The signage at the Art Center entrance on Sycamore St reflects the building's history.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to work at an event venue where I had never been before.  Following the wedding ceremony in one of Petersburg VA’s historic downtown churches, Courtney and Joseph had their wedding reception at the Petersburg Regional Art  Center. Built in 1858, the brick building that houses the Art Center was built in 1858 and was formerly a furniture store and a department store.

The tables featured elegant black and white decor.

Round seating tables were dressed in floorlength black linens, with black and white damask table runners from Classic Party Rentals of VA. Centerpeices designed by the bride’s family featured whimsical feathers and white branches, with votive candles. Bright red zinnia bouquets carried by the bridal party added splashes of brilliant color to the head table centerpieces.

As the guests arrived at the reception, they were able to help themselves from an extensive appetizer display. At the bar, the guests had their choice from a variety of beer and wine, plus frozen cocktails. The dinner buffet was set up in front of a wall of original artwork.

A simple, contemporary dinner buffet, showcasing the original art pieces on the wall behind.

The buffet decor simple, contemporary style equipment and sparkling white linen overlays. Keeping the buffet height low kept the artwork as the  focus of the space. For dinner, guests enjoyed Brazilian Mustard Glazed Chicken, Braised Beef Brisket with chef-made gravy, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Roasted Baby Carrots with sage butter.          

Following dinner and wedding cake, more snacks appeared on the appetizer table as the guests kicked up – and off – their heels and danced the night away.  

Leaving heels behind, the ladies took over the dance floor.

Photos and story by Anne Roy, Event Coordinator for Goodrich Gourmet Catering Company.

The man behind Goodrich Gourmet Catering Company (and the women behind him!)

Dale Goodrich is the hands-on operator behind Goodrich Gourmet Catering. An alum of William & Mary, Dale started his career in his hometown of Chesapeake, Virginia. He worked in several restaurants and quickly learned that food is not only a neccesity, but a passion. In 2004, Dale moved to Richmond to open a catering business in partnership with a restaurateur from Portsmouth. He successfully built his clientele base from the ground up, learning the basics that would pave the way to his own thriving business in 2010. Dale is the proud father of his daughter, Adriana, and looks forward to teaching her how to cook great food as well. When Dale is not working he enjoys time with his family, boating and playing golf.

Dale’s favorite Goodrich Gourmet food?  The Mixed Grill: Country style pork ribs and boneless chicken thighs smoked in house and lathered in  homemade Virginia bbq sauce.  Dale says the Mixed Grill is his favorite because he gets two of the Chef’s specialties on one plate!

by: Anne Roy, Event Coordinator for Goodrich Gourmet Catering Company