In It To Win It

Community Congregation Church, Tiburon

Not every couple comes to us with an unlimited budget. That's just reality, and I respect it. Part of what I do is help clients understand what to prioritize — where to spend and where to simplify — so they get the event they actually want within the budget they actually have.

One bride, let's call her Ruby, was working with a tight budget. She couldn't afford a wedding planner or a day-of coordinator. We offer day-of coordination, but it wasn't in the cards for her. I told her okay — but please ask someone, a friend, a sister, anyone — to be that person for you at least through the ceremony. Because as the caterer, our formal responsibilities really begin with the start of food and beverage service.

Things were going fine. I was in the kitchen prepping, in my world, doing what I do. Then Ruby's sister came running in with that look on her face. The ceremony was fifteen minutes late. Nobody was seated. Ruby was panicking. The whole thing was stalled.

This, I thought for exactly one second, would have been a great moment for that non-existent planner.

Then I put down my knife.

I went outside, grabbed my manager, and we started moving. He rounded up guests and directed them to the ceremony site. I got the sister — who was also, I should mention, officiating the wedding, bless her heart — down to the front with a microphone. Then I went to find Ruby, got everyone lined up, and sent them down the aisle.

And they got married. Right on time. The wedding went on.

Here's what I want to say about that moment — and about every moment like it. To do this work well you have to keep the big picture in your mind at all times. Not your job description. Not what's technically included in the contract. The big picture. Which in this case was a woman who had worked hard to plan her wedding day and deserved to have it go beautifully.

You can't stop and think did they pay for this or haven't I done enough. You have to put all of that aside and ask what does this moment need — and then do that thing.

It's not always easy. Events are hard and people are stressed and kitchens are hot and timelines fall apart. But at the end of the day I want my staff to see me trying. To see me put down the knife and go outside. To see me choose the big picture over the fine print.

That's what we mean when we say we're in it to win it. We're not just there to feed you. We're there for you.If you're planning a wedding in the Bay Area and want a team that shows up for the whole picture — not just the food — we'd love to be part of your day. Let's talk.