Guest Blogger: Nathaniel Neubauer, owner of Contemporary Catering
Nathaniel’s mom says it best: “When Nathaniel was turning three, I asked him what he wanted for his third birthday. He said, ‘Quiche.’” Ever since, Nathaniel’s love for food has never been far from reach. With his presence, Contemporary Catering quickly became a major contender in the Los Angeles catering industry. From overseeing production to designing a nine-course tasting menu with five-star service, Nathaniel’s dedication to his clients and his company is unparalleled.

Can’t decide whether to have a buffet or sit-down dinner at your wedding reception? Well, you really can’t go wrong with either option, and don't be afraid to custom-create your dining experience. At Contemporary Catering, we’ve seen couples choose to have a served salad course to help bring everyone together for a special moment of the evening (i.e. toasts or a first dance), and then go into a buffet-style meal.

There are many factors to keep in mind when planning for a buffet wedding reception:

We now have one more to add to our list of the most memorable TV weddings: Liz Lemon and Criss Chross from last night’s 30 Rock. Here, five reasons why we loved it:

The decidedly unromantic reason the couple got engaged
Liz and Criss have been trying to have a baby together. After Liz found out that her obnoxious ex and his wife, Dennis and Megan Duffy, adopted a baby with no trouble at all, she realizes that she and Criss might be more desirable to an adoption agency if they were married. Criss didn't disagree; “We’re as committed to each other as any married couple,” he said. “We might as well be married,” replied Liz. “So, let’s do it,” Criss decided. And there you have it — engaged. No ring, no romantic speech, just a mutual decision to make it official. 

Photo Credit: NBC Studios

In honor of the highly-anticipated nuptials of Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) and Criss Chross (James Marsden) on 30 Rock, we're taking a trip down memory lane at some of our favorite TV wedding episodes. Grab some Cheesy Blasters (Liz's favorite snack) and enjoy!

1. General Hospital: Luke and Laura
On November 16, 1981, 30 million guests tuned in to watch the most iconic TV wedding of all time. Luke and Laura were married in a gorgeous outdoor reception, but what made their big day special was the love that radiated from the fictional couple. But what would a soap opera be without a little drama and suspense? The evil Helena Cassadine (who was lurking nearby) cast a curse upon their relationship, setting the stage for a tumultuous future.

2. Boy Meets World: Topanga and Cory
Ever since they met on the monkeybars as kids, Topanga and Cory knew they were destined to be together. Their long-awaited nuptials were held in a high-end hotel thanks to the ill-advised plan that Cory’s brother, Eric, had concocted. Eric’s scheme goes awry when the real Mr. Peterman (father of the bride) shows up, abruptly ending the festivities. Meanwhile, Topanga and Cory are enjoying the honeymoon suite when the police barge in and arrest the unknowing couple.

With all of the work that goes into planning a successful event, it's easy for those small details to sneak up on you towards the end. I've spent so much time thinking about the venue layout and song selections for our reception in January that I have yet to find bridal accessories.

I adore vintage-inspired pieces because they have a handmade look and nostalgic feel that is perfect for my rustic fiesta wedding. I'm looking for drop earrings or a sparkly headpiece that will complete my outfit, not take away from it. Plus, I want pieces that I can re-wear long after our big day has come and gone. 

Below, you'll find some of my favorite accessories to match the vibe of your wedding, whether it's glam or beachy. Don't be afraid to mix it up! Choose pieces that will help you feel like a million bucks.

Glam

You’re never afraid to steal the spotlight wherever you go—and your wedding is no exception. Try celebrity-inspired costume jewelry that shows off your glamorous side on your big day.

These sparkly earrings complement a chic up-do. If you want to give your dress that extra touch of twinkle, add a sash. This one has maximum shine without being over-the-top.

Photo Credit: Rebakah Westover Photography

In most parts of the country, throwing a winter wedding is a gamble. A lot of people thought I was crazy for choosing a February date in New Jersey. Luckily, we were blessed with gorgeous weather on our wedding day — it snowed the following day! Here, the most important things I learned while planning my winter wedding:

You’ll Save Money — on Most Vendors
Since the winter isn’t a peak time to get married in most parts of the country, you can score some major discounts. We saved big on our venue, and we also got discounts on our photographer, videographer, DJ, and transportation. One area where we did not experience any savings: Flowers. Because there are fewer flowers in season, you may have to pay a premium or forego your first (or second or third) choice bloom. 

You’ll Need to Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario
As a winter bride, you have to know the answer to the biggest question: what will you do if there’s a blizzard on your wedding day and no one can get there?