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 PUBLISHED: {Swooned} Writ in the Stars: A Mystic Styled Shoot with Art Nouveau Influences

Love that our very first styled shoot at Cohen's Retreat was up on Swooned yesterday!! This shoot was so fun to style since it was so different from anything else we have ever done. The shoot was inspired by moons, stars, tarot cards with an art nouveau influence. For the shoot we used one of our favorite Sarah Seven dresses that has a silvery sequin beaded top. Mackensey Alexander photographed the details of the shoot, which featured a handmade moon backdrop by us, flowers by Madame Chrysanthemum, chargers + Silverware from Set Event Rentals, chair rentals from Rentiquity, and other decor details from Simply Southern Wedding. In addition, we had a yummy cake by Lulu's Chocolate Bar and calligraphy details by Kaitlin Slattery. Amber Veatch Designs helped with styling the tablescape and last but not least Beyond Beautiful by Heather did hair and makeup for our lovely models! Anyway, huge thank you to Swooned for featuring our styled shoot and huge thank you to all the amazing vendors who helped make this vision a reality!!! Also, we look forward to our first ever wedding at Cohen's Retreat this weekend!!! 

{Vendor Credits} Photography: Mackensey Alexander // Styling + Ceremony Backdrop: Ivory and Beau // Wedding dress: Sarah Seven, available at Ivory and Beau, Veil and headpiece: Jaclyn Jordan, available at Ivory and Beau, Bridesmaid Dress: Veronica Sheaffer // Hair + Makeup: Beyond Beautiful by Heather // Flowers: Madame Chrysanthemum // Venue: Cohens Retreat // Chargers + Silverware: Set Event Rentals // Table Styling: Amber Veatch // Chair Rentals: Rentiquity, other rentals from Simply Southern Wedding // Calligraphy: Kaitlin Slattery // Cake: Lulu's Chocolate Bar

{STYLED SHOOT} Moons, Stars + Tarot Cards

So excited that we finally are sharing this styled shoot we did at one of Savannah's newest + hippest venues, Cohen's Retreat!!! We are pretty much obsessed with this venue. It is unique, has awesome furniture, and amazing interior design. We are also extremely excited that we get to be a part of our first wedding here this fall for our clients, Amber + David!!! Anyway, huge thank you to Mackensey Alexander for capturing all of the details of this shoot, which was inspired by art nouveau, stars + moons and tarot cards. 

Beyond Beautiful by Heather did hair and makeup for our lovely models and we love how funky and fabulous they looked!! Our bride wore a Sarah Seven gown and our bridesmaid wore a Veronica Sheaffer dress. All the accessories modeled by them are by Jaclyn Jordan. The ceremony backdrop was a craft project that Adrienna + I DIYed in the shop one day... with lots of rhinestones... Our reception table was styled by Amber Veatch using chargers + silverware rentals from her new company, Set Event Rentals. We borrowed chairs from Savannah's newest vintage rental company, Rentiquity and other decor was from Simply Southern Wedding. The flowers were designed by Madame Chrysanthemum. Kaitlin Slattery did all the printable designs and the handwritten calligraphy and last but obviously not least since it was seriously delicious was the cake by Lulu's Chocolate Bar... which we of course devoured minutes after Mackensey was done photographing all the details of our shoot!!! Anyway, we hope you enjoy looking at all the loveliness!! And huge thank you to all the vendors who participated and collaborated with us!! 

{Vendor Credits} Photography: Mackensey Alexander // Styling + Ceremony Backdrop: Ivory and Beau // Wedding dress: Sarah Seven, available at Ivory and Beau, Veil and headpiece: Jaclyn Jordan, available at Ivory and Beau, Bridesmaid Dress: Veronica Sheaffer // Hair + Makeup: Beyond Beautiful by Heather // Flowers: Madame Chrysanthemum // Venue: Cohens Retreat // Chargers + Silverware: Set Event Rentals // Table Styling: Amber Veatch // Chair Rentals: Rentiquity, other rentals from Simply Southern Wedding // Calligraphy: Kaitlin Slattery // Cake: Lulu's Chocolate Bar

SIMPLY BORROWED: Romance at Wormsloe

We are so delighted to share this beautiful romantic styled shoot at Wormsloe designed by Gray Harper Event Maker photographed by Simply Sarah Photography featuring one of our Rebecca Schoneveld dresses paired with a Jaclyn Jordan veil. This shoot is just so heavenly + we love photographers who use film!! The cake and paper goods are by Lavender and Honey and the getaway car is from Timeless Motorcoaches. Anyway, thank you for using our dress + veil!!! We are so excited to share these gorgeous images with you all and if you are interested in checking out this dress or more from Rebecca Schoneveld contact us at (912)200-4794, e-mail us at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here to schedule an appointment!! We are booking up quickly for Saturday appointments so we recommend scheduling a time to come in as soon as you know what day works for you!!  

{Photo Credits} Photography: Simply Sarah Photography // Wedding dress: Samantha by Rebecca Schoneveld, Veil: Jaclyn Jordan, Both available at Ivory and Beau // Event styling, Florals and Design: Gray Harper Event Maker // Cake and Paper goods by Lavender and Honey // Getawaycar: Timeless Motorcoaches // Models: Rise

{STYLED SHOOT} Calligraphy, Horses + a Barn

Today we are sharing our styled shoot at Savannah's newest barn venue, Red Gate Farm, part of The Mackey House!! This venue is so perfect for a Southern wedding. Both the outside surrounding areas are beautiful as well as the barn itself. When we did our shoot they were still working on renovations and upgrades to the interior but we still loved it and cannot wait to see how it looks now! For the shoot, we were inspired by calligraphy and literature and wanted a deep color palette filled with romantic shades of scarlet, deep purples, and gold.

Allison Kuhn photographed every little detail of the shoot. We used one of our newest bridal gowns from Lena Medoyeff paired with a Hushed Commotion sash for our bride, Adrienna's boyfriend's sister Tara, who was made over by Marie Bramlett. For the ceremony we used vintage doors and pews from Savannah's newest vintage rental company, Rentiquity. Our lounge area was setup with vintage furniture from In Any Event accompanied with decor pieces from both Ultra Pom and Simply Southern Weddings and flowers designed by A to Zinnas. The reception and dessert table linens are also from Ultra Pom and are quite possibly our favorite linens in existence. Kaitlin Slattery of Forever September hand wrote the calligraphy chargers and escort cards as well as designed the adorable invitation suite filled with calligraphy and a cat illustration... our favorite of course. The other china adorning the table is from Lillian's China. Desserts from Rum Runners Bakery and Gigi's Cupcakes. Last, but most certainly not least since she is our favorite ever singer in Savannah and our good friend... Sarah Tollerson, our bridesmaid, rocking a dress from Copper Penny paired with an Elaya Vaughn sash. We hope you enjoy!!

{Photo Credits} Photography: Allison Kuhn // Styling: Ivory and Beau // Bridal dress: Lena Medoyeff, Sash: Hushed Commotion, both available at Ivory and Beau // Venue: Red Gate Farm at The Mackey House // Hair + Makeup: Marie Bramlett // Bridesmaid Dress: Copper Penny // Bridesmaid's Sash: Elaya Vaughn // Flowers: A to Zinnas // Pews + Doors: Rentiquity // Stationary + Calligraphy: Forever September // Vintage Furniture: In Any Event // Sequin Linens, Books + Silverware: Ultra Pom // Cake stand + Decor Pieces: Simply Southern Weddings // Vintage China: Lillian's China // Cake: Rum Runners Bakery // Cupcakes: Gigi's Cupcakes