The Belle’s Catering team spent almost a year working with graphic designer, Whitney Vass (Heart & Arrow and Emily Ley), to completely makeover the company’s branding.  Despite already being an established and reputable company, the time had come for a new style, and a new look for the boutique caterer.  Belle’s new brand was aimed to feature new colors, unique branding icons, original typography, an updated website, and a new hand-designed logo, all centered around the Southern symbol for hospitality: the pineapple…IN GOLD! I can’t think of a better icon for a catering company in the South, can you?

To announce the new branding and re-launch of Belle’s Catering, the company’s leading culinary coordinator, Brooke (that’s me!), decided to host an intimate luncheon for local event industry leaders entitled, “Taste + Talk.”  The idea to host a tasting-style luncheon came from none other than the fabulous Mikkel Paige (also the event’s photographer, responsible for all these GORGEOUS images before your eyes).  Not only did Mikkel encourage me to showcase all of Belle’s exciting new changes and chic new designs within the luncheon, she also encouraged me to host the event as a way to say thank you to fellow colleagues who had supported the catering company throughout the years, previously dated branding and all.  What better way to show gratitude and celebrate my fellow creative colleagues than through cheeky cocktails, delicious food, engaging company, and Southern hospitality?

The overall design of the casual-chic luncheon was truly a reflection of Belle’s new look, boasting traditional elements with unique modern touches.  The event’s color scheme mirrored Belle’s new brand color palette, consisting of deep fuchsia, gray, dusty blue, navy, white, and gold.  These colors could be seen carried out via venue decor, Viva L’ Event’s floral design, CE’s table linens, and was even honored by the hosts’ attire.

The menu represented Belle’s founding philosophies, featuring seasonal menu items sourced from local vendors, all made from scratch by Chef Bo Patterson.  Guests nibbled on light hors d’oeuvres upon arrival, and sipped on pineapple themed signature cocktails.  The chipotle pineapple margarita was especially a fan favorite!

Everyone was then seated for an intimate, plated meal consisting of five small courses.  These courses included red eye glazed shrimp, chilled pea and buttermilk soup, crushed cucumber salad with smoked clams, coffee rubbed pork loin with radicchio and yellow beets, and lemon cake with white pepper cream cheese.

After lunch, attendees made their way outdoors under a porte cochere for continued conversation and local, hand-crafted ice cream from Mama Birds Cookies + Cream.  Each guest left with a marketing packet full of gorgeously designed literature (thanks Whit!), a personalized thank you card, and a delicious logo inspired shortbread cookie from Cupcakebite in Fuquay Varina.

We just can’t think of a better way to spend a lunch hour on a Tuesday in spring than by spoiling fellow vendors who glorify community over competition, are humbled by success, and promise a bright future for themselves and others.  Cheers Belle’s Catering and here’s to the future!

Special thanks to all of the event’s rockin’ vendors…we love you, and are so thankful for you support!

Heart + Arrow Design // Mikkel Paige Photography // Live View Studios // Leslie-Alford Mims House // One + Only Paper // Viva L’ Event // Perfection by Patricia // DJ Rang // CE Rental // CupcakeBite // Mama Birds Cookies + Cream

 

See the full feature via Inspired By This HERE