Piet & Sam’s Summer Garden Wedding

When Piet and Sam began planning their London wedding, they had a clear vision: something laid-back, stylish, and social, with great canapés, a summery barbecue, and cold wine flowing throughout the day. From the outset, The Pink Elephant listened carefully to what they wanted – helping them shape a day that felt personal, relaxed, and completely true to them. It was a celebration filled with flavour, laughter, and thoughtful touches from start to finish. Read on to explore the magic of their day.

A Warm Welcome

Piet and Sam chose to celebrate civil ceremony wedding reception in the garden of their gorgeous Wimbledon home - an elegant gathering of friends and family on a warm June afternoon. 

From early afternoon, Ian and his team were on site, setting the tone with crisp white tablecloths, cocktail-height tables swirled with fabric, and flower arrangements dotted throughout the garden.

Guests were welcomed with glasses of chilled South African sparkling wine (L’Ormarins MCC), served from silver champagne buckets at the first of three drinks stations - an immediate gesture that set the tone for the afternoon. Nearby, a dedicated wine table and soft drink station kept glasses topped up throughout the day.

The couple had chosen a more casual flow to the day, without the structure of a traditional sit-down meal. As guests mingled in a sea of colourful summer dresses and sharp tailoring, The Pink Elephant’s friendly staff served canapés from hand-styled platters: mini Yorkshire puddings with roast beef and horseradish cream, smoked salmon blinis with dill mousse, and beetroot and goat’s cheese cucumber cups.

From 6pm, the barbecue began. Plates filled gradually, as meats were laid out in stages and the garden took on the comforting aroma of sizzling meat and slow-cooked sauces. There were bavette steaks sliced with chimichurri, pork belly with apple sauce, peri-peri chicken skewers, and grilled vegetable and halloumi skewers in lemon and garlic. Alongside them, generous summer salads - roasted potatoes, giant couscous, vinaigrette-dressed lettuce, and a tomato and red onion medley - provided fresh contrast and colour.

Later, a dessert grazing table appeared rich chocolate brownies, colourful fruit skewers, Brazilian truffles, and a selection of cheeses and charcuterie, including Spanish Bellota chorizo, aged Italian salami, creamy French brie, truffle pecorino, and fresh figs. Everything was styled to invite sharing and spontaneity.

Canapes & Barbecue

Sustainable Wines

For Piet and Sam’s wedding, we designed a bespoke wine experience sourced exclusively through Bancroft Wines, our preferred supplier. Renowned for their sustainability credentials and support of family-run vineyards, Bancroft’s wines are not only exceptional in flavour but also align with our values of quality and responsibility.

The wines were carefully chosen to match both the food and the beautiful outdoor setting. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Baleia Wines in South Africa brought refreshing notes of citrus and minerality, while a rosé from Domaine d’Altugnac in Languedoc offered a fresh, dry finish – perfect for summer dining. To complete the line-up, a mellow Sicilian Nero d’Avola added soft fruit and spice, pairing effortlessly with the barbecue and grazing platters.

The Execution

The food was not just delicious - it was beautifully timed and generously served. Many guests returned for seconds, a small mark of success for the partnership between The Pink Elephant and Marcus Salmon Catering. As Ian later shared, it was “a great testament to what we’re capable of doing together.”

Once the meal eased into conversation, the garden gathered in close for speeches. Piet spoke first, followed by his brother, Sam’s mother, and then Sam herself. Four short, heartfelt tributes - each one personal and full of love - offering a window into the couple’s story.

Later, a dessert grazing table appeared, rich chocolate brownies, colourful fruit skewers, Brazilian truffles, and a selection of cheeses and charcuterie, all styled to invite sharing and spontaneity. There was no schedule to follow - just relaxed conversation, music in the background, and something sweet to savour as the evening unfolded.

As the final bites were enjoyed and glasses refilled once more, the evening lifted again - shoes were kicked off, the music turned up, and the garden gave way to dancing and celebration.

Throughout it all, The Pink Elephant team were present behind the scenes - topping up drinks, checking in with guests, and quietly overseeing each transition. Their presence was calm and constant, allowing the day to unfold with natural ease. Nothing felt rushed, and nothing was left to chance.

Celebration, Your Way

For Piet and Sam It was a beautiful summer gathering for Piet and Sam, with love, laughter, and delicious food and drink at the heart of it all.”. For The Pink Elephant, it was a perfect expression of what they do best - crafting celebrations that feel entirely personal, down to the last detail.

From laid-back garden celebrations to classic formal weddings, The Pink Elephant create days that are completely bespoke - designed around your style, your people, and the way you want to celebrate. Thank you Piet and Sam for choosing The Pink Elephant for your special day!

Testimonial

  • Thank you so so much Ian, it was absolutely spectacular and you went to incredible lengths to make it such a smooth and stress-free day and it was so special so thank you for being so on it and coordinating and organising absolutely everything! And for the gifts

    Sam and Piet Wild