Thoughtfully Crafted Food.

Beautifully Presented.

Artfully prepared cuisine and seamless service for life’s most meaningful gatherings.

ABOUT CHEF DEX

Wilmington North Carolina's Destination for Luxury Catering.

Castle Gardens ILM delivers Wilmington North Carolina's premier destination for luxury catering. Led by Chef Dex, we infuse her Bahamian heritage and vibrant Caribbean flavors into every handcrafted menu. Our team specializes in stunning, high-end dining experiences, utilizing locally sourced meats and farm-fresh produce to ensure that every event across the Cape Fear region is defined by exceptional beauty, flavor, and turn-key service

Wilmington, NC’s Trusted Chef for Luxury Catering & Events

ABOUT CHEF DEX

DXtira “Dex” Brown is the CEO and founder of Castle Gardens ILM, a Wilmington-based catering and event planning company inspired by her Bahamian roots and love for lush, natural beauty. After nearly 20 years as a healthcare and emergency frontline worker, the pandemic prompted her to pursue a more purposeful path centered on family, wellness, and creativity. Transitioning from nursing to event planning also marked a personal health journey, leading her to embrace organic living and a healthier lifestyle. Through Castle Gardens ILM, Dex offers thoughtfully curated charcuterie boards, full-service catering, and customized event planning designed to create memorable, stress-free celebrations. Looking ahead to Spring 2030, she envisions expanding into a full-scale botanical garden and venue in Wilmington that promotes organic living, community connection, and meaningful life celebrations.

OUR OFFERINGS

An Elevated Culinary Experience

for Meaningful Gatherings

Gather & Graze

Elevated Brunch Experience

Themed Corporate Parties

Private Catering

Celebration of Life Repasses

Charcuterie

WHY CASTLE GARDENS ILM

Chef-Led, Not Factory Catering

Every menu is personally crafted by Chef Dex. No templates. No shortcuts. Just intentional cuisine designed around your event.

Seamless, Professional Service

Clear communication, polished execution, and a calm presence from planning through cleanup.

Designed for Meaningful Moments

Weddings, milestone celebrations, and private gatherings where details matter and memories last.

Boutique by Choice

We take on a limited number of events to ensure each client receives full attention and care.

Seamless. Elevated. Completely Turn-Key.

Castle Gardens ILM provides comprehensive event-space design and professional day-of wedding coordination, all delivered as a fully managed, turn-key experience. We oversee every detail so you don’t have to. From concept to execution, our team ensures your event unfolds effortlessly.

Short Notice. Exceptional Results.

We understand that sometimes events come together quickly. Castle Gardens ILM specializes in fast turnarounds while maintaining the same level of quality, presentation, and service, without excessive rush charges. If your event is within 30 days, please call us directly to secure your date.