John & Melissa- October 8, 2011

Some people are lucky enough to marry their best friend. On a breathtaking fall evening, Melissa and John became Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy in front of 80 of their closest family members and friends. The outdoor ceremony had guests facing the garden gazebo, with John and his ushers lined up awaiting the arrival of the women. As the bridesmaids made their way down the aisle, John remained facing forward; he had an agreement with his best man that he’d nudge him when Melissa was at the top of the aisle ready to walk towards him and become his wife. He turned to find his bride in a stunning one shoulder gown with ruching that travel down the bodice and flowed into a beautiful skirt and train; and in her hair was the slightest streak of purple, matching the deep color of her bridesmaids’ gowns. The couple exchanged their vows, and the groom more than happily kissed his bride. While the wedding party took photos with the beautiful garden flowers and sunset serving as the backdrop, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour. The eight person bridal party smiled for pictures with the newlyweds, offering hugs and congratulations up in between shots.

As the sun set, the guests moved inside to an intimate room of eight tables surrounding the dance floor, with the head tables at the front of the room. The centerpieces were created by the bride herself, while the table names were Melissa’s concession to her new husband- each table was named after a character in John’s favorite movie, Star Wars. The guests were seated and the bridal party was introduced- parents of the bride and groom, followed by groomsmen and bridesmaids. Then the music changed to the Star Wars theme song as husband and wife worked their way into their reception. Smiling from ear to ear, they turned into each other’s arms and swayed together to “Amazed” for their first dance. As the music ended, close friends of the bride and co-maids of honor, Jordan and Kristy, kicked off the speeches. They shared the microphone as they described how Melissa never thought this day would come. Their description of the love John and Melissa found in one another was incredibly touching. Next came the best man, Danny, who explained how the newlyweds truly knew each other better than anyone else did. It was apparent from the speeches how lucky these two were to find love with their best friend. The bride and groom toasted these words with their champagne flutes for the day- two glasses that when separate were lovely, but when place side by side formed a beautiful, completed heart. The symbolism was not lost on those looking on, as that was truly how it seemed to be with John and Melissa.

Dinner service began with a chilled fruit cup, followed by a house salad. After the first two dishes were served, the bride and groom ceremoniously cut into their cake; a simply stunning white frosted cake with cascading dark purple flowers down the side and a silver ‘K’ as the cake topper to symbolize their new life together as Kennedys. The cake was chocolate, with the middle layer having fresh strawberries, a favorite of the bride and her mother. The main course was then served as a family style meal, consisting of stuffed chicken breast, sliced sirloin, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and warm rolls. As the meal was enjoyed, the DJ dove into the task the bride had bestowed upon him; she had asked him to play the most challenging, involved game he knew to give away the centerpieces. What resulted was this- a series of dance offs among the tables in which the bride and groom eliminated guests one by one until the table’s best dancer was remaining and rewarded with the rights to the centerpiece.

It was then time for the dancing to begin and the guests knew exactly what was expected of them. The dance floor was full and laughter filled the air. John and Melissa bounced between the dance floor and tables, being sure to visit with each guest and express their happiness that they were there to share this day with them.

The traditions continued with the bouquet and garter tosses, in which John stole the show dancing to “I’m Too Sexy” with a routine that had the entire room laughing along. The dancing continued, with the man and woman of the hour spending time with all those important to them; Melissa could often be found embracing her mother and laughing with her father, while John was a frequent visitor at his parent’s table. The evening ended with the final dance to “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” which truly summed up the entire night. Melissa and John were present during every second of their big day, enjoy every minute of it. They didn’t miss anything.

We were all lucky to take part in the beautiful celebration of their love. Lenzi’s is happy to say that we were the site for where the next chapter of their life began. John and Melissa, we wish you nothing but happiness, love, and the joy of being married to your best friend.

 

Mike Patrick & Katie- July 30, 2011

Every wedding at Lenzi’s is special, but nothing like the celebration of one of their own. Mike and Sandy Lenzi were more than proud to host along with Kevin & Brenda Richardson, the wedding of their oldest son, Mike Patrick, to his beautiful sweetheart Katie. They wed at St. Michael’s Church down the road, and arrived at the venue ready to celebrate. The evening began with a cocktail hour outside, with the guests enjoying complimentary wine and Hors d’Oeuvres while the wedding party posed for photos. Their bridal party was a display of how much the couple is loved, with twenty-one friends and family members surrounding them on their special day. The bridesmaids were clad in bright pink dresses, with the maid of honor in a lighter pink to signify her significance in the day. They were one shoulder, knee length Grecian dresses, with beautiful twisting flowers as the strap. The groomsmen were handsome in their black tuxes, with pink ties and vests to match the bridesmaids’ colors. Mike Patrick donned a suit matching his groomsmen, with a white tie and vest to match his bride. Katie wore a stunning strapless sweetheart gown, with diamond detail to create an empire waist, and a flowing skirt that combined modern and classic details. Her silky blonde hair was curled in ringlets and held a floor length veil that created a princess-like silhouette. And on her feet, were rhinestone “Jellies” that alluded to her fun and playful nature (even these comfortable shoes didn’t stay on too long- Katie was a barefoot bride dancing her way through the night).

Following the cocktail hour, guests and wedding party members alike made their way inside. Katie and Mike Patrick greeted them all on a red carpet for a receiving line, setting the mood for their Hollywood themed affair. When guests entered the reception hall, they were hit with a room full of black, pink, and Hollywood’s finest. No table numbers for this crowd- guests found themselves sitting at Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Audrey Hepburn’s tables, just to name a few. Along with photos of the famous namesake of the table, a variety of tall and short centerpieces added color and fragrance to the room. After the parents of the newlyweds and the bridal party were introduced (some past and future brides and grooms at Lenzi’s), Mike and Katie entered the room and took the floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Elton John provided the music and lyrics as they swayed blissfully to “Your Song.”

Besides the love for each other that was apparent to anyone watching, the love expressed for this couple by their maid of honor and best man were near the top of the list for displays of commitment to one another. Katie’s maid of honor, Kristy, has been her best friend for the last ten years. They met on an obstacle court at parks and recreation which became a metaphor for their friendship, preparing them for the ups, downs, and steep hills they would be conquering to make them not only friends, but more like sisters. No words rang more true than Kristy stating that every woman should be so lucky to have a man look at them the way Mike Patrick looks at Katie. Mike Patrick’s brother and best man, Mike Jr., debated taking the serious, funny, or loving route with his speech, and decided on a combination of the three. Opening with a line that had the guests in stitches, he went on to welcome Katie into the family (amid reading off his grocery list) and saying he’s never seen his brother as happy as he is today.

Dinner was served following the speeches, with a Hubbardston salad as the first course. Guests then had a choice between Filet Mignon or Herb Crusted Chicken Breast accompanied by a whipped Duchess potato, asparagus, Roma tomatoes, and a stuffed mushroom; the vegetarian meal was a wonderful pasta primavera. Following dinner, Katie took to the dance floor with her father for a beautiful rendition of “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as they waltzed together holding on tight. Mike Patrick and Sandy took the floor next, with mother and son dancing to the tune of The Beatles, “In My Life.” Classic slow dancing evolved into a dance that was much more descriptive of the mother/son relationship. The couple completed the round of rituals with cutting their cake; white frosting with fresh pink flowers and black accents as the details. They fed each other bites of the heath bar cake, and kissed for the hundredth time of the day. From that moment on, every inch of the dance floor was occupied- so much so that a few tables were moved back a bit to allow for the guests to enjoy the night. With a photo booth outside to make memories, and a screen displaying the messages of love and good wishes sent by text to the bride and groom, the night was one for the record books. With the tossing of the bouquet and garter to seal the evening, every tradition was honored, including cigars provided in the tent outside for the men. The bridal party, guests, and newlyweds didn’t leave the dance floor for long, enjoying each other’s company, and sharing in Katie and Mike Patrick’s happiness.

This wedding was a first for Lenzi’s Catering; marrying off one of our own. Katie and Mike Patrick, we couldn’t wish you more joy and love. Continue making each other smile, and never stop looking at each other the way you do today. We love you and wish you lifetime of happiness.

Westley & Stephanie- July 9, 2011

A white tent framed by an evening summer sky set the scene for a flawless outdoor ceremony. Seated under the tent, guests looked on as the ushers escorted the bridesmaids down the aisle. With the ushers in chocolate brown suits and teal vests as an accent, they perfectly complimented the bridesmaids’ dresses- floor length, strapless brown gowns, with teal blue belted to create an empire waist. Nine-year-old Olivia, daughter of the couple, wore a teal dress with brown accents and a tiara, looking every bit like a princess. Taking her duties as flower girl very seriously, she tossed petals while pulling her 18-month-old brother Nolan in a wagon, who in a miniature version of the ushers’ suits was an adorably handsome ring bearer. Confusion arose once the bride’s sister, a beautifully dressed matron of honor in a dress with the colors opposite from the rest of the bridesmaids, took her place at the altar with no bride in sight. Then just as concern began to envelop the crowd, the distinctive roar of a motorcycle could be heard from the opposite direction. Guests stood and cheered as bride Stephanie rode in on the back of her father’s classic Harley Davidson. Stephanie’s gown was the perfect combination of old fashioned beauty with a modern design; a one shouldered form-fitted bodice gave way to a flowing lace skirt, which gave her an elegant grace. When they reached the top of the aisle, father and daughter stood arm in arm as the music changed to Savage Garden’s “Truly Madly Deeply” and Stephanie walked towards her fiancé, Westley.

Following a ceremony presided over by a justice of the peace, the first kiss between bride and groom was accented by the tossing of all remaining flowers in the air by their daughter. As the guests savored a cocktail hour outside in the evening sun, the bridal party posed for pictures opposite of the tables in the garden area. Enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres of coconut shrimp, chicken tenders, and cheeses, the guests relaxed in the summer evening air.

Inside the banquet hall, the tables were set with white linens, displaying beautifully crafted centerpieces in the bridal party’s colors. With a sweetheart table placed at the front, the bridal party danced their way into the room to introductions that got the party going. Newlyweds Steph and West were announced as husband and wife for the first time, stopping in the center of the dance floor for their first dance. With the melodic tune of “You and Me” by Dave Matthews pouring out from the speakers, Steph and West performed a choreographed dance that left everyone smiling. Speeches from the matron of honor and best man told the story of the couple meeting, and showed how loved they are by their family and friends.

A buffet dinner was then set out, offering guests a variety of delicious tastes; two different salads, Lenzi’s infamous chicken pot pie, mashed potatoes, steak tips, glazed carrots and green beans, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls. When the plates were cleared, it was time to cut the cake. White frosting with intricate designs and fresh flowers as the cake topper, the cake was wheeled to the center of the dance floor for the ceremonial cake feeding (both bride and groom refrained from making TOO much of a mess for each other).

Next came time for the couple’s dances with their parents. West and his mother took to the dance floor, and shared a beautiful moment together. With the difficulty of following the flawless first dance between the newlyweds, father and bride took the floor for their turn. To the surprise of all the guests, Steph and her dad not only performed a choreographed dance, but to a medley of songs that set the tone for the rest of the night. From there on out the dance floor was never empty as the guests took to it dancing to classics, new hits, and even a little Hannah Montana.

The night drew to a close as the guests offered love and best wishes to the newlyweds. The bridal party was the last to leave, pausing at the piano in the foyer for a spontaneous photo-op on top of it. Steph and West, Lenzi’s was honored to play a role in your joyous celebration. We wish you and your family the best as you embark on this next chapter of your lives!

Jay & Christine- June 4, 2011

Wed under a cloudless sky, Jay and Christine exchanged vows at a nearby church before moving to Lenzi’s for their destination themed reception. A “do it yourself” bride, Christine’s pink and green place cards told guests whether they were at a table named for a country the newlyweds would visit on their honeymoon, or if their table was named for a part of the cruise ship that would bring them there. The centerpieces were a perfect combination of floral and citrus, with beautiful pink and green flowers placed over fresh cut limes in beautiful square vases. The stage was set as the bridal party arrived, all smiles and energy, ready to get the party under way. With a quick preview of the hall for the bride and her bridesmaids (full of contented ohhs and ahhs), the bridal party convened at the gazebo for pictures with the rest of the guests under a large white tent for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The bridesmaids’ sea green floor length dresses were the perfect shades of spring color, also acting as the accent color for the groomsmen’s vests under their midnight black tuxes. The young, energetic wedding party laughed their way through posing for the photographer, with the guests looking on and taking pictures of their own.  

Following pictures, everyone made their way inside to the reception hall. While the guests were seated, the bridal party put the finishing touches on their plans for introductions. Donning neon sunglasses, each couple was introduced and danced their way out to get the party started. When Jay and Christine were introduced as husband and wife for the first time, they made their way to the center of the dance floor for their first dance to Keith Urban’s “Making Memories of Us”. They then invited all guests to join them on the dance floor, which set the tone for the reception, letting guests know that they were expected to have brought their dancing shoes.

Heartfelt toasts from the groom’s brother and bride’s sister, best man and matron of honor respectively, had the entire room wiping their eyes. Jay’s mother/son dance to a Portuguese ballad was a beautiful tribute to his mother in the language of his family. Christine chose to include her entire family in a celebratory dance to “We Are Family.” When the song came to an end, everyone took their seats for salads to be served. After salads came the main course; a family style meal of stuffed chicken, prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans and cranberry sauce.

After dinner was finished, the dancing floor became the place to be. Whether guests were dancing the night away, making memories at the photo booth in the front hall to add to the guestbook, or socializing at the tables with family and friends, laughter and smiles enveloped the hall.  A three layered, multi-flavored wedding cake was served to guests, with the options of orange poppy, chocolate, or marble to choose from. The best man, however, was given his own cake because his birthday was another event being celebrated that day. The DJ played a combination of classic favorites and current hits, keeping the dance floor constantly occupied; the bride and bridesmaids were certainly glad to have brought flip flops to change into for the reception!

As the evening wound down, guests offered hugs and best wishes to the happy couple. Jay and Christine were all smiles as they boarded the shuttle bus with their friends and family, ready to continue the celebration that will be their life. A fun loving couple, the newlyweds took the day as it came and enjoyed every moment for what it was. Lenzi’s was more than happy to facilitate their beautiful day and has only the best hopes and thoughts for the beautiful couple. Congratulations Jay and Christine!