The Brief

Jane and Neal adore the fine wines of Martinborough and the romance of the vines. So holding their wedding for 150 guests (including 10 children) in a lovely vineyard setting was an easy decision, with the help of Ruth Pretty Catering.

The Result

Ata Rangi Vineyard has a spacious lawn area and is blessed with mature trees, not to mention some of the best wines from the Martinborough Wine Village. The close association between Ata Rangi and Ruth Pretty Catering meant Jane and Neal could invite their guests to share their special day in a very relaxed and beautiful setting.

A large marquee was set up to accommodate diners, providing shelter from late afternoon heat and later on from any evening chill. The golden Indian summer of 2007 made this an evening to remember.

Jane and Neal wanted their guests to enjoy as many great tastes as possible, matched with their host’s wines. After passarounds on the lawn while guests admired the burgeoning grapes through protective yet pretty net veils.

Moving inside the marquee for the served portion of the wedding fest, guests enjoyed a magnificent Duck Tasting Plate, including Duck Liver Parfait with Springfield Pear Chutney; Smoked Duck with Roasted Strawberries and Balsamic Jus; Duck Confit with Puy Lentil Salad, accompanied by a variety of dinner rolls.

After the main course was served (choice of Scampi Tails or Parmesan Crumbed Lamb Racks), the mood relaxed a little and the DJ helped create a party spirit. Meanwhile, the 10 children guests tucked in to their own menu with relish.

A dessert buffet is a good option to offer plenty of choices of tastes and entice guests to enjoy "just a little” sweet treat. Crème Brûlée was bruléed at the buffet to the great pleasure and entertainment of many guests.

Jane chose an innovative celebration cake – comprising four tiers of cupcakes (rich chocolate, lemon curd and honey flavours) – and gave each guest a cupcake to take home in a little noodle box. Everyone was thrilled with this gesture.

Dancing continued into the night, and "the stayers” were served a very welcome Wedding Supper at midnight of Barbecued Bacon Butties with all the trimmings. Very welcome!

We don’t have standard menus or catering packages, as everything is custom-made to suit. Please call Janine Brighouse on 06-364 3161 or email her at weddings@ruthpretty.co.nz to talk about your event and how we could help you. Janine can give you indicative prices to help you plan your budget, as well as other practical suggestions to make your event a success.