Our March #caramelizedwedding weekend unofficially kicked off with a dinner and s'mores scene at Loflin Yard for Thursday night out-of-towner arrivals; but it wasn't until I slipped on my Red Valentino vintage dress and cowboy boots Friday morning that the emotions and reality set in.
Hosted by my Memphis "grandmothers," who raised and treated me as one of their own throughout my childhood, my Friday bridal brunch was an intimate gathering of my old and new female relatives (including my two "real" grandmothers, who reside in Florida), sweet bridesmaids, and my mommas! (While we dined in sophisticated, Southern style, Alex and the boys were at the world-famous Charlie Vergos Rendezvous for messy ribs and relaxed camaraderie.)
The twenty of us gathered in a cozy home on Cooper in the bustling Overton Square. 62 Cooper is owned now by Chef Kelly English's team at Iris Etc. Catering for private events, and it could not have been more perfect for our affair. We toasted with grapefruit and orange mimosas, took too many photos to comprehend, and enjoyed a delicious creole-inspired menu, curated by Chef Kelly English himself.
To begin, we enjoyed shared bites of smoked salmon + fennel toasts, as well as soba spring rolls with a totally addictive peanut dipping sauce.
I was fortunate enough to customize a menu of four entrées for the ladies to choose between, ranging from fresh salads to grouper po boys and a rich bourbon brisket. All were pleased with the range of flavor and fare, and the excellent staff made the ordering process stress-free and simple.
For dessert, of course, we just had to introduce Chef Kelly's infamous bread pudding to our majority out-of-towner guest list. Alex and I never hesitate to save room for the dessert during our dinner dates at the nearby Restaurant Iris -- so it felt like a true necessity to close out the meal with a coveted staple. Family-style servings were passed around each table with spoons and dessert plates (though we were so infatuated by the first bite, we barely took the time to plate the individual portions ourselves!).
After satisfying our sweet tooth, I gifted each of my bridesmaids with a handwritten note, a bag of wedding day emergency cosmetics (bandaids, anyone?), matching grey + white plaid oversize flannels for wedding day prep, and a pair of adorable Joie Kidmore sneakers for the wedding dance floor!!
Stay tuned for more wedding features. Thank you to Chef Kelly English for your gracious hospitality!
