WEDDING BLOG

As an award-winning catering company (and talented Junebug member!) Lisa Dupar Catering is known for their exceptionally delicious and successful events. The team’s extensive knowledge and professional expertise allow guests to have a complete dining experience – from the first sip of wine to that last bite of dessert. Lisa’s food is truly inspired culinary art, and her own sweet Southern hospitality makes her a joy to work with.

Lisa recently let us take a peek inside her recipe box, and she shared her favorite seasonal recipe for an outdoor summer wedding. Lisa loves the Oregon Pink Shrimp and Shaved Fennel Salad not only because it’s tasty, but because the Oregon Pink Shrimp is also one of the only completely sustainable pink shrimp industries in the world – a fact we can definitely get on board with!

Oregon Pink Shrimp and Shaved Fennel Salad

Serves 6-8

6 Cups of Oregon pink shrimp (fresh if you can get it, or defrosted and drained)

1 Cup EACH of finely diced celery, diced fennel, and diced dikon radish (or red radish)

 3/4 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Mayonnaise

6 Tbs. of chopped fennel greens (fronds)

1 Tbs. chopped fresh tarragon  

3 Tbs. Dry white Vermouth (optional)

3/4 Tsp. “New” Bay Seasoning from World Spice, or Old Bay Seasoning

To finish the salad: 

Make sure the shrimp is completely defrosted and drained of any excess water.

Mix all ingredients and adjust seasoning if needed. 

Serve with two leaves of iceberg, one leaf of radicchio, and little spring Easter radishes.

Note: This dish should be made fresh right before serving or the vegetables will lose their crunch if it sits too long!

Lisa also recommends choosing one fun cocktail for your wedding or celebration, that can be served in a champagne flute or beautiful pitcher, and accompanied with lots of fresh fruit garnish. The Purr Razz Sparkler sounds heavenly!

Purr Razz Sparkler

3/4 oz. Pur Geist Raspberry Vodka

1/4 oz. Chambord

Fill the champagne flute with Moscati d’Asti (about 4 oz.)

Garnish with one fresh raspberry float.

Relax and enjoy!

The cakes from Washington, D.C.’s Maggie Austin Cakes are truly pieces of edible art, and if you’re anything like me (owner of a giant sweet tooth and lover of all things pretty) we’re talking swoon-city!

Chef and owner Maggie LaBaugh creates haute couture confectionery masterpieces using the freshest ingredients and the finest techniques. This former dancer and graduate of the French Pastry School draws on her training as a classical ballet dancer to create designs that are elegant, sophisticated and graceful. Each cake is tailored exclusively to her client’s ideas, making every one unique. Using her amazing creative talents, Maggie will hand-paint, hand-craft and hand sculpt each sugar flower, ruffle or vintage looking rosette, and cakes can be ordered in flavors that range from seasonal to whimsical to deliciously traditional.

Check out the Maggie Austin Cakes website to learn more about their offerings, and to see many, many more stunning cake creations that are almost too pretty to eat! Though I’m sure that wouldn’t stop me.