Jamie & Joe’s Big, Beautiful Wedding at Loft 21 | Tasty Catering Skip to main content

Jamie & Joe’s Big, Beautiful Wedding at Loft 21

August 31, 2019

On August 31, 2019, Jamie and Joe shared their love for each other in the company of 270 family members and friends. Their ceremony, held at Queen of the Rosary Catholic Church in Elk Grove Village, was followed by a full night of celebration at Loft 21 in Lincolnshire.

A Moving Ceremony Full of Tradition

The ceremony was especially meaningful, as Joe attended school at Queen of the Rosary, and Jamie’s parents and sister were married there. Both Jamie and Joe’s godfathers provided the ceremony’s readings, and immediate family members were all a part of the wedding. To witness Jamie and Joe say “I do” was an intimate experience for the entire family and everyone else who knows and loves the couple.

Summer Breezes & Plenty of Small Bites

Guests began to arrive at Loft 21 around 5:30 p.m. The expansive, urban loft served as a unique backdrop for a night full of eating, mingling and good old-fashioned celebration.

Jamie’s background in hospitality and catering and both her and Joe’s supreme love for food prompted them to create a menu that was filled with a variety of delicious options. We were honored to help them build their dream spread for their guests.

Cocktail hour on the outdoor deck had a little bit of everything—refreshing drinks, a seafood bar (with tons of oysters!) and the following delicious passed hors d’oeuvres:

  • Mini Maryland crab cakes with mustard aioli
  • Mini taco shells filled with chicken tinga and Chihuahua cheese
  • Pear & brie quesadilla with apricot jam
  • Waffle battered chicken fingers with maple sauce

And also the following stationary hors d’oeuvres:

  • Pink gulf shrimp, chilled with chipotle sauce and chives
  • Mexican ceviche bateau
  • Seasonal fresh and roasted vegetables

What a great way to kick off the evening! Guests snacked on mouthwatering bites, enjoyed hearty conversation and listened to Frank Sinatra tunes performed by the bride’s talented cousin, Michael.

A Swoon-Worthy Grand Reveal Followed by Warm Words

Everyone headed inside for the grand reveal—the couple’s first dance! Friends and family gathered along the second floor’s loft and swooned over the scene on the floor below—the happy newlyweds swirling across the dancefloor to Van Morrison’s “Someone Like You.” The entire moment was completely covered in romantic details like hanging Italian lights, a slideshow full of special memories and a J&J monogram lit up against the brick wall.

Guests could hardly wait to join the couple downstairs, where the main room was accented in gold, black and hunter green. Tables were arranged with black linens (BBJ Linen), gold silverware and glassware, gorgeous charcuterie board centerpieces (American Metalcraft), plated salads and bread bag menu cards by Emily Ebert Design, who also created the seating charts and menu signs.

Everyone settled into their seats and leaned in for the cake cutting (cake provided by Deerfields) and speeches that followed. Jamie’s grandmother and maid of honor gave very heartwarming speeches, while Joe’s best man had everyone in tears of laughter. After Joe and Jamie gave everyone a sincere welcome, they asked for a moment of silence for the memoriam slideshow they put together for family members who could not be there to join them all.

It was important to the couple that guests had something to nibble on at the table when they were seated and listening to speeches. The charcuterie board centerpieces certainly were as delicious as they were beautiful. The Iberian Charcuterie featured ingredients from around the world:

  • Fermin salami, Iberico cured sausage (Spain)
  • Palacios Iberico chorizo (Portugal)
  • Redono Serrano (Spain)
  • Black Kassel Salami (Canada)
  • Manchego Gran Valle 6 Mos hard cheese
  • Fromager D’Affinois Brebis soft cheese (France)
  • Ybarra olives stuffed with piquilla roasted peppers (Spain)
  • Kalamata olives pitted (Greece)
  • Cucina Viva olives (Italy)
  • Seedless grapes & fresh berries
  • Pepperoncini
  • Stone ground mustard & apricot preserves
  • Sliced baguettes

Dinner, Dancing and Chicago-style Late-night Eats

After Father Fred delivered a prayer, guests were welcomed to the buffet that was arranged for them. It featured the following options:

  • Grass-fed black angus beef tenderloin: with an option of green peppercorn sauce or horseradish creme
  • Roasted free-range chicken breast: with prosecco sauce and heirloom tomato jam
  • Pacific wild caught salmon: with a classic lemon caper piccata sauce
  • Three cheese ravioli: with tipo de zucco sauce
  • Haricot verts: french green beans, julienne red peppers, roasted garlic and cremini mushrooms

As dinner came to a close, Joe and his mother headed to the dancefloor for their dance, followed by Jamie and her father. Over the next three hours, DJ Rob and three musicians from HYPE provided the next-level entertainment that got everyone moving on the dancefloor. HYPE also provided the photo booth fun that guests partook in throughout the night.

The night took a sweet turn and ended with delectable desserts: Jarosch brownies and cookies with the Cubs logo, fresh strawberries and golden pineapples. Oh, and we can’t forget the late-night hot dog cart.

Words from a happy bride: The Tasty Catering team was amazing to work with. They had so many menu items to choose from, and the tasting helped narrow down what we (and our moms) liked and what items worked well together. They also were helpful in meeting dietary needs, which was important as we wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of and well-fed. The evening of the event, the chefs and entire staff worked so hard in making sure that our vision became a reality. They were courteous and made sure everyone was treated like royalty.

Social

Related Articles