In the News

Dear Readers, This year, Hamby was honored with Best Catered Wedding at the ICA CATIE Awards for a celebration we’ll never forget. Set on a private farm in Aiken, South Carolina, this black-tie wedding brought Michelin-level dining to an open field – rooted in Southern hospitality and unforgettable moments. 128 guests experienced an evening of elegance and joy, from sunset cocktails to late-night pizza on the dance floor. The Setting The wedding took place on the groom’s family farm, a former polo field now home to dressage horses. The couple envisioned an elevated celebration that honored the property’s equestrian heritage. The result: a tented dining experience that felt refined yet deeply connected to the land – luxury layered into the natural landscape. What Guests Ate Cocktail Hour: Passed hors d’oeuvres welcomed guests as the celebration began. Familiar favorites of fried oysters, deviled eggs and shrimp & grit cakes set a warm, celebratory tone while guests mingled over cocktails. Dinner Service: Dinner was a formal, synchronized dual-entrée service featuring filet & salmon. Full wine service and polished table presentation reinforced the black-tie atmosphere. Late Night: As the party shifted gears, the menu did too – enter mini pizzas in custom boxes, chicken

Hamby Catering & Events has received national recognition from the International Caterers Association (ICA), winning Best Catered Wedding at the prestigious Catered Arts Through Innovative Excellence (CATIE) Awards. The award honors the most creative and expertly executed catered events across the country and is widely regarded as one of the catering industry’s highest honors. Hamby earned the award for a wedding experience titled “Black Tie on the Back Forty,” a refined outdoor celebration that transformed a private family farm in Aiken, South Carolina into an elevated black-tie dining experience for 128 guests. The event impressed judges with its thoughtful culinary progression, polished service and ability to seamlessly balance luxury with the natural landscape. “We are incredibly honored to receive this national recognition from the International Caterers Association,”said Candice Culbertson, President and Owner of Hamby Catering & Events. “Our team approaches every event with the goal of creating something truly memorable for guests. This award celebrates the creativity, dedication and craftsmanship our culinary and events teams bring to each experience.” The menu was designed to evolve throughout the evening, beginning with passed hors d’oeuvres inspired by Southern classics, including fried oyster bites, deviled eggs and shrimp & grit cakes. Dinner transitioned

Dear Readers, Not every couple wants a towering tiered cake – and there are plenty of other beautiful routes to take. Whether you’re planning a microwedding, an intimate dinner, or a full-scale celebration, dessert can be just as memorable when it reflects your personal style. Think of these as the sweet nightcap to your big day: fun, elevated, and unmistakably you. Here are five of our favorite wedding dessert options that bring the wow factor (and the flavor).   1. Housemade Pop-Tarts Playful, nostalgic, and unexpectedly chic – housemade pop-tarts are a guaranteed crowd favorite. They’re easy to serve, easy to style, and feel like the perfect little “treat-yourself” moment at the end of the night. 2. Hummingbird Cake A Southern classic that never misses. Hummingbird cake is traditional, rich, and celebration-worthy – with just the right amount of comfort and charm. It’s a great option for couples who want something timeless but not overly formal. 3. Assorted Tartlets Tartlets may be small, but they make a big impression. Flavors like southern pecan pie, key lime, peach tartlet, apple crumble, and seasonal fruit bring nostalgic charm in an elevated, bite-sized form. Even classics like banana pudding and mud pie can

Dear Readers, At its core, a wedding is about transformation. Two lives becoming one, a space becoming a reflection of love, and a moment becoming a lasting memory.  This celebration at Hibernian Hall embraced that idea fully, proving that when intention leads, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. With love, Candice Hudnall, President + Owner,Hamby Catering & Events A Lowcountry Beginning:The day began the way only a Charleston wedding can: a joyful procession through downtown streets, music and movement turning historic corners into celebration. From the first step, it felt unmistakably local – timeless, spirited and deeply personal. From Historic Hall to Jaw-Dropping Reveal:Hibernian Hall was completely reimagined for the evening – proof that love can transform even the most iconic spaces into something entirely its own. With thoughtful, personal elements woven throughout, the design told a story without excess, letting meaning – and memory – take center stage. Passed Perfection:As guests flowed through the evening, impeccably executed passed hors d’oeuvres set the tone – elevated, indulgent, and impossible to forget. Each bite felt intentional, fueling the energy as the celebration unfolded. Late Night, Upgraded:When the party hit its stride, late-night bites made their debut – because great weddings don’t wind down,

Dear Readers, As the quiet backbone of wedding planning, the Mother-of-the-Bride often carries the vision, the guest experience, and the details that make the day feel effortless. Here are five things every Mother-of-the-Bride should know to ensure the celebration is as seamless as it is unforgettable! 1. Catering Sets the Tone of the Entire Day From the first passed hors d’oeuvre to the final late-night bite, catering is one of the most memorable elements of a wedding. It’s not just about food – it’s about flow, timing and hospitality. A seasoned caterer understands how to complement the couple’s style while keeping guests comfortable and delighted throughout the evening. 2. Guest Experience Matters Just as Much as the Menu Exceptional catering goes beyond what’s on the plate. Attentive service, thoughtful pacing and well-timed courses ensure guests feel cared for from arrival to last call. A professional team anticipates needs before they’re ever voiced – something every Mother-of-the-Bride can appreciate. 3. Flexibility Is a Quiet Superpower Guest lists evolve, timelines shift, and weather (especially in the Lowcountry – thank you, tents!) can surprise you. An experienced caterer knows how to pivot gracefully – adjusting layouts, menus and service plans without stress or

Hamby Catering & Events, Charleston’s most celebrated caterer, is proud to announce a significant milestone: the company has surpassed its goal of 30,000 meals sponsored through its longstanding Thanksgiving partnership with the Lowcountry Food Bank, reaching a total of 32,800 meals sponsored. Each Thanksgiving, Hamby sponsors meals on behalf of customers who purchase its popular Thanksgiving To-Go packages. For every package ordered, a family in need receives support through the Lowcountry Food Bank. Over the past 11 years, this initiative has provided more than 30,000 meals to Lowcountry neighbors facing food insecurity. “I would like to say a huge thank you to Hamby Catering & Events for their support over the years for everything they’ve done, especially when the need is so high, ” said Nick Osborne, Lowcountry Food Bank President and CEO. “We’re finding that the need continues to increase and partners like Hamby stepping up and helping us is enabling us to put food on the table for our neighbors that otherwise would not have the food that they need.” “Reaching this milestone is incredibly meaningful for our team. It reflects not only the growth of our Thanksgiving offerings, but also the generosity of our customers who make

Dear Readers, As tastes evolve, so do we. With our finger on the pulse of what’s next, and inspired by the clients we serve, here are the flavors and formats we expect to define 2026! 1. Late Night Reigns Supreme Late-night favorites aren’t going anywhere – and couples are elevating them with thoughtful pairings and playful presentation. It’s the kind of signature Hamby touch that keeps the party going and leaves guests talking long after the send-off. After all, who doesn’t love a surprise snack to end the night? 2. Coordinating Cocktails Signature cocktails are becoming extensions of a couple’s story. Curated colors, flavors and garnishes tie back to the event design, turning every toast into a personal moment guests genuinely connect with. 3. Seated & Served is Back The return of the formal dinner! Couples and hosts alike are rediscovering the charm of multi-course meals, elegant place settings, and the art of tableside service. It slows the pace, sparks conversation, and proves that hospitality is as much about how it’s served as what’s on the plate. Even comfort foods are getting the black-tie treatment – think a perfectly crafted burger, elevated and unexpected. 4. Nostalgia-Style Desserts Nostalgia is inspiring

Dear Readers, Engagement season is here — and whether you’re still staring at your ring in disbelief or already knee-deep in venue tours, this season marks the start of something special.From resizing your ring to raising your first champagne toast, consider this your go-to guide for a stress-free, joy-filled start to ‘I do.” 1. Start with the Fundamentals Before diving into planning mode, start with the basics. Make sure your ring fits comfortably (and safely!) — if not, get it professionally sized as soon as possible. Next, protect that sparkle: add your ring to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, or take out a separate jewelry insurance plan. It’s one of those unglamorous but essential steps that saves future heartache — and keeps your engagement stress-free. 2. Set the Scene: Pick Your Date & Venue Your date and venue will set the tone for your entire celebration. Whether you’re dreaming of a spring garden soirée or a coastal fall affair, this decision anchors every vendor that follows — including your caterer. Bonus tip: Charleston’s most popular venues book quickly during engagement season, so start touring early! 3. Define Your Vision (and Your Vibe) Pinterest boards, TikTok saves, and late-night brainstorms