La Dolce Vita on the Wharf: A Dolce Inspired Bash
When one of D.C.’s most iconic catering companies throws a party, you know it’s going to be spectacular. Earlier this fall, the powerhouse female CEO of Ridgewells Catering celebrated 40 years at the helm, and the evening was everything you’d imagine—and more.
The celebration took place on a picture-perfect September evening at Dockmaster at The Wharf, where guests were treated to an unforgettable Dolce & Gabbana–inspired fête. Planned by the incomparable Jodi Moraru of Evoke, the event brought together more than a dozen of the area’s top event pros for a collaboration that felt straight out of an Italian dream.
Design Foundry, our partner for design, set the scene, carpeting the dock in Ridgewells’ signature purple and hanging custom D&G-inspired banners from the ceiling of a clear-topped tent. The team at Helen Olivia Flowers took it from there—twining lush vining greens through the tent’s ceiling and creating some of our favorite tablescapes to date.
Two stunning 50-foot-long tables stretched beneath the canopy, layered with Italian busts, overflowing compote vases, hundreds of candles, and cascades of fruit and flowers. The result? A rich, romantic tableau that felt like an evening on the Amalfi Coast—right here in Washington, D.C. (And fun fact- we sold out 3 local dahlia farms to produce this event!)
Guests began the night with cocktails overlooking the river before moving inside for dinner, where every detail sang of la dolce vita. And our favorite touch of the night? A vintage Vespa decked out in blooms—the ultimate photo op and a perfect nod to the evening’s Italian inspiration.
As event professionals ourselves, we love when our clients are in the industry. The Ridgewells team knows how to celebrate on another level, and it was such an honor to be part of this milestone moment for a woman who’s paved the way for so many in hospitality.
Here’s to 40 years of Ridgewells, to women in leadership, and to parties that remind us why we do what we do.
VENDORS
Event Design and Planning: @jodimoraru @evoke_dc
Event Design and Production: @designfoundry
Catering:@ridgewellsdc
Florals: @helenoliviaflowers
Rentals: @dcreventrentals @perfectsettingsllc @tablemannersdc @smthingvintage
Invitations and Logo Design: @epochdesign.co
Menu: @creativepartiesltd
Photography: @pixelmestudio
Venue: @thewharfdc (Dockmaster)
Lighting: @4wall
Gelato: @gemmagelato
Media: @taylor.made.content
Tenting: @eis.group
DJ: @dartcollective
Custom Linens: @eventelier
Entertainment: @skylarkcreativegrp
Custom Ice Cubes: @icelabusa
SEE ALSO: Fall Florals in Alexandria: Pumpkins, Wreaths, and Seasonal Workshops at Helen Olivia
