August 2005
A family portrait at the entrance of Glenview Mansion
Kate & Jonathan: Upscale BBQ Stations
Friends and family from coast-to-coast gathered together at Rockville's Glenview Mansion to celebrate the marriage of Kate Dubik, a 28-year old student, and business developer Jonathan Schwarz, 33. The couple, who met on Match.com, was referred to BasiKneads Catering by a friend, and signed shortly after attending their tasting.
Serene Skies over a Garden Ceremony
Exchanging vows under the sun
Reverend Ken Knapp presided over the outdoor ceremony, which was set to begin at 4:30. With intermittent showers earlier in the afternoon, Mother Nature certainly added some pre-ceremony anxiety. Fortunately, Dubik's step-father came prepared with a cell phone carrying integrated Doplar Radar. Dubik recounts that the forecast showed clear skies, "so we risked it and had everyone set up for outside. We ended up having amazing weather!"
Dubik selected the Tuberose gown from Ulla-Maijia, a Manhattan-based boutique couturier. Two bridesmaids, both sisters of the bride, accompanied her in dresses fashioned from silk that the bride bought in Thailand.
A Celebration of Food, Family and Fun
Cherishing the moments of a father-daughter dance
Pale pink and deep green overlays dressed outdoor cabaret and café tables, while understated ivory satin-stripe linens complemented the rich colors inside the mansion. Refined flower arrangements by Barbara von Elm of Growing Wild added delicate accents of color. Dubik raves, "Our flowers were amazing! I gave her a fine budget and a little direction and she did wonders!" The bride also decorated the entire mansion with family photographs "to make it look like our mansion."
Dubik wanted a menu that "reflected us, but was still familiar and delicious." Butlered hors d'oeuvres reminiscent of Kate's extended journeys in Thailand and Jonathan's Louisiana roots did just that. Guests were treated to savory Phyllo Tartlets with Louisiana Smoked Oyster, Tarragon and Sour Cream, succulent Thai Chicken Croquettes with Cucumber Sauce, Cilantro Crab Cake Canapés with Sauce Remoulade and Curly Endive, and cocktail-sized Salami, Pepperoni, Ham, Provolone and Sun-dried Tomato Mufaletta Rounds.
Cake topper from Alexandria Pastry Shop
Bars and dinner stations were scattered throughout the mansion and grounds, allowing guests to mingle freely while sampling an unbelievable variety of food. The outdoor "Good Ole Barbeque" station featured Dry-Rubbed Barbecued Texas Beef Brisket, Roasted Potato Salad with Caramelized Onion Dressing, and Smokey Vegetarian Baked Beans with Jalapenos. Inside the mansion awaited a station affectionately named "Kate's Station", which included Grilled Salmon with Tropical Fruit Sauce, Three-tomato Salad with Balsamic Reduction and Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette, assorted seasonal grilled vegetables, and a bread basket of roasted corn bread, sourdough and dinner rolls. Meanwhile, at "Jonathan's Station", guests helped themselves to BasiKneads Fried Chicken, Spring Succotash, and Mixed Greens and Tomato Salad.
Any guests leaving room for dessert enjoyed a decadent, chocolate-raspberry wedding cake from Alexandria Pastry Shop. BasiKneads also indulged guests with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream served with Warm Raspberry Sauce and Fresh Spring Berries.
Dancing to the sophisticated sounds of Carombala
Guests danced the night away to Elan Artist's Carombala, who performed songs selected by the bride and groom. As the night approached an end, the couple made their exit in style, eagerly awaiting their next destination: honeymoon in Kenya!
A Night to Remember
The rewards of months of planning were captured on film by the esteemed documentary photojournalist Thomas Graves. "I adore Thomas", says Dubik about the former Baltimore Sun photo editor, "and he is money well spent!"
Dubik's advice for future brides and grooms: "Hire good people and let them do their jobs - they know more about throwing a wedding than you do.”
The Menu
Featured Vendors
Glenview Mansion
Rockville, MD
www.rockvillemd.gov/tours/glenview/index.html
(240) 314-8669
BasiKneads Catering
Arlington, VA
www.basikneads.com
(703) 807-0005
Thomas Graves Photography
www.thomasgraves.com
(240) 355-4180
Growing Wild Floral Company
Alexandria, VA
www.bridalshowcase/GrowingWild
(540) 364-6246
Alexandria Pastry Shop
Alexandria, VA
(703) 578-4144
Elan Artists - Carambola Band
www.elanartists.com/dancebands/carambola.htm
(800) 933-7917
Planning a wedding or other special event at Glenview Mansion? Contact BasiKneads Catering at info@basikneads.com.
All photographs by Thomas Graves Photography.