Planning a summer wedding? Not only do we have the most gorgeous outdoor spaces to accommodate guest lists of all sizes, but our summer wedding menu options are absolutely delectable!

Andrew and Rachel took advantage of the last lingering days of summer and planned their outdoor wedding in early September. After exchanging their vows at a gorgeous church nearby, they led their guests to Franklin Commons for a summery reception they’d all be talking about well into next winter.

Guests enjoyed the summer weather as they meandered around our Campus Walk during cocktail hour, while our servers passed around platters of tasty hors d’oeuvres. Included in the options were several summery bites, like Vegetable Sushi with Pickled Ginger and Wasabi Cream, Quesadillas with Zesty Margarita Crème, Coconut Shrimp with a Mango Horseradish Puree, and Cheese Steak Spring Rolls with Spicy Ketchup and Chipotle BBQ.

We also had two interactive hors d’oeuvre stations set up. At one table, we served up Smoky Pulled Pork Sliders with Southern BBQ Sauce. And who says mashed potatoes have to be saved for Thanksgiving? Our Mashed Potato Bar was a huge hit, where creamy scoops of Yukon Gold Potatoes were topped with a choice of Scallions, Sour Cream, Caramelized Onions, Smoky Bacon, Shredded Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese, Southern Pepper Gravy, and Salsa Verde.

And those were just the appetizers! For a main course, guests were able to choose between Slow-Braised Beef Short Rib finished with a Seasonal Ale Reduction & Crispy Onion Straws, Atlantic Salmon Pan-Seared with a Mustard Maple Glaze, and Asian Vegetable Dumplings served with Sweet Chili Sauce on a Soba Noodle Bed with Black Beans, Roasted Corn, Tomatoes, & Caramelized Onions.

With the plates cleared and their bellies full, Andrew and Rachel led their guests to the dance floor for a night of partying. We think it was the perfect way to work up another appetite, and just in time for dessert!

In addition to the wedding cake (provided by our good friends at The Master’s Baker), we set up a Signature Sundae Bar, where servings of Hand-Spun Vanilla and Chocolate Ice Creams were topped with Hot Fudge, Strawberry Sauces, Cherries, Whipped Cream, Candy Toppings, and more. There was also Mango Sorbet for people who wanted to refresh their palettes.

As the evening began to wind down, our serving staff carried platters laden with Warm Cookies, Chocolate Mousse Parfaits, S’Mores, Chocolate Dipped Pretzels, Tiramisu, Petit Fours, and Decadent Truffles. Whatever the guests couldn’t finish, they got to take home!

Congratulations to Rachel and Andrew, and thanks for choosing Franklin Commons for your gorgeous summer wedding. We hope you loved the venue – and the food! – as much as we loved hosting you.

Click here to plan your summer wedding at Franklin Commons.