STYLED SHOOT: A Lowcounty Wedding Styled Shoot

Yesterday we posted images from our Bridal Editorial shoot for A Low Country Wedding, and today we have the styled shoot section! We teamed up with a ton of vendors, like Rach Lea Photography + Belfair Plantation to hold the shoot, and had vintage rentals by Savannah Vintage Rentals, the amazing Colonial House of Flowers and Oh Deer Creative. And wait until you see the crochet altar rug by Eva Villain, it is awesome! The brides gown is by Alvina Valenta (and is on sale during our sample sale for 50% off!)

This bridal editorial, along with our styled shoot, was featured in the winter/spring edition of A Lowcounty Wedding Magazine, available now! Jump below to see the rest!

1ST ANNUAL ANNIVERSARY SALE: Ivory + Beau Bridal Boutique Wedding Dress Sale

This Christmas we want to announce our very 1st Annual Anniversary Sale, which will go ALL month long! Also, all brides who come in before January 1st we will also be honoring the sale prices. We are so excited that we are celebrating our very 1st birthday and cannot believe it's been a year since we opened as of January 11th, 2014. To schedule an appointment call (912)200-4794, e-mail ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here!! We hope you all have a fabulous Christmas + huge congratulations to all the new brides who are proposed to this holiday season!! 

{Photo Credit} Bride via Ivory + Beau Editorial, dress by Alvina Valenta, veil by Jaclyn Jordan, photography by Rach Lea

STYLED SHOOT: Greenhouse, Bamboo Farms + Botany

Here are Ivory and Beau, we love everything nature. Flowers, trees, birds and bees, we love it all! So we knew we wanted to do a botany inspired shoot. Before we even started planning we knew we wanted the amazing Izzy Hudgins to photograph it. Her photography is gorgeous, crisp, and just flat out perfect. So once we got Izzy on board, we started planning! We had always wanted to do a shoot at a greenhouse, and the Coastal Botanical Gardens in Savannah were ideal! Not only did they have a greenhouse, but they had amazing gardens, and even a bamboo farm! To tie in the botany and science theme we created a huge chalkboard ceremony backdrop, filled with math equations (which we also did on the dinner table) For the escort cards, we wanted to do a DIY project (tutorial here!) and made a pallet board display filled with plants. We already had this crazy idea for a hanging test tube chandelier for a bride's wedding, so this was the perfect opportunity to test it out! It was made by Whitney at The Grace Graffiti, who was amazing in helping us put our crazy idea to life! Colonial House of Flowers did the flowers, floral crown and the STUNNING chandelier. When we saw the chandelier, we thought there would just be a few flowers, but noooo, they completely blew us away with what they made!! I mean it was insane how amazing it was.  When looking for a model, Izzy suggested Leslie Miller of Leslie Miller Designs (who beaded the tie and necklace) and she was perfect! (Plus, Adrienna has been following her beadwork on social media for a while, so meeting her in person was awesome!) Her blue hair was fabulous, and hair and makeup by Marie Bramlett made it even more perfect. (I mean ombre blue hair?! Yes please!)

{Vendor Credits} Ceremony Dress: Rebecca Schoneveld top and Love Found True skirt / Reception Dress: Alvina Valenta / All available at Ivory and Beau // Photography by Izzy Hudgins // Event Design, Styling and Stationary by Ivory and Beau // Venue Coastal Botanical Gardens // Flowers by Colonial House of Flowers // Hair and Makeup by Marie Bramlett // Beaded bow tie, necklace by Leslie Miller Design // Test Tube Chandelier built by The Grace Graffiti // Tableware and cake stands from The World Market

SIMPLY PUBLISHED: {Ruffled} Double the Ruffle, Double the Fun --> Bohemian Botany + Happy Halloween!

Ruffled is one of my favorite of the favorites wedding blogs and so we are so excited that we were featured twice this week on this blog with 2 of our favorite shoots!!! The first was our Bohemian Botanical styled shoot with Izzy Hudgins at Coastal Botanical Bamboo Gardens. For this shoot we randomly one day decided Botany + Tree huggers. And then we went from there incorporating hundreds of vintage antique botany illustrations with a science hipster theme. We DIYed a living Palette wall for a tutorial featured here. For the centerpiece we wanted to do something hanging and so we had Grace Graffiti make us a custom test tube chandelier. Colonial House of Flowers went above and beyond on styling the florals for this shoot. When we saw the final outcome we were blown away literally with the massive size of the chandelier with the hanging moss and greenery. It was just wow. Leslie Miller of Leslie Miller Design was our bride model who also is an amazing bead artist who provided the groom's bow tie, bridal sash and necklace. For the shoot she rocked 2 looks: the first an Alvina Valenta gown and the second a Rebecca Schoneveld blue top with a high-low Love Found True skirt. Last but not least we madeover our Ikea table into a chalkboard and also made a ceremony backdrop as a chalkboard. This was a fun shoot. So so fun. Thank you for the feature Ashley!!!!!

The second shoot featured was our Oddities + Skulls styled shoot with Rach Lea at the Old Dairy Farm, which is the perfect shoot to celebrate the Halloween holiday. We started with my best friend, Rachel, who wanted to model for us. We were inspired by her tattoos to do something weird, funky and animal related. We incorporated taxidermy props from Graveface Records & Curiosities and funky mugs, flatware and other table props from The Paris Market for a darker look. For the flowers we used Savannah moss and dark weird floral elements. Rachel was given a faux hawk by Milan Day Spa and dark makeup by Lindsey Wirht and wore an asymmetrical dress from our designer, Faith Thornburg. The stationary and fox masks were by Shelby Bittinger. The best part about this shoot other than the boa constrictor and the pitbull, which were our guy model's pets is most definitely the spooky video by videographer CINEMoBIUS... head on over to Ruffled to check out the entire feature plus the spooky video... you may be frightened, consider this your warning.

Anyway, hope you all have a fabulous Halloween!!!! I myself am dressing up as a gold dinosaur of course and Adrienna will be a cat dressed up as a unicorn. 

{Vendor Credits} [Botanical Bohemian] Photography: Izzy Hudgins // Venue: Coastal Botanical Bamboo Gardens // Stylist, Stationary + Dresses: Ivory + Beau // Wedding Dress: Alvina Valenta // Bridal Top: Rebecca Schoneveld // High-low Skirt: Love Found True // Flowers: Colonial House of Flowers // Groom's Bow Tie, Bridal Sash and Necklace: Leslie Miller Design // Test Tube Chandelier: Grace Graffiti // Tableware and Cake Stands: World Market // Hair + Makeup: Marie Bramlett of Wicked Lulu [Oddities + Skulls] Photography: Rach Lea // Venue: Old Dairy Farm // Stylist + Dresses: Ivory + Beau // Wedding Dress: Faith Thornburg // Veil: Twigs & Honey // Hair: Milan Day Spa // Makeup: Lindsey Wirht // Mugs, Flatware and Other Table Props: The Paris Market // Taxidermy Props: Graveface Records & Curiosities // Videographer: CINEMoBIUS // Invitations + Fox Masks: Shelby Bittinger // Boa Constrictor & Pitbull: Guy Model's Pets

THOUGHTS TUESDAY #8: Bridesmaids Shopping Tips

Today here to talk all about shopping for your bridesmaids dresses. And just going to pre-warn you... Adrienna + I both worked at David's Bridal for 2 years and have had a ton of experience selling bridesmaids dresses... and so lets just say we are extremely opinionated. Some may even say a little too much so. But that being said, now that I've warned you its time for us to be straight up and honest with ya'll about what we really think about bridesmaids dresses and how to pick out winning combinations. Before getting started though delving deep into the minds of yours truly, we have a huge announcement we are so excited to reveal... 
ALVINA VALENTA SPRING 2014 BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES OCTOBER ONLY. 
Yes, you heard us right. We are testing out Alvina Valenta Spring 2014 Bridesmaids Dresses the entire month of October. So if you are looking for your bridesmaids dresses for your wedding next year and are interested in shopping the collection call us at (912)200-4794, e-mail at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here. ***$20 off each bridesmaids dress if 4 girls purchase.***

1. Enough with the days where you want your bridesmaids to look hideous... these ladies are supposed to be your best gals. They should look good too. Haven't you ever heard that saying about if you want to look good then surround yourself with girls that look good? Or maybe I just made it up... maybe that's just my single girl mantra, but whatever. Seriously... your girls are going to be in your pictures and wouldn't you rather your entire bridal party look seriously fabulous as opposed to ridiculous?! All eyes are going to be on you anyways... trust me on that. No matter how good your girls look you will still be the shining star. That being said, put your girls in something flattering for their shape. Every girl has a different body and looks good in different styles. Me? Not so good in strapless unless you want me to look like a linebacker... but I can rock a one shoulder dress so good. Adrienna? Form fitting booty hugger oh please no unless we are at a night club and you want her to wiggle it... but she can rock an a-line flowy chiffon dress like its her job... oh wait, she does do that everyday already. So let your girls pick a style that makes them look good too or your guests may just be cringing and snickering at how terrible they look, which in all honesty would take more attention away from you then if you had just let them look good in the first place.

2. Pick a fabric for your girls and a color and go from there. If you're having a hard time picking out your color palette do not fear! We wrote a Thoughts Tuesday last week all about our tips on picking out colors + themes - click here. Then once you have your color down pick a fabric you want all your girls in. Do not mix shiny with matte. Just don't. So if you want all girls in shiny then they all need to be in shiny: satins or silk fabrics. If you want them in matte: cotton, chiffon, organza, lace all works. Also, keep in mind how a certain fabric will look next to you and will fit within your wedding theme. Lace wedding dress in a rustic setting? Then stick with chiffons or other matte materials and definitely keep them as short dresses so not too formal. Huge ballgown in a ballroom? Satin full length gowns are definitely the way to go. [Outdoors --> short and matte; Indoors --> can go either way. Casual --> short and matte; Formal --> long and any fabric.] *Bonus tip: If you were a guest at a wedding at your venue what would you wear? Use that as a rule of thumb when picking out what your bridesmaids should wear.

3. Please all the same length. It looks choppy and disjointed in pictures when the lengths are some short and some long. Self centered Nicole speaking now... remember who is the center of attention... don't draw attention to another girl in your bridal party by putting them in long when everyone else is in short.

4. When your girls are picking out different shades of the color you gave them try to keep them pretty close together. If dark then they should all be in dark and if light then they should all be in light. That doesn't mean they have to match perfectly. But they should be close together unless you are going for an ombre look or a rainbow effect.

Now that you've learned all of our insight on how to pick out your bridesmaids dresses... here is a handy dandy tool that you can pin to your wedding planning board to reference in the future when you get to the bridesmaids.

{Photo Credits} [1st Look] Long Gray Bridesmaids, style 9429 and style 9431, by Alvina Valenta, available October at Ivory and Beau // Dress by Alvina Valenta [2nd Look] Long Champagne Bridesmaids Dresses, style 9424 and style 9434, by Alvina Valenta, available October at Ivory and Beau // Dress by Blush by Hayley Paige [3rd Look] Short Tulle Bridesmaid Dresses, style 9420 and style 9427, by Alvina Valenta, available October at Ivory and Beau // Dress is Marion by Sarah Seven, Photographed by Stephie Hicks [4th Look] Short Blush Bridesmaid Dresses, style 9246 and style 9425, by Alvina Valenta, available October at Ivory and Beau // Dress is Rosaline by Rebecca Schoneveld, Photographed by Izzy Hudgins

IVORY AND BEAU SAMPLE SALE

Brides, get excited! Our FIRST ever Sample Sale is happening! Through September 16th we will have select gowns 15-20% off! Many are new, and in great condition!

Sample Sales gowns are sold as is, off the rack, and are great for a bride who's wedding is coming up soon, and doesn't have time to order a dress. And for brides looking for a great deal! The sizes range from 8-14, but we have amazing alterations who can make adjustments. We can't hold any dresses, so be ready to say yes! Check out this blog for great tips on sample sales!

All of our designers have dresses in the sale, from Alvina Valenta to Sarah Seven. Below are just some of the dresses included. Make sure to call us to set up your appointment during the End Of Summer Sample Sale, to get the best selection!

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Stardust {Ti Adora Trunk Show}

Here at Ivory and Beau, we love Alvina Valenta, and when we found out they were going to have another line, we knew we had to have it! That line is Ti Adora, and features gorgeous dresses at a great price point, all under $2000! Ti Adora has soft, vintage inspired dresses, luxe embroidery, and fine beadwork. We will have the full Spring 2014 collection August 14th - 16th, so make sure to book your appointment!

{Photo Credits} Dress by Ti Adora, available at Ivory and Beau August 14th - 16th // Escort board and Bar menu via Green Wedding Shoes, Photography by Max and Friends, Paper goods by Lucky To Be In Love + Pink Loves Purple // Bridesmaids photography by Clark + Walker // Save the Dates via Etsy // Bouquet via Ruffled, Photography by Suzuran Photography, Flowers by Lisa Daniel Floral // Cake via Fab You Bliss, Photography by Seriously Sabrina, Cake is handmade // Table setting via Bloved Weddings, Photography by Anneli Marinovich, Linens by Lucy of Rowen and Wren, Flowers by Blue Sky Flowers 

SIMPLY INSPIRED: English Garden

For once, Adrienna is writing an intro! The reason I'm so excited to write this, is because this dress is one of my all time favorites. One of the perks of having your own shop is being able to try on lots of pretty dresses, but after trying so many on, I haven't found one I loved. Then this amazing girl came into the shop, and BAM I fell in love. I love how soft and flowy it is, with the lace appliqués draping down... swoon! Plus, the underlay has a hint of sparkle, which makes it perfect for an evening garden wedding. We will only have this dress through August 9th, for our Alvina Valenta Trunk Show, and I can't wait for a bride to say yes to this dress!

{Photo Credits} Dress by Alvina Valenta, available at Ivory and Beau // Reception + Menu via Ruffled, Photography by N. Barrett, Flowers by Bows and Arrows, Menu by Southern Fried Paper // Stationary and Cake via Ruffled, Photography by Becca Borge, Stationary by Chelsi Lee Designs, Cake via Delliquez Custom Cakes //  Lavender escort card via Elizabeth Ann Designs, Photography by Melissa Tuck // Flowers via Wedding Chicks, Photography by Scott and Diana, Flowers by Layers of Lovely

WHY WE LOVE OUR DESIGNERS #4: Alvina Valenta

Alvina Valenta is one of our newest designers we recently added to Ivory + Beau and we are seriously head over heels in love with every single dress from this collection. But really. These gowns are serious show stoppers. I can still remember when Adrienna + I were perusing through the dresses on their website trying to pick our favorites to buy for the store and we would just spend hours looking at them. And then we would do it again the next day. Even though we already knew which ones we wanted, we just couldn't stop ourselves from looking again and again and again. And even now some days I'll stop and think to myself, which dresses are we getting again? And then I'll go look at their website some more. That being said we are so excited that we are an official retailer that carries Alvina Valenta permanently and we are having a Trunk Show where we will have even more of their gowns from August 2nd through August 9th. So now let me tell you a little about why I love them so much...

1. Oh my, is that a mermaid!? If you know me... then you know that I looooove mermaid gowns. The more poof and drama at the bottom, the more I am in love. But really. These mermaid gowns put real mermaid tails to shame. 

2. Exquisite attention to detail. From the buttons down the back of these gowns, to the hidden lace under the tulle, to the incredible beadwork, to the layers upon layers upon layers of tulle. These dresses are just incredible. When we started getting them in the store we were just so in awe at all the little details of these gowns that you can't even see from just looking at a picture online. They really are a beauty that is meant to be seen up close and personal.

3. Amazing construction and craftmanship. No need for a slip or corset bra with these dresses. They have incredible structure not just on the top layer but to the very depth of the inside of the dress. They have boning that helps keep everything in place. Krenolin that keeps the skirt full and poofy. And the lining is of the best materials yet still soft against the skin as opposed to being itchy.

4. Low back anybody? One of the season's hottest trends is the sexy low back. And Alvina Valenta does low back like it is their specialty. So not just are those looking at your front saying oh wow beautiful, but the guests behind you are probably also saying oh wow to that glamorous low back.

If you are interested in this designer and would like to schedule an appointment to come check out these dresses click here, call us at (912)200-4794 or e-mail at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com!

{Photo Credits} Alvina Valenta via JLM Couture

POP-UP SHOP: Alvina Valenta

So excited to announce our newest pop-up shop that arrived today and that will be lasting almost the entire month of April!!! Our shop is feeling full + we are absolutely loving it! With so many options right now this is a great time to come in and check out what we have!!

The Designer: Jessica Williams is the designer behind both Alvina Valenta and Ti Adora (2 collections we are adding to Ivory + Beau in the next few months.) And little did I know this 2 minutes ago but when checking out her Designer Profile on JLM Couture I just squealed with excitement when I saw that she grew up in Oregon!!!!!!! Like me!!!!!!! Anyway, excitement aside. Jessica now lives in New York City designing away now for her own collections after first working with Priscilla of Boston.

The Collection: Jessica's collections are described as being classic, feminine, refreshing, contemporary, breathing modern romance with styles that are classic, with clean lines and sophisticated silhouettes. Her gowns are sexy and sweet, timeless and elegant, and effortless chic. These dresses are amazing. Truly amazing. We just absolutely love them all and we know you all will too. We are so excited to be able to showcase the Fall 2013 collection before receiving our very own Alvina Valenta samples!!! Yup, that's right. Alvina Valenta is one of the bridal designers we are adding permanently to Ivory + Beau along with the sister collection, Ti Adora. **Coming soon!**

Price Range: $1300-4200

Pop-Up Shop Dates: April 3rd - April 27th

Make an appointment today to come in and check out these gorgeous gowns while we have them!! You can call us at (912)200-4794 or e-mail at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here to set up a time to come by!!

{Photo Credits} Alvina Valenta via JLM Couture // Information on designer via Designer Profile

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Yellow + Black {Alvina Valenta Pop Up Shop}

Our Alvina Valenta Pop-Up Shop is still going on!! We absolutely are loving these gowns and are so excited to have had a chance to see them in person before making our order finalized!! Yes... that is right... we are adding Alvina Valenta as a designer this year!! Cannot wait for more of these gorgeous gowns. We just love the lace detailing, the pretty bling and sparkle. More details to come!! And if you are interested in coming + checking out some of these gowns before they are officially part of our inventory call us at (912)200-4794, e-mail us at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here to make an appointment to come in during the Pop-Up Shop now through March 29th!!

{Photo Credits} Lemon Tarts via Cooking Classy // Cake via Style Unveiled, Photography by Alante Photography, cake by Tallant House //  Dress via Alvina Valenta, Style 9252, available at Ivory and Beau // Bridesmaid flowers + Groomsman Boutonniere via Ruffled, Photography by Jagger Photography, Flowers by Marigit Holakoui // Macaron and Food Stations via Green Wedding Shoes, Photography by Aaron Shintaku //  Puppy via Intimate Weddings, Photography by Jennifer Woodbery // Bridesmaid dress and stationary via Style me Pretty, Photography by White Loft Studio, Stationary by Anchor B // Reception Dinner via Style Me Pretty, Photography by Our Labor of Love

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Classic Southern + {Alvina Valenta Pop Up Shop}

Alvina Valenta is the perfect designer for the bride who wants to stay traditional, and wear a classic dress. Their lace is impeccable, and their gowns have the perfect mermaid silhouettes. One style is this lace mermaid, with a sweetheart top, which we have in our shop for you to try on!

Make sure to book your appointment to try these beautiful gowns on! They are only here until March 29th!

{Photo Credits} Up do via Wedding Chicks, Photography by Jess Loves Jessica, Hair and Makeup by Joy G Phillips //  Escort Cards via Once Wed, Photography by Kate Osbourne // Gown and Lace Closeup via Alvina Valenta, Photography by Kristyn Hogan //  Isle-way and inventation via Style Me Pretty, Photography by Elizabeth Messina, Flowers by Camila Flowers //   Cake via Style Me Pretty, Photography by Bryce Covey, Cake by The Cocoa Cakery // Bouquet via Style Me Pretty, Photography by Kristyn Hogan, Event Styling and Flowers by Cedarwood Weddings

POP UP SHOP: ALVINA VALENTA

When picking our next trunk show, we knew we wanted one with a ton of options, from different fabrics, to various silhouettes. Alvina Valenta was a perfect fit! Their gowns range from traditional to funky, and every bride can find a dress they love with this designer! Make sure to make an appointment while these dresses are here!

The Collection: These gowns have a refined elegance, with a modern femininity. They are fresh, with a touch of vintage, and effortlessly chic, just like the brides who wear them. 

Price Range: $2500 +

Pop Up Shop Dates: March 13th- 23rd 

{Bridal Fashion} The Dress

This is my first blog post about wedding dresses, I know, I can't believe I haven't done one yet either! I've done one on bridesmaids dresses though. What brought this post up is because of 1 dress in particular. This David's Bridal dress below was actually bought and worn by THREE of my clients and all of them were in March 2012!! Nicole, my assistant and I were in shock and couldn't believe it was happening. Nicole also works at the Savannah David's Bridal and said that it's one of the most popular dresses. All three of the brides looked different in this dress plus their wedding styles were also very distinct. Have a look for yourself at Whitney, Andrea, and Jenny. I've been dress shopping with most of my friends for their wedding dress and it's never an easy task to find the right one. Everyone has unique body types so it's going to look much different on you then in the picture you've seen of the dress. After looking online at a few dresses, here are some that I found so pretty! 

Which is your favorite???

David's Bridal

 Marchesa Fall 2012

Vera Wang

Ella Bridals

Augusta Jones & Lily Pulitzer

Jim Hjelm & Alvina Valenta

In Savannah and the surrounding area there are many bridal shops for you to try on dresses including:

http://larenbelle.com

7302 Abercorn St Suite 1B Savannah

www.bleubellebridal.com

5500 Abercorn Street #42 Savannah

thebrideonbroughton.com

421 East Broughton Street Savannah

www.davidsbridal.com

7925 Abercorn Street Savannah

www.bridalmartofsavannah.com

714 Mall Blvd # 1 Savannah

http://everafterbridalboutique.net

102 N Laurel St, Springfield, GA

www.jadorebridalandformal.com

191 Northside Drive East, Suite A, Statesboro, GA

www.frillsbyscott.com

1 South Main Street Statesboro, GA

http://fabulousfrocksofcharleston.com

100 Church Street Charleston, SC