STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Featured in this week’s Staten Island’s Best Dressed are photos of a milestone birthday of former Staten Islander Nashelle Dukes at Blue Pearl Restaurant, Stapleton, on Sept. 6.

Guests arrived in showstopping style for the fabulous fete on Navy Pier Court, in Urby, and stayed true to the “Rare Jewel” theme.

Ladies and gentlemen sparkled in tailored suits and elegant cocktail attire, proving semi-formal is always in style.

The evening kicked off at 5:45 p.m., with invitations noting the party’s gold-and-jewel-toned aesthetic, right down to the décor and table settings.

Family and friends came out to support Dukes as she marked the milestone, filling the venue with well-wishes throughout the night. Complimentary valet parking was offered to guests, adding an extra touch of ease to the celebratory evening.

(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)Beautiful Nashelle Dukes is flanked by Nelson Archibald, left, Eric Dukes, Jr., and Evan Dukes
(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)

“My 50th birthday celebration was so special because it was more than just a party — it was a celebration of my journey, the people I love, and this incredible milestone in my life,” said Dukes, mother of Eric, Jr. and Evan Dukes. “I wanted everyone who came to feel the same love, joy and happiness I was feeling in that moment.”

“Having my family and friends there, surrounded by laughter and so much love, made the night truly unforgettable.”

Between the candlelit tables, gleaming gold décor, and a crowd dressed to the nines, the party was every bit as fabulous as its guest of honor — easily earning its spot as this week’s feature for Staten Island’s Best Dressed.

Guests mingled throughout the night, sharing toasts and well-wishes as they celebrated Dukes stepping into this new decade.

Nashelle DukesBernard McCullers, Nashelle Dukes
smile for the amera on the occasion of Nashelle’s 50th birthday. (Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)

“Turning 50 felt like stepping into a new chapter, and I wanted the celebration to reflect exactly how I feel — grateful, joyful, confident and excited for everything still ahead,” added Dukes. “Being able to share that moment with the people I love, and make them feel just as special, was the greatest gift of all.”

Check out the highlights of the special soiree below.

If you would like to be considered for future installments of this column, send high-resolution photos, a brief description of the event, and the names of everyone in the photos to gsantos@siadvance.com.

(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)Pictured are, from left: Faith Archibald, Nelson Archibald, Eric Dukes, Jr., Nashelle Dukes, Evan Dukes, and Grace Archibald.
(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)From the left, Jordan Royal, Evan Dukes, Jennifer Worrell, Justin Santos and Eric Dukes, Jr. enjoy Nashelle Dukes’ 50th birthday. (Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)Birthday girl Nashelle Dukes is flanked by Justin Royal, left, Eric Dukes, Jr., Evan Dukes, and Jordan Royal. (Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)Nashelle Dukes celebrated her 50th birthday at Blue Pearl Restaurant, in Stapleton, on Sept. 6, surrounded by her nearest and dearest. (Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)From left, Sylvia Byrd, LaShana Brown, Shanique Brown, and Jennifer Worrell smile for the camera. (Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)Evan Dukes smiles for the camera at his mom’s 50th birthday celebration. (Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)From left, Colleen Ortiz-Ferguson, Lajuana Archibald, Nashelle Dukes, Janet Witherspoon, Ernestina McCullers enjoy Nashelle’s 50th birthday celebration.
(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)From the left on the bottom are Mr. & Mrs. Winston Bryd. At the top, from the left, are Shareen Bryd, Deneen Sims and Sylvia Bryd.(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)From left, front row are: Sylvia Byrd, Nashelle Dukes, Shanique Brown. In the back row are, from the left, LaShana Brown, Ebony Glover and Jennifer Worrell.
(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography) (Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)

MORE BY DR. GRACELYN SANTOS

(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)Evan Dukes, Eric Dukes, Jr. And Nashelle Dukes pose for the camera on the occasion of Nashelle’s 50th birthday. (Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)Justin Royal, left, Ebony Glover and Jordan Royal pose for the camera.
(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)(Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)Jaqueline Collie and Eric Dukes, Jr. share an embrace at Nashelle Dukes’ 50th birthday party. (Courtesy of Nells Vision Photography)