a wedding to remember

All seasons are the wedding season. Each bride envisions a certain weather, gown, color scheme, and the month really plays a part in her planning. I’ve been to high-budget extravaganzas, and low-key simple affairs, and each had their own appeal. I've never been one to fashion what "my day" would be like. The only thing I’ve always "known" is that I want a no nonsense beach wedding, complete with lobster/clambake combo. A day and hopefully late night where all friends and family just relax and enjoy the idea that they are joined now because of our partnership.

No, my friends, I don’t have NEWS to share. This train of thought is surfacing because I recently was at the reception of friends who were married on last Friday, and when I attend these events, I file in my mind what I like. Unfortunately I missed the ceremony since I could not leave work early enough to attend. Luckily I did make it before the introductions of the wedding party at the reception despite a 1.5 hour drive turned 3 hours long because of Boston's generous congestion through tunnels, over bridges and down 93S. The ceremony took place in a very unique venue—the whaling museum in New Bedford. According to my boyfriend, who grew up in Mattapoisett, the museum had recently undergone renovations, and he had never seen the room we were seated in either. This addition to the charming older building boasts a cool stone and brick façade, with a windowed wall overlooking buildings more familiar to the old world style of the area. Lighting was aimed at each centerpiece and the rest of the room was calmly lit. The live band alerted my ears to a varied mix of tunes, and none of the cheesy wedding mixes. At one point the keyboardist broke out into a dance that Justin Timberlake would have to appreciate since a mix of his latest hits was the fuel for his grooving.

Now, what I really want to write about is the food! As I had attended the bachelorette party, I overheard the menu, and the bride’s descriptions did it justice, but to taste, ah to taste. The tapas style meal began with mixed greens doused in a light vinaigrette dressing, a chunk of delicious warmed brie and candied pecans. Soon a plate arrived with two large scallops cooked tenderly, drizzled with a pomegranate sauce. And, most at the table wondered at the food served between the scallops fashioned to look like a green apple. Upon tasting, I gathered that it was a ball of whipped potatoes with a goat cheese center encrusted in a panko-like crust dyed green and stuck with a snippet of wood for effect. Delicious. The main course was a filet mignon topped with artichoke and au ju aside a medley of roasted vegetables. The meat was juicy and tender and the artichoke added some zingy zest to the mellow meat. Dessert was not to be outdone by dinner. No wedding cake for us. Dessert options made the rounds a few times over. A warm mini bittersweet chocolate cake tucked beneath a scoop of ice cream, caramel corn popcorn, settled in a pool of caramel. We missed the warm chocolate chip cookies and milk, but did try the mini pistachio crème brulee, which balanced nuttiness and burnt sweetness subtly. My boyfriend greeted me with Tazo mint tea and some of us toasted the festivities with little chocolate cups filled with our favorite liqueur. Ah chocolate, the best chaser!

Thanks Jerry and Jen for sharing your day with us!

Comments

[Scott Thibaut Hancock]

I don't normally comment on blogs, however I have to say that I rather enjoyed yours as it was illuminating. I

[Jennifer]

Thank you, Scott. :)