Photos and Food

Chris and I recently had a very productive day a couple of weeks ago in terms of wedding-related items.
We met with our photographer, dropped off my ring for repairs, had our final tasting with the caterer, and discussed various other wedding topics during these other adventures in wedding-planning.

First up, the photographer.
I am in love with our photographer.  We are using Jade Studio Productions, based out of San Francisco.  It is one primary photographer and his wife who do most of the shooting.  We didn't really select them, that was pretty much decided for us.  Why?  Because this is who took the photos at my father and step-mother's wedding and then, more recently, at my brother's wedding.  They do such beautiful work and, it's pretty rockin' since not only am I comfortable with their work, I already actually know the photographers themselves -- enough to know first names and be comfortable with hugs.
So we sat down with Philippe, the main person, and looked through all the books he had and the possibilities.  It was incredible just how many options he had for what our book would ultimately look like; there were very traditional books, very non-traditional books, lots of interesting detail that is possible, and so much inspiration that it was intimidating and overwhelming.  Philippe, as always, was delightful and thrilled about his work -- the photos and the end product of the books were both overwhelming and incredible to see.  I cannot wait to see the photos he will have taken of us on our wedding day.

After that meeting, we rested for a bit, but had to make it out to Girasole again for a third meeting with the caterer to, finally!, try our actual main dishes...you know, the ones we custom-created with the help of the catering coordinator/owner, Skip. (If you don't remember, we had had a couple of unfortunate meetings with him previously).  Due to schedules, none of the parents were able to attend this time, so it was just me, Chris, and Skip.  While he was late arriving, again, we were able to taste a few of the dishes we had discussed.  One was just alright, one was super-delicious, and another was simply good.  When Skip arrived, we finished tasting things, made some adjustments and came up with our wedding menu:

Hors d’oeuvres

Smoked Salmon Tostado Almond Wood smoked salmon, herb chévre on a blue corn tostado, jalapeño mango & papaya salsa

Prosciutto & Melon Skewers cantaloupe & honey dew

Spicy Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushroom

Buffet

Marinated & Grilled Tri-Tip of Beef … with a mushroom demi glace

BBQ Boneless Chicken Breasts & Thighs…citrus BBQ sauce

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Rajas Poblanos…with fresh corn and cheese

Cumin Creamed Corn & Spinach

Roasted Vegetable Medley… red onion, mushrooms, zucchini, yellow squash, sweet red bell pepper & carrots with extra virgin olive oil and herbs

Insalata Santa Fe romaine & field greens mixed; jicama rubbed with fresh squeezed lime juice & cumin; blackberries, strawberries & orange sections; fresh asparagus; with a jalapeno mango vinaigrette,; tortilla confetti

Corn Bread with Honey

It's definitely got that southwestern, country, BBQ feel to it which is what we were going for.  The Rajas Poblanos was the super-delicious dish that we loveloveloved when we tasted it, and the salad is make-your-own essentially.  It's a little eclectic, to be sure, but so are we *and* we really like the dishes all around.  We made sure to have plenty of food available for those who aren't meat-eaters, as well -- even though there isn't strictly a "vegetarian entree".

It just sounds so yummy, I can't wait to eat it!  Even though everybody tells me that we won't really get to eat during the meal (the caterer already prepares for that and make take-home plates for the bride and groom :) ).

They also provide a coffee bar, included with the package, they'll cut and serve the wedding cake at no extra charge (no 'cutting fee' bullpucky), and we will be providing our own beverages (water, soda, juice, beer, & wine) for which, again, they don't charge (they only charge for the bartender's time, no corkage fee).

Even though we've had some issues with the caterer's timeliness and remembering who we are, the food and the deal are great and we already know from first-hand experience, that they really do a great job when it comes to the showdown.

I cannot wait!