We recently had the honor of catering the wedding of two country music sensations: Carly Pearce and Michael Ray. The wedding took place at Sumner Co.’s beautiful Drakewood Farm on Oct. 6, and we had a blast working with the happy couple to create a fun, interactive cocktail style reception.
At Chef’s Market, we always treat our couples to a tasting session, and it was no different for Carly and Michael. While couples love the opportunity to taste test the menu for the big day, it also gives us a chance to sit down with the bride and groom to get to know them in a relaxed setting, allowing us to capture their personalities in what we display on their wedding day. When Carly and Michael visited us for their tasting, their fun-loving nature and engaging, shining personalities stood out, so it was no surprise when they told us they were opting for a fun cocktail party followed with an over-the-top dinner with fun interactive stations. The station style invited guests to move around the venue and make themselves right at home.
Immediately after the wedding, guests moved into the cocktail party and were greeted with a signature drink named after a couple of their hit songs, Don’t Hide the Wine & Think A Little Less. Carly shared with us that her healthy, tasty go-to when she’s on the road is avocado toast. We downsized it, gussied it up and passed it with the signature drink. A standout element during this portion of the evening was our signature grazing table featuring artisan cheese, locally sourced cured meats, fruits, vegetables, pickles, olives, fresh bread, gourmet crackers, nuts and dried fruit, along with seasonal dips and of course, our famous house-made chips. This elevated spread provided a colorful and inviting display with savory and sweet creations to satisfy every palette. Carly and Michael loved the idea of the grazing table, not only because was it beautiful and bountiful, but a great way to bring guests together. We freshened the table after dinner knowing guests would work up an appetite again on the dance floor.
Carly has a confident sense of style and great taste, which was displayed in every detail of the big day (check out her wedding dress!). She is not swayed by trends and what’s popular. She knows what she wants one of those “wants” was a Mashed Potato Station. We added our Chef’s Market flair and famous sweet potatoes, creating mashed potato nirvana.
For styling on the food table, we complimented with the same beautiful flowers in Carly’s bouquet and used the venue’s gorgeous white-washed antique furniture to display the food. Michael wasn’t too concerned about the design, but boy did he appreciate and well-made cheeseburger. Michael’s idea to add burger table was spot on, because their guests were coming back for seconds and thirds.
We rounded out the menu with a beautiful selection of salads displayed in coups and a Shrimp-and-Grits Table with our world-famous smoked gouda grits and grilled shrimp topped with a Cajun Monica sauce, along with a selection of mason jar salads.
As the evening came to a sweet close, we passed out slices of the beautiful “naked” wedding cake made by CraziCakes, which was in addition to the Pie and Ice Cream Station we put together featuring pecan, chocolate chess, classic pumpkin and apple caramel.
Photo Credit: Rachel Deeb
It was a beautiful night filled with fun, good vibes, great music, dancing and phenomenal food. We wish Carly and Michael a lifetime of days just as memorable as this one.
If you are planning a wedding in Nashville and would love to bring your creative style to life through a custom menu like Carly and Michael, we’d love for you to give us a call. Visit our website at chefsmarket.com, call 615.851.2433, or email info@chefsmarket.com.
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