SIMPLY BRIDAL: {Friday Fancies} Summer Nights in Rio + Blush by Hayley Paige

We decided to re-join up with Friday Fancies, a blog link-up that I used to partake in every Friday over on Long Distance Loving! The blog always has fun themes for an outfit inspiration every week and so we are going to take their theme, add in one of our bridal gowns plus a fun look that fits the theme. This week's theme is Summer Nights and what better dress for a summer night than a backless wedding dress from Blush by Hayley Paige mixed with tropical Rio inspired accessories!? We love brides who are fearless and loves adding some "non-bridal" accessories to their bridal look such as a funky clutch, chunky earrings or some bold wedges. Happy Friday!!! And if you are interested in trying on this lovely new dress we just added to our permanent inventory you can make an appointment by clicking here, calling us at (912)200-4794 or e-mailing us at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com!! 

{Shopping Guide} Elizabeth Cole Parrot Earrings via ShopBop // Daisy Eau So Fresh Delight Toilette via Nordstrom // All Roads Lead to Rio Clutch via Kate Spade // It Takes Two to Tango Bangle via Kate Spade // Melissa Floret Ankle Strap Sandals via ShopBop // Backless Blush by Hayley Paige Dress available at Ivory + Beau

DESIGNER FEATURE: Kirribilla + a Pop-Up Shop

Wednesday we received a ginormous shipment of new dresses. See here on our Instagram. It was Christmas. All but one of those boxes was filled with short white wedding dresses and colorful short dresses from Kirribilla for our Pop-Up Shop. So many dresses that we actually ran out of hangers and were only able to hang the majority of them. These dresses are available for purchase off the floor and we will have them in stock now through July 26th! Anyway, we are so in love with these fun little short dresses from this designer so we just wanted to share more!!! And now for our reasons why we love Kirribilla:

1. We love reception dresses. They are fun, playful, and seriously so perfect for summer weddings in the south where it is hotter than hot. Kirribilla's "I Do" Collection of short little white dresses is absolutely perfect for a bride looking to change out of her gown after the ceremony when she is ready to really get down on the dance floor. Or for a bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, getaway or honeymoon dress.

2. Colors and textures galore. These dresses have the funnest colors and textured fabrics. There are a ton of options to choose from!!

3. Preppy and made in San Francisco!!!!!! We are in love with the preppy silhouettes and styles of these dresses. These dresses are the perfect amount of preppy and pretty. AND these dresses are made in the US. We of course love supporting designers who have dresses made here as opposed to outsourcing to other countries.

So for all you brides out there looking for a short wedding dress, a bridal shower dress, a reception dress or a getaway dress contact us today to set up an appointment to come check out the entire Kirribilla collection!!!

{Photo Credits} All images via Kirribilla

SIMPLY BRIDAL: Bohemian Style

Today we are so excited to be participating in our first styled shoot with Teresa of Memories n More! I first met Teresa through previous owner, Layla, and have had the pleasure of doing a few weddings with her! Heather of Beyond Beautiful is going to be doing hair and makeup for her gorgeous sister + my friend's little 2 year old girl! Also, we are collaborating with The Creative Porcupine, who is designing menus + other fun printables!! I am so excited to have Amanda helping us with some stuff... we went to the same Making Things Happen Conference but I'm not sure if we officially met, but in the past few weeks I've kept noticing her amazing designs on Facebook and thought hmmm, maybe I should ask her if she'd be interested in collaborating with Adrienna and I and boy was I excited when she was excited to be apart of our vision!!!! So thank you Amanda! You are amazing for doing this all so last minute!!! Adrienna + I have had so much fun curating all the pieces for our bohemian modern shoot. I have been daydreaming of doing a shoot with a boho flair since well... since I became obsessed with wedding blogs in general. So I am so excited for this! And even more so because this shoot is going to be the first ever to feature dresses that will be for sale in Ivory + Beau!!!!!! Follow us on Instagram at @ivoryandbeau for sneak peaks of these beautiful gowns!! We chose 2 of our favorites that fit the theme from 2 of our designers we will sell. So for today's blog post I thought it would be fitting to post some boho bride inspiration. Enjoy the pretties!!

{Photo Credits} Bride by Altar via Jeremy Harwell // Bride with Large Bouquet via Style Me Pretty, photography by Jessica Claire // Bride with Bouquet + Flower in Hair via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Carina Skrobecki // Bride with Heart Bow + Arrow via Style Me Pretty, photography by Marianne Wilson // Bride with Halo via Style Me Pretty, photography by Odalys Mendez // Sash via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Vicki Grafton // Bride in Woods via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Marissa Maharaj

SIMPLY BRIDAL: NYC Bridal Market + New Savannah Bridal Boutique

Golly it's been hard for me to get around to blogging this past week for 2 reasons: 1. we have been so crazy busy finishing up last minute details for the October weddings + 2. no wifi at my house means no late night blogging sessions. But anyway, I am back now writing this post now on quite possibly the most fun business trip ever. It's funny when you are in college and you envision what your life will be like and then 4 years later you're somewhere completely different then you could have ever imagined doing something you would have never ever thought you would ever be doing. That's how this business trip was for me. It was like I was living in a dream. This is not real life. I am not really in New York City. I am not really talking to some of the best bridal designers in the world. I am not really about to buy not one, not two, not even four, five or ten bridal dresses but actually thirty. I am not staying at a ridiculously trendy hotel where there is a robot that stores your luggage for you. I could continue this list with other things that didn't feel real but I don't want to bore you too much. Soo... anyway, I don't know if Adrienna felt the same way, but that was definitely how I felt, like this was not really happening and like this was not possibly my life but someone else's life I'm just watching from above. But the thing is... this is real life. And we were talking with some of the best bridal designers in the world. And we were about to buy about thirty bridal gowns. And there actually was a robot that stored our luggage for us...

While at Bridal Fashion Week we met with several bridal designers, out of which we chose our four favorite fits for Ivory + Beau. I am not going to reveal our designers yet but we know ya'll will love them just as much as we do. These ladies are so talented and so incredible. All in all we will have about 40 dresses to start with, 4 designers + 5 collections along with 2-3 accessory designers (that is in the works now). So like always, I love to share sneak peeks of what is to come without revealing everything! Here are some snapshots of our time in NYC! Hope you enjoy!

{Photo Credits} Nicole + Adrienna's iPhones

SIMPLY BRIDAL: Boudoir Session

Today's blog post is all about getting naked. Well... not completely. But mostly. Did I get your attention? Hopefully, I did. Sometimes I write these long blog posts and then I look back and say hmm... I wonder if anyone's even reading this? Well... today is about getting naked so you should probably most definitely read it even if you usually only stop by my blog for the pretty pictures. So... getting naked. Or in pretty photography terms... "boudoir." So today I got an e-mail about a new lingerie boutique opening up in Savannah, which is what inspired this blog post. Boudoir by Tiffany officially opens up next Tuesday with a grand opening party from 530-730pm. Miz Tiffany's shop has all sizes and even specializes in those hard to fit sizes, AAA to double J. She will be offering custom fittings and she has event space with a stripper pole (!!!!!!) for bachelorette parties!!!

Anyway, I hope that after you read my post on how awesome boudoir sessions are that you will feel inclined to come to the grand opening, if not to see the sexy lingerie then at least come by to see me! But no seriously, come and hang out and check it out! I know a lot of you brides are probably in the middle of planning your honeymoon or if you are a previous bride than I bet you are planning or should be planning something sexy for your anniversary. Anyway, there will be free door prizes and appetizers!!! Who doesn't love prizes and free food? Trust me when I say I love free food. For more information on the event check out their Facebook page and make sure you RSVP!!

So let's talk boudoir. Getting boudoir photos taken before your wedding is something I would highly recommend to all you ladies out there for several reasons... Hope you enjoy my reasons why + my tips and like always, some awesome inspiration (and don't worry... no nudity here ya'll.)

1. The first reason you should do it?!!? It's fun and empowering. How many other times are you gonna strut around in sexy lingerie while a photographer takes photos + tells you how amazing you look???? Well, okay maybe for you lingerie models out there it's an everyday occurrence.. But for us regular ladies, it is a serious confidence booster. My advice to help make it even more fun? Champagne + some fun upbeat music!!

2. Photographers know you aren't perfect. Those trouble areas you are scared about showing off? Well, for one... I guarantee your fiance/husband/whatever does not notice those even half as much as you do. And for two... helllloooo invention of PhotoShop. A good boudoir photographer will make you look airbrushed and fabulous in a totally non-fake/unrealistic way. My advice here is to pick a photographer you are completely comfortable with because you are about to get up close and personal with them. You need to make sure your photographer is someone you feel comfortable saying, "hey look at this squishy part... can you not be taking photos that highlight that!?" I would also suggest having a professional do your hair and makeup to get you to, what I like to call, your "maximum sexiness level." Knowing you look your best will help make you feel sexy + comfortable in front of the lenses.

3. Sexy photos doesn't necessarily mean baring all. I know for me personally there is just no way I could do that. Photographers are going to respect your limits. I mean, they better respect your limits. PLUS... there are so many fun ways you can be oh-so-totally sexy that doesn't include taking off all of your clothes. For example... how about a fur vest?? Or a sequin cover-up?!? Or even something as simple as your fiance's favorite shirt!?! Fun fun fun and sexy. I would highly suggest checking out The Knotty Bride for some outfit inspiration!

4. You don't have to be a size 2 to take awesome boudoir photos. This shoot is about you. Because who is your fiance/husband/whoever with? You. And if he really loves you then he loves all of you. No pun intended just being real with you. So I'm just going to repeat this again... pick out something you feel comfortable in! It's going to be much easier to put on your sexy face when you are feeling comfortable. And I mean aren't we our prettiest selves when we are completely comfortable in our own skin?! Yes duh.

5. Use it as a chance to get creative! I am all about doing things differently around here. So why not unleash your inner Pocahontas??? Or I don't know... maybe a character your fiance really likes... Star Wars boudoir anyone?? And now I know what you're thinking and the answer is no, Chris is not a Princess Leia lover... If you do something fun themed it makes an awesome gift you can give to your man for an engagement present or maybe even on the day of the wedding to get him excited for the honeymoon!! 

So... now that you've read my reasons + advice on boudoir shoots... what are your thoughts? Have you done one?! Any tips for other ladies out there thinking of doing one for their man? And now for all you ladies who are now convinced to do one... come hang out with me next Tuesday at Boudoir by Tiffany at 2405 Bull St next to Back in the Day Bakery! I am so excited to check out the new shop!!!

xoxo, Nicole Rene 

{Photo Credits} Floral Halo via Style Me Pretty, photography by Laura Murray // Boudoir in Tank Top via The Knotty Bride, photography by Mike Arick // Boudoir with Veil via The Knotty Bride, photography by The Boudoir Divas // Valentine's Day Boudoir via The Knotty Bride, photography by The Boudoir Divas // Bohemian Feathers Boudoir via The Knotty Bride, photography by Chelsea Maras

SIMPLY BRIDAL: Tone It Up Bridal

Oh my gosh ya'll. I hurt. I mean like really really really bad. Like REALLY BAD. Like SO SO SO BAD. Like so bad it hurts to SIT. It hurts to WALK. It hurts to just BE AWAKE. No for real. Okay, maybe it's just like that for me because I took a break from working out. See I'm kind of like that. I'll go on a workout binge, so to say, where I work out super intense everyday, get back to my happy size + shape then I'm like okay, I'm good for a few weeks. Then I'll start it all over again. Needless to say starting my workout binge again right before going on a vacation and having to sit on a 6 hour flight and then having to walk around crowded airports luging all my carry-on bags was probably the worst idea ever. But hey, we can't all be smart all the time, right?

Anyway, my friend, Felicia, shared this with me the other day on my Facebook page and I checked it out, tried it, died a little... but I guess it feels so good after right? I mean so bad? I mean ouch. So I just had to share this with all you brides, bridesmaids, females, anyone really that wants a little kick in the butt to jumpstart their fitness or wants to get back into shape for an event... say a wedding... I'm sure some of you have already heard about these girls, probably on Pinterest, or Facebook, or somewhere... I mean they really are pretty amazing at marketing themselves online. I've seen their stuff for some while now and have been telling myself, alright next workout binge I'll try that out. And try I did. And die I did. Haha, well not really but kind of. I just dropped my room key on the floor and when leaning over to pick it up I literally groaned it hurt so bad. I mean this is embarrassing and awkward and at moments like this I am so God gave me a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at myself.

So now it's your turn to try. The thing I think I love most about this workout is that 1.) you can do it in the comfort of your own home; 2.) you can watch Revenge, Shameless, Modern Family or whatever other TV show you have been meaning to catch up on and it doesn't take too much brain power so you can focus on the show; 3.) no cardio? heck yes. cardio is my least favorite ever, unless I'm doing Zumba... So I challenge all you brides, bridesmaids, females out there. And then please don't make fun of me since I am obviously out of shape and this probably won't hurt anywhere near as much for some of you out there... but still... it's a great workout either way. AND at least I have an excuse for why it hurts so bad... my excuse is I was like oh this is an easy workout, I'll do 3 reps of 30 for each workout. And so I did. And so I hurt. Hurts real bad. Anyway, click here for the full workout!

Anybody hurt as bad as me?? Next up for me to try?? The Wedding Slimdown by Tone It Up. I'll report back. Probably in even more pain to be honest. But beauty is pain eh? So uhhh happy workout brides to be!

{Photo Credits} Tone It Up // Tone It Up [Disclaimer: this is not an endorsed post... just one of those things I felt like it was best to share. Share the pain right?]

SIMPLY BRIDAL: Floral Crowns

It's an obsession. I mean big time. One of my favorite things ever. Floral crowns. I just love them. I mean if I could wear one everyday I probably would. I don't really know what it is about them that makes me love them so much, well probably the fact that they are gorgeous and so fun and add a pop of color and are different and unique and yeah I could go on. Anyway, last week I got a call from a mother of a bride who was interested in hiring me for Day Of for her daughter. She raved about how her daughter + I had a lot in common. And so it should have been of no surprise that I got super excited when the bride said she was going to wear a floral halo. You have no idea how happy the little things like that make me. Anyway, here are some of my favorites!

So uh yeah I love them so much I just had to make one for me just because... and if you are interested in having me make one for you to rock on your wedding day the answer is obviously I will do it gladly. Contact me here!

{Photo Guide} Bride + Groom via Barefoot Blonde, photography by Ciara Richardson // Floral Crown via The Bride's Cafe // Orange Floral Crown via Style Me Pretty, photography by Odalys Mendez // Lavender Floral Halo via Style Me Pretty, photography by Life in Still // Red Crown via Ashley Nicole, photography by // Crown with Braid via Limn & Lovely, photography by James Frost // Floral Crown via Ruffled, photography by Half Orange

SIMPLY BRIDAL: Sexy Rehearsal Dinner

Sexy rehearsal dinner attire anyone?

{Shopping Guide} Into Darkness Peplum Dress via Nasty Gal // Valentina Mini Luxe Bag via Pink Mascara // Clara Link Studs via BaubleBar // Sam Edelman Paulette Peep Toe Pumps via ShopBop // Alexis Bittar Delano Stone Cuff via ShopBop

SIMPLY BRIDAL: New Year's Eve

Thanks for visiting my Friday Fancies link-up with AV at Long Distance Loving! Today's look is my dream New Year's Eve wedding outfit. I love this sparkly sequin gown from Rent the Runway and think there is nothing more perfect than something covered in glitter for New Years. I personally am a firm believer that you can never wear too many sequins or shiny things when it's New Years Eve & I think mixing a sequin black clutch with this gown would be so perfect for a wedding ringing in the New Year!

It is so crazy to think of all that has happened this past year. Last January my boyfriend and I were looking for homes to rent so that we could take the next step and move in together. I was working part-time at the bridal shop and had only worked at one wedding so far the previously year. We had just one pet, my dog, Winnie. The year flew by and in 2012 Layla and I helped marry 24 couples. It was an insanely busy and exciting year. Some months we had a wedding every single weekend. In September... Layla found out her husband was moving to New York and I had a big decision to make. I can still remember the first time I consulted with my dad and I can still remember him telling me there is no way I can run a company. I got off the phone upset and defeated and decided that I would do it anyway. Lo and behold he called me a few hours later to apologize and said that he had full confidence that I could do some great things and he would support me in my endeavors. In October it became official and I got underway trying to change some things with the brand and make it my own. Now as the year ends I find myself getting excited and anxious for all the weddings next year! It has been so fun getting to know the couples and working with them to help make their vision a reality. A lot of things have changed in my life, but a lot of things have also stayed the same. I still work at a bridal shop part-time selling bridal gowns. But now I have lots more to talk to them about. I still spend hours and hours blogging and on Pinterest finding wedding inspiration. But now I have weddings that I can put my ideas to use for. I still go to antique stores weekly to look for treasures. But now I have a reason to buy all those vintage dessert stands. I still have my dog Winnie. But now we also have a kitten (tiger/monster/crazed animal) named Tigger. Lots of changes and so much that I am thankful for! I appreciate everyone that takes the time to read my blog and follow my company as we grow! I am so excited to see where 2013 takes this company... and be expecting lots of changes!!! (hint: I have officially hired someone to do the branding for me so there will be no more random logo changes in the middle of the night & everything will have a cohesive and unified look that I am confident you all will love!)

Anyway... now to the Friday Fancies gorgeous bridal outfit inspiration for a New Years wedding!!!

{Shopping Guide} Badgley Mischka Glitz Gown via Rent the Runway // Metallic Coil Bracelet via White House Black Market // Red Valentino Paillettes Bow Bag via ShopBop // Flounce 'Jules' Pump via Nordstrom

SIMPLY BRIDAL: Friday Fancies Silver

Thanks for checking out my Friday Fancies link-up with AV at Long Distance Loving. If this is your first time checking out my blog you'll see that my Friday Fancies is always based on a bridal outfit since I am wedding planner in the Savannah, Georgia area! I thought it was a fun twist on the Friday Fancies series. I also blog over at Nicole Rene Design so you may have seen some of my Friday Fancies link ups there before! Anyway, thanks for checking it out! Today I was loving this gown with the beaded details around the neck and knew I wanted to center my bridal outfit around it! Aren't those earrings also gorgeous? 

{Shopping Guide} Marchesa Silk Column Gown with Tulle Overlay via ShopBop // Kenneth Jay Lane Waterfall Earrings via ShopBop // Kenneth Jay Lane Pave Ball Cuff via ShopBop // Diane von Furstenburg Lytton Small Metallic Clutch via ShopBop // Glint Radiance Pump via Nordstrom

SIMPLY BRIDAL: Vera Wang LOVE Collection

A few days ago someone was gushing about the new Vera Wang engagement rings... so obviously like any girl who is yet to have a ring on her left finger... I went to check it out! And in seconds I was oohing and aahing. These rings are to die for! Check out the entire collection here!

{Shopping Guide} All rings via Zales // (From Left to Right) 3/4 CT. T.W. Diamond Frame Twist Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold // 1 CT. T.W. Emerald-Cut Diamond Split Shank Ring in 14K White Gold // 7/8 CT. T.W. Princess-Cut Diamond Double Frame Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold // 3/4 CT. T.W. Diamond Twist Shank Frame Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold // 1 CT. T.W. Princess-Cut Diamond Double Frame Twist Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold // 1-1/3 CT. T.W. Emerald-Cut Diamond Split Shank Frame Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold // 2 CT. T.W. Diamond Frame Split Shank Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold // Packaging

SIMPLY BRIDAL: Friday Fancies Fall Wedding

Thanks for stopping by my Friday Fancies link-up with AV from Long Distance Loving! Over here at Simply Savannah, my Friday Fancies are a little different since this is a wedding blog, so all the outfits are wedding ideas! Here are two fun fall bridal ideas that I absolutely love!!!

{Photo Credits} Plaid Shirt with Dress via Ciara Richardson // Dress with Rain Boots via Jacksonville Bride

SIMPLY BRIDAL: Friday Fancies Halloween

This week's Friday Fancies theme with the link-up over at Long Distance Loving is Halloween... Since for my Friday Fancies I want to always come up with a bridal look I figured the best way to incorporate Halloween (other than an all-black wedding dress) would be to add black accessories. Think vampires... And for some reason I just don't see a vampire wearing anything other than a vintage lace wedding dress. I really love the bold black accessories and think this is a really classy look for someone who is not very traditional. Anyway, this Halloween I will be dressing up as my favorite heroine... Katniss! What about you?? 

Friday Fancies #3: Halloween

{Shopping Guide} Jim Hjelm Style JH8262 via JLM Couture // Diptyque 'Ofresia' Eau de Toilette via Nordstrom // Ted Rossi Young and Fabulous Cuff via Rent the Runway // Kenneth Jay Lane Jet Drop Earrings via Rent the Runway // Ted Rossi Cosmic Python Bib via Rent the Runway // Kenneth Jay Pave Cocktail Ring via Rent the Runway
Chinese Laundry 'Hopeful' Pump via Nordstrom

SIMPLY BRIDAL: Cathedral Veils

I definitely don't have traditional taste at all when it comes to wedding gowns... but I must say I absolutely adore cathedral length veils and the endless gorgeous photographic opportunities they provide. I will definitely have a cathedral length veil for my wedding ceremony. :)

{Photo Credits} Bride wrapped in Veil via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Elizabeth Messina // Bride in Meadow via Style Me Pretty, photography by Simply Bloom Photography // Boudoir Image via Elizabeth Messina at Kiss the Groom // Lace Veil via Style Me Pretty, photography by Roberto Valenzuela // Floral Veil via Style Me Pretty, photography by KT Merry // Bride and Groom Kissing via Taylord Photography // Bride in Veil via Tiny Water Blog // Bride on Beach via Style Me Pretty, photogrpahy by Erin Wallis // Veil in the Wind via JetKat Photo