Lynn and Donald Jaeger and Paul and Sue Aubrey, from left, have opened Distinction Catering & Special Events Hall in the White Marsh Shopping Center. The space will be available for a large variety of occasions, from weddings and receptions to dances and theatrical productions. Photo by Sherry Hamilton

Two families saw the culmination of two years of planning recently when they opened their new business, Distinction Catering & Special Events, at White Marsh Shopping Center.

Paul and Sue Aubrey of Gloucester, and Donald and Lynn Jaeger of Cobbs Creek, have partnered to establish an event hall in Gloucester to accommodate a wide range of special occasions.

The building’s 3,600-square-foot Enchanted Ballroom (up to 225 guests) and 720-square-foot Serendipity Room (up to 75 guests) can be used for large or small weddings, receptions, proms, dances, fashion shows, reunions, dinner theaters, expos, recitals, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, fundraisers and more, said Paul Aubrey.

Full-service catering is provided by Distinction, with all set-up and clean-up included, or rooms can be rented without catering services, said Lynn Jaeger. Off-premises catering is also available, with a large menu that includes such choices as baked ziti, farfalle pasta primavera, chicken tortellini a la vodka, pork teriyaki with snow pea pods, pepper steak with white rice, seafood Newburgh, mini crab cakes, eggplant rollatini, decorated cold platters, salads and desserts.

The ballroom in the newly renovated space is fully soundproofed and can be equipped with a portable dance floor, a portable stage, and special lighting or sound equipment. In addition to renting space for private events, the business also plans to offer its own themed parties, with decorations and food to suit the theme, along with costumed entertainers and wait staff.

"We’re all ready to see it happen," said Paul Aubrey.

The two couples met 10 years ago when the Aubreys moved to the area and joined the Court House Players community theater group, in which the Jaegers had been involved for a number of years. Over time, they realized they had a similar interest in creating a business that involved providing opportunities for activities and entertainment for the local population.

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