There are birthdays, and then there are monumental celebrations; nights that you’ll remember forever. For Olivia Carter, General Manager of Soul Bar & Bistro, her recent celebration wasn’t about turning a year older, but about pressing pause and sharing a moment of joy with the people she holds dearest. “We’re all so busy,” she says. “I wanted to create a night that brought my favourite people together; no distractions, no obligations, just connection,” Carter says. “I wanted to take a moment to be present with the people I love, to enjoy how far we’ve come and how lucky we are.”
The Venue
Soul Bar & Bistro was the only choice for this celebration; familiar, yet reimagined. As Soul’s General Manager, Olivia Carter is well-versed in events, but this time she stepped into the role of host. The result was an evening that felt fresh, fun, and completely personal.
Naturally, the setting was Soul. But this time, Carter took centre stage, reimagining the iconic venue with a deeply personal lens. “I wanted to do something we hadn’t done before at Soul, something with meaning, style, and a little mischief.”
The brief? Over-the-top elegance. Guests were asked to wear black and white — a request she cheekily flipped on the night by arriving in a stunning pink gown. A single, beautifully styled table ran the length of the outdoor terrace while fabric draping, rich burgundy florals, clusters of grapes, and candlelight set the atmosphere. The playlist, courtesy of SweetMix Kids, set the tone for a night full of energy and heart.
Food and drink were essential. Signature cocktails, stamped ice blocks, and even caviar-topped chicken nuggets made an appearance. The hero pour of the evening was the incredibly rare RSRV Lalou Cuvée 2008 Champagne, gifted in support of Carter’s vision and served generously throughout the night. “It was such a thoughtful gesture. RSRV completely understood what I was trying to create.”
The Food & Drinks
The menu mirrored Carter’s signature style, from Mumm RSRV Champagne flowing freely to caviar-topped chicken nuggets. With the rare Mumm RSRV Lalou Cuvée 2008 as the hero pour, every bite and sip was crafted to honour friendship, elegance, and living fully in the moment.
Dessert was theatrical; a magnificent strawberry-topped cake, sliced and shared just as the dancing kicked off. Rather than gifts, Carter invited guests to donate to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, a cause close to her family’s heart. She and her husband matched all contributions.
“I looked around the table and thought, ‘This is exactly where I want to be.’” For someone who spends her life creating special moments for others, this was Carter’s time to savour one for herself, with grace, style, and the people who matter most.
