What comes to mind when you think about a perfect party? Perhaps it’s that vintage song that takes you back to your college days, or maybe you remember that incredible piece of cake you had at a wedding last summer; oh you know the one. What about the bouquet you bought to celebrate your loved one’s achievements? That piece of abstract artwork you pass on your way out the door? Or what about that handcrafted cocktail you savor and sip to unwind at the end of a busy day? Stay with me here, I promise that my point is worthwhile, because today I want to talk about community over competition and what that phrase means to me.

Photography Top: Apke Photography,  Bottom: Emily Alyssa Photography

Behind every celebration, every spoonful of chocolate buttercream, ribbon wrapped flowers, that colorful mixed media masterpiece and delicious sugar-rimmed bourbon sidecar, there lives a creative. An artisan that pours their sweat, blood and tears into their work, and it’s really more than just a passion; it’s their livelihood.

Photography Top: Sean Purcell Photography, Bottom: Photography by Marirosa

As a wedding planner I am gifted a world of creatives as friends and colleagues. Trailblazers looking to leave their mark and change the world in the process. In 2015 I was invited to become a part of The Rising Tide Society. Many of you may have heard of this incredible group, but for those who may not know just yet, The Rising Tide Society is a society created by creatives for creatives, in hopes to support, nurture and lift each other up.

Photography Top: Photography by Mariosa, Bottom, Left and Right: Photography by Marirosa, Center: Apke Photography

So when one of our local chapters suggested that we throw an event to celebrate and appreciate all of our local creatives, I knew I had to be a part of making it happen. After all, without these fellow vendors, L&L Events wouldn’t have blossomed into what it is today; more importantly I wouldn’t be the person who I am today. So I jumped right in and joined a vendor dream-team to create a swoon-worthy soirée; and it was such a success that I knew that I just had to share it with you all!

Photography Top Left: Dragon RidgePhotography, Top Center and Right and Bottom: Photography by Marirosa

Our styled dinner was different from EVERY SINGLE OTHER EVENT that I have ever planned or helped plan; this one was about us! We were the ones who were able to take everything in, to enjoy the little things; to have that slice of cake and enjoy that cocktail hour. Yes, it was still hard work and months of planning in the making. But let me tell you, that every ounce of effort we put in was absolutely worth it.

Photography Top: Sean Purcell Photography, Bottom Left, Sean Purcell Photography, Center and Right: Photography by Marirosa

Based on the photos gorgeous photos weaving through the text, it’s easy to see that it was a memorable and beautiful party, but what you don’t see is the 27, yes TWENTY-SEVEN vendor teams that it took to put it all together. “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats”, made famous by JFK, is the motto of The Rising Tide Society, and with good reason. We celebrate and embrace a community over competition mindset; we believe that there is never too much of a good thing. Don’t you agree?

Photography Top, Left and Right: Photography by Marirosa, Center: Sean Purcell Photography,  Bottom: Photography by Marirosa

So we came together, a lovely group of 85, and celebrated each other, all of our hard work, our successes and growth. We made new friends and bonded with old pals. We shared wisdoms, selfies, cocktails and stellar dance moves until well past sundown. We even closed the night by sipping on boozy milkshakes while “Milkshake” by Kelis played in the background, because of course we did.

I’m beyond grateful to have been a part of this incredible event while teaming up with an insanely talented group of creatives and I can’t wait to do it again. What an amazing night, what an amazing community! Make sure to check out the event video and the complete list of everyone who helped take “community over competition” to the next level.

Lead Planner & Designer – Sarah Pete Rizzi with Sincerely Pete Events
Assistant Planner – Linnie Hughes with L&L Events
TT Leader- Marirosa Anderson with Photography by Marirosa
Venue – 48 Fields
Assistant Photographer: Apke Photography
Assistant Photographer: Dragon Ridge Photography
Assistant Photographer: Emily Alyssa Photography
Assistant Photographer: Sean Purcell Photography
Cake – Sweets by E
Catering (Cocktail Hour) – Wined and Dined
Catering (Dinner & Desserts) – RSVP Catering
Cocktail Hour Drinks – Catoctin Creek
Cotton Candy – Fluffness
DJ (cocktail hour) – The Dapper DJs
Flamingos – Brightly Ever After
Floral Wall – Fleurenzy
Flowers (Cocktail Hour) – JR Flowers 
Flowers (Dessert) – Cedar and Lime Co
Flowers (Dinner) – CM Events
Gift Bags – The Welcoming District
Invites, Menus & Programs – Calligraphy – Wild Hearts Calligraphy
Invites, Menus & Programs – Letterpress – Curious Fox Press
Installations – Bashology
Lighting, draping & DJ – A2Z Music Factory
Linens & Tabletop Rentals – DC Rental
Lip & Lash Bar – Tmak Artistry
Setup & Styling Assistants – Always Creating Studio and Mimi Ebichi Events
Signage & Name Tags & Place Cards – Kirsten Marie Design LLC
Specialty Rentals – Paisley & Jade
Videography- SkipperFilms