In the News

Hamby Catering & Events has been recognized on the national level, winning Best Hors d’Oeuvre at the prestigious Catered Arts Through Innovative Excellence (CATIE) Awards, presented by the International Caterers Association (ICA). This esteemed award highlights Hamby Catering’s dedication to culinary excellence and innovation, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in the catering industry. The winning dish, Beet Hummus Rounds, impressed judges with its exceptional flavor, presentation, and creativity—demonstrating Hamby Catering’s commitment to elevating the guest experience through thoughtfully curated cuisine. Created specifically for the launch of their brand-new flagship event venue, The Rutledge Room, in the heart of downtown Charleston, this dish showcased the innovation and artistry that define Hamby Catering’s culinary excellence. “We are incredibly honored to receive this national recognition from the International Caterers Association,” says Candice Hudnall, President and Owner of Hamby Catering & Events. “Our team works tirelessly to push the boundaries of culinary excellence while staying true to the signature hospitality and quality that have defined Hamby Catering for over four decades. This award is a testament to our passion, talent, and commitment to delivering extraordinary dining experiences, especially for Sous Chef Gabriel Graves, creator of the dish.” A woman-owned and operated, full-service caterer,

Dear Readers, Seated & served, stations, buffet style… the decisions are endless! At Hamby Catering, we specialize in bringing your vision to life—no matter the style you choose. Not sure which option is right for you? Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Keep reading to discover the perfect catering style to complement your special day. With love, Candice Hudnall, President + Owner, Hamby Catering & Events Seated & Served: Imagine your guests seated in elegance, each course carefully served with attention to detail. At Hamby Catering, we specialize in creating a refined seated and served experience, where your guests enjoy every bite in a relaxed and intimate setting. This option is perfect for those who want a formal, personalized dining experience that ensures your special day feels both luxurious and memorable. Stations: If you’re looking for something interactive and fun, Hamby Catering’s station service offers a unique way to delight your guests. Each station presents a variety of carefully crafted dishes, allowing guests to explore different flavors at their own pace. This style encourages mingling and creates a dynamic atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for a lively and engaging celebration. Buffet Style: For a relaxed and versatile option, our

Dear Readers, Planning your wedding can feel like a whirlwind of decisions, but we’re here to help! This month, we’re diving into the key milestones of wedding planning—from securing your dream venue to planning your menu and beyond. Whether you’re months away or just getting started, these five essential steps will ensure your big day is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. With love, Candice Hudnall, President + Owner, Hamby Catering & Events One Year Out:  A year out, the journey begins with a celebration of delicious moments. The date is set, the budget crafted, and venues booked. Your guest list and theme take shape with delicious cuisine at the heart of it all. Early vendor choices, including catering, set the stage for unforgettable flavors! Six Months Out: Six months away, the details unfold, with food at the center. Save-the-dates are sent, guest lists refined and bridal plans made. Transportation and honeymoon details set, while we begin crafting dishes that tell your love story, ensuring every bite leaves your guests savoring the moment. Two Months Out: Two months away, the vision refines. Invitations are sent, RSVPs in and your personalized menu is perfected. The timeline flows seamlessly! From signature cocktails

Dear Readers, This month we’re highlighting a stunning rehearsal luncheon celebrating the beautiful couple, Charlotte & Alexander, hosted at our flagship event venue, The Rutledge Room. All is fair in holiday celebrations, but this luncheon was the celebration of a lifetime. Keep reading to learn more about the dining, venue, details and more!  With love, Candice Hudnall, President + Owner, Hamby Catering & Events The Couple: This month’s feature celebrates Charlotte and Alexander, whose love inspired a holiday-themed floral luncheon. The intimate gathering at The Rutledge Room featured vibrant florals, lush holiday greenery and a curated menu, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. It was an honor to bring their vision to life, filled with love, laughter and festive cheer. The Dining: Charlotte and Alexander’s seated luncheon showcased a refined menu, including grilled beef filet, seasonal succotash, roasted vegetables, and the Hamby signature salad. Tuna tartare hors d’oeuvres and other thoughtfully crafted starters set the tone for an exquisite culinary experience. The elegant fare perfectly complemented the intimate, holiday-inspired atmosphere, creating a memorable celebration for their closest loved ones. The Venue: The celebration took place at The Rutledge Room, our flagship event space in the heart of Charleston’s historic Cannonborough-Elliottborough district.

Dear Readers, This month, we are delighted to spotlight a stunning wedding reception hosted at our flagship event venue, The Rutledge Room. With timeless elegance and thoughtful details, this celebration honored love, family and tradition in a setting that blended historic charm with modern sophistication. From the carefully curated menu to the beautifully styled décor, every element reflected the couple’s vision for an unforgettable day! With love, Candice Hudnall, President + Owner, Hamby Catering & Events The Couple: This month’s feature celebrates Maddie and Ben, whose love story inspired an elegant reception that felt deeply personal. Their commitment to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for their guests was brought to life with the intimate ambiance of The Rutledge Room, complemented by a menu full of culinary delights and a décor palette rich with greenery and delicate florals. It was our privilege to bring their dream reception to life. The Dining: The culinary experience was at the heart of Maddie and Ben’s reception. A delectable grazing table, featuring artisanal cheeses, cured meats and fresh fruits, greeted guests upon arrival. The menu also included standout bites like mini crab cakes, balsamic glazed strawberry caprese skewers, deviled eggs topped with candied bacon

Dear Readers, This month, we’re thrilled to showcase a warm and intimate welcome party hosted on Isle of Palms, where Southern hospitality met coastal elegance. Surrounded by close family and friends, the couple celebrated their love with a blend of delicious food, fun activities and unbeatable scenery. Keep reading to discover the beauty, cuisine, and all the thoughtful details that made this day so special. With love, Candice Hudnall, President + Owner, Hamby Catering & Events The Couple: We had the pleasure of serving Alexis and Nick, whose deep love for the flavors of the coastal Lowcountry shaped every aspect of their welcome celebration. Their vision for a laid-back yet elegant gathering was brought to life through a menu that honored the culinary traditions of South Carolina. A rehearsal dinner sets the tone for the events to come, and with a delicious Lowcountry boil on the menu, the fun was ready to be fueled. The Dining: The heart of this gathering was a mouth-watering Lowcountry boil, featuring shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage – all classic staples of the South Carolina coast. Guests enjoyed this feast while taking in the scenic views of the waterway. Our culinary team also curated smaller

Dear Readers, This month, we’re serving up part two of our unforgettable weekend in Beaufort. The charm of the sea islands is always a pleasure, and being able to flex our culinary and operational skills at a gorgeous private residence was a thrill for all. Keep scrolling for a deeper look into the couple, cuisine, venue, details and more! With love, Candice Hudnall, President + Owner, Hamby Catering & Events The Couple: Being a part of the entire weekend celebration for Elizabeth and Patrick was an honor. Sweethearts who met at Clemson, the pair played with color and flavor to bring their event to life! We sure do love a bride who has an eye for pops of neon! The Dining: The dining at this reception was both a classic presentation of Lowcountry flare, as well as a dip into our culinary team’s creativity. At Hamby, we’re always thrilled to take on a custom menu, and when a cold bar with hand-rolled sushi came calling, we answered with the help of our partner, Thomas Winn! Other offerings included cold boiled shrimp, mini tomato pies, tuna tartar and so much more! The Details: Ellen, this event’s planner & the Owner of

Dear Readers, This month, we’re excited to share an enchanting rehearsal dinner at Beaufort’s historic venue, the Arsenal. Keep scrolling to see all of the gorgeous details — delicious cuisine, a stunning couple, and the charm of this Lowcountry venue. Stay tuned, as this is a two-parter! Next month, we’ll showcase their gorgeous reception. With love, Candice Hudnall, President + Owner, Hamby Catering & Events The Couple: Elizabeth & Patrick are one of those couples who truly embody the essence of true love. It was an absolute honor to be part of their unforgettable day, and we couldn’t imagine a better way for them to begin their forever together! And really, what’s more perfect than celebrating your love with a mini chicken and waffle bite in hand? It was an honor to be a part of their entire celebration, beginning with their rehearsal. The Dining: Curating this menu was a showcase of traditional Lowcountry flair and flavor. We began the night with She Crab soup shooters, seared scallops and our delicious peach and strawberry crostinis. The main course celebrated both surf and turf, featuring a dual entree from our carefully crafted traditional Hamby seated menu. Now fueled, the couple and

Dear Readers, This month, we are thrilled to shed light on an enchanting reception beneath the grand oaks of Boone Hall Plantation, where we had the honor of witnessing the beginning of Julia & Rob’s beautiful love story. Continue scrolling to see more of the exquisite cuisine, charming couple, and stunning details that have left us dreaming long after the celebration.  With love, Candice Hudnall, President + Owner, Hamby Catering & Events Meet the Couple: Beneath the majestic Lowcountry oaks, Julia and Rob’s wedding unfolded as a beautifully elegant celebration of their pure love. It was a privilege to witness their joy as they celebrated together. Surrounded by all of their favorite things, we got a glimpse into their bond, and confirm that these two will be together forever & ever! The Dining: Starting off the cocktail hour with a selection of our famous passed chicken & waffle bites and mini tomato pies, the guests were treated to a delightful array of flavors that set the tone for a memorable culinary experience. They were then invited to enjoy an exquisite grazing display, complete with a curated assortment of charcuterie, offering a sophisticated touch to the evening’s culinary offerings. The Details: The

Mayor William Cogswell has officially proclaimed August 4th as “Hamby Day” in the City of Charleston, in honor of Hamby Catering & Events’ 45th anniversary. The origins of Hamby Catering’s founding still ring true today – Mrs. Hamby answered the call to cater for the wedding of a friend’s daughter, and from there started a journey and business based on service, trust and classic Lowcountry fair. In 2017, after six years with the company, Candice Culbertson Hudnall, alongside her father Wayne Culbertson, stepped in to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Mrs. Fran Hamby and her great nephew Wes Ellison. “This honor is a testament to this city’s unwavering support and trust in our service,” said Candice Hudnall. “It’s not lost on us the gravity of this honor, and we cannot thank the Holy City enough for its faith in us!” Hamby Catering has played a vital role in countless celebrations, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events, enhancing the lives of South Carolina Lowcountry community members daily. Built on top of the core values of family, service, heritage, and respect, Hamby Catering is dedicated to its community members by providing exceptional culinary experiences and supporting local initiatives that strengthen