Photos provided by Gil’s Elegant Catering
When we think of fantastic food and wonderful service, Gil’s Elegant Catering is always on our list of the best options! We have Jackie Albers, Director of Sales, on the blog today, talking about her experiences and the fabulousness that is Gil’s. Read on!
When and how did you get into the wedding industry?
Back in 2001 while I was still in college, my mother and I owned a catering company in Sherman, Texas where we catered weddings and social events! A few years later we sold the business, and I went to work at the City Club in Fort Worth in 2004 as their wedding planner. I loved that job and learned the true ins and outs of the wedding industry from my incredible boss. I left there in 2007 and became the Social Event Director at the Warwick Melrose Hotel, where I was involved in planning some of the most beautiful hotel weddings. That was such a glamorous job! After about 3 years my mother and I decided to start working together again at Gils Elegant Catering and we have been here ever since. Gil’s has been in operation for nearly 34 years. I love this company and I truly love working with my mother every day planning beautiful events with the backing of an amazing culinary team.
Where are you based and where do you meet with clients?
Our kitchen is located in Grand Prairie, Texas. We host our private tastings here. Client meetings are held all over the city – really wherever is most convenient for the bride.
Describe your favorite type of client.
Clients that love to personalize their wedding through food. I love the brides who tell me about their first date with their fiancé, tell me what they had for dinner and then we try to recreate that moment for them. Brides that want to be original and adventurous with food – those are my favorite.
What makes you different at what you do?
I truly have a passion for catering and creating a beautiful dining experience for people. My mother always said “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” and I took that to heart and applied it to how I sell food to my brides. I am not afraid to take risks with food presentation, ingredients, and flavors. No two weddings are the same because no two brides are the same. Each one deserves her own menu that reflects her personality.
What do you love most about weddings?
Cake 🙂 [EED: Yasssss!] and all the smiling faces and clean dinner plates 🙂
When you think of opulent yet traditional weddings in your portfolio, what have been some of your favorite aspects?
Big white tents with gold rimmed china, champagne flowing all night long, white orchids, a raw bar with chefs shucking oysters, “Black Tie” written on the invitation!
If you’re interested in learning more about Gil’s Elegant Catering, please contact Jackie at Jackie@GilsElegantCatering.com or 214.717.3142.