SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Something Navy

With fall setting, all we can think about here at the shop are dark gemstone colors. We love having navy as your accent color, and what better way to do it then with some glitter? We love the use of glitter tablecloths, mixed with golds and white. Paired with this gorgeous dress by Lena Medeyoff, and it's perfect! This Lena dress is available for 1% off during our sample sale, which runs though the end of September! Make sure to set up your appointment before time runs out!

{Photo Credits} Dress by Lena Medoyeff and sash by Hushed Commotion, both available at Ivory and Beau, photography by Allison Kuhn // Stationary via Wedding Chics, Invitations by Ink and Paper, Photography by Purple Tree Photo // Tablescape and cocktail hour via Magnolia Rouge, Flowers and styling by Philosophy Flowers, Table Linen by West Elm, Rentals by Miss Matched Rentals, Photography by Heather Payne // Bridesmaids via Grey Likes Weddings, Flowers by Zuzu's Petals and Gifts, Photography by Brett Heidebrecht

DESIGNER FEATURE: Wed Altered Pop Up Shop

We've been planning this show for months, and we're so excited that now it's here! Wed Altered trunk show is arriving this weekend! We are so excited to bring in all of these eco-friendly designers here to Savannah, and show them off. Savannah is a perfect place to wear an eco-friendly gown, with our spanish moss lined streets and square weddings. For a list of designers, look below!

We will have Wed Altered though September 21st, and appointments are filling fast, so make sure to set yours up! Give us a call at 912-200-4794!

Rania Hatoum - Her gowns are modern, feminine, and refined. Her gowns have impeccable structure, made from the most luxurious fabrics. The gowns are eye catching, with their lace details and Swarovski crystals.

Celia Grace - Each dress is handmade, using vintage inspired lace, handwoven silks and attention to detail. The gowns are Fair Trade, and with the purchase of each gown they donate a water filter to a family in need in Cambodia. When you buy a Celia Grace gown you are not only buying a gorgeous dress, but you are helping those in need!

Pure Magnolia - Their gowns are made of sustainable fabrics, like Indian silks, European laces, organic cottons, and vintage fabrics. Pure Magnolia also has separates, so you can mix and match a short dress with a long skirt to create a one of a kind dress!

Cicada Bridal - All of Cicada gowns are handmade in the USA, with the best fabrics. They combine figure flattering silhouettes, with movement and comfort. Their gowns feel as good as they look!

Janay A Handmade - All of her gowns are eco-friendly and handmade here in the US. Her fabrics are sustainable, like organic cotton and silk hemp. They feature hand beaded details, and hand draping.

Kendal Leonard - Handmade in North Carolina, Kendal's designs are made of sustainable fabrics, organic cottons, and vintage materials. Each dress is soft and comfortable, as well as eco-friendly. They are perfect for an outdoor bride, and she even has a variety of colors for the non-traditional bride!

Deborah Lindquist - Edgy and eco-friendly and sustainable. She uses environmentally conscious fabrics and cutting edge design to create one of a kind gowns.

SIMPLY PUBLISHED: {Fab You Bliss} Lindee Daniel Eco Chic Shoot

So excited that today our Lindee Daniel bridal editorial is featured on Fab You Bliss!! Thank you Mackensey Alexander for being magical and photographing these dresses for us! Marie Bramlett did hair + makeup for our 3 models, Sterling, Maegan and Savannah! The funky and fun accessories are from local Savannah boutique, Custard... which we would highly recommend checking out since they have some awesome clothing and accessories. We also used some bridal accessories from our designers, Faith Thornburg (navy velvet sash + pale blue velvet sash) and Elaya Vaughn (bling sash.) To see more of this awesome shoot check out Fab You Bliss and to read more about the shoot you can check it out on our blog here!! Thank you to Stephanie from the blog for featuring us!!! 

{Photo Credits} Photography: Mackensey Alexander // Gowns: Lindee Daniel // Necklaces: Custard Boutique // Hair + Makeup: Marie Bramlett of Wicked Lulu // Pale Blue + Navy Blue Sash: Faith Thornburg // Bling Sash: Elaya Vaughn // Red + Blue Belt: Custard Boutique

POP UP SHOP: KENDAL LEONARD DESIGNS

About the designer: Kendal came to our shop a few weeks ago to show us her dresses in person, and we loved them! They have classic silhouettes, which suit any body type. Her gowns are made organic and sustainable fabric, and are SOFT! Like, really soft. These dresses are comfortable, and are perfect for an outdoor wedding in the southern heat. 

"At Kendal Leonard Designs, there is nothing better than a clean and simple garment that is so comfortable and well-made you can focus on where you are, who you’re with, and having a great time while also looking great and feeling amazing."

Price Point:  $1000 - $1500

Pop Up Shop Dates: April 26th - May 3rd

Photo Credits: Images via Kendal Leonard, Her Etsy + Instagram 

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Pacific Northwest + {Celia Grace Pop Up Shop}

While I'm more of an East-coast girl (This is Adrienna by the way, I know Nicole is a Western girl at heart!) I really love the feel of the Pacific North West. The mountains, the trees, the lakes; It's all so different then where I come from (Ohio). Seeing these Celia Grace gowns really inspires me to want to get married on a huge lake, with greenery all around. With a succulent bouquet of course!

{Photo Credits} Celia Grace gown via Fab You Bliss, Photography by Loveridge // Mountainside kiss via Wedding Party, Photography by Ryan Flynn // Stationary via Intimate Weddings, Photography by Scott Clark Photo, Calligraphy by Love Jenna // Bouquet via Grey Likes Weddings, Photography by Laura Nelson, Flowers by Flower Thyme // Centerpiece via Once Wed, Photography by Landon Jacob, Flowers by Branches

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Green and Yellow + {Lindee Daniels Pop Up Shop}

If you haven't stopped in to see Lindee Daniel's gowns, you need to do so asap! They are so beautiful, so fun, so amazing. Since they are made of natural fabrics and dye, they are extremely soft, and feel great on! Her gowns would be perfect for a Spring or late Summer garden party, accented with patterns + green + yellow!

Remember, her gowns are only here until March 11th! Make your appointment today! We will be open Sunday the 9th for appointments only.

{Photo Credits} Tie + Boutonniere via Green Wedding Shoes, Photography by Rikki Ward, Custom ties by Jenny Rinzier + Alexa Fraser // Dress via Dream Love Photography, Gown Custom made by Lindee Daniel // Flowers + Cucumber drink via Style Me Pretty, Photography by La Vida Creations, Flowers by Isari // Cake via Wedding Chicks, Photography by Mirelle Carmichael, cake by Gayle's Bakery

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Macarons + {Lindee Daniels Pop Up Shop}

Today starts the first day of the Lindee Daniel Pop Up Shop!! Soft pinks are a perfect compliment to Lindee's drape-work. Her gowns hug your body at all the right places, and are all hand-made, so you know it is going to be perfect. These gowns are ONLY here until March 11th, so make sure to come in now! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, since her gowns are not sold anywhere in the south.

Appointment only so make yours today so we can help you find your dream gown!!

{Photo Credits} Gown via Dream Love Photography, Custom gown by Lindee Daniel // Mens attire via 100 Layer Cake, Photography by One Love // Macaroons via Polka Dot Bride, Photography by Sarzy O // Bridesmaids via Style Me Pretty, Photography by Jenny Sun, Styling by Chanele Rose Flowers and Event Styling // Cake via Pinterest

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Greenhouse Wedding + {Lindee Daniels Pop Up Shop}

Here at Ivory and Beau, we are constantly adding more shows for you! Our next one is the amazing, talented, and oh so kind, Lindee Daniel! If you're wearing an eco-friendly + hand dyed gown, the perfect place to get married would be a greenhouse! Such a beautiful setting, with nature all around you, and perfect lighting for pictures. After looking at all these pictures, I might just have to get married in one (or have my engagement pictures in one!!)

The Lindee Daniel Pop Up Shop starts tomorrow, Thursday March 6th and goes until Tuesday March 11th! We will be open Sunday the 9th by appointment only! Make your appointment today, they are booking up fast! Once they are gone, you won't be able to order them again, so make sure to stop in!!

{Photo Credits} Gown and Table Flowers via Brides, Gown by Lindee Daniel, Photography by Veronica Varos, Event + Floral Design by MT Lebanon Floral // Greenhouse Dinner via Intimate Weddings, Photography by Ash Imagery // Hanging Ceremony Backdrop via Wedding Chicks, Photography by Mirelle Carmichael, Planner Allumer Events // Bouquet via Wedding Chicks, Photography by Wild Whimsy Design

POP UP SHOP: Lindee Daniels

As sad as we are to see The Cotton Bride gowns head out tomorrow (Today is the last day for The Cotton Bride, so make sure to stop in!) we are oh-so-very excited for out next Pop Up Shop! Our next shop is Lindee Daniels, a designer who's gowns are not only gorgeous, but socially conscious and sustainable. Her gowns feature all natural dyes and fabrics, and are perfect for the eco-friendly bride. They are all made in Los Angeles, and 5% of all sales go toward at risk youth in LA.

The Designer: Living in Santa Monica, California, Lindee has a commitment to all things natural. Her love of the outdoors is apparent in her gowns, which are soft and feature gorgeous drape-work and texture.

The Collection: All made with organic silks and cottons, and dyed with natural dyes. Free of chemicals or synthetics. Silhouettes range from sheaths to ball gowns.

Price Range: $3000 +

Pop Up Shop Dates: March 7th - March 11th. We will be open Sunday the 9th for appointments!

{Photo Credits} Rebekah Gown via Wedding Chicks, photography by Elizabeth Messina, styling by Found Rentals // Gown via Burnetts Boards, Photography by Rebecca Arthurs, styling by Opihi Love // Gown detail via Ruffled, Photography by Dreamlove // Laya gown via Wedding Chicks, Photography by Elizabeth Messina // Train detail via Wedding Chicks, Photography by Lane Dittoe // Aubrey gown via 100 Layer Cake, Photography by One Love, flowers by Charlie and Olivia

{Organic Wednesday} Natalie Portman's Wedding

Natalie Portman Images

I have been a pretty big Natalie Portman fan ever since she was a little girl and starred in Beautiful Girls. Did you know that in 2003, Portman graduated from Harvard College with an A.B. degree in psychology, pretty smart eh!! How do you like them apples!? Well I did some snooping and only found a few paparazzi pictures online of her recent very Organic and Eco-friendly wedding, but have all the details. By the sounds of it, I would have LOVED their wedding, sadly I was not a guest.

"Although Portman debuted the rock at the Oscars last February, she and Benjamin Millepied made it official with a super-romantic wedding ceremony Aug. 4, 2012 at a private residence in Big Sur, Calif.

Wearing a bohemian wedding gown designed by her pals at Rodarte, the same house that made the purple dress that Portman wore to the 2010 Oscars. She wore flowers wrapped around her head and a long veil, she exchanged vows with French choreographer/dancer Millepied, 35, beneath a hand-crafted chuppah just after sundown on a spot overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Presided by a rabbi, the vows took place by candlelight beneath a hand-crafted chuppah. They were surrounded by family – including 14-month-old son. During the ceremony, the couple were wrapped in a tallits, a Jewish prayer shawl, and in keeping with custom, things ended with Millepied smashing a glass to shouts of "Mazel Tov!"

The wedding between Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied reflected not just the bride's Jewish faith and the groom's French nationality, but also the couple's outlook on the world. 

Instead of having flowers flown in, the ceremony featured wildflowers indigenous to the Big Sur coast where the ceremony took place, and instead of "fish or steak" the menu was strictly vegan in keeping with the bride's diet. Also instead of the traditional wedding cake, the couple opted for French macarons.

The reception was held under a tent at a private residence, and featured a Klezmer band. The newly married couple kicked the dancing off with a 20-minute hora dance before being lifted up in chairs by guests. 

When things wrapped up around 2 a.m., the approximately 100 guests took home packets of wildflower seeds as party favors. The packets were inscribed with a single word: Merci".

sources: read more and even more reading

Eco-chic Weddings

In case, you missed this before, I'm sharing it again because there are so many great ideas, I don't want it to get lost in the shuffle of my blog! I recently finished reading "Eco-chic Weddings" by Emily Elizabeth Anderson and have LOTS of great information to tell you about. As you know my passion is sharing eco-friendly ideas that you can consider for your wedding, it doesn't have to be everything, even a few green efforts can make a big difference. This will be a pretty lengthy post, so stick with me, have a cup of coffee, get a piece of paper to take notes, or get ready to click on links and bookmark them! Most of this information is directly from Emily's book and some I have added in.

Facts To Think About:

• According to Conde Nast Bridal Group- American Wedding Study 2006 the average American wedding is now $27,825 in 1990 it was $15,208
• Prioritize!! What is the most important part of your wedding that you are willing to spend money on and what could be edited out?
• Borrow -  Emily wrote in her book that she borrowed her friends pearl bracelet which was special since her friend couldn't be at the wedding. Maybe borrow someone’s veil too.
• Think about one-time-use items like your wedding shoes that you will only wear once, do you really want to spend that much on them?
• According to the Bridal Consultants of America, October is now the most popular month of the year to get married.
• Ask and find out if your venue/caterer compost leftover food? Could they donate to a compost community garden?
• Reduce: Send your wedding invitations earlier than planned so that you don’t have to send out save-the-dates, or it’s too late to send out save-the-dates so you just send invites
• Self-adhesive stamps come with non-recyclable plastic sheet backing so if possible get the moisten and stick stamps
• Recycle your ink cartridges, more than 300 million ink cartridges end up in landfills every year. You can take them to Staples and get a discount!
• Average money spent on honeymoon is $3.700
• This is a BIG FACT I DID NOT KNOW!! 10% of honeymooners go on a cruise, but did you know that one of the largest waterway polluters is the cruise ship industry! Discharge into the ocean by cruise ships is not covered under the Clean Water Act. I have actually never been on a cruise but it's such a huge industry for tourism.
• Consider going to a “green” location and doing “green” activities and rent from Enterprise Rent-A-Car since they have the Toyota Prius