A Wedding at Unionville Vineyards

Wedding planning season is in full swing, and I am looking forward to writing weekly (or hopefully more often) blog entries that celebrate the fabulous local venues where we cater special events. 

This September wedding at Unionville Vineyard was so unique and beautiful. 

I have to say, Unionville's Ringoes property boasts some of THE most breathtaking views that there are in NJ. B+G, Mary and James, enjoyed a perfectly picturesque ceremony on the back lawn of the charming brick manor house on the property, which overlooks rows and rows of thriving grape vines. Depending on the season, the vines offer a vibrant green, or autumnal golden backdrop to wedding ceremonies. 

Following the ceremony, cocktail hour was enjoyed inside the winery, in the Barrel Room and in the fieldstone lined Cave Room. Guests sipped on Unionville's award winning wines (Cam Jam is a favorite of mine!) while grazing on an Artisan Cheese Table featuring local NJ cheeses and early Autumn fruits. Seeing the inner workings of the winery serves as a wonderful conversation piece for guests, who enjoy perusing while mingling in this large, lofty space.

A four course plated dinner and dancing followed, with guests overlooking the nearby farms and hillsides under the lantern-lit tent set alongside the winery. After dusk, the burlap accented cake, adorned, of course, with grapes, was cut and served in the Barrel Room where guests continued to dance the night away. 

Unionville Vineyard's charm and character sets the stage for unforgettable weddings and events. Visiting Unionville is like stepping into the best kept secret countryside around; a wonderful feeling while celebrating very special occasions with friends and family! 

Princeton Magazine's October Issue "Healthy Living" - Emily's Braised Organic Lamb Shank

Emily's featured recipe in Princeton Magazine's October Issue "Healthy Living"

Autumn Wedding Charm

The Raritan Inn Barn

 The arrival of beautiful Autumn in New Jersey was felt throughout every moment of this charming wedding last weekend at The Raritan Inn. The bride and groom rented The Inn Friday - Sunday, and so enjoyed a rehearsal dinner on the grounds, a full day and night of an amazing wedding celebration, and Sunday breakfast with close friends and family.

The picturesque B&B on The South Branch of the Raritan River includes a restored barn, with a warm wood interior. It is the perfect setting for a unique barn wedding experience that is rich in character. The landscape and property, including the river path to a riverside, perfectly private ceremony spot, leave guests feeling as though they have escaped to the country for the day.

Guests were greeted last Saturday and invited to enjoy Hot Mulled Local Apple Cider and Brewed Iced Tea as they wandered the river path. Then cocktail hour was enjoyed on a lawn behind the barn, with the working full bar set in the quaint "Fisherman's Shed".

Following a plated salad, buffet fare included Golden Roasted Chicken Breast with a Chestnut and Cornbread Stuffing, Pumpkin Ravioli with a Sage Brown Butter, a Spud Bar, Roasted Veggies and Artisan Breads.

A Java Bar was featured with the wedding cupcakes, and guests took away Terhunes Orchard Cider Donuts in personalized brown bags.

This October wedding was "spot on" in its delicious flavor of fall!!

"As Guests Arrive" Refreshment Station

Handled Mason Jar Drinking Glasses

The Raritan Inn Barn View from the Back

A Charming Sign Made by the B + G

Seating for 70 Guests Inside the Barn

Tree Cross Section Centerpieces + a Mahogany Shevari Chair

Autumn Pre Ceremony Refreshment Station

Tiered Wedding Cupcake Display

Artisan Cheese Board

The Raritan Inn Bed and Breakfast

Wedding Favors - Terhunes Orchard Apple Cider Donuts

Welcome Fall Wedding Season!

There is something so rejuvenating about the aroma of roasted butternut squash, sage, browning butter, and apple cider in September. And what better back drop than a historic red barn and field stone Mill on the Delaware River?

This couple's ceremony in front of the Saw Mill on the property was followed by a cocktail hour that featured a St. Germaine Cocktail and NJ Artisan Cheese Table. Butlered fare included Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tartlets, Bite Size Crab Cakes, Focaccia Pizza Bites, and Ahi Tuna on Wonton Crisps with Avocado Cream.

Dinner on the main level of The Mill included a festive pairing of seasonal features and crowd pleasing comfort food. Chef's carved a Whole Roasted Pig served with a Coffee BBQ Sauce, while guests made their own Soft Shell Fish Tacos. Dinner was rounded off by items including French Fries in Parchment Cones with Chipotle Aioli, Jersey Corn Fritters with an Apple Compote, Butternut Squash Ravioli, and Grilled Vegetables with a Basil Pesto Drizzle. From a menu planners perspective, I have to say that September is one of the most plentiful times in NJ. On the cusp of the seasons, we are able to still highlight summer bounty, while also incorporating the early autumn harvest ingredients.

Dessert, instead of traditional wedding cake, was a sweets station with Espresso Cookies, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bites, and Coconut Macaroons. And though a gelato station may not be a typical Fall offering, it was a total winner with the Bent Spoon flavors featured: Blood Orange, Dark Chocolate, Apple, and Sea Salt Vanilla Caramel. Guests paired the refreshing treat with Java Bar beverages.

Happy Fall!

An End of Summer Tented Wedding

This wedding, on the grounds of a Princeton private school, was a dream! The lush grounds were the perfect setting for the two very special ceremonies - one Hindu and one Christian. While the B+G took photos and changed (as traditional Indian attire was worn during the first ceremony), guests enjoyed tea and cookies. Then, cocktail hour on the lawn of the manor house was followed by a seated dinner under the elegant tent. Our menu featured Local Greens and an Eggplant Napoleon, Pistachio Crusted Salmon, Filet Mignon, and House Made Ricotta Gnocchi with Roasted Squash and Sage Brown Butter sauce.

Guests danced the night away and enjoyed the delish lemon wedding cake and chocolate covered strawberries until the B+G were sent off in a Rolls Royce while guests waved sparklers in farewell.