GARDEN WINTER WEDDING AT HOME

I knew from the start Good Gracious! was going to be the right fit for Karen and James... they had a vision of what they wanted and we were there to deliver the very best for such a special occasion!


After just buying a home in Pasadena, it was clear their already landscaped backyard was the perfect place to share their vows with their closest family and friends! As much as I love a big Wedding, I also adore a small and intimate gathering in a familiar place where you're about to embark on a new chapter of life! A backyard garden wedding is sometimes the perfect fit and for this couple it surely fit the part! The only glitch...which us LA people never want to think about, as it's few days in a year that we actually have to contemplate...
"What will we do if there's RAIN!??" Well in late November there's always that chance so as professionals we always have a backup! Sage Green Parasols helped the sprinkles and Classic Party Rentals pulled through with some chiffon white draped cabanas. We hung a series of glass balls with twine string from the big tree where they had the ceremony ...whether it acted as accents to the beautiful tree...or added a "look" to the rain drops it didn't matter- it was perfect!

We got lucky and it cleared up that evening to be a beautiful crisp November night, snuggled in their new cozy home- with community tables and a family style menu there was no better way to celebrate then to CHEERS to the happy couple!

When I hear Cheers! or Salute! in my mind I'm thinking ....well what are we drinking???


A pre-ceremony starter was warm apple cider filled with cloves, cinnamon and oranges along with tangerine and basil water. For cocktails, I loaned out one of my favorite cocktails to the bride and groom for the night. Pomegranate Sparkle of prossecco, pomegranate and grand marnier.
In addition one our very own GG! mixologist's creation of Honeydew and Basil Vodka Cocktail. It was fitting- since the brides side was Italian, and Chef Joanne even allowed Briganti's Gnoochi in her kitchen, the brides favorite dish at their local neighborhood restaurant. We understand a wedding is sometimes a personal grouping of favorite things from the couple- so as professionals and caterers- we take that extra step in making a couples dream come true!

We did just that... and the menu was delicious! I couldn't have picked better myself....
Individual baguettes rolled in parchment paper and tied with twine string, acted as place card holders with the name tags attached to each. Of course olive oil and vinegar lined the table as well as olive springs set on each menu and white linen napkins.
To start...A warm Butternut Squash Soup, with Arugula, parmessan, pine nuts, sliced pear,and light garlic vinaigrette

The main course, a beef tenderloin with parsley chimmichurri and garlic crumb laced cod chianti with an always favorite cauliflower mash, artichoke, haricot vert, red pepper and snow pea blend.


The evening started with delicious and familiar bites, like petite chix and waffles, truffle steak fries and beef bourguinon popovers and ended with a yummy dessert buffet of apple berry pies, pumpkin cheesecake, hot chocolate shooters, and a person touch of their favorite mini Carmella's salted caramel ice cream cones. Sweet Lady Jane made a lovely and delicious cake and all looked beautiful on the white marble kitchen countertops.

Many Congrats to Karen and James- thank you for allowing Good Gracious! into your home to celebrate such a wonderful beginning to your marriage! Cheers!