Ellie P. Campbell Photography

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The Edible Sarasota launch party was a great success last night. The team put together a fun, tasty event with about 200 people packed outside Whole Foods, munching on yummy drinks and treats from awesome vendors, such as Rosa Fiorelli Winery, Mi Pueblo‘s new vegan and organic menu, Libby’s Cafe + Bar – who served their deviled eggs with Mote Marine American Sturgeon Caviar, the dish featured on the cover of Edible Sarasota, and of course Whole Foods.

Jazz Juvenocracy served as the music for the event – and they are incredible. A group of six kids all around the age of 15, they sounded like a well-seasoned professional jazz band – and they are. They were invited to play at the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland July 2-17, 2010 (tax-deductible donations for their plane fare can be made on their home page). In the raffle, Alex from the band won my gift certificate for a free photo session, and he generously donated his win to his band. I couldn’t be happier with the winner(s), and I can’t wait to photograph this awesome bunch.

What also made the launch party a big night for me is that I put together my first vendor display for my business! I actually lost sleep over this, and while it might not seem like a big deal – and isn’t, really – I stress over things like this. What kind of pens do I put for the sign-up sheet? Will my 20×30 frame tip over and hit someone? Will anybody even be interested in my photography? I’m happy to say that there were no injuries, no ink issues. While it was an event  focused on food – people were there to celebrate the launch of a magazine that’s all about food (duh), and every other vendor offered edible goodies – I met great people, ran into some I hadn’t seen in a while, and was there to support the magazine (and the individuals behind it) that I’m really proud to be part of. And I’m pleased to say that I’m now much less scared to have a booth at a future event. I can do it. Phew.

Here’s my little corner:

And a few of the overall party setup…

Some veggies from local farmers to help decorate the scene:

Magazines on display:

Wines from Rosa Fiorelli Winery (my vendor neighbor!):

Heavenly Cupcakes‘ delicious display (I might have gotten a sugar-induced headache from eating too many of these…):

And the poster of my Edible Sarasota feature:

Thank you to Tracy, Tina, John, Matt, and everyone else with Edible Sarasota for including me in your awesome endeavor. 🙂 And thanks to Nikki for connecting me with Tracy and for the support yesterday (and every day). I know I haven’t just won an Oscar, but thank you also to my family for the help – and for coming to celebrate! – and to Angie for lending me the very needed tabletop easels!