There’s something undeniably special about a New Jersey backyard wedding. It’s intimate, it’s meaningful and when done right, it’s just as stunning (if not more!) than any traditional venue. At Willow & Sage, we love when couples choose to celebrate at home. Why? Because backyard weddings give you the freedom to create a completely customized experience with the people you love, in a space that already means something to you. It’s personal, it’s flexible, and it allows you to celebrate in a way that feels uniquely you. One of our recent favorites is the catering we put together for Kathleen & Nick’s New Jersey backyard wedding, featured on Carats & Cake.
A backyard wedding doesn’t mean sacrificing a high-end dining experience—and Kathleen & Nick’s celebration is proof. We brought our signature Willow & Sage catering style to the garden, serving up dishes that were as refined as they were crowd-pleasing.
Guests kicked things off with passed appetizers that balanced comfort and creativity that were an instant hit. The plated salad course featured a crisp and modern Caesar salad that was perfectly refreshing before the main entrée. For dinner, guests could mix and match their plates to their liking, creating an interactive and satisfying experience. This menu brought warmth, flavor, and elegance to a setting that already felt deeply personal. That’s exactly what great catering should do!
We’ll never stop loving backyard weddings. Here’s why they work:
And yes, we handle all the logistics: staffing, rentals, timeline flow, setup, breakdown, and more. (That’s the full-service difference.)
From the beginning, Kathleen & Nick knew they wanted their guests to feel at home, but still wowed. With the help of their planner (shoutout to I DO Wedding & Event Planning) and an amazing creative team including Whisper & Brook Flower Co., and photographer Monika Eisenbart, their vision came to life in the dreamiest way. We were honored to be a part of it creating a menu and service experience that matched the energy of the day: thoughtful, elevated, and guest-focused.
It might sound overwhelming at first, but with the right team in place, it’s 100% doable to host your wedding at home. If you’re dreaming up a backyard wedding in New Jersey, we’d love to help bring your catering it to life. From custom menus to tented receptions and beautifully styled stations, we’re here to make sure your at-home celebration feels effortless. Inquire here and let’s chat about how to turn your backyard into the dreamiest venue of all.