Based beside Verdicchio Ristorante | Enoteca, Natura offers an elegant banquet hall that can host up to 200 guests, as well as off-site catering for weddings, corporate functions and social events.
“Natura Catering & Events brings sophisticated fine dining to Sudbury’s special occasions,” said Lara Watson, director of events. “We specialize in weddings, corporate and social events, and we offer high-quality food with a focus on locally sourced ingredients coupled with personalized service.”
From family restaurant to full-service venue
Natura grew out of Verdicchio, the Gregorini family’s restaurant, as demand for group bookings increased. When space opened up next door, the family expanded, eventually creating the Natura banquet hall.
“Verdicchio began as a small, intimate restaurant. As it grew, the demand for more space grew with it,” Watson said. “This eventually evolved into the Natura banquet hall space we know and love today.”
The restaurant and banquet hall are separate rooms but share a kitchen and a common approach.
“They continue to share a kitchen as well as the values of tradition, family, and impeccable food and service,” she said.
For couples, the first conversation often centres on value.
“When couples reach out looking at Natura as a potential venue for their wedding, they want to know how they can offer the most to their guests while still properly allocating their budget,” Watson said. “The most important information for them is usually what our starting price is and what we offer for that.”
To simplify planning, Natura has built a “one-stop shop” model. Wedding packages can include multi-course meals from cocktail hour to late-night snack, as well as flexible bar options.
“Included in our rental cost are tables, chairs, cutlery, glassware, table linens and service staff,” Watson said. “We also have optional add ons such as decor packages or a la carte rentals. We are also working on stationery packages and wedding favours. All of this is coordinated with the help of Natura’s director of events.”
She said the team works to keep pricing competitive while food and operating costs shift.
“With the cost of living continuing to rise and food costs changing every day, it is important that Natura continues to offer competitive pricing without sacrificing the quality and service we are known for,” she said.
That process starts by asking couples what matters most.
“When we sit down with potential clients, we begin by discussing what is most important for them,” Watson said. “When we move forward in the planning process, we make sure to keep those priorities at the top of our list and build around them.”
Food remains a central part of that experience.
“Statistically, when guests are asked what they remember most about a wedding, it is the food,” she said. “With that in mind, we at Natura always strive to make sure each guest leaves feeling full and having enjoyed their meal.”
The kitchen offers a set of proven dishes that work for large groups and encourages couples to add personal touches.
“We have many menu options that are tried and true fan favourites,” Watson said. “We have had requests to include cultural dishes, family traditions, and first date recreations. These opportunities are amazing to be able to exercise our creativity while giving couples a personal and heartfelt aspect to their menu.”
Because everything is made in-house, the team can usually adjust recipes or collaborate with families to accommodate dietary needs and cultural dishes.
Watson said one of the biggest stressors for couples is simply trying to plan a complex event without experience.
“There are so many details to be discussed, so many people to coordinate with, and with the pressure of a wedding being ‘the best day of your life,’ it often leaves people unable to enjoy the process due to stress,” she said.
“With Natura’s director of events working directly with couples and outside vendors from the time of inquiry all the way until the wedding day, you can rest easy knowing it does not all fall on your shoulders,” she said. “For Natura, that means regular meetings, detailed discussions, one-stop shop options, and offering recommendations.”
On the property, event options range from private dining rooms for six to 30 people to the main banquet hall and outdoor patios.
“These rooms can be used in combination to ensure we create the perfect space for each aspect of your event,” Watson said. “We have curated our house decor to offer useful amenities while creating a tasteful base for you to build your event from.”
She points to a June 2025 wedding as an example of what is possible. The couple held an intimate ceremony on the courtyard patio, hosted dinner on the covered restaurant patio, then moved into the banquet hall for a larger reception.
“This was a perfect example of how the couple could have a meaningful and intimate night with their loved ones and party until the early hours,” Watson said. “The couple knew what they wanted and let that guide them through each decision.”
Looking ahead to 2026, she said couples are embracing interactive elements such as games, photobooths and audio guestbooks, as well as sustainable choices like renting rather than buying décor and reusing florals.
“These trends are about using your budget to create impactful moments to ensure a personalized experience,” she said.
Natura will host its second annual open house on Jan. 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1351 Kelly Lake Rd. The free event will feature sample dishes, décor ideas and a chance to speak directly with Watson about packages and planning.
Her advice to couples starting the process is to arrive at vendor meetings with a shared vision and clear questions.
“Sit down and discuss your budget, guest list, likes and dislikes so you can go into your meetings on the same page,” she said. “When you are talking to vendors, ask questions and try to ask everyone the same ones. That way, you can compare them all on an even playing field. Trust your gut as well. You will be working with your vendors for months to years, and they will be surrounding you on your wedding day, so make sure you trust them and get along.”
For more information visit Verdicchio.ca