• Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Portfolio

Elizabeth Duncan Events

Luxury Wedding and Event Planning in Washington DC and Europe

  • Applause
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • instagram
  • twitter

Weekend Wanderlust: Snow Day

January 14, 2015 by Elizabeth

Are you planning a romantic winter proposal or snowy honeymoon? My husband and I are getting ready for a weekend away on the slopes and I’m just smitten by the romance of it all.

Take a snow day with us today and enjoy the beauty of newly fallen snow, hot toddies, sharing an open fire, and the adventures charming mountain resorts like these have to offer:

Topnotch Resort & Spa, Stowe, Vermonttopnotch

The Pitcher Inn, Warren, Vermont

pitcherinn

The Inn at Lost Creek, Telluride, Colorado

Telluride

Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado

Littlenell

Stein Erickson, Park City, Utah

SteinErickson

Post Hotel, Lake Louise, Banff, Canada
Post hotel

Four Seasons, Whistler, Canada

whistler

 

~ Hillary

Filed Under: Destination, Travel Fabulously Tagged With: away we go, Destination Wedding, resources, travel, winter

Weekend Wanderlust: Dominican Republic

November 6, 2014 by Elizabeth

Dominican Republic I just returned from a wedding in the Dominican Republic – as a guest!  The backdrop was breathtaking: sunshine, warm breezes, sand between our toes and friends to share in it all. Today, weddings are often more than just a great party; they are a reunion for family and old friends, too.  Destination weddings, in particular, offer the opportunity to create memorable moments beyond the wedding day and to help everyone feel included and part of a community on the wedding day itself. Dominican Republic wedding1 Between catamaran trips, snorkeling, beach parties and even swimming with the sharks, not only did we celebrate a wonderful couple’s wedding, but we also had an amazing adventure exploring the beauty of the Dominican Republic. Thank you Erin + Brandon for bringing us together to celebrate your wedding in this idyllic location! Dominican Republic wedding2 ~Hillary

If you’re considering the Dominica Republic for your destination wedding, here are a few properties we would recommend:

For European-style luxury: Eden Roc at Cap Cana

For the convenience of all-inclusive: Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel

For golf and the luxury of your own villa: Tortuga Bay Punta Cana Resort & Club

For an extraordinary spa experience, Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resort.

Filed Under: Destination, Real Weddings, Travel Fabulously Tagged With: Destination Event, Destination Wedding, travel

We’ll Always Have Paris

September 19, 2014 by Elizabeth

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

Filed Under: Resource File, Travel Fabulously Tagged With: away we go, Destination, French, Paris, photography, travel

Summer Lovin’

September 1, 2014 by Elizabeth

As we say farewell to Summer, we’re reflecting back on an amazing few months of fabulous destination events and vacations!  A few favorite snaps from London, New York, Portland, Italy and Costa Rica.

EDE Summer2014

Photos:  Top left photo by Abby Jiu, Bottom right photo by Jonathan Yonkers, all others by me

Filed Under: News Tagged With: business, Destination Wedding, travel

Everything’s Better With…

January 28, 2014 by Elizabeth

 

 

Jen Bacon Elizabeth Duncan Events

Jen Bacon joins Elizabeth Duncan Events, Company Expands to National and International Events

2013 was a year of truly astounding events and incredible growth for Elizabeth Duncan Events!  As we look ahead to 2014 and beyond, we are excited to to be expanding our wedding, corporate and non-profit events portfolio in the DC area and around the World.

To help me continue to give my clients the best service possible, I am delighted to welcome the newest member of the EDE team, Jen Bacon. Jen has a background in Communications and political fundraising event planning.  Jen brings Southern charm, a passion for fashion and design, an attention to detail and organization, and a genuine enthusiasm for planning fabulous events.  I am so excited to introduce her to all of you!

Filed Under: Around Town, News Tagged With: around town, business, travel

London Love

April 7, 2013 by Elizabeth

Last month, I took a little holiday over the pond.  Here are just a few highlights from an amazing trip to London and Harrogate.

Birthday Dinner at my favorite London restaurant, La Petite Maison; Best Sunday Ritual – Sunday Roast at The Pig and Butcher; wedding gown shopping with @urbanflipflops at Brown’s Bride; wedding venue shopping at Fulham Palace with @urbanflipflops.

Getting to know the Islington neighborhood with @urbanflipflops; The Queen by Lego at Hamleys; design inspiration at Selfridges.

A majestic peacock in Holland Park; Baccarat chandeliers at One Marylebone, a spectacular London wedding venue; House of Dior exhibit at Harrods – beautiful and inspiring; cheese-flavored macaron at La Cave a Fromage – genius.

Home Sweet Home at Betty’s Harrogate and The Valley Gardens Harrogate; Columbia Road Flower Market; the truly stunning Renaissance St. Pancras, my London home.

And, the jewel in the crown, seeing Dame Helen Mirren in The Audience.  Truly incredible performance and a must-see if you are planning to be in London before June!!!

Filed Under: Creative Sparks, Foodie Finds, Travel Fabulously Tagged With: food, resources, restaurant, travel, wedding

Honeymoon HotSpot

October 16, 2012 by Elizabeth

Four Seasons Bora Bora via Connoisseur Travel

Are you overwhelmed with planning your honeymoon?  Are you considering using a travel agent, but never worked with one before?  Here are a few myths about working with a travel agent that I asked my friend and today’s guest blogger, Sue Michailidis, luxury travel consultant with Connoisseur Travel, to debunk for us.

Myth #1

“I don’t need a travel agent.”

A travel agent brings years of experience, organization and industry contacts to your travel planning. While the internet has taken over a large piece of the leisure travel pie, do you want to trust your honeymoon to a website? Travel agencies still account for 51% of all travel sales in the US. We are knowledgeable insiders on destinations and accommodations.  And heaven forbid,  something goes wrong while traveling, you’ll have your very own travel advocate—not a call center–assisting you every step of the way.

Myth#2

“Travel agents are a waste of time.”

For planning your trip, a travel agent can save you from hours of painful research and comparison shopping. You have enough on your plate with the wedding plans! After awhile, every overwater bungalow in Bora Bora looks fabulous—but what is the right fit for you as a couple? Work with someone who is a destination specialist in the area—they have been to the resorts, and can give you insider information—stuff you can’t differentiate on websites, or on Trip Advisor.

You’ll also save time once your trip is booked. Say you want to make a change to your itinerary once it’s booked through Expedia….can you say “hold time”? Instead, send your agent a quick email or text.

Finally, your travel agent bundles your trip as a package, if any changes are made, it’s done seamlessly: flights, car rentals, resorts, transfers, etc. are all notified. Doing each booking on your own, you’ve got your work cut out for you.

Myth#3

“It’s expensive to use a travel agent.”

Most agencies do not charge an upfront fee to do business, always ask first.

As for getting a better deal online—rarely is this true. In your research, if you find a better deal online, let your agent know. Oftentimes they can match whatever you find.

My agency is part of a consortium & preferred partners with exclusive resorts. We offer our clients a bunch of perks for hotel stays that you cannot get booking online: free breakfasts, room upgrades, etc.

Finally, often times online rates don’t include taxes and fees upfront. Most travel agent packages show the full price—no surprises.

Myth #4

“Travel agents try to needlessly upsell.”

Travel agents try to find the best value for your vacation. This isn’t necessarily the lowest cost option.

Sometimes this means suggesting an ocean view room on your Hawaiian honeymoon, rather than booking a  “resort view” room ( a view of the parking lot). Or recommending a non-stop flight  the day after your wedding, as opposed to a flight with multiple or long layovers. Believe me, you’ll be wiped out! Travel agents want your business and referrals—their goal is for you to have a trip that exceeds your expectations.

Myth#5

Who needs service on their honeymoon, when I can book it all online?

Your honeymoon is truly a trip of a lifetime. Work with a professional to customize a unique experience for the two of you. In addition to all the basic services they provide, agents can arrange car service, personalized activities, romantic excursions, special dinners. You can rest easy trusting your trip is in the hands of an experienced professional.

Sue Michailidis is a luxury travel consultant with Connoisseur Travel. She specializes in South Pacific Honeymoons. She lived in Maui for 5 years, traveling throughout the South Pacific: Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii and beyond. She now resides in Washington DC with her family and sells travel destinations worldwide.  If you would like to talk to Sue about planning your honeymoon or next vacation, you can email her at

sue.michailidis@ctltd.com

Filed Under: Resource File, Travel Fabulously Tagged With: honeymoon, travel, wedding

Seattle Highlights

July 25, 2012 by Elizabeth

I have recently returned from a week in Seattle and a successful corporate event for one of my clients.  It had been 12 years since I last visited Seattle, and while a lot has changed, it still felt like the charming, small city I remembered.  I added the weekend so I could check out some of the sights around town.  Here are just a few snapshots of some of the highlights.

I wish I could take credit for planning this, but the weekly sailing regatta just happened to pass by my client’s celebration dinner at Aqua.

Followed by a truly spectacular sunset.

The off-site excursion planned for my client to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was informative and inspiring.  I particularly liked this display of charitable intentions and ideas to inspire change.  Visitors fill out their own blank cards and hang them on this “tree” and are then encouraged to take someone else’s with them to take some kind of action.  The selection ranges from “I support…” to “How have contraceptives changed your life?”

The recently opened exhibit of Dale Chihuly’s work at Seattle Center is one of the best art exhibits I have ever seen.  Not to be missed if you are in town!

Seattle is definitely a town for foodies as well.  We enjoyed fabulous meals the whole week.  From local favorites like Walrus and the Carpenter to downtown hot spots like Lola and Wild Ginger, the flavors reflect the seasonal, local produce, bountiful local seafood, and various Asian influences.  Of course, wandering through the famous Pike Place Market is enough to inspire anyone.

Filed Under: Creative Sparks, Inspired Events, Travel Fabulously Tagged With: events, travel

Destination Costa Rica

September 8, 2011 by Elizabeth

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

Filed Under: Inspired Events, Travel Fabulously, Wedding Style Inspiration Tagged With: decor, honeymoon, inspiration, photography, travel, wedding

Dinner with Gwyneth Paltrow

August 5, 2011 by Elizabeth

via ELLE Magazine

I wish I could say that I actually did have dinner with Gwyneth when I was in London.  I didn’t. However, I did enjoy several of Gwyneth’s recommended restaurants, including two incredible, life-changing meals at her favorite restaurant.

Next time you are in London, I strongly recommend reserving a table at one of these fabulous restaurants.

La Petite Maison

53-54 Brooks Mews – Mayfair

On her blog, Goop, Gwyneth states that this is her favorite restaurant in London.  Having just eaten really well in London at a number and variety of fantastic restaurants, I now fully understand just how high of a compliment this is.  The food is simple and complex at the same time.  The presentation is beautiful and creative, but at the same time very authentic to the dish.  We had a lovely dinner one night and were so overwhelmed by the flavors, the service, and ambiance that we immediately booked a table for our final meal in London.

Everything we put in our mouths was delicious.  But, these dishes truly go beyond all existing words in their goodness.

Hors D’oeuvres:

Roasted red and yellow peppers (in a conversation with the chef, we learned that there is a white balsamic vinegar used to impart the subtle, but crucial acidity to this dish)

Carpaccio of scallops – this is an example of the genius of some chefs.  It’s beautiful to look at, with a beautiful assortment of “toppings.” With each bite you experience a multitude of flavors and textures – it just wouldn’t be the same with the little bit of candied citrus, the crunch of the nuts, the chives and whatever secret ingredients are used.  All the flavors combine perfectly with the subtly sweet sea water taste of the scallops.

Buratta with tomatoes – Absolute heaven! Enough said.

Salade Nicoise – I wasn’t as keen on this as the rest of my group because, hey, it’s salad.  That said, the presentation was beautiful and the southern French classic was quite enjoyable.  Perfect to share with your BFF for a quick and light lunch, but the others are so much more remarkable.

Plats Principaux:

Grilled Lamb Cutlets (lamb chops) – I love lamb and in my family, we have several favorite recipes that we make regularly.  It was unanimous that this was one of the best (some said THE BEST) lamb dishes ever tasted.  Again, what appears simple on the plate, was an explosion of flavors in the mouth.  This dish is yet another example of what I found so unique about the food here – as flavorful as the food is, no one flavor overpowers the other, and they all work in harmony to enhance the heart of the dish, the lamb.

Poulet au Foie Gras – This dish requires 55 minutes to make and is meant to serve at least 2, but easily 4.  We pre-ordered it for our second meal so we wouldn’t have to hold up everyone’s entrée.  Either way, it is worth the wait.  Easily, one of the best chickens ever.  I’m a lover of foie gras and it seems like they cook the fois gras in the cavity of the bird.  They also put slices of baguette inside during the cooking and the bread soaked in the juices was like icing on the cake.

Desserts:  Order all of these and share if you can because I can’t imagine eliminating one!

Madaleine with roasted apricots and almond milk ice cream

Lemon sorbet with vodka

Chocolate mousse with malt ice cream

Pain perdu with spice ice cream

Hix

66 Brewer Street – SoHo

From GOOP – At his restaurants, Mark Hix serves up a festive and dynamic feast and has all the London art world credentials you can conjure. At the Soho location, which is oriented toward a trendier crowd, you’ll dine surrounded by the work of London’s big time art-stars like Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Tim Noble and Sue Webster.

The food here is simple, classic, British.  The smoked Scottish salmon starter and the whole roasted chicken are amazing!  The Credit Crunch ice cream with hot chocolate sauce, divine.

La Famiglia

7 Langton Street – Belgravia

From GOOP – The quiet, charming street in Chelsea completely belies the feeling inside this joyous, boisterous, family-run restaurant. There’s also a beautiful outside patio where kids can enjoy the trees. The food is simple Italian done just right. Kids love the pasta and fried zucchini and so do I.

This was a great family-friendly choice for our last dinner in London.  My two nieces loved having dinner on the tent-covered back patio and the staff couldn’t have been friendlier or more attentive.  The food and service were so authentic,  you really thought you were in Italy!

Filed Under: Foodie Finds, Travel Fabulously Tagged With: dining, food, restaurant, travel

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »

About Us

About Us

Elizabeth Duncan Events is a full service event planning, design and production company based in Washington, D.C. that creates inspired and memorable events here, there, and everywhere you'd like to go.

learn more

Search

Categories

  • Around Town
  • Be Merry
  • Creative Sparks
  • Destination
  • DIY
  • Fashionable Bride
  • Foodie Finds
  • Inspired Events
  • News
  • Parties and Soirees
  • Petite Parties
  • Real Weddings
  • Resource File
  • Travel Fabulously
  • Uncategorized
  • Wedding Style Inspiration
  • Wedding Traditions

Archives

Recent Pins

  • Follow Me on Pinterest

Tweet Tweet

  • RT @EagleEyedBride: We love these bright bows! #weddings ow.ly/g5vH30dff59 via @ruffledblog Photo: @LisaBlumePhoto Event Coord… https://t.co/Kkf0jGGY6H

    July 3, 2017 1:16 pm

  • We like big BOWs and we cannot lie...So excited to share our annual #runwaytotable styled shoot… www.instagram.com/p/BVqHGn-ACr…

    June 22, 2017 10:05 pm

  • Nature created the amazing view @belmond created the spectacular experience. Muchas Gracias to… www.instagram.com/p/BUxP7C-gdb…

    May 31, 2017 8:06 pm

Copyright © 2021 · ELIZABETH DUNCAN EVENTS, EVENT PLANNING & DESIGN, all rights reserved · Site by Laura McGlynn

Copyright © 2021 · EDE on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in