Nadia Duran

22/12/2024

Christmas 2024 is here and this is how I transformed The City of Sydney. Tell me which one you like the most!

From Darling Harbour, Sydney to The Rocks , from the iconic Four Seasons Hotel Sydney to InterContinental Sydney Double Bay , The and Darling Quarter , each installation was designed and made with love to reflect the unique essence of its location.

This year, I had the honour of integrating sustainability, Australian native elements, and rich cultural heritage into every design—creating experiences that celebrate the beauty of Sydney and Australia culture.

Thank you to all these incredible venues and especially to the City of Sydney and for believing in my vision.

Thank you from USRAStudios for capturing the spirit of Christmas with this beautiful video.

The Season of Magic in SydneyI’m incredibly grateful for the trust that made this year’s Christmas installations truly magical. From Darling Harbour to The R...

06/11/2024

WeddedWeek has officially begun! If you’re planning a wedding, this is the event you don’t want to miss—from November 7th to 13th, experience the world’s largest luxury online wedding showcase, presented by . I’m thrilled to partner with WeddedWeek to bring this incredible experience to you!

Explore everything from breathtaking gowns to unforgettable venues, making it a must-attend for engaged couples and wedding vendors looking to connect with clients globally.

Join us now at weddedweek.com

26/07/2024

I take this opportunity to thank the VOORN family for believing in me and entrusting me with your prestigious brand by naming one of your exquisite roses after me. Having one of your roses is a dream I never imagined possible.

Growing up in Ciudad Juarez, I always had big dreams, but I never imagined that a prestigious Dutch family would recognise me in such an incredible way. Your trust and support touch my heart deeply, and I am committed to carrying the VOORN name with pride, representing your esteemed brand with the utmost respect and dedication.

The VOORN brand stands for excellence, beauty, and commitment to quality. Your spray roses have set a standard in the floral industry globally and being a part of your legacy is a privilege I cherish deeply.

Thank you Mr. Frank Voorn and the entire VOORN family, your belief in me has inspired me in ways I cannot fully express. Thank you for this incredible journey, and I look forward to many more years of success and collaboration.

Photographer

11/07/2024

I am beyond thrilled and deeply honoured to share with you all a significant milestone in my journey. On the 2nd of July 2024, VOORN Spray Roses unveiled their newest addition to their prestigious collection in The Netherlands– the "NADIA DURAN" Spray Rose. This exquisite rose represents elegance, resilience, and beauty, mirroring the journey and essence of my life and career.

From my roots in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, to becoming a global trailblazer in the events industry from Australia, my path has been one of passion, creativity, and dedication. It is incredibly humbling to see these qualities reflected in a beautiful flower that will now grace events and celebrations worldwide.

The introduction of the "Nadia Duran" spray rose took place in VOORN Spray Roses’ greenhouse in Luttelgeest, The Netherlands, and was attended by 50 guests from 17 countries, including my beloved family. The ceremony was a beautiful celebration, featuring a gastronomic lunch curated by esteemed chef Michael Cervino www.michaelcervino.com , followed by a cocktail reception at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam. And to finish the celebration, my guests were taken to Amsterdams No. 1 rooftop bar LuminAir.Amsterdam by Hilton. It was an unforgettable day that truly celebrated not just the rose, but also the essence of elegance and beauty it embodies.

For me, having a rose named in my honour is more than a recognition; it symbolises my vision of strong women with a vibrant core that softens outward. It is a tribute to my journey, my impact on the wedding industry, and my dedication to inspiring others.

The "Nadia Duran" spray rose will be available globally from April to October. I am excited for florists, event planners, and rose enthusiasts to experience the beauty and elegance of this remarkable flower.

All proceeds from the introduction day on the 5th July at the Aaslmeer Flower Auction Royal FloraHolland were donated to the FIDEM Foundation, supporting women’s mental health and well-being across Europe, a cause very close to my heart.

I am incredibly grateful to VOORN Spray Roses for this wonderful recognition and to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey. This collaboration transcends beyond flowers; it's about inspiring stylists, planners, and my loved ones to chase their dreams. My mission is to spark creativity and awaken passion in others.

Thank you for sharing this special moment with me and for my incredible and talented team who made this event possible.

Rose Muse and Planner Nadia Duran
Flower Grower VOORN Spray Roses
Media Partner Wedded Wonderland
Videographer/ Content Creator USRAStudios
Host Venue/ Evening Reception Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Gastronomy Experience www.michaelcervino.com
Event Designer Hella Huizinga Wedding & Event Design
Nadia’s Gown Diane Lewis Couture
Photographer Michael Zennaro Photography
Violinist during Lunch
Rooftop bar LuminAir.Amsterdam

11/07/2024

Discover how Nadia Duran, award-winning event planner, celebrated joining the Rose Hall of Fame in The Netherlands.

13/02/2024

“We come to this world alone, we leave this world alone, but we do life together.” These words resonate deeply within me, encapsulating the essence of our shared experiences. Each wedding we plan together is not just an event; it’s a symphony of love, trust, and collaboration.

I am humbled and honoured to be listed on the Power-list of 2023-24 by the esteemed DWP as the 100 Top Planners in the world.

Thank you to DWP for the acknowledgment, to my incredible team for their unwavering support, and most importantly, to you, my cherished couples, for entrusting me with your most precious moments.

Together, we have turned dreams into reality, and as we continue to walk this path hand in hand, I am reminded that the true magic lies not just in the destination, but in the journey we undertake together.

20/12/2023

The City of Sydney has been turned into a festive paradise with stunningly designed Christmas installations. Share with me in the comments which installation is your personal favourite.

1. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
2. Darling Quarter
3. Intercontinental Hotel Double Bay
4. The Rocks, Sydney
5. Barangaroo, Sydney

My first Christmas design started at one of Sydney's best-located luxury hotels, the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. The centrepiece is a magnificent 10-meter-tall Christmas tree adorned with a mesmerising blend of illuminated Christmas stars at the base, creating a celestial effect. As the design ascends, it seamlessly transitions into a mix of lights, symbolising a journey through the night sky. At the pinnacle, large gold Christmas baubles represent the moon, and their convergence with the stars in the centre of the tree beautifully encapsulates the poetic notion of reaching for both the moon and the stars. This installation not only radiates festive charm but also tells a visually poetic story of celestial aspirations.

My 2nd Installation is Darling Quarter… I'm incredibly honoured to have had the opportunity to craft a unique piece of art for the Darling Quarter, a vibrant precinct offering some of the finest attractions in Sydney. My creation involves two oversized sustainable Christmas gifts at Darling Quarter, constructed from 2,000 individual plants and adorned with giant red illuminated Christmas bows. As a special touch, after the holiday season, Darling Quarter will be gifting these plants to spread the festive cheer even further.

I continued through the city and made my way to the Intercontinental Hotel Double Bay, I adorned the Intercontinental House for Christmas with a special installation of a colossal gift box featuring an oversized bow. The concept behind this design is to convey the idea that “Life is a Gift”. This enormous gift box serves as a delightful backdrop for hotel guests, inviting them to capture memorable moments through photographs. The unique and custom Christmas installation not only adds a festive touch to the surroundings but also offers a visually striking and joyful experience for everyone at the hotel.

One of my favourites this year is at The Rocks Sydney. I adorned a Christmas tree at "The Rocks Sydney" in a truly unique way. It's the first time an Australian Christmas tree has been decorated with native flowers and First Nations art. The vibrant and colourful Australian native flowers bring a lively and distinct touch to the traditional Christmas tree. The accompanying First Nations art, designed by “Yuwin Nhadhi”, beautifully represents elements of Country, Family, and Connection, paying homage to the rich cultural heritage of Australian First Nations. This Christmas installation is not only visually stunning but also carries a meaningful narrative that celebrates the essence of the land and its people.

My grand finale was at Barangaroo Sydney, I have transformed a Christmas tree at "Barangaroo Sydney" into a truly unique and culturally rich installation. This marks the first time an Australian Christmas tree has been adorned with native flowers and First Nations art. Situated in the heart of Barangaroo, the tree boasts a stunning backdrop of the Sydney harbour, blending seamlessly with the blue skies of Sydney—a perfect symphony of colours. The artist behind this masterpiece is Joanne Cassady, a resilient descendant of the Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta Nations, and a proud mother of six. Her profound artwork, inspired by her personal stories, not only supports and preserves culture and language but also serves as a means to heal the wounds of the stolen generation. This Christmas installation at Barangaroo is not just a visual delight but also a powerful testament to the strength of indigenous culture and the importance of storytelling through art.

I hope that you can walk the streets of Sydney and experience these beautiful Christmas installations that I designed and created with all my heart! Thank you to all of these iconic venues for allowing me to create magic in the city of Sydney.

Merry Christmas!

The City of Sydney has been turned into a festive paradise with stunningly designed Christmas installations. Share with me in the comments which installation...

28/10/2023

Nadia Duran is a name well-known in the wedding industry. Crafting dream weddings and events with precision and style has always been her strength, and she has always been passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise. It has been a pleasure hosting her at various editions of the DWP Congress...

05/09/2023

Feeling so grateful and inspired after attending the dreamy "Wedded at The William Inglis" industry famil hosted by Wedded Wonderland

Our experience included a stay at the William Inglis Hotel MGallery Hotel Collection and a "Racing to the Isle" dinner hosted in the stylish event space, The Barn.

For weddings ranging from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, The William Inglis Hotel offers a matchless blend of modern luxury and timeless charm, with its distinctive racing-themed atmosphere, idyllic surroundings, and accomplished team of event planners.

The venue boasts versatile spaces, exceptional catering, on-site accommodations, and ample parking, ensuring convenience and picturesque elegance for couples and their guests.

A big shoutout and thank you to Wedded Wonderland for curating such a fabulous evening with the industry's finest. Here's to more collaborations and breathtaking events!

With credit to the amazing suppliers involved:
Event Host
Venue
Table Styling
[email protected]
Candles
Furniture Hire
Content Creation
Photography
Entertainment
Photo Booth
Audio Guest Book
Chandeliers

14/07/2023

I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you. It is my honour to announce that I have been invited to be a keynote speaker at the upcoming ‘CELEBRATE CONFERENCE’

‘CELEBRATE CONFERENCE’ is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 2nd August at Le Montage, Sydney Australia. I will be delivering a keynote speech on the topic of Mental Health in the Events Industry. During my speech, I will be sharing valuable insights and practical strategies that I believe will greatly benefit you to find the power in you to embrace adversity and shine.

Mark you calendars and meet me there. It promises to be an engaging and enlightening session, providing you with actionable knowledge and inspiration to grow your business as you grow as a person and as an individual. I am excited to connect with each and every one of you.

Get your tickets here https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1064405

15/05/2023

My design at celebrates the spirit in me that helped me to open new doors when old doors were shut. It is a hero voice in me who lifted me up when I lost my loving partner Shane. It is the voice in me that tells me every day to live my life to the fullest and that purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste it, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.

Thank you for my beautiful gown, you made me feel so special in Istanbul

Thank you for my beautiful flowers. Thanks to our main sponsor media sponsor and venue sponsor who hosted my stay and the entire event. Gala night sponsor CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul, PR sponsor Privée PR Istanbul, sound and lightning sponsor Staras Technical Productions, panels sponsor Yapı Kredi, hosting sponsor Go Türkiye, thank you for flying me all the way from Australia. Amazing music by DJ

22/03/2023

The Table Design Exhibition in Istanbul Capital of Celebrations has been a great success and I want to share my design with you. The opulent colours of suns...

22/03/2023

The Table Design Exhibition in Istanbul Capital of Celebrations has been a great success and I want to share my design with you.

Witness the first moment when I got inspired, step by step of the design concept, ex*****on and production, the hard work and dedication of my team who made it all possible.

The exhibition had a great impact on the global event industry as the only one of its kind in the world with magnificent designs of 9 world Celebrity designers from 6 continents. Colin Cowie, Revelry Event Designers Edgardo Zamora, Eddie Zaratsian, Gideon L. Hermosa, Sarah Young - Luxury Event and Wedding Planner Malta, La Fete Event Planning by Arturo de Noriega, Tomas De Bruyne Floral Design, Ghada Blanco and me, Nadia Duran

And I am incredibly honoured and grateful to have been chosen and be part of it. Thank you Meltem Bayazıt Tepeler for this incredible opportunity and magnificent initiative.

The opulent colours of sunsets from bright yellows, to orange, pink and purple shades inspired my design and made me feel alive again after a big loss. Istanbul became in my eyes “The Centre of Life” With its’ door to the past and future.

My design represents the DOOR that opens possibilities from the old and from the new. In my eyes, Istanbul is the door that invites us to step into new beginnings, embrace changes in life and become something new.

My design gave the guests a completely immersive experience, enabling them to interact and stimulate all of their senses. I gave a wish to each visitor and invited them to enter the door of Istanbul and make a wish upon a star. A new commencement was waiting for them on the other side of this door with renewed energy and hope.

On the table, my design consisted of 2 birds that meet in the Centre of Life and fly in different directions, (one is me and the other bird is my late partner Shane). Just like these 2 birds, I invite everyone to expand their wings, be fearless and fly high.

These birds were made out of flowers and Turkish spices which gave warm, sensuous, mysterious, and exotic sultry aromas.

The 2 ponds on the inside of my design represented Istanbul, a city that reclines on the Bosporus strait with one foot on Europe and the other on Asia, the meeting place of two cultures. The water sounds were naturally soothing making people feel at peace as they entered through the door.

My entire design concept captured the colourful, vibrant spirit, exotic and passionate Turkish life that resembles my own personality, heritage and culture.

All my gorgeous flowers were sponsored by the one and only Royal Flowers, which are my favourite Ecuadorian roses and these roses are considered the best in the world.
I also want to especially thank the incredibly talented designer VELANI who created the most beautiful gown for me for this event. Thank you to Natalie By Design who created the most stunning menus which reflected the 2 birds that meet in the Centre of Life.
Thank you PTaufiq Photography for these incredible images.

Thanks to our main sponsor Çift Geyik Karaca, media sponsor Maison Française Türkiye, and venue sponsor Raffles Istanbulwho hosted my stay and the entire event. Gala night sponsor CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul, PR sponsor Privée PR Istanbul, sound and lightning sponsor Staras Technical Productions, panels sponsor Yapıkredi, hosting sponsor Go Türkiye, thank you for flying me all the way from Australia.

Thanks to everyone for your great support, this wouldn’t have been possible without you.

THANK YOU!
Nadia Duran

The Table Design Exhibition in Istanbul Capital of Celebrations has been a great success and I want to share my design with you. The opulent colours of suns...

29/12/2022

Tomorrow Friday 30th December from 9:00am AEST, we will be giving away by donation the 2000 individual plants that formed part of the two giant Christmas Presents at Darling Quarter as part of my installation this Christmas.

Donations start from $5 per plant. All proceeds go to the The Indigenous Literacy Foundation to close the gap for children in remote communities and also to create books in their native language.


Please come and meet my team and I, we will be putting these oversized presents apart and we want you to take one plant home.

Meet at 1-25 Harbour St, Sydney NSW 2000. Friday 30th December from 9:00am - till all plants are gone!!!

19/12/2022

I transformed the The City of Sydney Australia into a Christmas wonderland with beautiful designed installations. The 2022 season is here! Which one is your favourite?

My first Christmas design started at InterContinental Double Bay in Sydney Australia, a luxurious hotel with a homely feel. I created a magical enchanted Christmas forest with a series of illuminated trees and luxurious touches of red.

I continued through the city and made my way to one of Sydney's best located luxury hotels, the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney. I created a total experience for the hotel guests, with the lighting of the 10m Christmas Tree ceremony and festive carols sung by the Australia Girls Chor. The Tree I designed consisted of more than 2,000 handwired Christmas ornaments and added a star topper to shine throughout the foyer. We then completed the installation with 5 giant Christmas baubles that I painted by hand and suspended from the 12 m high ceilings.

I couldn’t be more proud than being invited to design a one of a kind piece of art for Darling Quarter which is an exciting precinct boasting some of the best things to do in Sydney. I designed and created two oversized sustainable Christmas Gifts at Darling Quarter, made out of 2,000 individual plants and giant red Christmas bows, which at the end of Christmas, Darling Quarter will be giving away these plants. Stay tuned!

My next destination was at Crown Sydney, a skyscraper that redefines luxury in the heart of the iconic harbour city, offering an opulent resort oasis unrivaled in Australia. To celebrate Christmas, I designed a custom Christmas tree for Watches of Switzerland Australia located up in the lobby at Crown Sydney featuring the iconic ‘Watches of Switzerland’ W as a Star. The Tree is wrapped with 5,000 custom bubbles in a swirl to represent “Sweeping Through Time”.

My Christmas installations continued at Woodcut Restaurant, one of Australia’s top fine dining restaurants. At the heart and soul of Woodcut is fire with its focus on raw materials transformed by wood, coal and steam. To stay aligned with Woodcut’s heart and soul, I designed beautiful sustainable natural Christmas wreaths using organic materials such as cotton, hessian, willows and dehydrated florals giving the look and feel of fire that represents the soul of Woodcut.

The grand finale of this year’s Christmas Installations was at The Rocks Sydney. The Rocks is the birthplace of modern Sydney. With the arrival of European settlers in 1788, it was here that the convicts first set up house and shop. I’m privileged to design this year’s Christmas at The Rocks’ towering seven-metre-tall Christmas tree complete with extravagant decorations and lighting. You’ll find the tree in the heart of The Rocks at the top of Jack Mundey Place and covered in gorgeous golds, silvers and champagnes as well as warm white fairy lights.

I hope that you are able to walk the streets of Sydney and experience these beautiful Christmas installations that I designed and created with all my heart! Thank you to all of these iconic venues for allowing me to create magic in the city of Sydney.

Thank you Platinum Video for this incredible video. You perfectly captured all the beauty of each installation.

Comment below which one is your favourite installation:

1. Intercontinental Hotel Double Bay
2.Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
3.Darling Quarter
4.Watches of Switzerland at Crown
5.Woodcut
6.The Rocks, Sydney

Merry Christmas!

The City of Sydney has transformed into a Christmas wonderland by Nadia Duran with beautiful designed installations My first Christmas design started at Inte...