SIMPLY WED: Ellesse + Bobby

Ellesse and Bobby's wedding at The Mackey House was so creative and fun! They were amazing clients who really let us come up with crazy ideas, and loved it all! They wanted a wildflower themed wedding, with pops of red. We did their flowers, and knew we wanted it to be different! Her bouquet was a mix of wildflowers, mini daisies and lisianthus, while her bridesmaids had babys breath, queens anns lace and ferns. Her isle-way featured fern bunches with lavender accents. The show stopper were her hanging test tube chandeliers! Made by Grace Graffiti, each test tube had stems of flowers, while the tables had mis-matched bottles with flowers. We LOVE when a bride trusts our vision, and it turned out amazing! Photography by Dream Weaver Photography!

On top of our wedding planning packages, we offer full flower services! For more information, contact us via our website or ivorybeauweddings@gmail.com

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Wedding Paper Divas Boundless Blossoms + Sarah Seven Violet Hour

Not going to lie... I am not one who rushes to go shopping Black Friday or even the weekend after Thanksgiving. I am quite content enjoying the warm comfort of my couch watching episode after episode of my TV show of the moment. That being said... I do love a good sale on stuff I need, such as white strips buy one get one free. Yup, I am all for that. Or even better... how about getting the stuff I need online and not even having to get in my car and drive somewhere but still save a ton of money. I am so down for that. And that brings me to the awesome sale Wedding Paper Divas is having right now that we wanted to share with ya'll - 25% off sitewide. So if you are in need of some amazing invitations be sure to check out their current sales going on. I am pretty much obsessed with these Boundless Blossoms invitations, part of their BHLDN collection. So of course I was inspired to create a mood board featuring not only these floral print invites but also one of our newest dresses, Violet Hour by Sarah Seven. Click here to check out the sale! Happy shopping and hope ya'll had a fantastic Thanksgiving! 

{Photo Credits} Invitation via Wedding Paper Divas // Flowers via Elizabeth Anne Designs, photography by Sara Hasstedt // Violet Hour by Sarah Seven, available at Ivory + Beau, via Style Me Pretty, photography by Greg Lewis // Cake via The Perfect Palette // Reception via Modernly Wed, photography by J Wiley Photography // Boutonniere via Elizabeth Anne Designs, photography by Sara Hasstedt

DESIGNER FEATURE: Jaclyn Jordan

We love Jaclyn Jordan. Not only does she make amazing accessories (which you will see below!) but she is so kind, sweet, and supportive. We love talking to her, especially when we have a million questions about the shop, which happens a lot. We are so blessed to have a support system like her, and we wanted to take this Wednesday to brag about her! All of the amazing accessories below are by Jaclyn, and can be customized any way you please! From adding rhinestones, changing length, or even a custom color, Jaclyn and her team can do it all!

Art Nouveau photographed by Mackensey Alexander / Olive Veil, Betty Headband, Maisie Clip

Elaya Vaughn Lookbook photographed by Alexis Sweet / Jill Veil and Elaine Sash 

Bridal Editorial photographed by Izzy Hudgins / Olive Veil, Allie Belle Sash, Jessica Veil 

Styled Shoot photographed by Sawyer Baird / Jessica Veil

Wormsloe Shoot by Simply Sarah Photography / Olive Veil

BLACK FRIDAY WHITE WEDDING

Black Friday? Nah, White Wedding Week is how we are doing it at Ivory + Beau. This week 20% off your bridal gown purchase plus we have samples for sale off the floor starting at $500+. These dresses are in good condition and are beautiful. Perfect for the bride who is getting married in a few months and doesn't have time to wait for a special order and who wants to save a lot of money on her designer gown. Call us at (912)200-4794, e-mail ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here to schedule an appointment. Open Tuesday 11-6, Wednesday 11-4, closed Thursday and open regular hours on Friday 11-6 and Saturday 10-6. Let's find your wedding dress! :) 

{Photo Credits} Evangeline via Elaya Vaughn Editorial, photography by Alexis Sweet // Marlo via Bridal Editorial, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Maria via Bridal Editorial, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Gemma via 1920's Styled Shoot, photography by Gagan Dhiman

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Lakeside + Nicole Miller

If you saw our post a few weeks ago, you know how much we love the Dakota gown by Nicole Miller!! We LOVE love LOVE how versatile this gown is, and how it is so figure flattering! I mean, hello perfect hourglass! We love her sweetheart neckline with built in corset, and the train is stunning. We love this bride rocking Dakota at a lakeside wedding, so I knew I had to put together a lakeside inspiration board! It's even complete with a canoe ice bucket! If you are loving Dakota, set up your appointment to try her on! 912-200-4794

{Photo Credits} Gown Dakota by Nicole Miller, available at Ivory and Beau // Hanging Centerpiece via Ruffled, Design and Flowers by Faye + Renee, Photography by Clayton Austin // Location via Ruffled, Photography by Orange Turtle Photography // Escort Cards via Southern Weddings, Paper and design by Hi Note, Photography by Melissa Schollaeart // Invitations via The Knot, Stationary by A Milestone Paper Co, Photography by Kelly Brown Wedding

THANKSGIVING SALE

In the spirit of giving we are having a huge Thanksgiving week sale!! We will be open Tuesday regular hours 11-6pm then on Wednesday closing early at 4pm, closed all day Thursday and back open on Friday 11-6pm! If you have family coming to town this is a great time to come check out our dresses that are marked at 20% off during the holiday week as well as sample gowns that can be purchased off the rack starting at $700. To schedule an appointment call us at (912)200-4794, e-mail ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here!! We look forward to helping you find the dress of your dreams at a great price!! 

{Photo Credits} Photography: Rach Lea // Hair: Jenika Ventura // Styling, Dresses and Accessories: Ivory + Beau // Makeup: Lauren (middle model) // Dresses (from left): Blush by Hayley Paige, Sarah Seven, Alvina Valenta // Hair vine: Twigs & Honey // Floral Crown: Colonial House of Flowers // Sash and Bow Headpiece: Ivory & Lace

SIMPLY WED: Brandi + Zack

So excited that we are finally getting around to sharing this wedding from last summer at Old Fort Jackson!! Brandi was one of the few local brides I have worked with and it was so fun helping her plan all the details of their big day. The wedding was styled with a vintage rustic appeal with a color palette of shades of pinks and ivories. They mixed in burlap details with vintage china for a pretty and soft romantic wedding. Anyway, huge congratulations to Brandi + Zack for their marriage and thank you to all the vendors who helped make their day!! 

{Vendor Credits} Photography: Dragonfly Photography // Wedding Planner: Ivory + Beau // Ceremony Location: Old Fort Jackson // Reception Venue: Old Fort Jackson // Caterer: Creative Catering // Flowers: A to Zinnias // Rentals: In Any Event // China Rentals: Lillian's China // Trolley: Oglethorpe Tours // Reception Music: The Accomplices // Hair + Makeup: Beyond Beautiful by Heather // Cake: Rum Runners // Deserts: Lulu's Chocolate Bar 

SIMPLY PUBLISHED: {Carolina Bride} Lowcountry Vow

When incredible photographer, Sawyer Baird, contacted us to see about borrowing a dress and accessories for a book we obviously said yes and were seriously delighted. And today we received the book, Carolina Bride, and are pretty much so distracted that the thought of getting any work done today seriously just went out the window. It feels pretty surreal and is very very exciting. To see your business name in a BOOK? That is just crazy to me and so amazing. Pinching myself I am so excited. Anyway, huge thank you to Sawyer for contacting us!! This is a dream come true!! Anyway, here are some snaps of the book, but it is a gorgeous book and I would highly recommend for a coffee table addition for all you brides to be!!

Also, on the website you can see some more sneak peeks from the book here:

Woo hoo!!!! 

{Vendor Credits} Carolina Bride Book // Dress by Saint Isabel Bridal, available at Ivory and Beau January 31st - February 7th 2015 // Photography by Sawyer Baird // Veil by Jaclyn Jordan, Hair piece by Twigs and Honey, both available at Ivory and Beau // Hair and Makeup by Michelle Royal // Flowers and Calligraphy by Sarah Ingram

SIMPLY BORROWED: Savannah Romance

Back in May the incredible and crazy talented Saywer Baird asked us to borrow a gown. She was looking to do a soft and romantic shoot here in Savannah, which we loved! At the time we were having our Saint Isabel trunk show, and knew her Julia gown would be perfect. With her illusion neckline, soft chiffon, and lace bodice, we knew this was the one! Paired with our chantilly lace veil by Jaclyn Jordan and hair vine by Twigs and Honey, it was a match made in heaven.  This amazing shoot was featured on Style Me Pretty, and will be apart of the Carolina Bride Book that came out in November!

If you LOVE this amazing gown, you're in luck!! We will have another trunk show with Saint Isabel January 31st - February 7th 2015. This is an appointment only engagement, and it's never too early to book yours!

{Vendor Credits} Dress by St. Isabel Bridal, available at Ivory and Beau January 31st - February 7th 2015 // Photography by Sawyer Baird // Veil by Jaclyn Jordan, Hair piece by Twigs and Honey, both available at Ivory and Beau // Hair and Makeup by Michelle Royal // Flowers and Calligraphy by Sarah Ingram

DESIGNER FEATURE: Nicole Miller

I'll admit, Nicole and I were a little unsure about adding a new designer at market. We were especially unsure since we had never seen Nicole Miller Bridal in person. But all of this changed at market. Once we saw them in person we knew immediately we had to add them!! From her detailed laces, to her stretchy and comfortable silk, her gowns are perfect for every bride! So here are some of the many reasons we love Nicole Miller! We now have Nicole Miller gowns in our shop, so make sure to set up an appointment to try these lovely gowns on!

1. Handmade in the USA: These gowns are handmade in NYC. So that means amazing craftsmanship, American made, and the best quality! We strive to have USA made gowns here at Ivory and Beau, showing you can get a great gown right here at home.

2. Her gowns are classic: Nicole Miller is known for her clean lines and stretchy, body hugging gowns. Her gowns are sophisticated, chic with a modern touch. But she doesn't just do silk, she has an amazing selection of lace gowns that you are going to love! She has such a range, from her classic and fitted Dakota mermaid, to her sheath lace Jamie gown. So many styles to choose from!

3. Her Price: One of our favorite things about Nicole Miller is the price! Her gowns start at $1000! Handmade in the US and under $2500? Yes please! So brides, you don't have to spend thousands to get an amazing gown with impeccable quality!

4. Need a gown ASAP? But don't want to go to David's Bridal? Nicole Miller is perfect for you! Select gowns can be received within a week! Is your wedding in a year? No worry, we can place the order and have the standard bridal timeline of 4 - 6 months.

{Photo Credits} Alexis Gown // Jamie Gown, via The Wedding Boutique, Photography by Zoom Fiji // Millie Gown // Dakota Gown, via Style Me Pretty, Photography by Sarah Kate

THOUGHTS TUESDAY: Ivory + Beau is an Adventure

Today I'm on the blog to share some honest thoughts with you all so take it or leave it, this is just me thinking out loud, writing it down and sharing it. I don't know if its just me but do you ever feel like sometimes you get lost in the hustle and bustle of everything going on around you. Lost in those feelings of stress and anxiety. Lost in the everyday motions of what you are doing. So lost that you forget why you are doing what you are doing. So lost that you even forget that you do love what you are doing and that you are lucky that you are doing what you are doing. And that you started this journey for a reason and that was to pursue a career doing something you love every day because you have seen others before you in a career they were unhappy about. And you have seen that you don't ever want that to be you. But yet you wake up one morning and realize you are lost. Just moving forward. One day at a time. Going through the motions. Not really fully appreciating everything going on. Not appreciating that somebody else out there wishes they had the same challenges, the same struggles that you are facing. Because that would mean they have the life and the career you have. I got lost. I got stuck in the motions and forgot what it was really about. And every once in awhile it happens. Typically it occurs when I let stress overcome my life. And it is with no surprise that while I'm sitting here writing this that I have a serious sore throat and I am feeling very sick and not at all 100% and I am drinking cough syrup while drinking tea with honey and eating marshmallows since somewhere online I saw that was supposed to help? Sometimes we get lost in the motions and forget to stop, look around and just be damn grateful for where we are. And so today, I'm stopping the motion and I'm going to look back and reflect on the journey I have come. Because while I've come so far, there are so many mountains still to climb, so many adventures and so many challenges I must overcome. And its going to be hard at times, but that's okay. Because I chose this path for a reason and today I am going to reflect on that very reason and choose to keep moving regardless of the fact that I am about 89% sure I have a fever right now and I feel miserable. But it's going to be okay. And I am going to move past these struggles and come out on top with a little elbow grease and a lot of hard work. Now for a journey back in time and all the adventures to come. Hope you enjoy this little blast from the past featuring some of my favorite styled shoots and some of the seriously amazing clients we have had the pleasure of working with!!

The journey begins with Layla and overseeing everything that she did for weddings and for her believing in me enough to take me under her wing. The very first styled shoot I ever helped her with was featured on Green Wedding Shoes. For the shoot I did not have a huge role but I did get to design all the paper products, help with styling the dessert table and make a fabric garland (which I still have somewhere.... most likely in a dangerous spot tucked away up in our closet where we have a lot of recycled wedding decor in the shop). Anyway, this was the shoot that really got everything started... those creative juices and all. And after this shoot I wanted more. I wanted to keep creating, keep designing, keep coming up with new and exciting ideas to inspire brides. And that is what we did and it has been more fun and exciting than you will ever know.

So while styled editorial shoots are fun and all... there is nothing more rewarding than a happy bride and groom who are so in love with each other that they just radiate happiness. I have worked with so many different couples and this is by far the best part of my job. When on the wedding day they come to us and say how thankful and how happy they are and how much fun and awesome their wedding day was. Sure there might have been a few hiccups, but those couples who cherish every moment of their wedding day with their friends, family and loved ones because they know that this day means so much more than the flowers, the food, the music... this day means they are dedicating their lives to one another for better or for worse and they have brought the people to this wedding who they want to help them, stand by their side, and support them through their difficulties and their good times. That is the utmost important and special thing to me.

Thank you to everyone who has supported not just me but Ivory + Beau in the adventures we have had thus far. From Layla who was the beginning, to my dad who believes in us when even I don't, to Adrienna's boyfriend who fixes stuff and figures out the hard stuff, to our friends, family and all our Instagram followers who make me so excited when they write on our posts. Nothing could have brought us to where we are without every single one of you and I am excited for the adventures the future has in store for us and hope you will continue with us in our journeys. Sincerely, a super short ginger kid with a big dream.

{Photo Credits} Mint + Gold Styled Shoot, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Bohemian Teepee Shoot, photography by Teresa Earnest // Gems + Rocks, photography by Mackensey Alexander // Ethereal Woodland Bridal Editorial, photography by Mackensey Alexander // Barn Styled Shoot, photography by Allison Kuhn // Oddities, photography by Rach Lea // Botanical Styled Shoot, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Mary Rose + Ross, photography by Alison Epps // Arlette + Juan, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Amanda + AJ, photography by Life's Highlights // Kate + Zach, photography by Shannon Christopher // Liz + Josh, photography by Teresa Earnest // Shannon + Steven, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Kristen + Mike, photography by Tessa Marie // Brandy + Matthew, photography by Jade + Matthew // Maureen + Nick, photography by Once Like a Spark

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Sage + Gold

One of our favorite gowns by Ti Adora is this amazing ivory and champagne gown. She is so soft, and features beading throughout, with a rhinestone sash attached. The back is extra low, with flutter sleeves. Inspired by these sage and gold invitation suites, we love the idea of using soft greens, golds, and crisp white with a champagne gown. It really allows the gown (and you!) to stand out! The best accessory for this look is definitely a crown by Carlee Sizemore! We love her simplistic look of stamped gold. We will have her accessories in an exclusive trunk show in our shop, this week! (November 15th - 22nd) So make sure to call us and try this lovely gown and some amazing accessories!

{Photo Credits} Dress by Ti Adora, available at Ivory and Beau // Hairpiece by Carlee Sizemore, available at Ivory and Beau November 15th - 22nd // Centerpiece via Ruffled, Flowers by Katherine Farley, Photography by She Wanders // Stationary by Lilly and Louise // Bouquet via Ruffled, Flowers by Lizy's Lillies, Photography by Lindsey Orton // Escort Cards via Style Me Pretty, Flowers by Lee Vazquez Designs, Paper goods from Etsy // Cake via 100 Layer Cake, Cake by The Sugar Suite, Photography by Amalie Orrange

SIMPLY ENGAGED: Amber + David

Amber + David are one seriously creative and awesome couples that we have been working with for their upcoming November wedding this month. They have made so many DIYs and have impeccable taste. We have worked with them on sourcing some really unique pieces to bring their look together, and while it hasn't always been easy it will be so worth it in the end when everything looks immaculate at their wedding at Wormsloe then Cohen's Retreat. Thank you Amber + David for sharing your fabulous engagement pictures taken by Lytle Foto (the raddest photographers you will ever meet...) and a little more about your love story!!!

Their story from the bride:

David and I met nearly 10 years ago when we were both attending Colorado State University which is in my home town of Pueblo. We were both raised in Colorado and our parents still live in Colorado. David and I knew each other through our classes together but we hadn't ever really socialized with one another, until David was talking to a mutual friend of ours who gave him my phone number. The friend and I had recently gone on a Art History study trip together, she was telling him about the trip, and about how I had just shaved my head, in support of my Aunt who was going through cancer treatment. He was intrigued by this and told her that he would like to have my phone number to see if we could go on a date sometime. When Neely told me that he was going to call, I remember thinking how I had admired him in our classes, especially our pottery classes (which was his major), and that I though he was very talented and always willing to lend a hand or some advice. I told her it was fine to give him my number, and he called the next night to ask me to go on a date. We talked for nearly two hours on that first call, and I knew that things would go well on the date. It was very close to his birthday, and he was planning to go home for the weekend to celebrate with his family, but neither of us wanted to wait until the following weekend to go out, so I invited him to a lecture that I was attending earlier in that week. We went to the lecture, at our local library, and then out to a coffee shop afterwords. We hit it off right away, our conversation wandered and looped back on itself, just like it does when you're talking to a friend that you've known for years. We ended up sitting and talking until they closed the coffee shop! We both knew after that, that we wanted to keep seeing one another. 

I was a year ahead of David in school, we were both pursuing our Bachelors degrees in Fine Art, a common interest that has been a very significant part of our individual lives and our relationship. 

We both knew that we wanted to pursue a Masters degree, so right out of the gate we started applying to schools. As luck would have it we came across Savannah College of Art and Design, which had both of the degree programs that we were interested in. We applied and were accepted on the same day! The admissions councilor dubbed us the dynamic duo!

So off to Savannah we went, for another two years in school. David studying Animation, and me, Illustration. 

We loved our time in Savannah together, we developed a love of cooking together in our tiny little attic apartment, in our even smaller kitchen. We would work side-by-side on our projects, and helped each other as much as we could (much like we have worked on planning this wedding together). We got a cat, and started to feel that we were our own little family. We collected friends along the way, and grew in our love for one another.

When we finished our degrees, I got a job right out of school, at Carter's the children's clothing company, so we moved to Atlanta where the company is headquartered. David moved right along with me, even though he didn't have a job prospect yet. It took him nearly a year of applying to positions, phone conversations, knocking on doors and literally walking into places offering to work for free to get his foot in the door. And finally it worked! That year was tough, for both of us, and it put some strain on our relationship. But I grew in my admiration of him, simply because he refused to give up on his passion, he didn't give up, he got up every morning, and worked as hard as he could to get where he wanted to go, all the while, taking care of the house, of me (and the cat). He is now a character artist at HiRez studios in Alpharetta. We both love our jobs and feel so lucky to have the ability to do what we love to do every day. 

Just as we did in Savannah, we have built a life here in Atlanta, we have collected friends, who we consider to be our extended family, we even call them our "Atlanta Family". We love everything that the city has to offer, and we have settled into a very nice little life here. We love to travel together. We go home to Colorado as often as we can. We take weekend trips here and there, sometimes to the Blue Ridge Mountians in north Georgia, we love to get away and get back to our roots, since we miss Colorado so dearly. We also go back to Savannah as often as we can, although we have lived in Atlanta longer now (4.5 years), than we lived in Savannah (2.5 years), it still feels like home in a way, since it was the first place that we lived together. We love going to Tybee beach, which was our primary escape when we were in grad school. We also go there once a year with our "Atlanta Family" for an end of Summer Labor day weekend at the beach. We have built this group of friends around us as an extension of our family, all of whom we look to for support and inspiration. We admire each of their relationships for different reasons, and we learn from them how to build a lasting relationship for ourselves. 

Of course, as with many relationships that have an extended courtship like ours, there were many times that our family and friends asked us when we would marry. We were both content with spending our lives together, regardless of our marital status. We both knew that we wanted to get our education and establish ourselves in our careers before we decided to make such an important decision as getting married. So we gave it the time we needed, we talked about the plans for our future together and agreed that we would know when the time was right. I did put two stipulations on the proposal, that it could not be on a holiday (or my birthday), and that he would not be able to pull-off making it a surprise, since we had been dating so long that I would simply know that it was coming. 

In December of 2012, David and I were home in Colorado, visiting our families for Christmas, as we have every year since we moved away. David came to visit my family (where i was staying), on Christmas day.  I did notice that he was acting a bit strange, but didn't think a lot of it, as we sat a chatted with my family. At a certain point he told me, "we need to get everyone together", he said that he needed to ask me something, and he proposed marriage with my family around us. He said that he felt that it was there where we had started out, and that he wanted to share that moment with me and them. He figured that proposing on a holiday was the only way that he could pull off the surprise, since I wouldn't be expecting it!

Nearly two years later, we will be married.

On September 19th of this year we celebrated 8 years together. 

We recognize how important it is that we have had such strong examples of lasting relationships in our lives, that our parents (grandparents in my case, who raised me and are my parents), laid a solid foundation for us, and gave us the best example of what real partnership looks like. We also recognize the couples that we have built friendships with, as we grow with them, and learn from them, we have seen our time with them has made us a better and stronger couple.

Thank you Amber + David for sharing and we are so excited for your wedding!!!

{Photo Credit} Lytle Foto