Elizabeth Duncan Events

Luxury Wedding and Event Planning in Washington DC and Europe

Snapshot: NYC Bachelorette

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Anyone who has spent any time on a wedding blog recently knows that photography and videography documentation have become one of the most popular areas to have some fun – from creatively capturing the actual wedding day to intricate, styled engagements shoots to well-planned proposals, everyone seems to be embracing the fun you can have in front of the camera.

One of our recent brides shared one more idea, having a videographer capture your bachelorette party.  These girls had a fabulous weekend together in NYC with one glamorous night on the town to top it all off.  The video, by A Mosely Media (alvismosely@gmail.com), makes us feel like we’re there toasting the bubbly with them!

We’ll Always Have Paris

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As you know, Paris has a special place in my heart.  After three decades of visiting, I’m amazed that there’s always something new to discover and fall in love with.  Last Summer, we introduced the next generation to the City of Lights (and love).  We wanted to do something special to remember the occasion, so I asked French Grey Photography to capture us with some of Paris’ iconic images.  I couldn’t resist having a new headshot taken with the Eiffel Tower, too.  It was a magical trip!

French Grey Photography by Brian Wright for Elizabeth 035

French Grey Photography by Brian Wright for Elizabeth 068

French Grey Photography by Brian Wright for Elizabeth 026

French Grey Photography by Brian Wright for Elizabeth 049

Runway to Tabletop: Pattern, Color and Great Gatsby

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Each year, I like to take a look at the fashion, interior design and restaurant/food industries and consider how their current trends could influence my events.

This year’s runways and red carpets were full of colors, patterns and styles that provided me with ample inspiration for creating a truly stylish event.

Trend:  Mix it Up

Florals, Pattern –Mixing, and Color-Blocking were prevalent throughout the 2012 runway collections.  When considering your event décor, be bold with your use of colors, textures and patterns.

Images via Style.com: L-R, Valentino, Diane von Furstenburg, Sophie Theallet

Inspired by the Diane von Furstenburg image above, this design features bright, bold colors and varying textures to create a modern, playful look.

Trend: Great Gatsby Glamour

The much-anticipated remake of The Great Gatsby was reflected in several runway and red carpet looks.

Images via Style.com: L-R: Ralph Lauren, Elie Saab, Ralph Lauren

The HOT color of the season, Mint, with romantic details make this look fitting for the Hamptons crowd of Gatsby’s era.

Trend:  In the Nude

Nude was one of the most popular colors on the red carpets this year.  From romantic to contemporary, this is one color that does it all.

Images via Style.com: L-R: Gucci, Calvin Klein, Dior

Inspired by the Dior gown above, this look embodies soft, billowy romance and proves that neutral tones can have big impact.

Trend: Modern Lace

Lace is always a classic choice, but this year we’re seeing lots of lace with modern twists.   From laser cut patterns to oversized applique, lace is clearly not just for brides and grandmothers anymore.

Images via Style.com: L-R: Valentino, Dior, Louis Vuitton

The Valentino gown above inspired this design where we combined different lace patterns with the hint of a nude background to create a soft, romantic look.

Trend:  Fit for a Queen

Most likely inspired by the Royal Wedding and our current fascination with fairytales, the runways and red carpets were dripping in gold this year.  By contrast, there was also a return to basics with simple, but dramatic combinations of black and white.

Images vi Style.com: L-R: McQueen, Dior, Marchesa

With a nod to the Alexander McQueen design above, this gilded design would make anyone feel like royalty.

Many thanks to Hannah Colclazier for her beautiful photography and DC Rental for the rental equipment.

Stay tuned for my next posts on interior design and food trends.

Washington Post: Nancy & Scott

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I was so excited to see one of my January weddings featured in the Washington Post recently.  Nancy and Scott were an amazing couple to work with and we lucked out with a gorgeous, sunny day for their wedding.  One of my favorite things about this wedding was that Nancy’s wedding dress has been worn by every woman in her family since 1950.

via Freed Photography

You can see more photos in the Washington Post gallery, here.

Destination Costa Rica

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Last week, my best friend and I flew down to Costa Rica for a few days to celebrate her birthday.  It was a spontaneous trip, so I went knowing very little about the country and what to expect.  I was overwhelmed by the abundant natural beauty, friendliness of the people and dramatic vistas from every turn.  The Costa Ricans have a saying “Pura Vida.”  Roughly translated, it means “pure life,” but I was told it also encompasses the idea of living full of life.  It’s a motto that resonates deeply with me.  They’ve made a drink by the same name and after a few of these, anyone would start to fantasize about moving to Costa Rica permanently.

Many of you may know that Costa Rica is considered a top honeymoon destination because it offers both serene, beautiful beaches (that many brides envision for their honeymoon) and fun activities (for the grooms).  Costa Rica has big brand resorts smaller, boutique resorts, as well as luxury vacation villas.  There are indulgent spa treatments and adrenaline-spiking outdoor adventures.  The wildlife is exotic and unique.  There really is something for everyone here!

I wanted to share just a few photos from my trip.   The sunsets alone are enough to get me back on a plane. Scroll down to see how Costa Rica inspired me to think about a destination wedding on the beach in Costa Rica.

Photos by me and D Peacock

My idea of a fabulous wedding in Costa Rica: a romantic, barefoot ceremony, bright vivid colors incorporating the driftwood and tropical flowers that abound in the area and, of course, dining and dancing under the stars.

Credits: Style Me Pretty (1-3), Martha Stewart Weddings, Design Sponge, Treasured Petal, Style Me Pretty (7-8), Sweetest Occasion