Backyard Anniversary Dinner

Bundles of coral, pink, brown, ivory and mustard flowers hung overhead in the backyard of Matt and Meagan’s home for their anniversary dinner. White wishbone chairs were perfectly aligned on either side of the long wooden table and terracotta vases housed even more vibrant floral arrangements. Light pink candlesticks matched pink linen napkins that were wrapped around stone chargers with custom menus placed on top. Gold flatware and modern glassware completed the tablescape. Inside, Matt and Meagan posed for family portraits with their cat and dog before their guests arrived.

Meagan and Matt greeted everyone as they made their way into the backyard ensuring each guest grabbed a cocktail and an hors d’oeuvre. Hawaiian Mule and Paloma signature cocktails were Meagan and Matt’s drink of choice and available at the bar along with beer, wine, and other cocktail classics. A pink acrylic sign accented by mustard and coral-colored flowers listed all the available beverages for guests to easily see on the bar and acrylic drink markers with little fringe details topped each glass. Our Famous Tortilla Chips & Salsa Station was set up with guacamole and queso fundido while tray passed Crab Cakes with mango papaya salsa, Black Bean and Sweet Potato Empanadas with avocado crema, and Mini Al Pastor Tacos made their rounds before dinner. Once all guests had arrived, everyone took a seat at the family-style table.

Matt made a toast and thanked everyone for coming, then the salad course kicked off the plated dinner. Ensalada Las Mesas made of frisee, baby arugula, baby radish, red onion, paprika candied pepitas, sharp cotija cheese, and grape tomatoes with a blue agave lime dressing was enjoyed as light conversation made its way across the table. Next up was the entree course of Tequila Lime Chicken, Espresso Crusted Filet Mignon, Black Beans, and Pasilla Rice. Silence fell over everyone as they became too occupied with finishing their entrees to speak a word - a real sign of a great meal! Lastly, Claudia’s Tres Leches Cake topped with fresh strawberries and cajeta caramel sauce arrived to each guest beautifully plated. The custom anniversary menu was selected by Matt and Meagan with help from our Venue and Catering Manager, Rachel. The evening ended on a sweet note with not only the delicious cake, but a final toast made by the couple.

Catering & Bar: Jay’s Catering // Planning: All You Need Is Love Events // Photography: Sanaz Photography // Florist: Inessa Nichols Design // Rentals: Collective Rentals