CHÂTEAU JOLI

French-Inspired Wedding Venue located south of Fort Worth, Texas

wedding planning fort worth

Catering Spotlight: City Kitchen Catering | Fort Worth Wedding Venue

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At Chateau Joli, a French-inspired wedding venue near Fort Worth, Texas, we believe every wedding should be as unique and personalized as the couple it celebrates. One of the ways we make that possible is through our open vendor policy, allowing couples to hand-select the vendors that best match their style—including their caterer.

This month, we’re putting the spotlight on one of our favorite catering teams to work with: City Kitchen Catering.

About City Kitchen Catering

City Kitchen Catering is a premier Fort Worth catering company known for their creativity, exceptional flavor, and elegant presentation. With over 25 years of experience in the Dallas-Fort Worth wedding catering scene, City Kitchen offers a wide range of customizable menus, from formal plated dinners to interactive stations and beautiful buffets.

Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic garden wedding reception or a glamorous evening affair, City Kitchen brings the perfect mix of professional service and elevated cuisine. They are especially loved for their signature beef tenderloin, seasonal salads, artisanal hors d’oeuvres, and stunning dessert displays.

city kitchen catering fort worth texas logo

Why We Love Working with City Kitchen at Chateau Joli

Our team at Chateau Joli wedding venue has had the pleasure of seeing City Kitchen in action at several weddings, and each time, they go above and beyond. Their team is efficient, friendly, and well-versed in executing seamless events that impress guests and couples alike.

They’re also very familiar with the layout and flow of our venue, making setup and service a breeze—something every couple (and planner!) appreciates on the big day.

city kitchen catering fort worth texas

Open Vendor Wedding Venue in Fort Worth, TX

One of the most common questions we hear from couples touring our space is: Do you have to use specific vendors? At Chateau Joli, the answer is no. We’re proud to be an open vendor venue, which means you can bring in your favorite wedding professionals, including caterers, bartenders, florists, photographers, and more.

This flexibility allows you to truly personalize your day while staying within your budget and vision. Of course, we’re always happy to recommend trusted vendors we’ve worked with—like City Kitchen Catering—but you’re never limited to a set list.

Planning Your Wedding Catering at Chateau Joli

If you’re currently planning your Fort Worth wedding reception, catering is one of the most important elements of the guest experience. We always recommend choosing a catering partner who listens to your needs, understands your vision, and delivers top-tier service—and City Kitchen Catering checks every box.

To learn more about their offerings, visit City Kitchen Catering’s website or reach out for a tasting and consultation.

city kitchen catering fort worth texas
city kitchen catering fort worth texas
city kitchen catering fort worth texas

Ready to book your wedding at Chateau Joli?
Schedule a tour of our French-style wedding venue near Fort Worth, Texas, and see why so many couples fall in love with our elegant spaces, flexible vendor policy, and breathtaking photo backdrops.

Follow us on Instagram [@chateaujolivenue] for real wedding inspiration, vendor features, and venue tips!

We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book the perfect venue and vendors! We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shoutout in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

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First Look, First Touch, or Traditional Aisle Moment: Which is Right for Your Wedding?

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One of the most exciting and emotional parts of a wedding day is that first moment when the bride and groom see each other. But the question remains: should you have a first look, opt for a more intimate first touch, or stick to the traditional reveal at the altar? Here’s a look at each option, along with the pros and cons to help you decide which might be the best fit for your wedding day.

A black-and-white close-up of a bride and groom under a veil, smiling at each other as they share an intimate moment.
Callie + Richard
Photo: Reilly Erin Photography

1. The First Look: A Private Reveal Before the Ceremony

A first look is when the couple shares a private, planned reveal before the ceremony, often in a scenic or sentimental spot. The first look has become a popular alternative to waiting until the altar, as it gives couples a chance to have a quiet moment together before the day’s festivities truly begin.

Pros:

  • Intimacy and Privacy: A first look allows couples to have a personal, intimate moment to soak in their feelings without a crowd watching. Many couples find it gives them a calm, emotional start to the day.
  • Eases Nerves: For many couples, seeing each other beforehand helps relieve pre-ceremony jitters, allowing them to feel more relaxed and present for the ceremony itself.
  • More Time for Photos: Having a first look frees up time for wedding portraits, giving you more flexibility in your timeline and ensuring you won’t miss cocktail hour.

Cons:

  • Less Traditional: Some couples feel that seeing each other before the ceremony breaks with the time-honored tradition of waiting for the moment at the altar.
  • Potentially Less Emotional: For some, the emotions of walking down the aisle can feel different if you’ve already seen each other. However, many couples still find the ceremony reveal special, even after a first look.
A bride and groom share a joyful first look outside Chateau Joli, surrounded by the venue's lush greenery and elegant architecture, capturing a moment full of love and anticipation.
Callie + Richard
Photo: Reilly Erin Photography

2. The First Touch: A Touching Alternative Without the Reveal

The first touch is a beautiful option for couples who want to share a private moment before the ceremony but still want to save the big reveal for the aisle. In a first touch, couples might stand back-to-back or hold hands around a door or wall, so they can talk, pray, or exchange letters without seeing each other.

Pros:

  • Emotional Connection Without the Reveal: A first touch lets couples connect and share a moment without sacrificing the traditional reveal at the ceremony.
  • Calming Moment: Many find it’s a comforting moment to calm nerves and feel connected to each other before the day begins.
  • Adds a Touch of Romance: Exchanging letters or vows during a first touch can add a deeply personal element to your wedding day, helping you feel even more grounded in your commitment.

Cons:

  • Requires Planning for Privacy: Finding the perfect spot for a first touch can require some logistical planning to ensure that the couple doesn’t accidentally see each other.
  • Limited Interaction: While a first touch allows for a shared moment, it doesn’t provide the same face-to-face interaction and emotional release that a first look might.
A bride and groom share an intimate first touch in the secret stairwell of Chateau Joli, their hands meeting around the corner as they exchange smiles and anticipation before the ceremony.
Regan + Grant
Photo: Yoder & Co

3. The Traditional Reveal at the Altar

The traditional moment of seeing each other for the first time as the bride walks down the aisle remains a beloved choice for many couples. The grandeur, anticipation, and timelessness of this moment hold a special place in wedding traditions.

Pros:

  • Traditional and Timeless: The traditional reveal at the altar is often considered one of the most iconic wedding moments, with generations of couples sharing in this custom.
  • Pure, Emotional Reactions: The anticipation builds throughout the ceremony, often leading to a powerful emotional reaction when the couple finally sees each other at the altar.
  • Builds Excitement for Guests: Many guests eagerly await the couple’s first look at each other, making it a highlight of the ceremony.

Cons:

  • More Nerves: Some couples feel extra nervous without a first look to ease their jitters. Waiting until the ceremony can amplify the excitement, but also the anxiety.
  • Less Time for Photos Pre-Ceremony: Skipping a first look means squeezing in all portraits after the ceremony, which can extend the time between the ceremony and reception or limit time with guests.
A groom in a white tuxedo wipes away a tear during an emotional moment at an outdoor ceremony, surrounded by his groomsmen in black suits and bow ties.
Katrina + Sammy
Photo: Maclin Photo + Film

Which Option Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the decision depends on your personalities, preferences, and priorities for the day. Here are some questions to consider:

  • Do you want an intimate, private moment together before the ceremony? If so, a first look might be a great choice for you.
  • Do you want to save the reveal for the ceremony while still having a moment to connect? A first touch can give you both an emotional moment to ground yourselves before the ceremony.
  • Do you love the idea of waiting until the aisle to see each other for the first time? Sticking to the traditional reveal at the altar can provide that classic, cinematic moment that many couples treasure.

Each option brings something unique to the wedding experience, and there’s no right or wrong choice. It’s all about what feels authentic and meaningful to you as a couple. Whether you choose a first look, a first touch, or wait for that special moment at the altar, your wedding day will be beautiful, memorable, and filled with love.

Thank you so much for stopping by out blog!! We are dedicated to using our platform to support locally owned wedding venues to increase awareness. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. Here are a few locally owned venues to consider checking out: The Vineyard at St. Charles, Kindred Carolina Beach, and Within Sodo.