We would like to thank all our friends and associates who joined us at Jake's Grotto's Open House in June. If you missed it, it's a really interesting venue with so many unique features.

Click here to take a peek http://www.jakesgrotto.com/index.html, and give Sharon a call today!

Great news from Catering By Design!

We are psyched to be have just been listed in the Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book of vendors. Check it out by clicking here http://www.stylemepretty.com/little-black-book/. Look for us under Caterers in the Tampa/Orlando area of Florida.

I love reading all the stories and tips about planning amazing weddings from planners and vendor from across the country. Style Me Pretty is definitely one the best Wedding blogs out there. We couldn't be happier to be a part of it.

Take a look today!

Derby Day!!

We had a couple of great Derby Parties this year and below are some shots that we got from one of them. These people take the Derby very, very seriously- to the point of having Kentucky Derby Programs overnighted to their front door the day of the race. Warning- do not get between these people and the fence!

Mayor's Beautification Program

Tampa Port Authority

May 2009

Once again we were part of a wonderful fundraising effort by Tampa's Mayor's Beautification Program. This year's party and "See It To Believe It" Auction were a great success. This year's tropical theme was centered around our beautiful, local beaches. Below are a few shots we captured.

Here the Island God watches over our Dips Station. He looks hungry, huh?



Lauren Balden and the "Beach Divas", courtesty of Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

Princess Bride

Joyela & Kenneth

Ringling Museum Courtyard

In late April we had the pleasure of working at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota. They have so many great venues there, but we were in my personal favorite - the courtyard. Plus, we had our own Princess Bride - Joyela who was marrying Kenneth, a Prince of Nigeria.

The Pewter and Silver color scheme, accented with fuschia lighting was backdropped with panels of white drape down the length of one of the loggias. Rectangular guest tables lined the loggia overlooking grassy fields of white furniture and a white dance floor, all lit in pink. African Dancers provided entertainment during the cocktail hour proceeding dinner.

And, as the sun was setting, servers in white dinner jackets formed a precise line to deliver a synchronized presentation of three courses.

Menu

Trio of Maryland Crab Cakes, Chipotle Mac'n Cheese,

and Grilled Shrimp on Plantain Mash

Mixed Field Greens Salad

Champagne- Vanilla Bean Vinaigrette

Duet of Grilled Filet over Potato Gruyere Gratin and Asparagus

and

Chilean Sea Bass with a Tropical Fruit Salsa

All of this was followed by a beautiful red and silver cake on rhinestone and jewel studded tiers, created by Chocolate Pi.

And then, finally, a Dessert Reception followed with an assortment of sweets and savories, including Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake Lollipops, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Gourmet Cheeses, Beef Sliders, and Beef Empenadas.

The couple and their guests danced the night away under the rhinestone accented columns over a white dance floor from Concept Bait. It was truly a magical night!

Thanks to Phillip Lloyd Photography and Limelight Photography for the wonderful pictures!

Catering By Design is working on its new Facebook page. This is still a work in progess and we will let you know when it is up and running. To all of our wonderful industry associates and clients who look at our blog- please become a Facebook fan. And send me helpful tips- I'm a little lost!

Tampa Garden Club Bridal Show

Come see us at the upcoming Bridal Show at the Tampa Bay Garden Club. Some of the BEST wedding vendors in the Tampa Bay area are going to be at this show. The Tampa Garden Club is located near the corner of Bayshore Boulevard and Bay to Bay in South Tampa. Free, convenient parking is accessed behind the building.



The date is April 26th, from 1PM - 4PM, and admission is only $10.00 or $5.00 for brides who have pre-registered. Go to www.tampagardenclub.com/bridalshow for more information and a list of participating vendors.



We are super excited about the show- some of our favorite vendors are going to be there. I hope we see you there!