50th Birthday at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff
When it comes to milestone celebrations, a 50th birthday deserves to be nothing short of extraordinary. This unforgettable evening, held at the Lowell Observatory Discovery Astronomy Center in Flagstaff, Arizona, was a perfect example of how thoughtful design, luxurious rentals, and a one-of-a-kind setting can come together for a celebration guests will never forget. You can learn more about this inspiring venue here.
Perched high in the pines of Northern Arizona, Lowell Observatory is known for its breathtaking views of the night sky, and it was the ideal backdrop for this starlit birthday soirée. As guests arrived, they were welcomed into an outdoor setting filled with warmth, style, and the excitement of honoring an incredible milestone. With curated spaces for lounging, dining, and dancing, the event flowed effortlessly from golden hour to moonlight.
To bring a sense of elevated comfort to the outdoor space, we furnished the event with our Cascade Eclipse sofas—a sleek, modular seating option in a rich, deep hue that feels both dramatic and refined. These sofas were arranged to form intimate lounge groupings throughout the space, offering guests the perfect spot to sip cocktails, catch up, and take in the beauty of the evening.
The dinner portion of the evening was equally elevated, featuring a mix of round and rectangular tables draped in luxurious linens and styled with glowing candles and vibrant florals. Our Ava dining chairs were chosen for their sculptural shape and modern elegance, enhancing the tablescapes without overwhelming the design. Their silhouette worked beautifully with the varied table layouts, ensuring every guest had a comfortable and stylish seat.
As the sun set, the space took on a romantic glow thanks in part to our Lune lamps—a favorite for evening events. These sculptural, moon-inspired lamps provided soft, ambient lighting that perfectly suited the observatory setting. Placed throughout the lounge areas, the Lune lamps offered both form and function, creating a soft glow while adding a modern, celestial element to the event aesthetic.
What made this 50th birthday party truly special was the level of care put into every detail. From the custom signage and floral installations to the variety of catering experiences and entertainment offerings, the event was a reflection of the guest of honor’s style, taste, and personality. It was celebratory without being over-the-top, elegant without feeling stuffy—proof that milestone moments can be heartfelt, luxurious, and fun all at once.
Guests enjoyed a variety of dining stations from some of Flagstaff’s most beloved restaurants and caterers, signature cocktails served at multiple bar setups, and a diverse mix of entertainment ranging from a symphony performance to live trivia and DJ sets. It was a night full of laughter, stories, and memory-making under the stars.
Event Design + Planning Kim Duncan Design // Photographer Cameron Clark Photography // Floral Design, Prop Production & Signage Bloom & Blueprint // Rentals National Structures / Illusions Phoenix // Rentals Epic Party Team // Linens BBJ / La Tavola Specialty Linens // Venue Lowell Observatory Discovery Astronomy Center // Catering Big Foot Catering, Fat Olives, Shift Kitchen & Bar // Cake Alfonso Zamudio-Osuna – Pastry Chef at Forest Highlands Golf Club // Bars Oeno Wine Lounge, Shift Kitchen & Bar, Grand Canyon Brewing // Entertainment Desert House Productions, Flagstaff Team Trivia, Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra // Gifting Canyon Coolers & Flagstaff Tee Factory // Event Host AWD Law