SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Sunset In A Field + {Celia Grace Pop Up Shop}

We are loving the Celia Grace gowns that have arrived for her POP-Up Shop!! These dresses are so soft, airy and light and so so perfect for a summer weather! We will only have these gowns through Saturday March 29th, so if you are interested in checking out this eco-friendly bridal gown collection call us at (912)200-4794 or e-mail at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com!!

{Photo Credits} Celia Grace sunset shoot via Pinterest, Photography by Joshua Sugiyama // Stationary and cupcakes via Wedding Chicks, Photography by Whitney Darling, Stationary by Table Top, Cupcakes from a local bakery // Couple in a field via Brides, Photography by Kate Headley // Flowers and sunset scene via Style Me Pretty, Photography by Three Nails, Flowers by April Flowers 

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

POP UP SHOP: Celia Grace

Sustainable gowns are such an important part of Ivory and Beau, and when we found Celia Grace, we knew we had to bring their dresses to Savannah. Her gowns will be here one week only, so make sure to book your appointment today in order to see them! March has been so busy around here, and without an appointment we can't guarantee you will be able to try anything on.

The Designer:  Celia Grace was founded by Marcie Muehlke when she couldn't find a gown that matched her values of human rights. Head designer Alix Kivlin shares these same values, and she has traveled the world meeting with sustainable and craft producers.

The Collection: The goal of the Celia Grace collection is to provide brides with wedding gowns that match their values of human rights, environment sustainability, and empowering women. Their gowns are made by women’s cooperatives, and only use handmade, eco silks. Most of their fabrics are produced on traditional wooden looms, so their fabrics are unique to them.

Price Range: $1200-$4000

Pop Up Shop Dates: March 18th - 29th

{Photo Credits} Gowns against gold wall via Wedding Chicks, Photography by Suzanne Larocque // Ocean side shoot via Fab You Bliss, Photography by Loveridge // Sunset shoot via Pinterest, Photography by Joshua Sugiyama

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

This gorgeous lace top dress is now available at Ivory + Beau through Tuesday March 11th!!! This is by far one of my favorite Lindee Daniel gowns. It's so soft, romantic + gorgeous!! The fabrics that Lindee uses are by far some of the nicest fabrics I have ever touched. She uses only the best organic fabrics that really make these gowns special. Lindee also is one of the sweetest ladies ever!!! We had the pleasure of Skyping with the designer yesterday to discuss how her dresses can be customized and changed. If you are interested in making an appointment while we have Lindee Daniel's dresses call us at (912)200-4794 or e-mail at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or fill out our quick appointment form here!!

{Photo Credits} Lilly Dress via Brides, Photography by S'wonderful, Dress by Lindee Daniel // Seating chart via Polka Dot Bride, Photography by Vellum Studios // Bouquet via Wedding Chicks, Photography by Leif Brandt, Flowers by Stems Design Studio // Table setting via Ruffled, Photography by Esther Sun, Planning by At Your Door Events // Succulent Gifts via Wedding Chicks, Photography by Mirelle Carmichael 

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

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

{Bright Idea Thursday} SIMPLY DIY: Handmade Favors

We recently had a wedding where the bride and groom had handmade vanilla extract and honey for the favors for the guests! I love this idea for 3 reasons:

1. It's personal and I am the kind of person that thinks anything personal is more special than store bought.

2. If you are clever enough it can be something they can use & we are all about being green. 

3. This is something you and your fiance can bond over and enjoy time together doing.

So here is some inspiration for some DIY handmade favors! What is your favorite idea? Would you and your fiance consider doing this?? I know if it were my man he would absolutely love the idea of making some homemade beer for guests!!! But I personally wouldn't mind some homemade chocolate hazelnut spread, but then again maybe not a bright idea because knowing me I'd probably end up eating it all myself. :) Happy Thursday!

{Photo Credits} Hot Chocolate & Baileys via Sam Richardson // Candle via Ruffled // Honey via Style Me Pretty, photography by Serendipity Corner // Chocolate Hazelnut Spread via Ruffled // "I Do" Brew via Style Me Pretty, photography by Dan Stephenson // Wooden Coasters via Ruffled // Sugar via I Love Farm Weddings // Teacup Planter via Ruffled //Vanilla via Style Me Pretty, photography by Lemon Fresh

{Bright Idea Thursday} Ceremony Programs

Remember our boho beach shoot with Makebelieven? Well I just read a great blog post about her that you can read here. Krissy of Makebelieven is the etsy who made the headband that Nicole wore. One question and answer that I really enjoyed from the interview was: 

What would you like to see at more weddings?

Krissy: "I would love to see more programs that give additional background on the couple…how they met, favorite foods/songs, etc". 

Such a great suggestion - I love that idea!! Here are some more wedding ceremony program ideas for you plus Eco-friendly wedding advice too.

Humorous ceremony program handmade by the bride and MOB

Tiered ceremony programs handmade by the bride and family friend

Programs that are fans! created by 1420 DeZigns

Make sure the programs are secured really well on the fan! These are great because they are also functional!

fan programs

Bridal Party Programs

HOW CAN I MAKE MY CEREMONY MORE ECO-FRIENDLY?

THE FLOWERS

If you use the flowers that decorate your wedding ceremony space as your centerpieces at the reception, you’re getting more use out of the blooms and won’t be throwing them away right after “I do.” It’s also more eco-friendly to choose flowers that are in season, and even better if they’re locally grown. That way less fuel is used to ship them to you. 

THE PAPER

Print your ceremony programs on recycled paper, or make them as short as possible. If you’re having them professionally printed, ask about soy-based inks, which are less harmful to the environment. If you had planned on getting fans for your guests, save paper and make programs that double as fans instead.

THE LOCATION

If you have your wedding ceremony and reception in the same place, no one has to drive from one place to the other, which saves gas. You can also try to have the ceremony and reception within walking distance of each other.

THE FAVORS

Most places do not let you use rice since it's not good for the birdies, but bird seed is a great alternative. Also consider biodegradable paper confetti or bubbles or ribbon wands!

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

{Vendor Spotlight} Chocolat by Adam Turoni

I lurve chocolate!! Yep, if I could eat chocolate everyday 24-7 I would, so when a local chocolatier contacted me about tasting his gourmet handmade luxury chocolate, I said YES of course. Adam has a long history with chocolate and many years in perfecting his skill. He says that, "with lessons learned from the kitchens of my grandmother to Chez Panisse to Chef Greweling I am spinning chocolates that taste like the magic of memories". You will remember his chocolate too!!! You can find his chocolates at all Wright Square cafe and Paula Deen's store or place an order with him for your event.

I was impressed with Adam's beautiful presentation of chocolates seen below, his gorgeous office space which is located on Desoto Row one of the few certified “green” buildings in Savannah, but more so by how delicious the chocolates were! Adam supports local businesses such as Savannah Bee Company, PERC, Brighter Day, and local spice and tea shops. He only uses premium chocolate chips to start with in order to make his delicacies. All of his chocolates tasted amazing, but my favorites were:

• Raspberry Mouse ganache, always a favorite combination but WOW he is good!
• Peanut Butter Cup, he makes the peanut butter from scratch and you can tell since it's so fresh and smooth.
• Sourwood Sea Salt Honey Caramels are soooo good and my husbands favorite (I let him sample my leftovers!)
• Cafe Americano has a nice robust infusion of local PERC coffee which is right across the street from Adam, perfect for an after dinner dessert with fresh brewed coffee!
• Blood Orange and Grand Marnier Truffle is very BOLD and sophisticated.
• Chocolate Covered Candied Orange Peel is also potent and a nice compliment to the orange truffle.

I loved this wall in his office that he painted and created a fun frame display!

Here is a close up of his signature Almond Bark Lion Medallion

Chocolat by Adam Turoni
2423 Desoto Ave, Savannah, GA
(570) 510-1820
chocolatat@ymail.com
http://www.chocolatat.com
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{Pin it Friday} Succulent Favors

Source: theperfectpalette.com via Layla on Pinterest

I saw this on The Perfect Palette and it's such a great favor idea and so easy! 
Buy succulents at your local lowes, homedepot of garden center, then get the little tins at michaels crafts!
They could also be nice escort cards for the little signs that they have stuck in with toothpicks.

{Organic Wednesday} Mirage Lip Gloss

On Sunday and Monday we had a blast working on styling for a Victorian Styled Shoot along with a handful of talented wedding professionals. More details to come on that adventure, but my exciting news to share with you today for {Organic Wednesday} is this new all natural lip gloss. Gwen of Pretty Woman Day Spa did the make up for our model and used their mineral based oil free make up and WOW so beautiful!! Plus it didn't feel caked on and lasted for the entire shoot without any retouches!! Gwen used her new mirage lip gloss that they just launched and are now selling it at the spa located at 23 Plantation Park Dr., Suite 302, Bluffton, SC 29910. The lip gloss has a mirror on the side of it and it even lights up! So cool. 
This is definitely on my wish list!

If you missed my blog post about the Pretty Woman Day Spa click here to read more

UPDATE!! I finally went by the Spa and bought my very own mirage lip gloss! 

I bought the Color "New York" LOVE IT!!

{Organic Wednesday} Green Field Paper Company

So once I run out of my thank you cards I plan to purchase these beautiful cards. 

As you know I love flowers and sharing my love to others would be perfect. 

It is so neat to be able to put this card into some soil, give it water and sun, then watch it grow!

"At Green Field Paper, we are all about the paper- tree free paper. We offer both handmade paper and machine made hemp paper. It is our fine tactile Seed Embedded Paper (embedded with wildflower seeds) that we are known for throughout the world. Since 1992, Green Field Paper handmade paper has been crafted one sheet at a time here in San Diego, California. Our machine-made Hemp Heritage paper is manufactured in New England, home of the first American paper mills".

Eco-friendly Thank You Cards... 100% recycled ingredients, using no chemicals, dyes or additives. 

Plantable... Each card is embedded with a colorful array of wildflower seeds. The recipient can plant the card in the ground and watch it grow. Planting instructions are printed on the back of every card along with the seed mixture.  
Package of 5 (Price $13.95)

WRITE IT - GIFT IT - PLANT

Two gifts in one! If you buy a lot of gift cards for people, why don't you buy a bunch of these plantable gift card holders so they can enjoy shopping and growing a new plant! Or maybe get a gift card to a Spa for a massage or pedicure and give it to your bridal party or mother. Or give it to the Bride! Price: $4.50

A FIRST CLASS USE FOR THIRD CLASS MAIL 

It's not too early to buy your holiday cards now!

Saving the landfill & the trees... 

This is the ultimate tree-free paper created with the junk mail collected by Green Field Paper employees, clients and friends.

Unique... A truly original concept, shredded junk mail is combined with post consumer pulp to create this distinctive paper- no two sheets are alike.  You can even recognize fragments of actual junk mail in this confetti-laden paper. 25 Card Bulk Pack & Envelopes (Price $62.50)

www.greenfieldpaper.com

858-565-2585

ALSO REMEMBER Earth Day 2012 will be April 21st in Forsyth Park www.earthdaysavannah.org

{Inspiration Board} Green

When I think of Layla's company I think of green. Not just because her colors on her site are green but because her vision is to have green weddings. She loves incorporating anything she can do to help the environment while throwing an amazing wedding, from having the ceremony & the reception in the same location to cut down on transportation costs, to having recycling bins at the reception. Anyway, I figured, how fun would it be to make Layla an inspiration board using green, aren't the bird cake toppers adorable!??! Hope you enjoy! Also when you have a chance scroll down and click on my new logo over on the right hand navigation bar on Layla's blog to visit my personal blog!

source: <dress>,<place holder>,<bird cake topper>,<cookies>,<table decor>,<dessert table,<tags>

CHOOSE GREEN

CHOOSE GREEN: There are so many fun and unique ideas out there for designing a wonderful wedding or event that won’t create a huge carbon imprint on our world, while still being organic and beautiful. A green event is simply a way in which you can make choices that limit the negative impact to the planet. A green event doesn’t have to mean compromising your dream or having no style. Whether you want to incorporate local wines, serve a completely organic menu, wear an organic wedding dress, use Eco-friendly invitations, or photographers, there are many perfect options for you.

Does my event need to be 100% green? 

That is up to you! It can be a little or a lot, because every aspect of your event can be greener.

Each one of the 2.5 million weddings this year in the United States will produce an average of 62 tons of carbon dioxide and 400-600 lbs of garbage. That's a lot of waste! If every engaged couple made just one small green choice, which would be 2.5 million greener choices a year and that is an amazing impact! 

- According to the Green Bride Guide's research

Sharing the love of green on my blog at: http://simplysavannahevents.blogspot.com/p/green.html

GREEN IDEAS:

     

☛ Donate your flowers: Hospice Savannah, St. Joseph's/Candler Hospital, Memorial University Medical Center, Ronald Mc Donald House of Savannah, Buckingham South in Savannah- Retirement Community, Union Mission Inc. Savannah, GA-shelter for men women and families

☛ Support local companies for your guest favors or welcome baskets (see my unique gift ideas on my blog at: http://simplysavannahevents.blogspot.com/p/vendors.html )

☛ Support Etsy vendors, the world's most vibrant handmade marketplace – ask me about my list of unique wedding artists including: refurbished ties and bow ties, cake toppers, banners, accessories, and more 

☛ Hire local Savannah recycling company, Footprint to set up and pick up your recycling at your event

☛ Don’t give guests favors, instead donate the money to your charity of choice:

https://www.idofoundation.org/ 

https://www.justgive.org 

http://www.globalgiving.org/

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ 

http://www.redcross.org/ 

Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

☛ Green favors – small plants if they live locally or infused seed favors that can be planted, biodegradable confetti, 100% latex balloons that are biodegradable vs. plastic balloons (bad for the ocean & ocean animals), canvas totes, bamboo, organic chocolate, and I have more!

☛ Have your ceremony and reception at the same location to cut on transportation

☛ Choose a Green Certified Reception or Botanical Garden

Richmond Hill City Center

Savannah Botanical Garden

Bamboo Farm & Coastal Garden

Hunter Cattle Co.

☛ Use Eco-friendly invitations, or just have the save-the-dates be a post card to cut on postage and paper

☛ Choose an organic caterer like Thrive

☛ Choose an Eco-friendly florist: Urban Poppy or A to Zinnias

☛ Have Eco-friendly gift registry items: even Target has great Eco-friendly options now or shop these online stores: http://www.plateswithpurpose.com/ or http://www.dwellsmart.com/ or http://www.branchhome.com/

☛ Use horse drawn carriages or pedi cabs to move your bridal party from one location to the next, if near by

I'll keep them coming don't worry! So what GREEN choices will you make for your wedding?