How We Hosted a Delicious BBQ Wedding
A month ago, I stepped into a barbecue joint and when I walked out later that night, I was married. Showing my true barbecue bonafides, I got married at Pig Beach NYC in Brooklyn.
A month ago, I stepped into a barbecue joint and when I walked out later that night, I was married. Yes, it’s true — showing my true barbecue bonafides, I got married at Pig Beach NYC in Brooklyn in late June.
My wife Stephanie beat me to the punch writing about our “BBQ wedding,” but I thought I’d chime in as well to share a little bit of backstory about how this unique wedding came to be and a few important things we learned while putting it together.
The Smoke Sheet co-founder Sean Ludwig and his wife Stephanie recently got married. (Photo by Thomas Hedges)
Since Stephanie and I started dating in September 2019, I’ve been predictably dragging her to barbecue restaurants and events all over the country. While not as big of a meat eater as I am, she’s an adventurer like me and we love going to new places to eat and meet new people. She’s come to know and better understand the incredible barbecue community during these travels.
One such place we both got to know well during that time is Pig Beach, next to the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn. It’s one of the closest barbecue spots to where we live, and the joint is always full of energy. The barbecue is hands-down great, the drinks are strong, and it features one of the best outdoor dining spaces in Brooklyn.
Brisket ravioli was the most-talked-about dish of the night. (Photo by Kathy Ludwig)
When trying to come up with an ideal wedding plan, the first thing we knew we wanted was to have Pig Beach executive chef and pitmaster Matt Abdoo be our chef for the event. This is because Stephanie’s favorite cuisine is Italian and mine is barbecue, and Matt knows both incredibly well. Before kicking barbecue butt at Pig Beach, he worked at multiple fine dining establishments with a mastery of regional Italian cooking. I proposed to Stephanie while we were traveling in Italy as well, so it made sense to incorporate that too.
At some point in our discussions, Matt suggested putting on the event at Pig Beach, and we couldn’t say no to that. Ultimately, Stephanie and I decided Pig Beach would be an ideal place for our wedding because it would be a way to share many of our loves with our family and friends. And truthfully, with COVID-19 still on our minds while we were planning, we were thrilled to have the option to host the event safely in a huge outdoor space.
The space at Pig Beach was transformed from a restaurant to a wedding venue. (Photo by Thomas Hedges)
It took a lot of work and some sleepless nights to get the wedding put together in three months, but Stephanie and I did it. So much credit has to go to Stephanie for coming up with creative ideas to help transform the space from a restaurant to a wedding venue. She succeeded, as the backyard was made into a fun space where we could host both the ceremony and reception.
The area where we received the most praise was the food from Matt Abdoo, Shane McBride, and the Pig Beach team. During cocktail hour, we served stuffed mushrooms, smoked salmon on everything bagel chips, and wood-fired roasted red pepper crostinis with goat cheese. For drinks, the bar was open but people could also enjoy our two specialty cocktails — a Michter’s Old Fashioned for me and a Mezcal Margarita for her.
Smoked turkey, a regular menu item at Pig Beach, won a lot of praise from guests. (Photo by Thomas Hedges)
For our first course, we served brisket ravioli and ricotta ravioli, both topped with black truffle butter and red wine jelly. This was in many ways the perfect dish of the night, combining Stephanie and I’s favorite cuisines in one unique pairing that wowed our family and friends.
Then, we moved onto the family-style main meal, which featured smoked turkey with black pepper and herbs and tri-tip with chimichurri sauce as the main proteins. On the side, was garden salad, roasted rosemary potatoes, and BBQ buttery green beans. While you didn’t necessarily need it, two bottles of barbecue sauce (one tomato-based Rob’s Righteous Red Sauce and one World Champion Mustard BBQ Sauce) were also on each table to go with the meats and sides.
For dessert, we offered up red velvet, vanilla, and chocolate cupcakes with buttercream frosting from Molly’s Cupcakes. Pig Beach also served up key lime pie bites, rice krispy treats, and brownies for the guests as well.
Sean and Stephanie just after the ceremony. (Photo by Thomas Hedges)
After dinner and dessert, we all danced the night away to tunes from nearly every era from our masterful DJ. While we were told by many people that the night would fly by, we couldn’t believe it when the reception ended in what felt like a blur.
For the after-party (also at Pig Beach), we then snuck in some more traditional barbecue items for our guests. The restaurant served “Chef Jeff” brisket sandwiches and mac and cheese in to-go containers. We heard from many guests that they grabbed them on the way out so they could enjoy them after getting back to their hotel rooms.
The smoked tri-tip with chimichurri was also a hit. (Photo by Thomas Hedges)
Overall, the wedding was a success. As a BBQ lover who was able to have his wedding at an actual BBQ joint, I also thought it would make sense to share a few tips from the experience.
First, here are a few tips for putting on a BBQ wedding:
Hire a restaurant, chef, or pitmaster you trust. This should be someone who you’ve seen cook for a lot of people and had no trouble doing it.
If you are able to host the wedding at or very close to a restaurant, you will have more cuisine options because they will have a full kitchen to work from instead of having to prepare the meal early and have it sitting on warmers.
Don’t feel like you have to stick to traditional big-event barbecue items like a whole hog or giant slabs of ribs. Remember: barbecue can incorporate all kinds of influences and ideas. Go with what excites you and will make you happy. And try not to spill barbecue sauce on your suit.
We offered up tasty cupcakes from Molly's Cupcakes for our wedding guests.
Second, here are few things we learned about weddings generally:
Don’t plan your wedding in three months unless you have a hands-on wedding planner or you are putting on something for 20 people or less. It takes more work than you’d think, and there will be more things to do until the last minute.
Work closely with your chef or caterer to create a menu that uniquely suits you and your partner. It’s worth it and people will remember the food.
No matter how much you plan, there will always be things that don’t turn out the way you expected, for better and worse. And you just have to roll with it and let it go after it’s done.
We couldn’t help but get a selfie with Matt Aboo and Shane McBride of Pig Beach, who helped make our wedding a success. (Photo by Sean Ludwig)
All in all, the wedding was an amazing celebration with a menu that people will remember for a very long time. Special thanks to the Pig Beach team for making it such a magical and delicious night.
Sean Ludwig (NYC BBQ)
Co-Founder, The Smoke Shee
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—Pitmaster Ted Liberda is fusing Thai flavors with barbecue at Buck Tui. (Photo by Amanda Rummel)—
HOT OFF THE PRESS
As we reported earlier this year, Kansas City’s barbecue scene has been given new life with the opening of a number of new craft barbecue joints. Now, a new spot called Buck Tui BBQ is serving Thai-inspired barbecue every Saturday at the Overland Park Farmers Market. Ted Liberda, who opened the acclaimed restaurant Waldo Thai with his wife Pam in 2018, recently began serving a fusion of Thai and barbecue. The menu includes brisket rolls, ribs with a sticky sweet chili glaze, barbecue platters, and more. This fall, Buck Tui will open a brick-and-mortar location on 121st Street in Overland Park along with co-executive chef Kara Anderson. READ MORE.
James Beard Award-Winning Pitmaster Rodney Scott opened the highly-anticipated Atlanta location of his Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ restaurant this week. The restaurant is located on Metropolitan Parkway across from the Met on the border of the Pittsburgh and Adair Park neighborhoods and will serve South Carolina-style whole hog barbecue and Southern side dishes. The Atlanta location is substantially larger than the Charleston and Birmingham locations and includes a screened-in porch, outdoor seating, and a cocktail bar. READ MORE.
The absurd but funny “Brooklyn BBQ” photo that made the rounds on the Internet a few years ago has become a meme over the past few years. Daniel Vaughn of Texas Monthly writes that the image, taken by food writer Nicholas Gill, will soon be auctioned as an NFT, or non-fungible token. NFTs are basically a way to own digital artwork or assets, so someone will soon be the “owner” of the Brooklyn BBQ photo. The bidding for “Brooklyn BBQ” starts at $10,000 on August 5. READ MORE.
From storied Santa Maria tri-tip on the Central Coast to barbacoa in Los Angeles to hot links in West Oakland, the rules for slow-and-low are constantly rewritten in the California barbecue world. Tejal Rao writes for the New York Times about some of the most exciting barbecue joints that are pushing boundaries including Smoke Queen, Moo’s Craft Barbecue, A’s BBQ, Horn Barbecue, and Bludso’s Bar & Que. READ MORE.
In sad BBQ news, several joints around the country announced they would close soon or have just closed. They include:
Mac’s Bar-B-Que in Dallas has closed after 66 years in business. READ MORE.
Kansas City area BBQ joint Smokey's on the Boulevard announced it would close due to pandemic-related hardships. READ MORE.
Dallas BBQ restaurant Lakewood Smokehouse, which opened in 2016, has closed for good as of July 22. READ MORE.
ADDITIONAL READS
Top pitmasters across the Carolinas share some of their favorite barbecue memories with The Fayetteville Observer.
Here’s why a Texas BBQ road trip should definitely be on your travel bucket list.
Popular NYC barbecue joint Virgil’s Real BBQ in Times Square will reopen Thursday after closing for more than a year.
If you are road-tripping this summer, here’s where to find the best barbecue sandwiches in Georgia.
Popular Nashville barbecue joint Edley’s Bar-B-Que announced the opening of a new location in Glen Carbon, Illinois this week.
Top-notch Fort Worth food truck Brix Barbecue is opening a permanent location in Southside.
The El Pobre trailer serves Tex-Mex barbecue comfort food, according to the Houston Chronicle’s J.C. Reid.
Here’s how to cook five different delicious barbecue sauce recipes at home.
If you want to add some alcohol to your recipes, here are six boozy barbecue concoctions to make all summer long.
Three-day Hog & Barrel: A Bourbon, BBQ, and Bacon festival will take place in Greenville, SC in November.
Tickets to November’s Flavor Fest at the World Food Championships in Dallas are officially on sale now.
Thank you to our sponsor DennyMike's, which offers outstanding seasonings and rubs for every situation. Learn more about DennyMike's here.
—In this week’s video selection, Farideh Sadeghin shows you how to have a delicious feast the next time you go camping.—
WATCH
Surf & Turf Camping With Farideh — The Cooking Show
Ditch the cans of beans and boxed pasta, and make this simple (yet sophisticated) surf and turf the next time you go camping. Farideh Sadeghin’s recipe for campfire-friendly surf and turf consists of miso-marinated ribeye steak, grilled oysters, fireside roasted potatoes, and homemade ramp butter. With a little preparation, you too can have an elevated feast while enjoying the great outdoors. WATCH HERE.
LISTEN
Erin Feges of Feges BBQ — Kevin’s BBQ Joints
In this episode, host Kevin Kelly chats with Erin Feges of Feges BBQ. Erin and her husband Patrick opened Feges BBQ in Houston’s Greenway Plaza in 2018. A month ago, they opened their second location in Spring Branch. They discuss everything you need to know about how things are going at the new spot. LISTEN HERE.
READ
Tom Kerridge's Outdoor Cooking: The Ultimate Modern Barbecue Bible — Tom Kerridge
Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge shares his huge passion for barbecue and outdoor cooking in this timely new book. He takes simple ideas like burgers and grills and creates the ultimate version with over 80 recipes that are stunningly delicious. Chapters include hearty favorites like pork and chorizo burger, veggie mains like charred cauliflower salad, and shareable snacks like aubergine dips and flatbreads. He also includes desserts and drinks, tips, and advice for the perfect summer barbecue, campfire, or outdoor gathering with friends and family. Whether you're a beginner barbecuing on your balcony or a seasoned pro who really knows your smoke, charcoal, and fire, Tom Kerridge's outdoor cooking truly has something for everyone. Take your staycation to the next level this year with an entire summertime's worth of incredible outdoor cooking inspiration. ORDER HERE.
—Susie Bulloch shows you how to make simple and delicious Carne Asada Tacos.—
Quick and Easy Carne Asada Tacos
By Hey Grill Hey
These Carne Asada Tacos are the perfect go-to dinner when you need to get a delicious dinner on the table fast. They’re seasoned with Hey Grill Hey Fiesta Rub and kept nice and simple for an easy taco that the entire family will love.
—Lots of must-attend barbecue events are scheduled for 2021.—
July 31, 2021: Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival — Brooklyn, New York
NYC’s Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival is back and better than ever! Get ready to enjoy all those pleasures that true Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbecue, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass, and Smoked Beasts. It’s a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbecue eatin’. One admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an all-you-care-to-taste sampling of beer and bourbon. MORE INFO HERE.
August 21-22, 2021: Meatstock Music and Barbecue Festival (Sydney edition) — Sydney, Australia
Meatstock returns with a typically stacked line-up of barbecue enthusiasts and bands. The sell-out, two-day event brings big-name American pitmasters Down Under; sees comp teams from across Sydney go head-to-head over the coals to be crowned the city’s best barbequers; and features live music, food trucks and pop-up bars. MORE INFO HERE.
September 3-5, 2021: Pinehurst Barbecue Festival — Pinehurst, North Carolina
Debuting Labor Day Weekend 2021, The Pinehurst Barbecue Festival celebrates “All Things Barbecue” in North Carolina. From Eastern North Carolina vinegar to Western North Carolina tomato, they will have all of your favorites. The Pinehurst Barbeque Festival is a “Celebration of Taste and Tradition” featuring award-winning pitmasters in one of the most picturesque settings in all of North Carolina — the historic Village of Pinehurst. Choose to experience the entire three-day festival, or attend just one signature event. A multi-ticket VIP package, as well as individual tickets for each event are available. MORE INFO HERE.
September 10-11, 2021: Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival (Cary) — Cary, North Carolina
Cary’s Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival is back and better than ever. Get ready to enjoy all those pleasures that true Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbecue, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass, and Smoked Beasts. It’s a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbecue eatin’. One admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an all-you-care-to-taste sampling of beer and bourbon. MORE INFO HERE.
September 11, 2021: Pig Island NYC — New York, New York
For those that love all things pork and barbecue, the annual Pig Island NYC event is a can’t-miss affair. This year, the event will emphasize its special relationship promoting Friends of Firefighters charity. Many chefs and pitmasters from around the country show up and serve their best pork creations. Held outdoors, this all-inclusive event will also feature a ton of great food, beer, cider, and liquor. MORE INFO HERE.
September 16-19, 2021: American Royal World Series of Barbecue — Kansas City, Kansas
The American Royal World Series of barbecue is the largest BBQ competition in the country. On top of a massive KCBS competition with roughly 500 teams from around the country, this signature Kansas City event includes public-facing activities, including live music, delicious BBQ and local food, a full line up of kids activities, and a vendor fair authentic to Kansas City and BBQ enthusiasts. Read our to learn more about the experience. MORE INFO HERE.
September 18-19, 2021: Born & Raised Music Festival — Pryor, Oklahoma
On top of many top musical acts like ZZ Top and Cody Jinks, the big new event will feature “The BBQ Ranch” curated by pitmaster Wayne Mueller. Joining Mueller will be Brotherton's Black Iron Barbecue, Night Goat Barbecue, Phatt Tabb's BBQ, Roegels Barbecue Co., and more. MORE INFO HERE.
October 1-3, 2021: Q In The Lou — St. Louis, Missouri
Get ready to go hog wild and get your BBQ fix at another great year of Q in the Lou. Many of the country’s biggest names in BBQ will be back once again. Given heightened safety protocols, it will likely be a little different from years past but still offering lots of food and fun. Read our to learn more about how the event generally goes. MORE INFO HERE.
October 8-9, 2021: Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational — Lynchburg, Tennessee
The Jack Daniel’s Annual World Championship Invitational Barbeque – or simply The Jack as it’s known in the world of competition barbecue – is widely considered the world’s most prestigious barbeque competition where teams from around the globe smoke, season and sear their way to a chance to be named the Grand Champion and a $25,000 prize. Annually featuring more than 100 teams representing all 50 states and countries across the globe, The Jack transforms Lynchburg, home of the Jack Daniel Distillery, into the barbecue capital of the world. It’s also important to note that KCBS has changed the date The Jack is usually held in hopes of getting more favorable weather, so check your calendars. Read our to learn more about the experience. MORE INFO HERE.
November 13, 2021: Holy Smokes: Lowcountry BBQ Festival — Charleston, South Carolina
The Holy Smokes BBQ Festival from Home Team BBQ, Swig & Swine, and Robert Moss will be held November 13 in Charleston. The big new event will include pitmasters from around the country including Chris Lilly of Big Bob Gibson BBQ, Patrick Feges and Erin Smith, Feges BBQ, Billy Durney of Hometown BBQ, Matt Horn of Horn Barbecue, and Rodney Scott of Rodney Scott’s BBQ. MORE INFO HERE.
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