Sarah & Mark’s 10-Year Wedding Anniversary Revow celebration
Just one week before their anniversary date, Sarah and Mark Bristow decided they wanted to redo their vows and host a celebration at their beautiful home in Studham on Saturday 2nd May 2025. They reached out to us at The Pink Elephant with only a week to go to plan the catering for 60–70 guests. The brief was simple but challenging: create a drinks and canapé service which we knew needed a touch of personal, elegant, and celebratory, while complementing the relaxed, garden-party atmosphere they envisioned.
Our Approach
Given the tight turnaround, we quickly scheduled a conversation with Sarah and Mark to understand their vision. They wanted something special but not overcomplicated – thoughtful drinks, seasonal canapés, and a service that allowed their guests to fully relax and enjoy the day.
We immediately put together a bespoke drinks list featuring wines from different regions and a selection of non-alcoholic bubbles. For the canapés, we designed a varied menu with options to suit all tastes and dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan choices. Within a couple of days, we finalised the offering and confirmed staffing, logistics, and timings.
On the Day
We arrived at 1:00 p.m. to begin setup, allowing us plenty of time to prepare before guests started to arrive at 2:30 p.m. The ceremony, held in the couple’s woodland garden surrounded by colourful wildflowers, began at 3:00 p.m. and was beautifully personal and heartfelt.
As soon as the vows were complete, our team was ready to serve. We hosted a drinks station featuring:
Champagne saved from the couple’s wedding (a sentimental touch)
South African Sauvignon Blanc
French Rosé
Sicilian red wine
Non-alcoholic sparkling options
To accompany the drinks, guests enjoyed our curated canapé menu, including:
Smoked chicken crostini with sun-dried tomato pesto, aioli & basil
Smoked mackerel pâté with sour cream & watercress
Beetroot-cured salmon blinis with crème fraîche
Goats’ cheese crostini with honey, thyme & toasted walnuts (vegetarian)
Avocado, chili & lime blue corn tortilla with diced mango & charred sweetcorn (vegan)
Our staff served canapés among the guests in the woodland immediately after the ceremony, before everyone moved up to the stretch tent for live music and dancing. Later in the evening, Steve from Rough Wood Pizzas provided fresh wood-fired pizzas, rounding off a relaxed, joy-filled celebration.
The Outcome
Despite the short lead time, we delivered a seamless, memorable experience that allowed Sarah and Mark to focus entirely on their guests and the magic of their day. The combination of thoughtful menu design, flexible planning, and smooth execution helped create a wedding anniversary celebration that felt truly unique to them.
Client Reflection
The day was described by Sarah and Mark as “so special, so personal, and exactly what we hoped for”. They loved how we incorporated meaningful touches, like serving their leftover wedding champagne, and appreciated the warmth and professionalism of our staff throughout the event.
Why This Case Matters
This event is a testament to how The Pink Elephant thrives under pressure. With just days to prepare, we listened carefully, tailored our offering, and executed flawlessly. Whether it’s a wedding, a vow renewal, or a private celebration, we pride ourselves on turning time-sensitive briefs into unforgettable experiences.
