The Fairy Godmother of Travel: Your Very Own Wedding Tasting

Incorporating a mini-mockup at your tasting can give you a glimpse of what months of planning looks like when it comes together. Linens by Premiere Party Central & florals by Stems Floral Design

One of our favorite appointments with our brides is the tasting appointment. Not just because we love good food, -It's true, we do- but also because we get to sit down with our bride and groom, maybe even a parent or two, and see them in what is usually a fun and relaxed environment for all. It allows everyone to really get to know each other so that when we spend your wedding day with you, we are not just a vendor, but a friend of the family. It also helps us be more in tune with the needs of our bride and the immediate family. While we are there, we can assist in making recommendations, talk through etiquette questions that may come up, take notes of the things you loved or disliked, and see to it that any questions you still have are followed up on, and decisions made are carried out through the remainder of the planning process. A tasting is a great time to get with your florist and rental company to incorporate a mini-mockup as well. After what is likely months of planning, it will be your first glimpse as to what it will look like when it all comes together. We have yet to see a bride whose face doesn't light up when she walks into the room and help melt away some of the planning stress.

We recently enjoyed a tasting with our bride Kristin, her fiance Aaron, and other family members at the lovely Driskill Hotel. No doubt a hotel distinguished for it's beauty and historical value, but perhaps unknown to most is the unforgettable food. Although the catering menu is not the same as those to be found in the dining areas, it's safe to say the quality and presentation are equally remarkable. Many brides don't consider the food they are getting until they have already signed a contract with a venue, but the food and drinks you serve your guests is likely the biggest percentage of your expense for the day. That being said, knowing the selection and taste of the food you will be serving your guests ahead of time should be of high priority when making a decision on where to plan your wedding.

Kristin and Aaron took into consideration what they already knew they liked, and they did an excellent job selecting menu items that are less common to try for their tasting. First course was the passed appetizers: A nice well rounded selection of meat, seafood and hot or cold selections. Of course, Kristin loved the Asian spoon presentation, a favorite trend among brides.

From Top left and clockwise: Pumpkin Seed Crusted Quail with Guajillo Chili BBQ Sauce; Smoked Duck & Wild Mushroom baked in Phyllo; Mushroom Seared Beef Tenderloin on Marsala Onion and Parmesan; Charred Ahi Sashimi, Tobiko, sprouts on Cucumber

Next we moved on to the appetizer and salad courses. The presentation of each of these were so artistic and certainly not to be overlooked by guests.

From left to right: Bibb Lettuce & Endive Salad with Candied Walnuts, Cambozola Crustini & Asian Pear Vinaigrette; Avocado & Mango Salad with local Baby Lettuces, Sweet Texas Onions & Coriander-Lime Vinaigrette; Dungeness Crab & Ahi Tower w/Tomato & Avocado Relish

Moving on to the main course. Both steak and seafood plates were nicely paired with a selection of red wines allowing the family to choose the perfect complement for their dinner selection.

From left to right: Grilled Petite Filet Mignon & Pacific Prawns with Truffle Potato Puree, Roasted Portobello, & Baby Corn Asparagus Bundle with Merlot Jus; Petite Filet Mignon & Tarragon Crusted Salmon with Parsnip-Orange Zest Puree & Asparagus Wrap; Olive Oil Poached Tomato Confit

Finally, a favorite course by most brides, the cake! Executive Pastry Chef, Tony Sansalone, is well known in the industry for his amazing cakes. Still a great selection pictured below yet we highly recommend making your way to the Driskill's 1886 Cafe & Bakery to also try his popular 1886 Chocolate Cake. Fans of chocolate say it's the best chocolate cake they have ever had!