It is truly the joy of a lifetime to help bring events of all kinds to life, and weddings are one of our favorites. 2025 was filled with a diverse amount of beautiful love stories that included laughter, loved ones, and, of course, food!
As another year begins, we wanted to reflect on a few weddings from last year that remind us why we love our jobs! To be able to bring a catered reception to life is incredibly rewarding when you see the awe on the faces of couples – to see that their dreams have become reality. We got to work with a ton of top-notch Chicagoland vendors on all of these weddings and appreciate all their hard work. Beautiful events come together through collaboration and partnership, and we are so thankful for everyone!
We are honored being labelled as a premier Chicago wedding caterer, and we can’t wait to show you how we make weddings come to life in this blog! If any dishes catch your attention, you can find our full wedding menu here.
Marisa & Adam – Penthouse Hyde Park
”The ONLY caterer you should consider. We have absolutely nothing but wonderful things to say about Catered by Design. Rachel was extremely helpful and responsive whenever we had questions. The food was INCREDIBLE, and guests from our wedding have told us countless times that the food was to die for. Everything from the cook on the food to the presentation, to the plating was everything we could’ve wanted for our wedding. If you are looking for a caterer, this is the only one you should even consider. They are phenomenal, and you won’t be disappointed.
Marisa & AdamWedding Wire & Google – 5 Stars
IMAGE CREDIT: Mackenzie Maeder
Reliving Love Stories from Our Catered Weddings of 2025
Sarah & Max – Ignite Glass Studio
”We could not have been happier with our experience with Catered by Design! Rachel is so incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, not just with catering, but so much more! From the initial quote to the tasting, to the day of, she had the answers to all of our questions and was always thinking ahead. We could not have done it without her! We had such an emphasis on food for our big day, and CBD really delivered. Everything tasted amazing, and service was seamless. We’re still getting compliments on the food months later. For the amount of food (family-style) and the quality, pricing was fantastic as well. We would highly recommend CBD to anyone for their wedding day!
Sarah & MaxGoogle – 5 Stars
Sarah & Max’s dazzling wedding day had a highlight on cuisine and style. Guests were greeted upon arrival with champagne and wine before being treated to Sarah and Max’s curated dishes from their menu. Consisting of appetizing hors d’oeuvres like Vegan California Maki and Chicken & Pineapple Skewers, and our popular Caesar Salad composed in a Frico Ring for their first course, Sarah and Max’s menu was one filled with unforgettable flavor. For dessert, guests got to enjoy Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites, Banana Bread Tiramisu Shooters, and a delightful Mélange of Fresh Fruit. Their carefully curated menu paired nicely with the vibrancy of Ignite Glass Studio as a venue.
Vendor Appreciation
Photography: Cling & Peck | @clingpeck
Venue: Ignite Glass Studio | @igniteeventschi
Planner: Cygnet Events & Design | @cygneteventsanddesign
Entertainment: Blue Water Kings | @bluewaterkingsband
Florist: Flowers for Dreams | @flowersfordreams
Bakery: Sweet Mandy B’s | @sweetmandybs
Catering: Us!
Sierra & Kyle – The Library at 190 South LaSalle
”Catered by Design did an outstanding job at our wedding! The food was delicious and beautifully presented – our guests are still raving about it. What truly stood out, though, was the incredible team behind it. Our main contact, Erin Ley, was phenomenal. Her organization, attention to detail, and hard work made the entire process smooth and stress-free for us. On the day of, she made sure everything ran seamlessly. Our team captain, Izzy, was also amazing – so attentive, hardworking, and on top of every detail to keep things flowing perfectly throughout the night. We are so grateful to Erin, Izzy, and the whole Catered by Design team for helping make our wedding day unforgettable. We couldn’t recommend them more!
Sierra & KyleGoogle – 5 Stars
Sierra & Kyle’s wedding ceremony and reception were modern elegance at its finest. Their catered menu featured some of our Chicago wedding catering staples, such as Grilled Cheese Triangles with Tomato Basil Soup and Bruschetta for hors d’oeuvres, our Sweet & Savory Salad for their first course, and Panko-Crusted Stuffed Chicken Breast and Eggplant & Spinach Rollatini for entrées. These staple dishes matched the classic beauty of The Library at 190 South LaSalle, in addition to the beautiful florals provided by Flowers for Dreams. As a cherry on top of a wonderful wedding, we made their 6” ceremonial wedding cake with vanilla buttercream!
Vendor Appreciation
Photography: Emma Mullins | @emullinsphotogram
Venue: The Library at 190 S. LaSalle | @thelibrary190
Planner: Shh Events | @shh.events
Entertainment: Cage the Aquarium | @cageandaquarium
Florist & Decor: Flowers for Dreams | @flowersfordreams
MUA: The Bridal Beauty Team | @bridalartistryteam
Dress: Second City Bride | @secondcitybride
Catering: Us!
Samantha & Ken – Bridgeport Art Center Skyline Loft
”My husband and I couldn’t be happier that we chose to work with Catered by Design! Rachel was so incredibly helpful and responsive throughout the entire planning process. The day of our wedding, both the service and quality of the food were amazing. The catering team played a huge role in making our wedding day run so seamlessly! Thank you!
Samantha & KenThe Knot – 5 Stars
Nothing is brighter than the smile that shines on a happy couple’s faces when they walk into a flipped room from their ceremony to their reception. It’s those little moments that are truly so huge and remind us why we love doing what we do! Samantha & Ken were absolutely glowing on their big day, which reflected in all of their catered wedding menu, design, and rental choices – just look at their beautiful setup by Art of Imagination! They chose popular bites such as our Tiny Fish Tacos and Bacon-wrapped Date filled with Chorizo for hors d’oeuvres and our Smoked Mozzarella-Stuffed Chicken and Oven-Roasted Salmon Fillet for entrées, to name a few. A bright and bubbly couple informed their delectable menu choices, and we are so glad that everything pleased their guests!
Vendor Appreciation
Photography: Indigo Lace Collective | @indigolacecollective
Venue: Bridgeport Art Center Skyline Loft | @bridgeportartcenter
Planner: Tahlely Garcia
Beverage: VenueLogic | @venuelogic
Entertainment: Okyne Media Lab
Florist & Decor: Art of Imagination | @art_imagination
Bakery: ECBG Cake Studio | @ecbg_studio
Catering: Us!
Katie & Jeremy – Ovation
”We have nothing but positive things to say about working with Catered by Design for our wedding! Erin was wonderful throughout the whole planning process, and the whole team helped create the perfect catering experience for us. We already knew going in they were amazing, but our guests have been sharing rave reviews on how our wedding food is the best they’ve ever had! We also used their bartending services, with each drink made perfectly. Highly recommend Catered by Design for any of your catering needs!!
Katie & JeremyThe Knot & Google – 5 Stars
Katie & Jeremy’s springtime wedding had a major focus on florals and flavor. From their savory hors d’oeuvre choices of Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese Pops and Walnut Chicken Salad Bites to the flavorful Roasted, Frenched White Truffle Chicken Breast and Hand-Carved Tenderloin of Beef for entrées, Katie & Jeremy’s wedding catering experience was one of immense decadence. The gorgeous spring florals from Thistle + Plume paired nicely with K&J’s selected signature cocktails: Aperol Spritz and Moscow Mule as well. We are thrilled to hear we met their expectations and more from our cuisine to our libations!
Vendor Appreciation
Venue: Ovation | @ovationchicago
Photography: Fox + Ivory | @foxandivory
Floral: Thistle + Plume | @thistleandplume
DJ: Style Matters | @stylemattersdjs
Planner: NCM Events Co. | @ncmeventsco
Hair & MUA: Jules Fleming Artistry | @julesflemingartistry1
Transportation: Windy City Limos | @windycitylimousine
Catering: Us!
Yesol & Joe – The Arbory
”We worked with Rachel for most of the planning process. She was super quick to respond, professional, and helped make sure that all the catering logistics fit perfectly with our other vendors as well. The food was so delicious, and many of our guests complimented that it was one of the best wedding meals that they have had. The staff were super quick and kind as well, they even fixed my wedding dress train and veil before I walked down the aisle! I highly recommend working with them.
Yesol & JoeThe Knot – 5 Stars
Yesol & Joe’s magical wedding at The Arbory was enhanced with fresh flavors and a premium buffet package fit for every guest. Their mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres, such as Bruschetta and Sushi-Grade Ahi Tuna Tartar, were just the start to their culinary experience of the night. Their premium buffet promised more delicious choices such as Chicken Limone and Roasted Cauliflower with Crispy Chickpeas, followed by everyone’s favorite: dessert! In addition to their beautiful cake from Blisspoint Bakery, the couple chose Cheesecake Lollipops and Salacious Bites as a few of the decadent desserts for their big day. From the tasting room to the aisle, we’ll always be there for you in every way we can!
Vendor Appreciation
Photography: Fox & Ivory | @foxandivory
Venue: The Arbory | @the.arbory
Planner: Here It Blooms | @hereitblooms
Entertainment: Impulse Events | @impulsedjs
Florist: Poppy Flower Company | @poppyflowersco
Bakery: Blisspoint Bakery | @blisspointbakery_chi
Catering: Us!
Casey & Mike – Kenilworth Assembly Hall
”Catered by Design was the absolute best choice we made for our wedding day. It was the #1 recommended caterer by our venue, and we were able to request and work with Erin, who knows our venue well. Erin was a dream to work with throughout the whole planning process. She is organized, timely, and creative. She has an amazing attention to detail and had us think of things we never would have thought of without her. Erin made the planning process stress-free for us with all that she handled on her end. We also had a great experience at our tasting at the Morton Grove office last fall (with lots of leftovers to bring home!). Our guests raved about the food, and the night went off without a hitch. The set-up was perfect, and the day-of staff was friendly and executed everything perfectly. We are so glad we chose Catered by Design!
Casey & MikeGoogle & Yelp – 5 Stars
Casey & Mike’s Kenilworth Assembly Hall wedding was one of greenery and serenity. Our goal is to meet our couples every step of the way with care and consideration for each detail they desire. We are so glad Casey and Mike enjoyed their tasting just as much as their big day! With appetizing small bites such as the popular Chesapeake Bay Crab Cake and delicious entrées like the Mediterranean Chicken, to hear that their guests enjoyed everything makes our year! To cap off their wonderful wedding, the guests got to indulge in late-night snacks such as Classic Chicago Italian Beef and Hot Soft Pretzels – what a way to end a perfect day!
Vendor Appreciation
Photography: Katherine M Blanner | @katherinembcopp
Venue: Kenilworth Assembly Hall | @kenilworth.parkdistrict
Planner: Eventz Co | @eventzplanning
Entertainment: DJuj
Florist: Twigs & Blooms | @twigsblooms
Catering: Us!
More Eventful Catered Weddings from 2025
Sydney & Justin – Rockwell on the River
Photography: AJ Abelman | @ajabelmanphoto
Venue: Rockwell on the River | @rockwellontheriver
Planner: Events by Tess | @eventsbytess_ebt
Beverage: VenueLogic | @venuelogic
Entertainment: Gold Coast Allstars | @goldcoastevents
Florist & Decor: Art of Imagination | @art_imagination
Catering: Us!
Anne & Orlando – Old Post Office
Vendor Appreciation
Venue: Old Post Office | @post433chicago
Photography: Fox + Ivory | @foxandivory
Floral: Flowers for Dreams | @flowersfordreams
Entertainment: Upbeat Orchestra | @upbeatorchestra
Planner: Amanda Paige Events | @amandapevents_chi
Bakery: Alliance Bakery | @alliancebakery
Catering: Us!
Maria & Margaux – Redfield Estate at The Grove
Vendor Appreciation
Photography: Danielle Rose Photo | @daniellerosephoto
Venue: The Redfield Estate at the Grove | @thegroveredfieldestate
Planner: Firmly Rooted Events | @firmlyrootedevents
DJ: Fifty 40 Industries | @fifty40industries
Florist: South Side Blooms | @southsideblooms
Hair & MUA: Elana Darrus Makeup & Hair | @elanadarrus
Dress: Brides by Young and Stella York| @bridesbyyoung & @missstellayork
Suit: SuitShop | @suitshopofficial
Catering: Us!
Shaina & Jacob – Bridgeport Art Center Skyline Loft
Vendor Appreciation
Photography: Anna Jung Hwa | @annajunghwa
Venue: Bridgeport Art Center Skyline Loft | @bridgeportartcenter
Planner: Simply Elegant Group | @simplyelegantxo
Beverage: VenueLogic | @venuelogic
Entertainment: Yazz Events | @yazzevents
Florist: Juliet Tan | @juliettanfloraldesign
Decor: Art of Imagination | @art_imagination
Catering: Us!
Starting Your Wedding Journey
As a Chicago wedding caterer, fulfilling our couples’ vision for their wedding days is always our goal. We ensure every step of the wedding catering process with us is seamless and stress-free. If you’re at the beginning of your wedding journey and want to learn more about how Catered by Design can help bring your wedding celebration to life, view our blogs: 5 Simple Steps to Book Your Wedding Caterer and Catered by Design’s Guide to Sustainable Wedding Catering! These will set you on the right path and guide you through our easy steps on how to connect and proceed.
Contact Us for More Information
Thank you to all our wonderful clients who trusted our team to make their big days shine and those who took the time to leave us such thoughtful and kind reviews. It has been an honor to be able to bring your Chicago weddings to life, and we wish you much happiness and health for many years to come!
As the new year begins, many love stories are turning the page, and we here at Catered by Design hope to be a chapter in your story! Rest assured, when planning your wedding day, no small detail will be overlooked by our exceptional wedding catering company. If you have more questions to ask regarding your catered wedding experience, feel free to peruse our FAQs here or send us an email at [email protected]. We look forward to helping you bring your wedding to life!
