Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Catering Connections offers a wide variety of menu items from Port St Joe, Apalachicola and St. George Island's favorite restaurants for intimate dinners, family gatherings, business meetings, weddings and events of any size.
We take the stress out of planning by working with you and your event planner to ensure that everything is in place for your special day.
No matter if your event is for 2 or 200, Catering Connections is the only FULL service caterer in Gulf and Franklin Counties
The Knot independently assesses vendors for this award—it’s never self-reported. We base it on firsthand experiences from real couples and guests, and they must have a 4.5-star average across 7+ reviews in the qualifying year.
Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding
Meet the team
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Colleen Reilly
CEO, Founder, & Personal Event Coordinator
As the visionary founder and personal event coordinator of Catering Connections, Colleen brings decades of hands-on experience, heartfelt hospitality, and an unmatched passion for creating unforgettable celebrations.
When asked how long she’s been in catering, she smiles and says, “I’ve been doing this all my life.” From an early age, she was immersed in the joy of bringing people together—helping her parents host family gatherings, weddings, and community events long before it became her profession.
Today, that same sparkle in her eye shines through every event she touches. Colleen leads with love, care, and a deep understanding that great food and genuine service are what turn a moment into a memory.
Laura Powell
Director of Catering & On- Site Supervisor
As Colleen’s daughter and Director of Catering, Laura plays an essential behind-the-scenes role in ensuring every event runs smoothly and reflects the highest standard of service. From fine-tuning event details to overseeing marketing, branding, and social media, she brings organization, creativity, and precision to every part of the business.
Known for her perfectionist touch on-site and her thoughtful approach to client communication, Laura helps bring each event to life with care and intention. With her daughter Amelia already pitching in during prep days, Laura is continuing the family legacy—shaping the next generation of hospitality with pride and purpose.
Iris Kampbell
Bartender, Server, & On-site Supervisor
Iris can do it all! With an extensive background in the restaurant industry, Iris is one of our On-Site Supervisors, when she isn't bartending. Iris lvoes to talk and talk about her love of food. She has an eye for the job and making your event everything you want it to be.
ChrisAnne Kirchner
Bartender, Server, & Pastry Chef
Whether you’re craving a timeless Old Fashioned or a modern signature cocktail, ChrisAnne is the consummate mixologist—bringing both flair and finesse to the bar. She’s also the creative force behind ChrisAnne’s Sweet Treats, where she crafts custom wedding cakes, cupcakes, and individual desserts that satisfy every sweet tooth. From cocktails to confections, she brings the perfect finishing touch to your celebration.
Ashley Antley
Event Specialist
Whether she's working in the office or working at a venue, Ashley's style and grace helps everyone relax so they can truly enjoy their special day.
Alexis Brinkmeier
Lead Server & Bartender
With a background in culinary arts, fine dining, and hospitality, Alexis brings both expertise and energy to every event. Her quick-thinking nature and eye for detail allow her to solve problems seamlessly while creating exquisite food presentations. Whether she’s crafting a beautifully styled buffet or mixing a signature cocktail at the bar, Alexis ensures your experience is both flavorful and flawless.
Madison
Server
A dedicated high school student involved in JROTC and weightlifting, Madison brings both discipline and energy to every event. Known for her organization, motivation, and bright smile, she’s a joy to have on the Catering Connections team—lighting up every room she serves in and always ready to lend a helping hand with professionalism and heart.
Azalynn
Server
Though new to Catering Connections, Azalynn has quickly become a valued member of the team. Her genuine smile, professional demeanor, and eagerness to learn shine through at every event—making her a natural fit in our hospitality family.
Orion Kirchner
Server
Whether your wedding is a large affair or an intimate gathering, Orion will make sure your event is extraordinary!
Liam K
Intern
Liam may be one of the youngest members of our team, but his enthusiasm and work ethic speak volumes. Always ready to jump in—whether it's packing for events, assisting with deliveries, bussing tables, or volunteering at community gatherings—he’s quickly learning the ropes. We’re proud to be training him up for the day he officially joins the team full-time!
Doug Barnhart
Server, Bartender, & Oyster Shucker
Doug is the ultimate team player—whether he’s shucking oysters, mixing cocktails, or serving with a smile, he does it all with ease and professionalism. With a flexible skill set and can-do attitude, Doug brings reliability, charm, and top-notch service to every event. His versatility makes him an invaluable part of the Catering Connections crew.
Bryan P
Oyster Shucker
With deep roots in Florida’s commercial fishing heritage, Bryan brings generations of knowledge—and a whole lot of skill—to every oyster he shucks. His extensive background spans owning and managing restaurants, working in fast-paced kitchens, and expertly handling fresh local seafood. As a lifelong waterman and culinary pro, Bryan doesn’t just shuck oysters—he delivers an authentic taste of Gulf Coast tradition with every shell.
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.0
17 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help
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Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Reviewers praised Catering Connections as professional, communicative, and highly accommodating throughout planning. The food and bar service were frequently described as delicious, well-presented, and set up on time, with friendly, helpful servers. They smoothly handled menu changes and allergies, catered multiple events, and come highly recommended.
Hilary B
Highlighted review.
5.0
9/11/2025
Colleen and her staff were such a joy to work with. She was so accommodating from the start and she made our experience truly wonderful. Not only was she easy to work with, but she...
gave us such peace of mind as a vendor. We are located in TN and were having an out of state wedding in PSJ, FL, which can cause some anxiety since we are not located in the same place. She was able to schedule a personable tasting with us and answer all of our questions and fears.
The bar service they provided was incredible and the food was delicious. We had so many of our wedding guests comment on how delicious the food was, and we couldn’t agree more! They have a wide variety of menu items to choose from to f it everyone’s needs. We had some food allergies for our guests and they were able to help us with that. I would recommend them to anyone, but if you are considering them for your catering needs, don’t hesitate! They provided catering for our rehearsal dinner, brunch for bridal suite and grooms suite, wedding dinner and also provided us with a wonderful colleague of hers for our wedding cake. They are a one stop shop and we were very grateful for them.
MELISSA B
5.0
7/06/2026
Very friendly and good price. We had a destination wedding and came from Missouri. We changed our menu once and added several things through the whole process. Nothing was a proble...
m for them and they were very nice and accommodating for us. Servers were also very friendly and professional and helpful. Would recommend this company
Any questions?
Billy G
5.0
5/25/2026
Colleen and her crew were the best! Do not hesitate to use Catering Connections for your event!
Joy B
5.0
9/21/2025
Excellent food and service! We were planning a destination wedding in Port St. Joe and Colleen was great to work with from the first contact through the wedding. Catering Connectio...
ns catered the rehearsal, lunches for bridesmaids and groomsmen and the reception. Everything was delicious and the servers and bartenders were awesome. Colleen had great suggestions, listened to our ideas and put it all together. She was so accommodating, it was like we were working with a partner or friend. We were so pleased with everything. Wish we lived closer so we could use them again!
Yvonne S
5.0
7/28/2025
The catering was a wonderful addition to our magical day. Colleen is a dream to work with. The food was fresh and tasty. Delivery and set up was on time. We would use Catering Conn...
ections again.
Matt D
5.0
4/04/2025
Catering Connections did a great job! Communication was constant and clear throughout the process. The staff were all professional and pleasant to work with. And the food was fanta...
stic! We ended up going with the taco bar, and everyone at the reception only had good things to say about all of the food.
I'd recommend Catering Connections!
Jennifer J
5.0
11/07/2024
We had the pleasure of having Colleen from Catering Connections cater a bridal Brunch and Reception Dinner for our wedding and they were absolutely phenomenal! From the initial con...
sultation to the final bite of dessert, everything was perfect. The food was delicious and beautifully presented, and our guests couldn't stop raving about it. Colleen was professional, attentive, and went above and beyond to ensure our special day was flawless. We highly recommend Colleen and Catering Connections for any event – they truly made our wedding unforgettable!
Meghan S
5.0
5/28/2024
10000% recommend! Everything was perfect for my wedding and I’m so happy I went with Catering Connections!
Monica L
5.0
5/15/2024
Catering connections was very professional and did a great job. We got married on the beach and had a reception under the house. The food was there on time, it was all correct, and...
delicious. The servers were great and also boxed up the extras for us! Would definitely recommend!
Jen P
5.0
1/10/2022
Catering Connections is fabulous. I absolutely did not have to do anything for my open house event. Colleen is always on time, has delicious food, amazing ideas for different eve...
nts and wonderful staff. When the event is over, her staff cleans up and quietly leaves. I would HIGHLY recommend her and her services!
Malcain B
5.0
12/10/2021
Can't say enough about how professional and enjoyable their staff were who bartended at my little sister's wedding!
Verlinda H
5.0
10/19/2021
This is the 3rd time I have used Colleen and Catering Connections. Most recently we celebrated a graduation and two birthdays at the beach. Each time the food and service were am...
azing. What a great experience to just enjoy and let them do all of the work for you. I highly recommend them for any event.
Robyn A
5.0
10/06/2020
I had a very intimate wedding on the beach. I planned it all by myself from about 400 miles away. I had to put a lot of trust in people that I never met. Catering Connections total...
ly pulled through. They communicated clearly, were accommodating, were on time, and the food quality was wonderful. I would recommend to anyone!
Sally Wales P
5.0
9/11/2020
The staff was very professional and accommodating to everyone, especially me as I photographed the wedding, breakfast and reception. The food was really good and the presentation ...
well done. I recommend The Catering Connection! Sally, PhotosbySally.com
Caitlyn P
5.0
9/11/2020
I cannot recommend Catering Connections enough. Colleen was amazing. Not only was she a fabulous vendor but I truly felt like she cared about my whole experience. She asked all the...
questions to help me create our perfect menu and then helped me tweak it when I needed to budget down without compromising the meal. She answered every single question I had and make so many wonderful suggestions without ever being pushy. They handled everything from dinner to bar ware to my wedding cake. Catering Connections is truly an all inclusive caterer.
Hilary S
5.0
8/15/2020
Colleen was amazing! She is a consummate professional. She helped walk me through 3 meals for my wedding and she made it so easy. Her food was amazing and everyone raved about it. ...
I would hire her again in a heartbeat and would hope that anyone that sees this would, as well. I'd give her 10 stars out of 5. Please check her out and sit back and relax on your wedding day because she'll do all the work for you and you WILL NOT be disappointed!
Dorann M
5.0
7/20/2020
I am a wedding planner on Florida's Gulf Coast. I use Catering Connections almost exclusively because of the quality of their catering, punctuality, professionalism, pricing and pr...
esentation. They never let me down, bringing the best food around to the table every time. Thank you for always making my job easy!
