How Feeding People Became Our Love Language
A personal note from Kellie & Olivia, the mother–daughter team behind Pure Catering
When people ask what makes Pure Catering different, we could talk about the awards (we’ve got a few), the menus (they’re delicious), or the events (hundreds every year). But the real answer? This is personal.
We’re not just caterers.
We’re a family.
And we’re feeders—through and through.
It Started Around the Table
Our love for food and events isn’t something we learned in a kitchen—it was passed down at the table.
Kellie’s grandmother (and Olivia’s great-grandmother), Delphine Ashton—or Noona, as we called her—was a Spanish-born, proudly Australian woman who hated cooking but absolutely loved sharing meals. She believed food was just the excuse—the real joy came from gathering the people you love, telling stories, pouring another glass of wine, and never rushing the moment.
That spirit lives in everything we do. It’s why we love weddings. It’s why we obsess over portion sizes and place settings. And it’s probably why we still spend our weekends either working events—or eating at restaurants, critiquing the menu like it’s sport.
From Events to Full-Time Feeding
Before Pure Catering, Kellie ran a successful event management company—planning everything from black-tie galas to beach weddings. In 2015, she bought Pure Catering with one mission: bring the same standard of planning into the world of food.
Then came 2020. We had several brands under our umbrella, but COVID flipped everything upside down. Events were cancelled, venues closed, and suddenly no one needed 150 plated mains on a Saturday night. So, we pivoted. We launched our ‘Feed the Family’ meals—home-delivered dinners that brought a bit of comfort (and a lot of lasagne) to households across Brisbane. It was an emotional rollercoaster—but it reminded us what we were really good at: feeding people.
After that, Pure Catering became our full-time focus. And we haven’t looked back.
Working Together (and Not Killing Each Other)
Olivia came on board full-time in 2011 after what can only be described as a lifetime of unpaid child labour watching event setups, putting on chaircovers, and folding every napkin in the history of ever.
We’ve both worked from the ground up—waitressing, packing eskies, carrying crates, clearing dishes, and resetting tables in stilettos and wet weather. It’s this start-to-finish experience that makes us better planners, better problem-solvers, and most importantly, better at making your day feel effortless.
That’s what makes us calm in the chaos. We’ve seen every scenario and problem-solved our way through it—with a smile, and maybe the occasional emergency packet of Allen snake lollies.
Working together as mother and daughter comes with its quirks. Kellie is a list-maker, early riser, and master planner. Olivia thrives in controlled chaos, creative pitches, and the world of client relationships. Somehow, it works. And when it doesn’t—we take a beat, make a joke and get on with the rest of the day.
The Team That’s Become Family
Pure isn’t just the two of us. We’re surrounded by a team of absolute legends—many of whom have been with us for 10+ years. Chefs who know every menu like the back of their hand, delivery drivers who remember client birthdays, and casual staff who still text us photos from weddings they worked five years ago.
They’re not just employees—they’re family. And they’re the reason Pure events run like clockwork.
What We Stand For
We believe food is the heart of every celebration. It doesn’t need to be fancy—it needs to be felt. Whether it’s a canapé that kicks off the party or a family-style feast that brings strangers together, it should always be memorable.
We believe:
✔ Your wedding menu should reflect you, not just what’s trending
✔ Dietary needs deserve proper planning, not a side salad
✔ There should never be cutlery clanging during your best man’s speech
✔ Plating is important—but so is keeping it hot
✔ Being great at what we do should never come at the cost of being kind
In 2024, we were named Queensland’s Best Independent Wedding Caterer. In 2025, we were blown away to be named #1 in Australia at the ABIA National Designer of Dreams Awards.
These weren’t just proud business moments—they were a tribute to every late night, every load of glassware, every team member who’s said “I’ll stay and finish,” and every couple who’s trusted us to be part of their day.
Thanks for Letting Us Do What We Love
From Noona’s dinner table to multi-day corporate conferences and dream weddings under fairy lights—it’s always been about connection, food, and doing it properly.
If you’ve worked with us before, thank you for trusting us. If you’re new here—hi, welcome! We’d love to feed you.
