SYRACUSE – With decades of combined experience in things like catering, event planning and floral arrangements, the partnership between the Channel Marker in Syracuse and Picture Perfect Events of Lake Wawasee makes sense. And while both businesses have ties to the northern part of Kosciusko County, they range in events large and small from all over the state. Pat Henson is the owner of Picture Perfect Events. She is also a 21-year veteran of the catering industry. Owners Steve Johnson and Keith Wronka pride themselves on their execution and flexiibility whether its at their Channel Marker Restaurant or when catering outside events. The partnership between the two was a seamless one and they now are looking to provide their expertise to events like office luncheons, company outings, corporate events, holiday parties and weddings. With Channel Marker’s reputation for inventive cuisine and Henson’s ability to plan events, the new partnership is one geared toward any size event. “If someone called me today and said ‘My boyfriend proposed and we’re getting married Saturday’ we’d make it work,” said Johnson in a Thursday interview. Whether its coconut shrimp, chicken Alaska, seared tuna, caribean pasta, the menu is one that can be as eclectic and specific as the customer wants. Wronka said they can cater to events with an ethnic theme as well as ones geared toward vegetarians or those with a gluten-free diet. Henson also said that since they have built-in relationships with venues like banquet halls and DJs all over the state, those planning a wedding can be assured they won’t have to worry about fine details. “And we tell people we worry about the set up and the tear down, they don’t have to worry about anything,” said Johnson. That includes setting up a bar, tens, organizing wait staff and even things like setting up and removing ice sculptures. “It’s also really important for us to work with people based on their budget,” said Henson. “We’ll do anything from a barbecue to a lobster and prime rib dinner. We’re determined to make it work.” Henson said by consolidating services, in the end it saves customers money. Johnson also said the Channel Marker is always available to do rehersal dinners for weddings. Also despite that fact that the Channel Marker is on a lake, it and the catering business are available year-round. For more information, call Henson at 574-265-3235 or e-mail pat@channelmarker.net or visit the Channel Marker website at www.channelmarker.net To reach the Channel Marker, call 574-457-5900.
