May 20, 2010

THE WEDDING ANNIVERSARY DANCE...

"Tell me I may always dance the Anniversary Waltz with you,
Tell me this is real romance, an anniversary dream come true,
Let this be the anthem to our future years, through millions of smiles and a few little tears,
May I always listen to the Anniversary Waltz with you...
(words by country legend Hank Thompson)

We want to share with you...
One of the sweetest dances or events to take place at a wedding is the "Anniversary Dance."

This is a very special time for all married couples, every age, every generation, to take a turn, together, on the dance floor.

The band or orchestra leader or disc jockey announces for all married couples to join hands and dance.

The newlywed Bride and Groom, also, join in the wonderment...as they are, indeed, Mr. and Mrs., and a married couple, too.

The music begins, and usually, after a few seconds, the emcee will say,
"Anyone married less than twenty-four hours, thank you, you may leave the dance floor."  The exit from the dancing by the Bride and Groom is done to the accompaniment of cheers and fun.

The dancing continues and those married less than five years, less than ten years, fifteen years and on up are thanked for dancing, in five year increments, until one couple...just one very special couple...two beautiful loved ones dancing for years and years, together, are still dancing and are the winners of the Wedding Anniversary Dance...

This is a very sentimental and magical time at a wedding, a very emotional dance.

Although this "event" begins with joy and laughter, especially when "kicking" the newly-married Bride and Groom off the dance floor, there is nary a dry eye in the house at the conclusion of The Wedding Anniversary Dance, as all pay honor to a couple who have been blessed to be together for, perhaps, countless decades of marital bliss....

The emcee will ask this Golden Couple if they have some sage wedding advice for the newlyweds.

A gift is presented to the winners of the Wedding Anniversary Dance, and can be the bridal bouquet or the bride's garter. 
Some couples choose to forego the bouquet or garter toss, and gift them, instead, to the winners of this very special dance.

Some other gift suggestions can be candy, a gift certificate, or picture frame (to include a special photo of the winners with the Bride and Groom).

Brides and Grooms, you can guess who the winners will be from your wedding guest list responses.

Some songs to play for the Wedding Anniversary Dance are: "Let Me Call You Sweetheart", Gene Autry, and so many artists; "Through the Years", Kenny Rogers; "Wonderful Tonight", Eric Clapton; "Remember When", Alan Jackson; "As Time Goes By", Jimmy Durante, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Tony Bennett, or Barbra Streisand; "When I'm 64", the Beatles; "I Want To Grow Old With You", Adam Sandler; "I've Had The Time of My Life", Bill Medley; or "Because of You", Tony Bennett.

One very thoughtful Bride and Groom, when sending their wedding invitations, included a small card asking each guest what was 'their song?' and included the songs in their reception music to the delight of all.

A computer-savvy DJ can melt a medley of songs together to play. 

Select a favorite song and discuss the length with your reception music director for the beautiful Wedding Anniversary Dance...

UNFORGETTABLE AND AWESOME EVENTS IN THE "'BURGH" BY YES WE CATER, INC...

We, at Yes, We Cater, want your wedding and event to be as awesome and unforgettable as you do...and each day, we want to share tidbits and stories with you, right here, to help make your dreams and wishes come true.

Your day is very special to us, and we, too, want the happiest day of your life to be as perfect and as wonderful as you do!

When you say to us, "Our Day was everything we had ever hoped for, and much, much more," ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh that does our hearts proud!

Our celebrated and certified Chefs can prepare any food you request to tantalize every taste. 

Your family traditions, culture and faith are important to you, and to us, as well...just ask and you will receive.

We are elated when a couple asks us to duplicate a favorite recipe or dish in memory or honor of a beloved Grandmother, Mother, Grandpa, Dad, Sister or Brother, Aunt, Uncle or special friend ....
We will go into our vaults for you and make it happen for your day.

A case in point, a bride came to us who was saddened that a very special someone in her life would not be at their wedding and she asked us to recreate a favorite recipe which had been lost to the family for years...

We were so deeply touched when at the wedding, the bride and groom stated that in having the recipe served was like having their beloved family member be a part of their day...in fact one relation said, joyfully..."She was here, they were all here!"

Having witnessed a veritable myriad of weddings and being very much on the event scene, if its happened, or if you want to make it happen...we can do it for you...


May 18, 2010

A BEAUTIFUL FALL WEDDING TO REMEMBER AND SHARE...

October is becoming one of the most popular months for weddings. 
In part, this is due to the glorious weather and the wondrous and fragrant flowers that romantically bloom as each couple walk down their aisle of love and enchantment.

Some of the most beautiful, fun, memorable and wonderful weddings have been right at home, and we had the honor and privilege to attend a fabulous and unforgettable one...and we want to share with you, our readers...

This wedding took place during the glorious and golden season of Fall...and perhaps, our planning couples can get some ideas for their own weddings...

Amid the lush and rustic beauty of the magnificent central Pennsylvania countryside, we journeyed over the scenic Seven Mountains to witness a truly loving twosome, Doug and Patti Bair, pledge their eternal vows of love to one another.

In a touching and very private ceremony witnessed by members of their immediate families, tears of joy and happiness flowed during their very sweet, traditional and moving promises of "I DO"...

After the handsome groom kissed his beautiful bride, their precious young nephew, Dakota Bair, proclaimed, "It's time to party all night!" and we sure did party on the spacious and lovely grounds of the Bair estate.

Even Doug and Patti's loveable canine, Sarah Bair, wagged her tail, perpetually, in approval and totally enjoyed the day as she very happily mingled among the guests!

A legion of relations and friends came to celebrate this wonderful union bearing gifts of delectable food to add to the smorgasboard of goodies and oh what a feast it was!

On the grand menu, were:  Aunt Louise's baked golden corn casserole, which did her sweet Mother, Violet's memory, proud; Aunt Mary Lou and Uncle John's 'authentic' Italian lasagna, Aunt Carol's German Potato Salad, just like her beloved Mom used to dazzle her family with; Brother Matt and Jenna's homemade sausage and green peppers in sauce and Italian buns, John and Mark's famous Italian meatballs and foccacia bread and a corucopia of treats from Addison, Harrison and Nathan's parents, and Sister Leslie and Chris, and Sister Maxie and Wade, to add to the bountiful extravaganza!

The awesome and dapper Cubby Bair, Father of the Groom, fabulously lending his 'Ace Bartending' expertise provided the finest in libations for each and every taste.

With the bride and groom being avid Penn State Lions fans, the theme was a wedding tailgate party and the wedding colors were Nittany blue and white.

Even the Lions came through and contributed to the merriment, winning big time, 52-3, for the newly-married Bairs! 
Lions and Bairs and Weddings...oh my! 

Readers, A wedding is a wedding is a wedding and no matter when or where your wedding takes place, or how many are on the guest list, wedding tradition will always take center stage, and the bride and groom and their families go through all of the same wedding motions in planning their Big Day, whether your invitees number 15, 50 0r 500...and the beautiful Bairs wedding was no exception...

The new Mrs. Bair's, "something old" was a family heirloom piece of jewelry from her Mom, tucked into her flowers; "something new" was her beautiful ring, a gift from her Groom, "something borrowed" were earrings from her new Mother-in-Law, Linda, "something blue" was a Penn State garter for her
Groom, Doug, to remove, and a "lucky penny for her shoe" was given to Patti by her new nephew, Dakota, who made certain the shiny copper coin captured the year of Doug and Patti's wedding...2009.

With the melodic strains of "Fight On Penn State," and the "Pennsylvania Polka" in the background, along with music to please all the generations in attendance, so much fun, laughter, frivolity and merriment rang out from every corner of the splendrous Bair estate.

Doug and Patti Bair's wedding day was topped off with a coffee, tea and cocoa bar and s'mores made over a warm fire by the Bair family and enjoyed by all as the newlyweds prepared to sail off on their honeymoon aboard the Royal Princess Cruise Lines to the magnificent islands in the Caribbean.

As evidenced on the faces of the guests, this truly was a celebration where a grand time was enjoyed by all.

We, at Yes, We Cater, toss bouquets of happiness forever after to Doug and Patti Bair...
May all of the joy and bliss you felt in your hearts on
 Saturday, October 10, 2009, remain with you both for always...
A toast to the Bride and Groom...God bless Doug and Patti Bair...

May 17, 2010

GROOM SOUP AND BRIDAL MACARONI

We want to share...


Many brides and grooms like to begin their wedding dinner, whether it be a sit-down or a buffet with Italian Wedding Soup a la Yes, We Cater.


The term "wedding soup" in Italian is..."minestra maritata" ("married soup"), a reference to the fact that green vegetables and meats go well together.


Minestra maritata was long popular in Europe even before pasta became an affordable commodity, though the modern wedding soup is quite a bit lighter than the old European mix, which contained quite a few more meats than just the meatballs of modern Italian-American versions.


Because of its popularity at weddings, Ziti is known as Bridal Macaroni.



Ziti, a tube-shaped pasta cut that is enjoyed the world over, gets its name from the word "zita"—which means a woman who is about to become a bride, or “little girl.”


In the Italian regions of  la Campania, Calabria and Sicily, baked Ziti has long been served at wedding celebration banquets, and this delicious and romantic tradition continues today. 



Ziti is best paired with tomato-based sauces and is often used in baked dishes.



Suggested Ziti recipes:


Ziti with spicy Italian sausage and sweet peppers (Ziti con Salsiccia Piccante e Peperoni)



Ziti with fresh spinach and tomatoes (Ziti con Spinaci Freschi e Pomodoro)



Ziti with Italian sausage and escarole (Ziti con Salsiccia e Scarola)



American-style baked Ziti (Ziti a la Americana)


Buon Appetito!


Salute!








May 16, 2010

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW...

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a lucky penny (your wedding year) or six pence in her shoe..."

Getting married means many things to many people, but to the newly-engaged couple, their families and friends...it may seem as though they have crossed over the threshold into a another dimension.

Experiencing excitement, confusion, stress, anticipation and way too many options, the soon-to-be-weds find themselves reaching for answers to...

the wedding budget, wedding party members, rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception locations, groom's cake, cookie and dessert tables, coffee and tea bar, invitation etiquette, music, photographers, transportation, and on and on and on...the list is endless.

And speaking of "lists", nothing can be more stressful than the proverbial guest list!

In addition, there is the eternal question of whom pays for what??!!

We of Yes, We Cater are here to answer all of your questions.

"Your vision is the way it has be!"

We can focus on the traditional, as well as current wedding trends.

We know weddings and we want to make all of your wedding dreams come true!

The honour of your presence is requested and we are so happy that you plan to walk down the aisle...

We toss bouquets of blissfulness to our brides and grooms and toast your happiness ever after...

Yes, We Cater Can Do It All For You!

Your good friends at Yes, We Cater always want you to know that as well as blogging about our 'awesome events in the 'Burgh', we are also right in this space to answer your every wedding and event question.

Our talented and caring staff members are up on every cuisine to tantalize and tickle your taste buds and all libations to royally quench your thirst. 

In addition, we can even suggest a personal "signature drink" for the bride and groom to treat their guests.

Just know, if it pertains to you and your event, everything is of the utmost of importance...we are here for you...

NO BACK TO BACK STANLEY CUP FOR THE PENS!


Hello Bloggers,

Well, it looks like our Penguins will not be going on to play in a back to back quest for Lord Stanley's treasured championship hockey Cup...

Our thank yous, though, to Mario Lemieux, Sid "the Kid" Crosby and the Pens for another season of edge of our seat thrills!!

We will be back next season in the Igloo cheering you on again after we do some good Pittsburgh cheerleading for the Bucs and the Steelers as well as all the terrific players on our fave high school and college teams.

CONGRATS TO THE YES, WE CATER BOCCE TEAM!!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MAGNIFICO YES WE CATER BOCCE TEAM!!!

THE ITALIAN VERSION OF GOOD LUCK IS:
"IN BOCC AL LUPO!!!"

WISHING YOU SOOOOOOOOOOO WELL!!!

KEEP US POSTED!!!

WE LOVE YOU ALL

THE PETICCAS OF FOREST HILLS, EAST MCKEESPORT AND MURRYSVILLE, PA

May 13, 2010

Yes, We Cater Inc. Bocce Team

The Yes, We Cater Inc. Bocce team begins it's 2010 season on Monday May 17th, 2010.

Wish us luck.  There are 8 teams in the league, and we are one of the youngest.

We have improved over the last 7 years, but never won the championship.  For real, though, some of these Italian guys are 80 years old and playing for 75 years!!!  We've got the "muscle", but this is a delicate sport,  and all our practice does not come close.  However, we've had a breakthrough over the past 2 seasons and this might be the one!

We are hitting the road this week !

Last weekend was a wonderous event...Nathan and Allie were married in Greensburg, and I think the family spent as much attention to the wants, needs and comfort of our staff as they did to their own guests.  Their guest count was 270 strong, and everyone wore a smile from cheek to cheek as long as they were in attendance.  Nathan's father , Tom is the Pastor of the Church in which they were married, and the event felt more like a community celebration, than just a wedding.

As far as "quality" ppl go, they are it !!!

There was a windstorm outside, if you can think back to last saturday, but there was a cradle of love inside the doorway... (Don't try to copy that quote...We will be copyrighting it this week!).

A surprise 70th Birthday party manana, along with a wedding tasting.

Then, Saturday we will be at a farm in
Saxonburg called Armstrong Farms.  What a beautiful place.  There are 3 seperate venues there, and we will be at the newest addition.   An intimate crowd of 110 ppl, all will be enjoying the great outdoors, and the magic of spring season.  I'm sure the older servers (more mature) will have a sweater or jacket for nightfall, as there has been a chill around this saturday.

The bridal Party plans on having a Bonfire and roasting Marshmallows after 10 pm, after the Wedding.  (possibly a beer or two as well?). That place is so cool, as it is a Bed and breakfast as well.  All your favorite people get to spend the weekend with you.

We are so excited!

And, on Sunday, one more tasting...I think the last scheduled one as the season is upon us, and we will be stepping up activities this summer...

May 4, 2010

Yes, We cater's "No Yell" policy .

We got a call yesterday from a groom asking about our "NO YELL" policy.  That warms my heart that our  standard operating procedures were admired by someone.  At first, it sounded as if he wanted to write about this idea in some publication or imformational article.  It turned out that he was hoping to transfer that rule to his work place...

YWC was started in a happy and non - stressed work environment..  Simple enough, nobody comes to work to get yelled at, plus most of the leadership roles at YWC would never raise their voices, or publicly ridicule or embarass.  If someone should alter their role or activity, we would simply let them know... That's it...

YWC has a "NO YELL" atmosphere...If you go "Gordon Ramsey" on anyone, for any reason...see you !

We let every staffer know from day one about this.  If there are raised voices at your home, leave it there....There are 2 very happy people here trying to have the day of their lives, and we must make that happen.....

So, if anyone ever wants to send this info to Oprah Winfrey or "The View" girls or simply KDKA morning show, we can definately further discuss this idea that we have put into effect.  We would love to elaborate!

We're not the first people to not yell at anyone else, but I am proud that in the environments that we work with the complexity of each and every event, we keep true to it.

(We did once see a groom yell at his new wife at their wedding, but that was almost funny because the bride called the groom -who was outside smoking a cigar-on his cell phone to locate him for their first dance, and all 200 guests were standing and waiting for him to join his bride.).  That was 4 years ago, and a cute memory...... They have since made up !