At Vibrant Occasions Catering, we love working with couples who are passionate about food, so we were thrilled when Anna and Will approached us about catering their autumn wedding at Rusty Tractor Vineyard in Little Rock, Arkansas. As medical students and cooking enthusiasts who prefer homemade meals with a bottle of wine for date nights, they wanted their wedding menu to reflect their love of diverse cuisines and local ingredients.
One of our favorite challenges was crafting custom steam-fried gyoza (dumplings) for their cocktail hour – a special request as it’s one of the couple’s favorite dishes to make together. We complemented these with an array of passed hors d’oeuvres including cheese-stuffed mushrooms, bacon praline skewers, spinach artichoke crostini, and Asian-inspired meatballs.
A highlight of the reception was our individually crafted charcuterie boards for each table. We created Pinterest-worthy displays featuring carefully curated meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. Adding a playful touch that matched the couple’s personality, we incorporated gummy bears alongside the traditional elements – a detail that delighted guests and reflected the fun, eclectic atmosphere of the celebration.
For the main course, we served a plated dinner featuring herb-crusted pork tenderloin and bourbon-glazed chicken, accompanied by tri-color roasted potatoes and harvest vegetables. We also prepared special vegetarian options including spinach artichoke stuffed portobellos and zucchini boats for guests with dietary preferences.
The couple’s appreciation for good food was evident in their attention to detail, from the timing of service to ensure hot, fresh meals for everyone (including themselves!) to their choice of mini olive oil bottles as wedding favors – a perfect nod to their shared love of cooking.
Working alongside their planner, Meredith Events, we coordinated timing to perfection, ensuring a seamless flow from the sunset ceremony through cocktail hour and dinner service. The warm autumn color palette was beautifully executed throughout the venue, complementing the vineyard setting and seasonal menu selections.
Vendor Credits:
Venue and Bar: Rusty Tractor Vineyard (@rustytractorvineyards)
Catering: Vibrant Occasions Catering (@vibrantoccasionscatering)
Planner: Meredith Events (@meredithevents)
Florist: Vase and Vine (@vaseandvine)
DJ: Central Arkansas Entertainment (@cae_lr)
Cake: Sweet Lavender Bakeshop (@lavenderbakes)
Photographer: Art/Photography by Sydney Rasch (@sydneythelawtographer)
Videographer: Byrd Creative (@byrdcreative)
Rentals: Eventology (@eventology_us)
Officiant: Marti Dalby
Hair/Makeup: Lindsey Powers Huey (@lindseypowershuey)
Transportation: Arkansas Destinations (@arkansasdestinations)
Vintage Car: Valerie Jackson’s 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster
Wedding Dress: Something Bleu Bridal Boutique (@somethingbleubridalboutique)
Dress Designer: Moonlight Bridal (@moonlightbridal)
Bridesmaids Dresses: Revelry (@shoprevelry)
Suits: Generation Tux (@generationtux)
Rings: Sissy’s Log Cabin (@sissyslogcabininc)
Stationery: Minted (@mintedweddings)
Hotel: Aloft (@aloftwlr)
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