Perfect Inside/Outside D’Angelo wedding

After meeting with Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering staff and visiting the indoor and outdoor facilities at Finley Creek Vineyards, Katherine D’Angelo non-hesitatingly set up her Saturday wedding reception at Finley Creek for one hundred guests.

Nothing very special about that. Except -- that Finley Creek Vineyards has some pretty fabulous exterior and interior expanses to it’s name, which came in pretty handy when planning an event in May. Nice to know you can easily head inside to a gorgeously appointed party barn, or be outside – enjoying natural floral, almost pastoral acreage.

Turns out, Katherine’s day required both. Her wedding ceremony was outside – ending with brief light rainshowers – but preparations had been made, and umbrellas were on hand for all guests.

Once the “I dos” were said, everyone headed into the party barn for cocktail hour, followed by a tasty sit-down dinner, and then a reception lasting well into the evening hours.

Here is Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering menu for Katherine's special day :

BUTLERED HORS D'OEUVRES

Thai Chicken Cigars with Sweet Dipping Sauce
Macaroni and Cheese in Parmesan Cups
Mushrooms Stuffed with Prosciutto and Parmesan

SALAD

Mixed Organic Field Greens with Pecans, Cranberries, Goat Cheese and Champagne or Balsamic Dressing

ENTREE

Tuscan Roasted Beef Strip Loin with Sundried Tomatoes, Fresh Thyme and Roasted Zucchini Gremolata
Balsamic Chicken with Lemon Butter and Goat Cheese Garlic and Chive Mashed Potato Indiana Farmed Vegetables (Seasonal) Rolls with Butter

And for the vegetarian guests, a Traditional Roasted Ratatouille Lasagna with Basil Pesto and Ricotta.

Katherine’s perfect day succeeded without a hitch – despite the light rain – and created a wonderful memory for all in attendance.

New trends in wedding reception décor

Wedding receptions are the part of the wedding everyone looks forward to! You mingle with lots of new people, especially friends and family of the wedding party, eat yummy food, and have a great time celebrating the newly wedded couple.

At Finley Creek Vineyards, we enjoy all the celebrating, too. We also take note of some of the great decorating ideas we see inside and outside our beautifully chic barn facility.

Here are some of the new trends we are beginning to see at Finley Creek:

English Garden Weddings – We have seen seated wedding guests in aisles that look just like garden beds. That means lots of greenery and potted plants. The pots themselves can be wrapped in silky or semi-transparent fabrics to hide the pot and create a natural garden feel.
The After Party - There are weddings and receptions, sure, but recently, we’ve seen quite a few after parties. The emphasis being on the late-night part of the evening, with bride and groom changing into casual clothes and the event becoming a fun dance party. Hors d’oeuvres, light desserts and special drinks are often a part of the fun!
Big, airy, un-stuffy, open spaces are very on trend for receptions. Among the favorites are industrial, loft-style spaces, updated barns (like ours at Finley Creek Vineyards), rooftops, and even museums. These spaces are great fun to decorate and invite having fun!
The big floral trend this year is vintage drama! Rather than soft, lush greenery, we’re seeing darker and more textured floral arrangements. Lots of dark reds and violet colored florals paired with contrasting ferns and palms. For spring, industry experts expect dogwood bouquets to be big.
Laser-cut overlays on reception tables are gaining in popularity. They add depth, drama and texture when layered over solid colored tablecloths. Vintage statement candelabras with colored candles complete the look.
Lots of fun lighting! We are seeing lots of lanterns – large and small – everywhere. Hanging lanterns are also a thing, and strands of hanging light bulbs are still in vogue.

At Finley Creek Vineyards, we are happy to help you plan and decorate as much or as little as you want. Let us know your theme and colors and we can go to town – or just tell us what you need to rent. Either way, our lovely grounds and updated party barn are ready and waiting for your next event or reception.

This Finley Creek summer wedding was a hit

Who said a wedding has to be stuffy?

Emily Richards and Aaron Hieneman held their wedding outdoors on a sunny summer’s day at Finley Creek Vineyards, and it was relaxed and picture-perfect!

By 3:30 in the afternoon, 150 guests had come to our picturesque, rolling Zionsville vineyard to witness the couples’ vows under a lovely billowing curtained canopy. The backdrop was of trees, farms and sky. You could hear birds chirping all around. The mood was peaceful and sweet.

A country-themed dinner followed the reception just a few steps away, in the Finely Creek Vineyard barn.

In keeping with the relaxed atmosphere, Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering provided farm-to-table hors d’oeuvres and sustainably produced southern barbecue. Everything was Indiana grown and raised, from the vegetable platter to the cheese and butter, right down to the Indiana raised chicken and beef:

HORS D' OEUVRES

Roasted Vegetable Platter with Arugula and Tarragon Dip

DINNER

Jacquie’s own Southern Barbecue buffet
Pulled Chicken - BBQ on Side Texas Style Beef Brisket
Macaroni and 3 Cheese with a Parmesan Garlic Crust
Baked Idaho Potato with Sour Cream, Bacon, Cheese and Butter
Garlic Rolls

The reception progressed inside the rustic barn with music, dancing and drinks, lit up with elegant chandeliers. And outside, by the light of strung lights, crisscrossing the path leading to and from the barn.

The day was sweet, simple, delicious, and as you can no doubt tell from these photos, lots and lots of fun.

Cheers to the happy new couple!

Jacquie’s Strawberry Whiskey Lemonade

Now's the time to get creative with what’s in season, especially lush flavorful berries and fruits. Mix your fruits with red or white wine for a lovely sangria, or add rum, gin, vodka, or even whiskey.

Here is one of Jacquie’s favorites – frequently served here at Finely Creek Vineyards. It's especially great at an evening gathering outdoors, under the stars. This one is so delicious, you may not need to serve a dessert.

Jacquie's Strawberry Whiskey Lemonade

STRAWBERRY SYRUP:

1 cup sliced strawberries

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

Stir together strawberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over low heat.
Bring strawberry mixture to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until strawberries have softened and sugar has dissolved (about 15 minutes.)
Remove saucepan from the heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
Strain syrup into a bowl or measuring cup through a mesh strainer to remove the strawberry pieces (Jacquie recommends saving them for smoothies or jam later in the week.)

ASSEMBLE THE COCKTAILS:

1/3 cup strawberry syrup (see above)

2/3 cup whiskey

2/3 cup lemon juice

(optional) fresh strawberries and lemon slices, for garnish

In a large shaker, combine strawberry syrup, whiskey, and lemon juice with crushed ice. Shake to combine.
Pour whiskey lemonade over ice into drinking glasses.
Garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon slices, as desired, and serve immediately.

Add this summer refresher to your next gathering at Finley Creek Vineyard, or at your next summer backyard barbecue. Enjoy, from the folks at Finley Creek and Jacquie's Gourmet Catering!