Food is one of the most anticipated elements for guests at a wedding—and for good reason. When you're invited to a wedding, you hope for two things: good food and good people. We wanted to deliver on both for our wedding, prioritizing delicious food made by people we knew and loved.

At my first wedding, the venue was a golf course, which meant we were served typical banquet cuisine. The options were chicken or salmon with a starch and a vegetable. It was fine, but far from memorable.

This time, I wanted the food to truly reflect us. I love soulful, spicy, feel-good dishes that make you want seconds. My husband is a seafood enthusiast with an unapologetic sweet tooth. Together, we envisioned a menu reminiscent of family cookouts or meals from your favorite mom-and-pop spot—the kind of food that warms your heart. To bring this vision to life, we turned to our talented friends: 3Stakxs Kitchen, Sweet Valentine Bakery, Mychal’s Cafe, and Munch Bakery.

Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour, which I’ll admit I remembered last minute, turned out to be a hit. My husband and one of his best friends made a same-day trip to Total Wine, coming back with single-serve wine bottles, canned cocktails, a variety of beers, water, lemonade, and iced tea. The beverage table was stacked!

For appetizers, 3Stakxs Kitchen stole the show with shrimp and grits served in adorable cocktail cups, alongside beautifully arranged fruit trays. The shrimp and grits were so good that our wedding helpers had to stash some for us because guests were hoarding them!

Dinner

For dinner, we went buffet style—a choice I highly recommend if you want hearty portions and happy guests. The spread featured steak, chicken, salmon, mashed potatoes, green beans, and garden salad, all brought to life with 3Stakxs Kitchen’s signature touch.

His dishes are known for bold Cajun seasoning, rich, buttery sauces, and spicy flavor profiles that pack a punch. The steak was perfectly seared, smothered in a savory garlic butter sauce that melted into every bite. The chicken was juicy and marinated with a fiery blend of spices, balanced by the richness of its creamy Cajun sauce. The salmon was flaky and tender, coated in a luscious garlic-butter glaze with just the right amount of heat.

The mashed potatoes were creamy and indulgent, topped with a drizzle of spiced gravy that tied everything together. The green beans, cooked to perfection, were sautéed with a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for a flavorful kick. Even the garden salad wasn’t an afterthought—it was fresh, crisp, and paired with tangy vinaigrette options that complemented the boldness of the main dishes.

Each plate was a masterpiece of flavor and portion size. Guests were raving about how the food tasted like something you'd find at the best soul food restaurant—comforting, delicious, and made with love.

Dessert

Neither my husband nor I are big fans of cake. I refused to have a wedding cake just for the sake of tradition or a photo op. Instead, we curated a dessert bar featuring all our favorite treats: cookies decorated with our wedding logo, gooey brookies, and delicate macarons. Sweet Valentine Bakery, Mychals Bakery, and Munch Bakery delivered desserts that were as beautiful as they were delicious.

We even provided little baggies so guests could take some goodies home—a thoughtful touch that made our dessert bar a standout.

Wedding Food Advice

When planning your wedding menu, focus on food that’s filling, tasty, and familiar. Your guests will have endured a long day, and likely spent money on outfits, transportation, and gifts. Feeding them well is a way of honoring their time and presence.

Ultimately, your wedding menu should make sense for you. Choose flavors and dishes that represent your personality, your culture, and your favorite memories. For us, that meant soulful, flavorful food made with love—and it was worth every bite.