If there’s one thing that will always be the talk of a wedding, it’s the food. Joonbug had the pleasure of sitting down with Miami’s premier wedding visionary Nathalie Cadet-James, of Luxe Fete, to get a taste of what brides and grooms are serving at their nuptials. Her experience with ultra high-end soirees has granted her a trained eye on the food trends that are bleeding into wedding receptions. Here’s a roundup of Miami’s finest:

 Grown Up Comfort Food
From buffalo wings with celery puree to kobe beef sliders, comfort food that also doubles as art is making its way to the Big Day. The nostalgic flavors of childhood are elevated with epicurean renditions and modern presentations. The best part of the trend? “Everybody will eat it. And everyone will like it.” promises Cadet-James. She turns to two trusted caterers that can execute refined comfort food with good taste; Shiraz and Joy Wallace  

Bite Sized Treats
“2011 is the year of the whoopee pie” predicts Cadet-James. Many of her brides are requesting this humble dessert, but with a twist—flavors that echo personal tastes and hometowns. Flavors like passion fruit with lemon merengue filling. Or pumpkin cookie with hazelnut crème filling. While the rise of the whoopee pie is escalating, rest assured that cupcakes aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. This once trendy dessert has now become a staple at wedding dessert bars. Nowadays, brides are all about the presentation value of bite-sized treats. From cheesecake pops to macarons, the sweetest parts of the reception are often found in one-bite delicacies.

Mixologists
Gone are the days when couples are serving namesake drinks like the “Chris and Alice Kamikazes.” Trend setting brides are bringing in mixologists to custom craft drinks for each of their guests. And with a full arsenal of herbs, fruit, liquor and bubbles, lush friends and relatives everywhere will be grateful for the shift.

Food Trucks
A surprise arrival to the wedding set, food trucks are making their way as a memorable post-reception treat. One of Cadet-James’ clients in Puerto Rico recently enlisted the service of a famous churro truck, which handed out piping hot churros to all guests on their way home. Food trucks are sure to be an unpretentious surprise that brings an element of whimsy and fun, making a lasting statement when the music is fading and the liquor is tapped.

Luxe Locavores
In season, locally harvested food is making its way to the wedding table. In tropical Miami, ubiquitous ingredients like mango and avocado are making their epicurean presence known in refined dishes. Cadet-James firmly believes that Miami boasts the only caterers in the country that can transform a plantain chip into an art form.

Her most lavish local wedding food experience? A 16-foot ice station that housed a seafood affair that would make The Little Mermaid blush. Opulent lobster, stone crabs and caviar were served next to an ice sculpture of the bride’s alma mater mascot—a Georgia Bulldog. All part of the million dollar wedding, naturally.

Despite the different trends, one thing is constant: the real brides of Miami are putting their own unique twists on wedding food. All in preparation of becoming Real Housewives, we’re sure.

 Interested brides with impeccable taste can contact Nathalie at miamiweddingplannerblog.com

Photo credits: Ambrosio Photography