As guests arrived, they were greeted happily by Puff ‘n Stuff Catering staff with butler-passed beverage service and our delicious Red Pepper Hummus and Hand-Smashed Avocado Dip with freshly baked artisan bread and pita chips for dipping. Once guests settled in, a live band took the stage and got the party going! The dance floor filled, and then the crowd cleared to spy the cute couple as they had their first dance under the exquisite orchid and crystal chandelier. After dancing up a storm, friends and family lined up for the feast Puff ‘n Stuff Catering had prepared for them. Four Dual Chef Attended Stations were set, displaying our culinary creations freshly cooked right before the guests eyes.

Dessert featured the wedding cake along with Bananas Foster Flambe and “Create Your Own Sundae” stations, provided by Puff ‘n Stuff Catering. To conclude the evening, a stunning fireworks show choreographed to music lit up the night sky as guests were served cheesecake lollipops and cookies and milk shots. A perfect way to end such a beautiful night!

Hors d’Oeuvres

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with herbed pita chips

Freshly Baked Lavush & Artisan Breads with whipped butter, e.v.o.o., aged balsamic & finishing salt

Hand Smashed Avocado with onion, crushed garlic and lime

Station 1

Grilled Romaine Spring Mixed Greens

grilled hearts of romaine offered with a selection of toppings including shaved cantaloupe, julienne prosciutto, beets, diced tomato, red onion and a red wine vinaigrette; cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, croutons, candied walnuts, bleu cheese, cheddar cheese, goat cheese, and a variety of dressings including red wine vinaigrette, balsamic vinaigrette and house made ranch

Station 2

Specialty Pasta

featuring three pasta dishes garnish with fried basil, served from Grana Padano chese wheels with freshly shredded parmesan and Romano cheeses on the side

1. Corn, Goat Cheese and Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Ravioli finished in a pink vodka sauce (a la Timpano Restaurant)

2. Olives, Artichoke Hearts, Caramelized Onions with Pipette Pasta in house marinara

3. Mushrooms, Sun-Dried Tomato and Pine Nuts with Carbonara sauce, gemelli

Station 3

Braised Short Ribs with Sweet Barbecue Glaze

served atop mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus, garnished with frizzled shallots

Station 4

Carved Bourbon Glazed Virginia Ham with stone fruit chutney and spiced honey mustard

Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi with blood orange reduction

Gruyère Potato Gratin

Honey-Glazed Baby Carrots

Dessert

Bananas Foster Flambe with house made vanilla bean ice cream and cinnamon crisp

“Ice Cream, You Scream” Social

create your own sundaes with vanilla ice cream offered with a variety of toppings, sauces and fruits including caramel, chocolate hot fudge, candy sprinkles, chocolate chips, fresh sliced banana, strawberries, pineapple, whipped cream and chopped nuts

Assorted Gourmet Cheesecake Lollipops house made traditional cheesecake in fresh dipped milk chocolate, and peanut butter cheesecake in milk chocolate

Petite Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies served with a cold shot of milk

Late Night Snacks

Mini Cheeseburgers

Mini Pulled Pork Sliders

Mini Grilled Cheeses

Event Credits

Caterer: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, Special Event Planner Heidi Brice

Photographer: Brian Adams PhotoGraphics

Following the ceremony, guests were escorted into the tented reception space which was beautifully adorned with floral vines and sparkling lights running up the walls and lining the tent ceiling. Large floral chandeliers filled the room with candlelight as Puff ‘n Stuff Catering served signature rosemary-infused lemonade and elegant hors d’oeuvres.

Soon after, a live band took the stage and got the party started! Guests were given silly glasses, stick on mustaches, glow in the dark wands, and other fun favors to make for an interesting night. After dancing up a storm, guests settled down to enjoy some of Puff ‘n Stuff Catering’s newest creations presented in fanciful chef bars. Following dinner the couple cut into their cakes and had a sweet ending to their fairytale day.

Happily-Ever-After Hors d’Oeuvres:

Eggplant Croutons with honey roasted tomatoes, kalamata olives and pine nut tapanade with Feta cheese

Whole Strawberries filled with sweet mascarpone cheese and topped with toasted almonds

Maryland Crab Cake Towers seared and served with a Cajun rémoulade

Duck Ropa Vieja Wontons with calabaza squash, napa cabbage, and a rioja demi sauce

Beef Nagamaki with a ginger soy mousse

North Carolina Stack A three bean bake sautéed with apples and onions and served with 4 Rivers house smoked beef brisket and Carolina coleslaw

Garden Dinner Action Stations:

Quesadillas Mojo roasted pork, chipotle grilled chicken, grilled hanger steak, balsamic roasted vegetables, pepper jack and cheddar cheeses, and all the trimmings

Tenderloin Chimichurri Chef carved beef tenderloin topped with chimichurri, frizzled leeks, pink peppercorns, and drizzled olive oil over white truffle mashed potatoes

Rose Chicken Tower Smoked raspberry and chipotle chicken roulade served on a grilled corn, peach and poblano salad and accompanied with a jalapeno corn muffin topped with a peach and raspberry jam

King Crab with Pink Grapefruit Lump king crab served on peeled grapefruit slices finished with a tangerine gastrique and lemon foam

Asian Trio Plate Beet-cured salmon sashimi, inside out California roll and summer vegetable spring roll with a thai peanut sauce

Tropical Tuna Ceviche Shot with a brunoise of tropical fruit

Zellwood Sweet Corn & Ricotta Fritters

Chef Paul’s Old South Seafood Stew A variety of the freshest seafood and shellfish served from an oversized pan into large mugs over orzo pasta and topped with peasant croutons

Tomato, Avocado & Goat Cheese Crostini

Pepper Berry Crusted Lamb Chops with crimson reduction

Mini Monte Cristo served with organic berry preserves and dusted with powder sugar

Delectable Desserts

S’mores Outdoors Crunchy graham crackers held by an old fashioned wooden clothespin, dipped in decadent melted chocolate then swirled in creamy marshmallows and finished by being flame-toasted before your eyes

Mignardises (by Chocolate Pi)

Event Credits:

Event Styling/Coordination: Zoe Gallina, Inc., Zoe Gallina

Photographer: Rayn Joseph Photographs, Ryan Joseph

Décor & Floral: Botanica Design Studio, Ian Prosser

Food and Beverage: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, Special Event Planner: Aymee Brace

Quartet: Dillingham Quartet, David Dillingham

Cocktail Trio/Band: Simply Irresistible, Susan Criner

Videographer: Voila Cinematic, Jocelyn Karas

Rentals: U.S. Tent Rental, Steve Bruenner

Lounge Furniture: Room Service Rentals, Sarah Florio

Tent Draping: Design Elements, Shane Myers

Lighting: Baystage Lighting, Nicole Carballa

Wedding Cakes: Chocolate Pi, Kim Yelvington

Bride Hair/Make Up: Elena Joseph, Elena Joseph

Bridal Party Hair: Cimino Salon, Michael Cimino

Shuttle Buses: Skyline Limousines, Mark Anthony

Valet: 717 Parking, Lauren Ruiz

Getaway Car: Cole’s Classic Cars, Darrel Cole

With the cocktail hour situated on the OSC’s outdoor terrace overlooking the beautiful downtown Orlando skyline, guests enjoyed drinks and Puff ‘n Stuff Catering’s Jurassic creations! Once inside the Dino Digs exhibit filled with larger-than-life prehistoric creatures, Kimberly and Akash’s guests were served a delicious dinner that could literally make you say Bone-appetit! Read on to see the menu and pictures of this crazy cretaceous wedding!

Hors d’Oeuvres to Take a Bite Out of

Cajun Grilled Shrimp on European Cucumber Rounds with a spicy Cajun cream cheese

Maryland Crab Cake Towers pan seared and served with a Cajun rémoulade

Rustic Tomato & Mozzarella Bruschetta on grilled Italian bread

Triassic Dinner Buffet

Freshly Baked Artisan Breads

Citrus Greens Salad frisée, arugula and baby spinach with sliced Florida oranges, fennel, toasted almonds and a citrus vinaigrette

Chicken Duxelles stuffed with mushroom duxelles & Brie in a lite cream-thyme sauce

Glazed & Grilled Mahi Mahi Margarita with lime, tomato, garlic and a margarita glaze

Rosemary Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Grilled Asparagus Spears

Parmesan-Crusted Roma Tomatoes

Event Credits:

Caterer: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering

Photographer: Carrie Wildes Photography

Venue: Orlando Science Center

As guests entered The Ballroom’s lavish, stained-glass atrium for the cocktail hour, servers made their way down the double grand staircases bearing delicious Puff ‘n Stuff Catering creations. The couple then welcomed their guests into the main ballroom, which was dressed to the nines in a sea of soft, smoke purple and platinum linens, dimmed purple up-lighting, and gorgeous pink and white floral center-pieces accented with white feathers by Lee Forrest Design. The groom, a former player and baseball aficionado, even added his own personal touch to the reception by incorporating tables named for his favorite Major League teams.

Guests were enchanted as they watched Brittanie and Matt’s first dance under the sparkling crystal chandeliers, and then delighted as they enjoyed a plated dinner specially prepared by Puff ‘n Stuff Catering!

Fairytale Starters

Rustic Tomato & Mozzarella Bruschetta on grilled Italian bread

Baked Stuffed Mushroom Caps filled with creamy polenta and mascarpone

Mini Cuban Pressed Sandwiches with sliced roast pork, ham, swiss, and pickles, grilled on cuban bread

Bacon-Wrapped Potato Tots with sour cream and chives

Spanakopita – phyllo pastries filled with spinach, toasted pine nuts and feta cheese

Maryland Crab Cake Towers pan seared and served with a Cajun rémoulade

Happily Ever After Dinner

Signature Fresh Garden Salad with tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, toasted sunflower seeds, house-made parmesan croutons with our house champagne vinaigrette

Freshly Baked Artisan Breads

Chicken Duxelles - chicken stuffed with mushroom duxelles & Brie in a lite cream-thyme sauce

Grilled Château Steaks in a pinot noir demi glaze

Chive & Roasted Garlic Creamy Potatoes

Matchstick Vegetables

Event Credits:

Caterer: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, Special Event Planner Sandy George

DJ & Lighting: Tagas Events and Production Services

Florist: Lee Forrest Design

Photographer: Tab McCausland

Venue: The Ballroom at Church Street

Not that you need an excuse to party this summer, but if you do…we’ve got a great one. After all, it is hurricane season and the perfect time to throw a party featuring New Orleans-style hurricanes that are oh so sweet and tasty! So round up those beads, brush up on your Cajun and prepare to let the good times roll! And if you could use a little help partying like a pro, you know who to call. Who dat? Why, the pros at Puff ’n Stuff Catering. But to get you started, check out these ideas for decorating, favors, and, of course, delicious ‘Nola eats.

CENTER OF ATTENTION

Need a cool centerpiece idea? How ironic. We’ve got one right here! Simply gather up some hurricane drink glasses, fill them with crushed pink tissue paper and clear rocks, then top them off with little orange and red flowers. What you’ll end up with are centerpieces that look good enough to drink. (But don’t.)

For a fun and affordable party favor, just add beads. Toss them to your guests as they arrive, as they leave, or as they party. If and how they’re required to earn them is strictly between you and your krewe!

SAVOR THE SUMMER

Authentic N’awlins-style food is a must when throwing a party like this. So check out these traditional taste temptations.
• Summer Jambalaya
• Muffalettas
• Creamy Cheese Grits, Andouille Sausage & Red-Eye Gravy

BONUS: Purchase a name-brand bar package for your party and receive FREE hurricanes…the kind you drink, of course…that’ll blow your guests away. Offer valid for events taking place from July 5 – August 31, 2011.

We’ve thrown more parties than Bourbon Street itself, so if you want more Big & Easy ideas give us a call! We’ve got everything you need to get the party started from Mardi Gras colored linens to décor and more!

Ready to party? Call one of our 
Special Event Planners at 407.629.7833 today and LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

Action stations are the most interactive ways to serve your guests and bring an added level excitement, entertainment and…action to your special event. Guests watch with excitement as their food is prepared to order by lively chefs! The concept is simple and can be adapted to most event styles:

• Cocktail Reception: server pass specialty cocktails, set-up full bars and sprinkle hors d’oeuvre portion action stations through out the space to encourage mingling, conversation and movement around the room.
• Chef Bar Party: arrange mixed size and height tables through out the event space, select your favorite mini plate portion action stations and enjoy! Guests explore Chef Bars at their leisure, select their preferred seats and experience a tapas-style dinner they won’t soon forget.
• Family Style Meal: couple a salad and side dish buffet with 2-3 entree portion action stations arranged evenly through out the room for a relaxed atmosphere with a twist.
• Formal Dinner: select upscale action stations with 2-3 complementary dishes at each station such as a mini steakhouse wedge salad, grilled and sliced filets and smashed potatoes. Provide assigned, formal seating to give guests the option to eat while mingling or comfortably in their seats.

Action stations can be set-up in formal event spaces, outdoors or in a private residence. The flexibility, interaction and creativity offered by this service style continues to increase its popularity for all event types including weddings, corporate events, and social events such as birthdays, anniversaries and bar/bat mitzvahs.

The Puff ‘n Stuff Catering team continues to “passionately perfect” the art of action stations and we love creating unique and personal stations for our clients. Stations can be developed from family recipes, favorite dishes and our vast menu of action stations. Some of our most popular action stations include Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese in which our rich, creamy lobster mac is freshly prepared and served from a hollowed 80 pound wheel of Grana Padano cheese, and the Vertical Bento Box – a rotating, Asian-inspired display filled with multiple dishes such as our Asian Trio Plate and King Crab with Pink Grapefruit served on peeled grapefruit slices finished with a tangerine gastrique and lemon foam.

Why not try this growing trend at your next special event? For more inspiration, keep scrolling to see highlights from the Puff ‘n Stuff Catering kitchen and check out this Perfect Wedding Guide post by our friend Jody Wimer, board member of the International Caterers Association and President of JPC Event Group in Pennsylvania!

Thank you to K & K Photography and Unrue Photo for sharing your images in this post!

Photo Credits:
K & K Photography, Jeff Kathrein, www.kandkphotography.com
Unrue Photo, John J. Unrue, www.unruephoto.com

Choreographed dancers filled the dance floor, while a t-shirt artist passed out custom t-shirts and kids feasted on ice cream from Coldstone Creamery. Puff ‘n Stuff Catering provided delicious food that everyone could enjoy including the kids! Featuring “s’mores indoors” and even a create-your-own-nacho bar, this celebration truly had everything a birthday girl could ask for!

Wild Dinner Buffet

Create Your Own Nacho Bar
Vegetable Quesadillas piped with Rose Sour Cream
Cheeseburger Sliders & Fries

Out of Control Desserts

“S’mores Indoors” Marshmallows on bamboo skewers, flamed,
rolled in Micro Chocolate Chips and crushed graham crackers

Event Credits:

Caterer: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering
Cinematographer: VHVIDEO.COM
Venue: Heaven Events Center

Central Florida and the Tampa-St. Pete areas are home to numerous venues that lend a destination vibe without the destination price tag. Local venues not only reduce travel expenses for you and your guests, they can reduced your stress level and be perfectly transformed to resemble the exact destination that you wished for. Today we would like to share some of our favorite local “destination” venues in hopes they can make your wedding vision come true!

The Big City
With Broadway lights and stunning glamour, New York has a place in everyone’s heart. The Mezz, a Downtown Orlando venue, has the bright lights, chic design and city-scaped floor-to-ceiling windows to bring a New York themed event come to life!

Las Vegas, NV
Adventurous and modern, Heaven Events Center is the perfect venue for a Las Vegas style event. Filled with glitz and state of the art technology like LED lighting and HD TVs, this locale close to Central Florida’s attractions is sure to keep guests thrilled just like the fast city of Vegas!

Travel Back in Time
The Ballroom at Church Street offers elegant Victorian style in the heart of Downtown Orlando with large detailed stain glass windows, double grand staircases, and spacious ballrooms. If you yearn to celebrate in classic style, this space can be decked to fit any fairytale wedding!

Tuscany, Italy
Couples longing to venture into Italian wine country for their big day need only to travel to Sarasota’s Powel Crosley Estate. This large stone mansion is surrounded by beautiful gardens setting the scene for a breathtakingly charming and romantic wedding.

Tropical Paradise
Paradise Cove offers a lush, tropical backdrop for a scenic waterfront wedding. Nestled near Disney’s Lake Buena Vista area, Paradise Cove’s thatched-roof and open-air patio, beach front bars and sandy shores will make you feel like you’re miles away from the city!

Latin Locales
If you seek venue rich in cultural history with a latin flare, The Cuban Club in Ybor City is a must-see. With its large ballrooms, theaters and open-air space, this space can transform a party into an exciting, fun-filled fiesta!

Each meal is meticulously prepared and plated in the kitchen, and personally presented by servers who make a direct connection with each and every guest. In addition to the extra level of attention given to guests, seated meals create an intimate ambiance and the perfect environment for conversation. And for hosts with creative culinary ambitions, the plate can easily become the canvas for a beautifully designed entrée.

From a practical standpoint, plated meals significantly reduce food waste as portions are planned precisely to the final guest count. Guests with special dietary requirements can be discretely served a meal that suits their needs without offering this selection to the full guest list. This style is also extremely beneficial during structured events with a program or when the host wants to control the flow of event. Service of the various courses can be timed around a speaker or special event to ensure the proper level of attention to the event’s focus or to signal times of free conversation.

Although plated service delivers a high level of guest interaction, it’s also the most labor intensive and commonly the most expensive service style. For plated meals where guests pre-select between multiple entrées, assigned seating is required to guarantee the plates are delivered correctly.

When choosing between service styles for your next event, weigh the benefits of plated service alongside the style of your event, the mood you hope to create and of course your budget! And remember — the pros at Puff ‘n Stuff Catering are here to help answer your questions. To get inspired, take a peek at some of our delectable plated entrées!

Special thanks to the photographers who shared their work! Damon Tucci Photography & Jerry McGaghey Photography

Already featured on Style Me Pretty, this fanciful day will hopefully get your creative juices going and take you back to a cooler era. Check out the gorgeous images and video from the shoot, and read on for the details on our throwback comfort foods and clever treats.

Mad Men // Postcard Inn // 16mm + HD from Tampa Wonderworks Films on Vimeo.

Starting Off Right

Antipasto Kabobs

grape tomatos, fresh mozzarella balls, Kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts skewered ’60s style and served with aioli dip

Mini Monte Cristos “On the Rocks”

a classic indulgence served in a small rocks glass with layers of organic berry preserves and white powdered sugar

The Chicken & The Egg

even more sinful than mom’s deviled eggs and filled with spicy southern fried chicken

Smokin’ Dessert Cigars

classic crêpes rolled tightly, filled with chocolate mousse, dipped in chocolate and decorated to look like smoldering cigars

Mom’s Classics with a Twist

Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Chilled Small Shrimp served with cocktail sauce in a mini martini

Porthole Caesar Salad

fresh lettuce tossed with shaved parmesan cheese, an Asiago tuile and a classic Caesar dressing and tucked into a large crouton

Personal Beef Wellingtons

a retro entertaining staple stuffed with mushroom duxelles, wrapped in a puff pastry and served with Madeira wine sauce

Dutchess Potatoes

garlic smashed potatoes swirled and lightly browned

Green Bean Casserole

the original recipe served in a mini casserole dish

Thank you to the amazing vendors who made this inspiration shoot possible!

Cinematography: Tampa Wonderworks Films

Photography: Divine Light Photography

Bar Service: uDream Events

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid

Cuisine: Puff ‘n Stuff Catering

Event Coordination: Simply Divine Events

Floral Design: Events in Bloom

Hair: Holly Nazario of Collective Creations

Linens: Connie Duglin

Makeup: Jess Waldrop

Models: Raph Schwyter + Lili Rey + Kriss Pugh + Brianna Strum + Christina Kolosvary + Chris Dube

Stationary: Not From a Box

Venue: The Postcard Inn

Vintage Furniture & Typewriter: MMD Events

Wedding Cake: Cakes By Nomeda

Wedding Gown: Buffalo Gal Vintage

Wedding Veil: Anglo Couture