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Mayowood Stone Barn Wedding: Why a Buffet Rocks Your Big Day

Rustic wedding bride and groom with taxidermy animals

We connect with people over food so why not make your wedding dinner the most memorable part of your big day? Jacque and Kevin's Gorgeous wedding at Mayowood Stone Barn was a spectacular example of just how to do that with a wedding buffet that will knock your socks right off!
Feeling skeptical, well scroll down and find out why we think wedding buffets truly rock. And don't forget to see even more fabulous details captured by Ray + Kelly Photography in the full gallery here.

Rustic wedding invitation suite for Jacque and Kevin

Rustic farm wedding party with groom and groomsmen

From the Bride:My wedding dress was not at all what I had imagined I would buy. But, after putting it on and the dancing that ensued, I knew that I had found it. I liked that it was not the dress you would expect for a barn wedding, but that it also completely fit the juxtaposition of our "classy" and "rustic" day.

Blonde bride in mermaid dress holding bouquet outdoor

Bride with adorable flower girls in tulle dresses outdoors

Bride holding pastel colored flower bouquet outdoors

Bride with bridesmaids in aqua dresses and matching shoes

The ceremony was originally going to take place under the amazingly large oak tree on the property as I had always dreamt of an outdoor wedding. Because it was raining in the morning, we made the last-minute decision to move the ceremony to the top floor of the barn.

Jill completely revamped the decorations, including bringing a light market structure inside the barn, and hanging flowers in the large window of the barn that were meant to sway on the branches of the tree. I did not see the decorated barn until I was walking down the aisle, and I was absolutely blown away by the final result.

Chalkboard sign showing a couples love story timeline

Rustic barn wedding venue with string lights decor

Cute flower girls and ring bearer walk down the aisle

hanging flower background at barn wedding ceremony

Romantic barn wedding with fairy lights celebrating love

The word buffet sort of congers up images of Vegas or your local China Palace with lukewarm food under the red glow of heat lamps. Not great, but it doesn't have to be that way. In fact after seeing Jacque and Kevin's classy wedding buffet we guarantee you will be clamoring to book one yourself! But just in case you are still on the fence here are three reasons why we think wedding buffets rock!
Choose your own adventure!
You can serve traditional favorites, comfort foods, brunch foods, or all three! A buffets allow your guest the opportunity to put chicken and waffles, macaroni and cheese, and brisket on the same plate without a single raised eyebrow. Plus, they can eat as much or as little as they want; But lets be honest, if those are the options, they are definitely going back for seconds.

Wedding thank you chalkboard sign for family and friends

tent covered seating area and high school sweetheart photos

kid friendly wedding plus hotdog and macoroni and cheese station

Wedding reception food stations sign: Mix, mingle, and enjoy!

From the Bride:Chef Pasquale at Kahler created the vision of a station-style dinner where guests were free to eat whenever and wherever they would like on the property during a two-hour dinner. We told guests: "eat in the barn or outside. Grab a table or grab a blanket. Eat when you are hungry, and catch up with friends and family that you do not get to see often."Better on your budget!
Saving money is always great and a buffet is the perfect way to do just that. Rather then hiring a full wait staff for a formal dinner all you'll need is a few to man the stations. So the question then becomes, what will you be spending all of your savings on? More exciting elements on your big day? Fun post wedding plans? Or maybe invest in your future?

Delicious steamship round of beef at the carving station

Delicious grilled corn buffet at wedding reception

Assorted breads and rolls at wedding bread station

A little less Fancy-Schmancy a whole lot more Dancy-Dancy!
Think of all the time you are saving by letting your guest pick and choose instead of waiting for everyone to be served. Everyone gets to go at their own pace and talk to people they normally don't get a chance to see, something a strict seating chart limits. A relaxed environment will also encourage more people to tear up the dance floor where some of the most spontaneous and fun wedding memories are truly made!

Elegant outdoor wedding dessert buffet with coffee dispensers

Rustic wedding sign eat drink and be married decor

Spring Grove floats and soda bottles on ice at an event

From the Bride:Because guests ate dinner across the entire property and there was not room for us all to sit in the barn, we needed to be creative in how we planned certain aspects of the day such as toasts. My mom had the idea of giving toasts in the large windows on the top floor of the barn, with our guests below us in front of the barn.

As a bride, the wedding day is planned to the minute with pictures, first dances, etc. and looking out towards our guests was one of my favorite parts of the day. It gave me time to relax and look out at all of the wonderful people who had came to support Kevin and I.

Bride and groom view from window after wedding ceremony

Bride toasts with groom and guests at barn wedding reception

Elegant crepe cake with white rose topper on table

A rustic stone wedding reception with bride and groom

One of the most memorable moments of the day was the lantern lighting. Kevin and I wanted a way to honor our loved ones who had passed, but did not know quite how to do it. I had seen the Chinese Lanterns on Pinterest, and had brought them up early during planning. When Kevin’s aunt Tammy also saw the lanterns and offered to supply them, I knew that it was the perfect way to pause and remember those that we love who have moved on.

Wedding guests enjoy gourmet smores at an outdoor reception

People launch lanterns into the dark sky at night

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