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This week’s topics: wedding guest experience, wedding catering service, hospitality-first weddings, custom wedding catering, wedding catering costs, wedding menu personalization, historic wedding venues, California wedding venue, Long Beach wedding venue, wedding venue restoration, venue tour episode, luxury wedding planning
In this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich and co-host Amanda Holder, Publisher of California Wedding Day, sit down with husband-and-wife duo Vijay Goel and Elizabeth Goel, the visionaries behind Long Beach’s historic venue 440 Elm and acclaimed catering company Bite Catering Couture. Recorded on-site at 440 Elm, the conversation explores hospitality, creativity and what it truly means to build experiences — both on the plate and within a space.
Elizabeth shares the origins of Bite Catering Couture, which she founded in 2007 after training at the French Culinary Institute and working within hospitality-driven restaurant environments. The name itself reflects the brand’s philosophy: “bite” representing thoughtful, intentional moments and “couture” signaling a fully custom, handcrafted approach. Drawing inspiration from the fashion world, Elizabeth explains how Bite’s menus are designed to feel personal, elevated and reflective of each client’s story — never off-the-rack.
Vijay’s path into the wedding and events industry was far from traditional. With a background in medicine and strategy consulting, he initially joined the business to support its operational and analytical growth. The pandemic became a defining moment for the couple, forcing a choice between stepping away or committing fully to their vision. They chose to go all in — a decision that ultimately led them toward venue ownership and a long-term investment in legacy and place.
Much of the conversation centers on hospitality as the heart of the wedding experience. Elizabeth emphasizes that food is only part of the equation; service, warmth and emotional connection are what guests remember most. From tailoring service styles to match a couple’s personalities to weaving personal stories into menu design, the team focuses on transforming catering from a product into a meaningful experience. Vijay echoes this sentiment, noting that once couples understand the “why” behind the approach, the conversation naturally shifts from menu items to memories.
The episode also tackles one of the industry’s most complex topics: pricing and transparency. Vijay and Elizabeth discuss why rigid packages often fall short in custom catering and venue settings, particularly at the luxury level. Instead, they advocate for clear starting points, honest conversations and education around what different service styles, cultural considerations and guest counts truly require. This approach helps couples align expectations early while preserving flexibility and creativity.
The conversation concludes with the story of 440 Elm, a 1913 Renaissance Revival landmark designed by architect Elmer Grey. Despite years of deferred maintenance, the couple immediately recognized the building’s grandeur — its soaring ceilings, historic chandeliers and natural light. Restoring and reopening the venue required patience, stewardship and a shift in mindset, but the result is a space that honors its past while welcoming modern celebrations. Looking ahead, Vijay and Elizabeth share their excitement for deeper community ties, expanded culinary exploration and the creative possibilities that come from uniting Bite Catering Couture with a venue built to take guests’ breath away.
This episode is powered by Dan Riggs Films, 440 Elm and Bite Catering Couture. Special thanks to members Linen Effects, Continental Diamond, Warpaint International.
