Chatting to the incredible Matt from Albert & Co Catering
Meet Matt from Albert & Co Catering, a passionate foodie with a knack for turning fresh, local produce into unforgettable food experiences. Sitting down with Matt is like catching up with an old friend – his enthusiasm for creating bespoke wedding and event menus is infectious, and his wisdom from years in the industry shines through. From his creative flair to his commitment to making every celebration unique, Matt’s insights are a treasure trove for couples planning their big day.
Tell us a little about you and your brand – Albert & Co Catering.
Who doesn’t love food? That’s exactly where Albert & Co Catering all began. My passion for food was inspired by my great-grandfather, Albert, who had an incredible love for growing, creating, and cooking dishes that always wowed his family and guests. From a young age, I admired his dedication to making food not just a meal but an experience.
I’ve carried his philosophy into Albert & Co Catering, blending his love for fresh, vibrant flavors with my own commitment to crafting unforgettable dining experiences. It’s all about sharing the joy of food and creating moments to savour for every couple and guest we serve.
What do weddings mean to you?
To me, a wedding is a beautiful reflection of who you are as individuals and as a couple. It’s a creative expression of your shared values, interests, and dreams for the future, brought to life in a way that’s uniquely yours.
What are couples’ main questions and concerns when they approach you?
A common question we hear is, “Will there be enough food?” We completely understand this concern, as no one wants their guests leaving hungry. At Albert & Co Catering, we take great pride in ensuring everyone is well-fed and happy. Our carefully designed packages are created with this in mind, providing generous portions to keep your guests satisfied while reflecting positively on both you as a couple and our brand.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Two standout moments come to mind. First, winning the East Gippsland Business Award within the first six months of launching Albert & Co Catering was an incredible achievement that filled us with pride. Second, every wedding we cater is its own highlight. We love the uniqueness of each celebration, and it excites us to craft personalised experiences and unforgettable memories for every couple.
What would you like to see more of in the wedding industry?
We love seeing couples and vendors push boundaries and bring fresh, innovative themes to the wedding scene. The industry has evolved so much over the past 15 years, and it’s exciting to see the creativity and inspiration coming from this region. It’s amazing to work with couples and vendors who are eager to introduce unique and exciting elements to make each wedding truly one-of-a-kind.
Five things you are loving in life right now.
Family, work, traveling, friendships, and those beautiful summer days!
Something Else
The role of a caterer at your wedding and events has evolved dramatically over the years. I’m Matt, from Albert & Co Catering, and with over 15 years in the catering industry, I’ve witnessed these changes firsthand. Gone are the days of plain table linens and rows of uninspired dishes. Today’s couples are looking for so much more – a stunning table scape, innovative cuisine, and a professional, enthusiastic staff that adds to the energy and style of the event.
Understanding the true value of a caterer is crucial for maximising the impact of your wedding and event. We bring not only exceptional food but also a touch of artistry and sophistication that elevates the entire experience. As one of East Gippsland’s premier caterers, we deliver this elevated standard locally, and it’s what you should expect from a caterer anywhere. Let us show you how our catering experience can transform your event and gathering into an unforgettable occasion.
Culinery Excellence
At Albert & Co Catering, we work hand-in-hand with our couples as well as our corporate clients to craft wedding and events that are unexpected, visually stunning, and flawlessly executed. How do we achieve this? It starts with our experience and commitment to food, a passion to use only the finest, freshest ingredients available. We are proud that Albert & Co Catering has been one of East Gippsland’s ambassadors at showcasing the region’s fabulous and thriving local produce. From fresh local seafood caught straight from the boats to handpicked herbs from our own garden, our dedicated team collaborates with East Gippsland’s exceptional producers and growers to bring you the finest flavours.
You won’t catch us taking shortcuts. Our dedication to quality in every small detail, repeated a thousand times over, is what sets us apart in the catering industry. We approach our catering with the same level of care and precision, and that commitment shines through at every event we cater.
Make Your Event Extraordinary
At Albert & Co Catering, food is more than just a meal – it’s about creating moments to savour. We offer catering packages to suit all budgets and requirements, ensuring everyone can enjoy delicious, high-quality cuisine. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a large celebration, our menus are thoughtfully crafted to be seasonal, approachable, and memorable. Forget bland, generic catering – we add creativity and vibrance to every dish, with flavours and presentations designed to delight both the eyes and the taste buds. At Albert & Co Catering, our mission is to make your event extraordinary, no matter the scale or budget.
Heightened Vendor Collaboration
Vendor collaboration is key! At Albert & Co Catering, we know that a truly memorable event is the result of a dedicated team working together. As a caterer in the wedding and event industry, we partner closely with many businesses and vendors to bring your celebration to life.
Our connections run deep across the East Gippsland events community. We’ve had the pleasure of working alongside many talented local vendors who share our passion for creating unique and extraordinary experiences. With a strong vendor team, we can elevate every aspect of client care and deliver innovative solutions that make your event stand out. At Albert & Co Catering, we believe in the power of collaboration – working hand-in-hand to make your wedding or special event truly unforgettable.
Pairing Food & Venue Experience
When it comes to hosting a successful wedding or event, visualising the flow from start to finish is essential – especially when it comes to your catering. We will work with your venue details to create a seamless guest experience, ensuring every moment feels effortless and well-coordinated.
Understanding the ins and outs of your venue is key. Where will guests park? Do you need additional parking space nearby? What’s the venue’s occupancy and layout? Is there a designated flow for guests, from the ceremony to the reception? For instance, setting up appetizers near the entrance is a great way to welcome guests, offering drinks and nibbles as they arrive and mingle before moving to the main dining area.
Next steps matter: Where do guests head from there? Do they transition to a larger dining space or a different room for dancing? How many seats are available, and are there additional bar stations set up for easy access? These questions play a vital role in determining the right staffing, rental needs, and catering arrangements to ensure a smooth event.
The movement of both guests and staff throughout the venue is an essential aspect of planning. As an experienced caterer who has worked at countless events, Albert & Co Catering knows the right questions to ask to anticipate and resolve any challenges before they arise. Our goal is to make sure your guests feel comfortable, enjoy the occasion, and experience a seamless flow throughout your special day.
Catering Responsibility
At Albert & Co Catering we know that the responsibility of a wedding caterer extends to:
- Ensuring that every plated dinner, each cocktail, and the wedding cake itself, all play a role in the magic of the day. A quick tip: Don’t forget to plan for your wedding cake! Ask your stylist to design a beautiful space that will allow you and your photographer to capture stunning moments of you both cutting the cake. It’ll make for some fabulous photos!
- Feeding all your incredible guests.
- Enhancing the celebratory mood with exquisite table arrangements.
- Creating a feast that becomes a central part of the festivities.
Planning Your Wedding or Event – Here are Matt’s 7 Tips
Here are 7 tips Matt from Albert & Co Catering shares with all his couples planning their wedding catering:
- Know Your Guest List
Consider dietary preferences and restrictions when planning your menu. Offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options ensures every guest feels included and cared for. - Focus on Seasonal Produce
Choose dishes featuring fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Not only does this enhance flavour, but it also supports local farmers and reflects the essence of Gippsland. - Plan the Perfect Balance
Create a well-rounded menu that balances lighter options like canapés with heartier dishes. Think about diverse flavours and textures to keep your guests engaged and satisfied. - Timing is Everything
Work with your caterer to plan when food will be served. Consider spacing out courses or grazing options to keep energy high throughout the event, especially during speeches or dancing. - Don’t Forget Presentation
A beautifully plated dish or a well-designed grazing table adds a visual element to your wedding. Remember, guests eat with their eyes first! - Consider Your Venue’s Capabilities
Whether it’s a marquee on a private property or a more traditional reception venue, discuss kitchen facilities and catering logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly. - Add a Personal Touch
Showcase your personality as a couple by incorporating your favourite dishes, cultural influences, or unique twists into the menu. It’s a fun way to make your celebration even more meaningful.
These tips reflect Matt’s dedication to creating memorable, guest-focused wedding catering experiences with Albert & Co Catering.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Albert & Co Catering is here to make your wedding day truly unforgettable with exceptional food and personalised service. We take pride in tailoring every menu to reflect your unique style and taste while showcasing the best of Gippsland’s fresh, local produce. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, our passion for food and creativity ensures that every bite leaves a lasting impression.
Let us bring your vision to life and help you celebrate love with flavours as memorable as your special day.
Visit www.albertandco.com.au to start planning your dream wedding menu today!
Imagery // Claire Davie / Hannah Gilbert Photographer / Kinship by Kristy / Lei Lei Clavey Photography / Love by Shae / Marcel Aucar Photography / We Be Golden // Words written by Matt O'Donnell & Robyn Bull