrove.  This is the work culture that allows us and our guests to thrive.  This is the type of environment that sets the stage for guests to be blown away by a team member's willingness to go above and beyond for them.

Yes it is easier to just come to work and get things done.  But I don't want to settle for that and I don't want to work with people who are willing to settle for that.  Those are the little things that take extra time and energy to put into place and no,  I don't always do it right.  There is a lot of trial and error but in the end it is so worth it.  Guests get over the top treatment and employees have meaningful, purposeful work that is enjoyable, or I'd like to hope so!

My Life As A Bridal Coordinator: Angela Wright

                                                                                                                           Angela Wright
                     

                                           

My life as a bridal coordinator!                     

The unity candle table is on fire.

The cake topper just took a dive down all three tiers.

I am so nervous… I don’t know if I can make it down the aisle…

These are just some of the things that I have had to handle while working as a bridal coordinator at Highgrove…and believe it or not, I love it! Not to say that I love it when crazy things take place during the wedding, but while others may think, “I could never deal with that,” I find it all just part of the gig when working to make a couples’ dream event come true, and a challenge that I love.

I have had the opportunity to coordinate hundreds of weddings over the course of 13 years and meet some of the most wonderful and memorable couples. I have had the chance to cut hundreds of wedding cakes (my favorite part of every event), and watch the exchange of vows and the beginnings of innumerable lives as husband and wife. I love being a part of one of the most important and exciting days in a couple’s journey together and it fulfills something in me to help transform someone’s dream into a reality… making sure that their experience is one they will always treasure and remember.

My first interaction with a couple is usually at our planning meeting, where I get to work through all the important details (such as when you will have your first dance) along with the not-so-important ones (how would you like your napkins folded?). We then get to correspond via email for the next few months while all the last minute details are finalized. Our next time together is at the wedding rehearsal where I get to “direct”-- pretty much telling everyone important to the couple (family, bridal party) where to sit, where to stand, how fast to walk, etc… all in a coordinated ‘dress rehearsal’ for the big day.  This is an exciting gathering with emotions running high as the culmination of all the planning, worrying,  stress, and excitement come together. When the big day finally arrives it is a rush of excitement and anticipation on my end, as well as the couple, as I strive to bring calm and order to the day. From the moment the couple arrives, throughout the ceremony and reception, as all the details are handled and the moments play out, I love taking care of my couples and their families to ensure that it truly is the day they have always dreamt of. And at the end of it all, our wedding planning journey complete, it brings a smile to my face to hear the very things that make my job not really work at all, but something I look forward to and adore being a part of.

I am so excited to be marrying my best friend… I can’t wait to walk down the aisle.

It was all we ever could have dreamed it would be.

This was the best day of our lives.

Details, Shmetails; what makes an unforgettable event?

Executing an unforgettable event is a beautiful thing.  To see each tiny detail fuse with one another to create the bigger picture is supremely satisfying!  That's what gets our blood flowing here at Highgrove.  Each week the managers meet to discuss, dissect, and plan each and every final detail for the upcoming weekend's events.  Then, we do it again the next week to analyze the execution of all those little details.  Why?  So that nothing falls through the cracks!  We've put together just a few of the key components that, over time, we've found to play a huge part in your event.

PEOPLE MATTER

Your event is extremely personal for you and us at Highgrove.  How is it personal for us?  I'll explain.  In order for us to give you the dream-come-true event you're looking for, we have to be bought into your vision.  We have to adopt and understand your ideas, goals, personality and everything in between.  That makes it personal for us.  And in order for us to carry that personal touch all the way through we must have the right people on our team.  Notice I used the word team. Our staff members are the driving force behind your event.  Not just a rotation of servers, bartenders, and dishwashers, our staff come in each week and are bought into your vision as well.  When you're bought in, it's easy to go the extra step; to carry an umbrella overhead for a guest who needs to walk across the patio in the rain, to write down step by step driving directions for an out-of-towner, to feel a sense of satisfaction when the guest is pleased. The right people are crucial for an unforgettable event!

WAIT, WHAT TIME IS IT?

Your guests are getting bored, hungry and hot. We watch the clock all night so that you don't have to.  Too much or too little time spent on one particular part has the potential to throw the whole dynamic off balance.  Too much time on dinner can make your guests bored, too much time dancing and partying can minimize the reason you're there in the first place.  A lull in between cocktail hour and introductions can leave that awkward time where your guests are wondering what's going on?  

LAY OFF!  I'M STARVING!

Everyone loves food.  Plain and simple. The awesome Chris Farley SNL quote above says it perfectly-people get "hangry!"  Handcrafted food made with lots of love is perfect cure.  Chances are, your friends and family have traveled from near and far to celebrate with you and what better way to do it than with fresh, delicious, fun cuisine! 

Don't miss out.  Details are huge.  They work together to create an experience and as we like to say at Highrove, it's the little things that count the most!

 

Fresh, Fun, Summer Salsas from Chef Vicky

Salsas are great introductions to a meal as well as the flavor and color “pop” for a main dish. You don’t even need to turn on your stove – a big plus for summer-time recipes. 

Peach Pomegranate Salsa Recipe

THIS IS A QUICK AND EASY RECIPE. NOT MUCH TO SAY OTHER THAN IT IS THE PRETTIEST, MOST REFRESHING SALSA TO MAKE IT TO THE PARTY.

Blanche and peel the peaches 

http://www.kingarthurflour.com/blog/2013/07/20/how-to-peel-a-peach-perfectly-without-a-knife/

Toss the crisp diced peaches and crunchy pomegranate seeds with some simple add ins and a simple vinegar and you are golden.

prep time: 10 minutes

yield: 3 cups

2 CUPS FIRM PEACHES, DICED

½ CUP POMEGRANATE SEEDS

¼ JALEPENO PEPPER, MINCED

¼ RED ONION, DICED FINE

¼ CUP CILANTRO, ROUGHLY CHOPPED

¼ CUP FRESH MINT, ROUGHLY CHOPPED

¼ CUP SEASONED RICE VINEGAR

1 TEASPOON SRIRACHA

1  TABLESPOON HONEY

SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE

Combine all ingredients in a medium size bowl, toss to mix well, taste and season if needed. Enjoy with tortilla chips, black bean or sweet potato chips, or top fish, chicken, pork, or turkey burgers off the grill for a tropical and fresh summer meal.

Keep It Classy, Bro. Do's and Dont's For The Groom On Wedding Day

It's true, the wedding day is mostly for the ladies.  They've dreamed about and been planning their big day since elementary school.  All the meticulous planning and coordinating finally come together in a glorious fusion of speeches, food, drinks, dancing and of course, the "I Do's."  But let's face it, us guys could use a little help! We're already in the land of honeymoon, so to help ensure you represent yourself like the gentleman you are, here's a few tips:

DO: Pay attention to your wife!

Your wedding day is not bro time.  You're about to enter a life-long commitment with this woman.  Show your support by being with her.  That's not to say you can't have a drink with your groomsmen, of course, but most of your time should be celebrating with her!

DON'T: Get Wasted!

It's a celebration, have a couple drinks!  But nothing's worse than getting sloppy and embarrassing yourself, so know your limits!  You don't want to send the message that you have to be sloshed to have a great time.  

DO: Tear it up on the dance floor!

People have traveled from near and far to celebrate with you, so have a good time and dance!  It doesn't matter if you have moves like Jagger, or Elaine from Seinfeld.  People don't care and neither should you.  Nobody wants to go to a boring wedding so get the party started right and have a blast.  Your guests will remember having a great time over you looking a little foolish.  It's all in good fun!

DON'T: Wear rented tuxedo shoes!

The 80's called and they want their super shiny, squeaky 

shoes back.  Just don't go there.  You can't go wrong with 

some oxfords or wingtips.  Some guys can rock the Converse,

but you've gotta know if you can pull that off or not.

DO: Put your phone away!

Yes, the game may be on but come on, you're at your wedding!  Live in the moment and enjoy every minute.  It goes by so much faster than you realize so soak it all up and cherish it.  Don't miss a thing.  I mean hey, somebody spent a lot of money and put a lot of time into this day so do yourself and everyone else a solid and just be present!

Spring Wedding Food Trends

One of the most exciting parts of the wedding (and looked forward to by the guests) is the food! There is so much more to offer your guests than just chicken and potatoes, and while those are two of our most popular items on the menu (Pecan Crusted Bourbon Chicken and Creamy Roasted Mashed Potatoes), we absolutely love when couples choose to offer their guests just a taste of a little something more. And while a buffet dinner is traditional and classic, we are excited to see the popularity of other options as well.

One of the current food trends according to The Knot is pairing mini cocktails with appetizers. Not only do your guests have the chance to taste the perfect pairing of a drink with food, but the presentation can be quite impressive! One of our favorites at Highgrove is our Mini Cuban Sandwich paired with a Rum and Coke. Another popular selection is our petite Peach Bellini served alongside of our Grilled Panini.

Another popular trend in wedding food according to The Bridal Guide, is the Family Style Dinner. We have loved serving this type of menu for years now… and are excited to see how popular it is becoming throughout the industry. Inside of having guests walk up to a traditional buffet line, guests are served large platters of entrees and sides to their tables where they are able to interact and have fun with one another as they pass the food around-- just like at a big family dinner.

As always, no matter what you choose for your wedding day, make it special, personalized, and meaningful to you and all those who are important to you. This is your day… have some fun with it!

April 19 Highgrove Wedding

The weather for our wedding this past Sunday was not what every bride dreams about. It was cloudy and rainy all day, and because of the conditions the ceremony had to be moved inside our Garden Ballroom. But, it was such a beautiful backdrop thanks to Expressions of Love Florist… who adorned the fireplace with a gorgeous splay of fresh flowers and candles, all which brought romance and elegance to the most important part of the day. 

It is always our hope (and that of our couples) to be able to hold their wedding ceremony outside under our pergola, but in the rare occasions when rain overshadows the day, we are so thankful to have our ballroom as a back-up plan. The wedding turned out excellent and the bride and groom were able to get some very creative and beautiful pictures outside (with umbrellas) and we were so happy to be a part of their most memorable day… no matter what the weather!

April 18 Highgrove Wedding

The flowers from our wedding last Saturday were just gorgeous! The bride was from Jamaica and wanted to incorporate the bright, vibrant colors and flowers from her homeland to really add something special to the day. Expressions of Love Florist did the amazing centerpieces and decor which looked amazing in the ballroom. The cake was done by Sweet Memories (included in all our wedding packages) but the most impressive part was the hand made bride and groom gum paste figurines that sat next to the cake… amazing replicas of the bride and groom. Congrats to the happy newlyweds!

One of the larger centerpieces on the guest tables

The sweetheart table, fireplace, and cake table

The white Buttercream cake

The fabulous gum paste figurines of the bride and groom

A close-up shot of one of the smaller centerpieces

Another view of the ballroom

The ballroom

The ceremony overlooking the lake

April 11 Highgrove Wedding

Take a look at some of the sweet pictures from our April 11 wedding. The bride brought in a lot of her own hand drawn signs that were a great touch throughout the house and ballroom. Doing something as simple as writing out signs in some fun fonts can add so much interest to your wedding without having to spend a lot. You can use chalkboards or canvases or even pieces of wood that you paint over. Visit your local craft store or Pinterest for some excellent ideas!

The gift table in the main house

Super creative idea for the "guest book"

Another creative idea for the table assignments.

Each of the guests received a Koozie as their favor.

The gold and white cake was elegant and gorgeous!

The decor at the fireplace in the ballroom

A great sign to have at the bar!

Wedding Tip of the Day

It's time for another one of our favorite wedding tips… some insight that we've gathered over the course of the past 12 years to help make your wedding day even more memorable.

This couple loved Sno Cones and so they incorporated them into their wedding with us!

Share something personal and unique with your guests.

Make your wedding experience one the reflects you both and sheds some light into the personal aspects of your relationship with your guests. Maybe you have a favorite book or poem that you both love and want to share something from during the ceremony. Maybe you have a card that your spouse-to-be gave you early on in your relationship and you want to share the sweet words during your ceremony. Perhaps you both love a certain food-- maybe from your first date or a fun time in your relationship that you can include on the menu at the reception. Another unique idea is to share your love story with your guests, either visually through a video throughout the night or during the champagne toast time. 

Whichever way you incorporate something a little special into the wedding, it will not only be unique and meaningful for you two, but will also leave a lasting impression on your guests as well. Make your wedding one that stands out among all the rest with a little something for everyone to remember. 

How To Pick The Perfect Wedding Shoe

Your wedding shoes are one of the most important accessories on your wedding day. Whether you want a statement shoe that comes in a bright color with a stiletto heal, or a simple white flat, you want to consider what is most important to you and what will work best with your dress. Emmaline Bride has some great tips for choosing the best shoe for your day and how to avoid some common mistakes, and if you are completely set on going with an adorable flat, you definitely want to check out this article on Wedding Wire

Whatever you decide to go with, choose a shoe that shows off your personality and makes you feel beautiful and amazing on your wedding day!

Chef Vicky: What Makes Coming to Work So Fun

Part of what makes coming to work so good are the folks you stand next to and labor with. 

Our newest chef on staff is Liz and she has become our go to person for pastry and so much more. When I find success in a batch of French macarons that do what they should in the oven and the color matches the Pantone on the dresses for the event I have to send a picture to Liz and share. She gets me and my battle with those beautiful cookies!

Recently I had the opportunity to see a play that starred two of my team members' kids in, "The Wizard of Oz". They rocked the house and did an amazing job with their performance! To see the level of proudness on the parent’s faces – they really were busting at the seams with joy. It was contagious  - go Kimberly and Christie!

I still look forward to coming into my kitchen after 27 years.

Blessed – you bet…