The recent union of Malia and Michael Witmer at the picturesque Stoltzfus Homestead & Gardens in the heart of Lancaster County was an event to remember. The team at Catering By John Lowe was honored to provide custom catering for this special event that began with an intimate gathering, a precursor to the grand reception that would unfold later.
Part 1 – Small, Intimate Chef’s Table Dinner Wedding Reception for 25 Guests
The newly married Mr. and Mrs. Witmer opted to start their celebration with an intimate dinner for their immediate family and wedding party. This gourmet meal started with displayed Hors d’oeuvres which allowed the guests to interact and chat before their dinner was served. We presented a charcuterie board with a bounty of assorted meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated artichoke hearts. Accompanied by plenty of fresh baguettes, crackers, and fresh fruit to ensure every bite was a complete experience of flavors and textures.
Dinner began with an elegantly plated salad of baby arugula and watermelon, the perfect combination of sweet, peppery, and salty in every bite. This was truly the start of an exquisite meal.
Plated appetizers were next, as each guest was treated to a succulent sticky pork belly bao bun and tantalizing chicken rangoon, artfully adorned with a delicate rice paper flower, vibrant dragon fruit, and a kick of Thai chili sauce. Elevating catering to new heights, our presentation was as exquisite as the diverse explosion of flavors, promising an experience beyond the ordinary. Discover a tasteful twist on wedding catering in Lancaster, PA with these unique and unforgettable appetizers.
Finally, the main course took center stage! Our amiable and professional staff skillfully placed family-style platters on each table, while Susan Lowe explained the preparation and story behind each visually stunning and Instagram-worthy menu item. Each dish was just as beautiful, bountiful, and delicious as the last.
Grilled Shrimp and Scallops
With Gremolata Over Spinach
Braised Short Rib of Beef
With Marchand de Vin Sauce
Grilled Chicken Bruschetta
Topped with Fresh Plum Tomato, Garlic, Sweet Basil, and Balsamic Reduction
Pappardelle Noodles
with Olive Oil and Herbs
Grilled Summer Vegetables - Asparagus, Heirloom Tomato, Summer Squash, Scallions, and Belgian Endive
This intimate dinner concluded with a served dessert, each plate was a perfect blend of decadent flavors, leaving no craving unfulfilled. The dinner party guests were then invited to the grand barn to join the guests who were arriving for the grand reception.
Part 2 – Grand Cocktail Wedding Reception for 100 guests
After the new Mr. and Mrs. Witmer made their introductions at the grand reception, it was time to start an unforgettable culinary journey – again!
Hors d’oeuvres and more…
The guests were invited to enjoy displayed and butlered hors d’ouevres, alongside small plate stations found throughout the grounds at Stoltzfus Homestead and Gardens.
A bountiful and eclectic tablescape was presented, featuring a grazing station that included sweeping arrangements of cured meats, imported and domestic cheeses, antipasto, and crips crudité nestled alongside small bites of whipped feta with capers, baked brie, artisanal flatbreads, guacamole with chips, pania with prosciutto, a delightful selection of desserts, and an abundance of crackers and breadsticks to accompany these delectable treats.
The displayed hors d’oeuvres table was followed by additional butlered hors d’oeuvres, including some of Chef John’s favorites like Chilled Miso Glazed Salmon and Cucumber Spears, Mini Bacon Cheeseburger with Sea Salt Fries, and Brussel Lollipops.
As the hors d’oeuvres winded down, the Blueberry Lemosas Station was opened for the guests. On a hot August day, this refreshing ice-cold drink was a cool blessing for the guests as they played yard games and celebrated with the happy couple.
Interactive Dinner Stations
The Witmers also choose to include one of the hottest wedding trends for 2024 on their big day; interactive stations. And their wedding may just have set the standard for this year’s wedding season!
Three distinct stations curated a diverse array of global cuisines, with our dedicated team meticulously overseeing and serving every delectable bite. This innovative and trendsetting approach to culinary indulgence made a lasting impression on their guests. But this couple did not stop there, they had a miniature sweets table and coffee station at the end of the night. Sweets like cannolis, cheesecake bites, and Chef John’s very own berries with sweetened mascarpone were available to enjoy as the guests danced the night away.
As we bid farewell to the culinary journey of this unforgettable wedding, it's clear that every detail, from the elegantly plated salad to the interactive food stations and divine desserts, was meticulously crafted by Chef John Lowe and his dedicated team. This celebration not only embraced the latest trends, such as interactive stations and diverse grazing boards but also showcased the artistry and innovation that make Catering by John Lowe a standout choice for weddings in Lancaster, PA.
As we look forward to the trends and innovations of the wedding season to come, this celebration serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of exquisite cuisine and the art of culinary storytelling. Cheers to love, laughter, and a feast that transcends expectations.
If you're seeking a wedding catering experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Catering by John Lowe is poised to turn your dreams into a reality, creating memories that linger long after the last bite.
We proudly offer custom catering services across Lancaster County, PA, Berks County, PA and Chester County, PA, and the surrounding areas. Embrace the magic of Lancaster and start planning your dream wedding today.
Request a free catering quote now!