THOUGHTS TUESDAY (on a Saturday): 5-Month Milestone Check-In

I haven't written a blog post in a long time. No complaints there though because it just means we've been busy. Like crazy busy and that's a good thing. "I hate being busy and having work to do," said the 26 year old entrepreneur never. So a few days ago I was reflecting on 2015... our business, our personal lives, the ways I've grown, the ways I still need to grow, friends, life in general, everything. And I started to jot down some notes about things. So rather than tuck those notes away and forget about them... I am going to write a damn blog post, because its about time. And along the way I added in some pictures from my favorite styled shoot we've ever done, our spring bridal editorial, Sarah & Joe (our best friend's) wedding, and maybe one of my favorite shots from Jahziel & Ignacio's wedding this past spring. And here we go, my 5-month milepost reflection. And go.

So if you know about our business and team at all you will know that we currently have an Australian trainee here all the way from the west coast of Perth. Nic is not only an incredible hard worker but she is a best friend and someone who I have learned a lot from without even really knowing it. She has changed my perspective on things in some huge ways. And I know she is going to change the way Ivory & Beau is in a huge way too. We have a lot of things underway and I think that's also what sparked me to take notes of where we are now. She isn't the only one responsible for the things I'm going to write, that would be unfair to all the other incredible people in my life that I have become so close to, but she's definitely one of the main contributors. Allie (our other roommate), Sarah & Joe (our newlywed couple friends), Daniel (one of our best friends, who is also eerily and creepily the male version of myself), Wendy (an amazing photographer and friend), Adrienna (my other half kitty cat boss), McKenzie & Lauren (our badass assistants), Savannah (my best friend outside of the industry)... I could seriously go on but I'm not going to. If I love you then you better know I love you... and if you don't know that I love you, well I'm going to guess it's because I didn't hug you very well last time I saw you. But c'mon everybody who knows me knows you can't take that personally because I am the absolute worst hugger in the existence of the world, maybe even worse than people who don't hug, likes monks and umm other people who don't hug? Moving on, so since I'm a list person here are some of the things I reflected on, learned about, thought about, whatever...

1. Traveling and experiences are important. Maybe one of the most important things to me. And I think sometimes I forget to take advantage of opportunities when they come knocking. You make excuses like, oh no I can't do that I have to work or oh no I can't afford that. Nic is responsible for this one... she is over here and wants to make the most of life while she is here. And I said no to a few adventures and I will now never say no again. Just because I think well not this time but maybe next time but the harsh reality is... there will never be a next time. And if there is it won't be the same. Say yes now, open your heart and your mind to new adventures and exploring. Its good for the soul. It keeps you sane. Austin, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee to Palm Springs, California to New York to Asheville, North Carolina we will be exploring all over while combining these adventures with some big dreams we have.

2. Have fun, laugh, be light, be silly, don't take life too seriously when you don't need to. Of course there are times you need to be serious but even in those moments be positive about the situation. In moments when you are hurting, sad, depressed, be light. One of my absolute favorite things about myself and my friends is that we are just silly and happy people. I even told Nic this morning... the thing I love about SnapChat and My Story on there is that when I'm having a bad day I can always rely on going back and watching My Story and seeing the things we laughed about during the day. Even when the day might not be going our way... there is always something that we laughed about. Life is way too short for drama. So get rid of people in your life who are life-sucking-drama-loving people. They will hurt your soul.

3. Don't stop dreaming. I think this is the biggest one that I realized recently. I felt myself starting to coast, feeling like I've made it, I'm doing great, whatever. I haven't done anything yet, keep going, keep dreaming, reach further, climb higher, life has so much more to give to those who seek it. I have told life it hasn't given me enough yet, I want to succeed, climb that mountain. Keep on going and keep on climbing. There is more. I will never reach the end where there isn't something more to do. Don't ever stop dreaming of what next, how to be better, how to grow our business, what obstacle we can tackle next, there is another challenge out there... and another after that... and another. I don't ever want to stop seeking those challenges. Its those challenges that will keep us going and keep us from just coasting. All those things I dream about? We are capable... just keep dreaming bigger than we think we are capable of and we will see that hey, we're tougher and better than we ever even knew we were or believed we were.

4. Friends are better than a giant bowl of ice cream. They keep me sane and are so crucial. Having a healthy personal/social life is so important. They are my life line so I need to be open to making new friends, keeping friends, I never know when I'll need a friend. Maybe my love life isn't the best, but my friends have become the loves of my life and happiness has found me. For awhile I was closed off to letting new people in, thought I had all the friends I needed or wanted. But meeting new people in these past few months has been such an incredible experience for me and something I maybe wasn't always that great at doing. I was closed off but now I'm not and it's great. Almost slightly addicting making new friends and becoming close to new people. There is so much that can be learned from every single person you meet. So in the words of Allie, "I just treat every new person I meet as my best friend even though they don't know it yet."

5. Capture it all. Any of you that are my Facebook friend, Instagram follower, Snapchat friend know that I am obsessed with capturing it all. I take way too many pictures every day. Not just of special occasions but of every single day, because maybe every single day is special and deserves being captured. I love reliving my life through pictures, because it's just that good. These moments are just so good and so worth it. I'm not even saying that to sound conceited because I bet if you too stopped and captured all the silly crazy moments you would realize that your life is that good too. Every moment, every day only happens once so think of that way. That being said... insert note to brides and grooms... spend money on a good photographer if nothing else at all. That is all you have left!!!!!! I could write a million blog posts on the importance of good photographers... but I'll save it for another day.

And that's all she wrote. Thanks for reading friends and strangers who might someday be my friend. Short ginger kid out.

{Photo Credits} Bike via Apt B Photography taken at The Brice // Brides via Laura Fulmer Photography taken at Ships of the Sea Museum // Bustling the Dress via Alexis Sweet Photography taken at Brockington Hall // Ice Cream Sandwiches via Apt B Photography taken at The Brice // Dancing with the Bride via Alexis Sweet Photography taken at Brockington Hall // Jahziel & Ignacio via Six Hearts Photography

THOUGHTS THURSDAY: 4 Reasons You Should Have a Photobooth

So first off before I start anything I need to just say thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart to all the incredible vendors who were involved in our 1-YEAR Anniversary! We are so overwhelmed with gratitude for all the vendors who have supported us throughout our first year open and are so very grateful for all of them who we love to work with so much!!! First round of thank yous go to the vendors who provided entertainment at our Party ::

Dreamweaver Photobooth (the most fun you will ever have in your entire life.)
Sarah Tollerson (your voice sounds of angels + your duet with Chris Dooley was on point.)
Chris Dooley (the coolest violinist in the Savannah area who owns a really cool bird.)
Dollface by Jules (all the ladies at our party had the finest lipstick of all the land.)
Symmetry Nail Bar (fabulous nails and manicures for all the prettiest ladies.)
Zoe's Massage Place (the best deep massage you will ever feel that will relax you for days.)

And now huge thank you to all the vendors who donated prizes to all those wonderful brides and grooms out there ::

Advanced A/V Rentals // Alexis Sweet Photography // Beyond Beautiful by Heather // Claire Barrett Photography // Daniel John Eastwood Photography // Gigi's Cupcakes // Izzy Hudgins Photography // Michelle Royal Makeup Artistry & Hair Styling // Posh Hair by Lindsay // Rach Lea Photography // Savannah Makeup Professionals // Silver Lining Spa

And now to just say thank you thank you to all of our amazing friends. You guys are so wonderful and have made Savannah a home for both Adrienna & myself. We love every moment spent with all of you and we are so grateful that you all came out to support our adventure. Without you all we would be a little lost in life. You make us laugh, you make us smile, you make us seriously happy and the fact you guys support us enough to come party with us is the best thing ever to us. We love you all from the bottoms of our hearts. Now for the fun pictures... oh yeah, we have all these pictures in the big format. You might have thought you were just getting a snapshot in a photobooth but oh no... Anyway, if you want any of these in the large version feel free to e-mail us at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com!! Also, we will be posting them in an album on our Facebook page! And now... for my Thoughts Tuesday Thursday and my 4 reasons why every couple should have a photobooth at their wedding...

****Dreamweaver Photography has a few different styles of photobooths but this one in particular was a modern looking free-standing photobooth that can be used in front of whatever backdrop you want! It prints out 2 strips for guests to take. I absolutely am obsessed with it because of the fact you don't have to have a boring backdrop and if you know me you know we love getting creative!!!! To get more information about pricing and photobooth options contact Jamie at jamie@dreamweaverphotos.com!! Trust me this is going to be one of the most fun investment you could ever make... PROOF IS BELOW. And go...

1. They are more fun than awkward conversations and small talk. Let's be honest here... I'm sure the majority of us have been to a wedding where we barely knew anybody and the small talk was kind of hurting our heart a little. What better way to break the ice at cocktail hour than have a photobooth for guests to laugh and be awkward in a completely socially acceptable manner. 

2. We live in the age of selfies. And who doesn't love a good selfie. I mean even those people shaking their head and saying no they don't like selfies... I just am not buying it.  

3. It's like Halloween on steroids. You get to dress up and change your look more times in 10 minutes then you do the whole year. One minute you're a dinosaur, the next an owl, the next a ridiculously posh looking male with a fantastic mustache. It's like being a kid all over again and I love it. 

4. My top reason for having a photobooth is the fact that your photographer, no matter how good, will probably never capture every single guest at your wedding. Plus I mean it's not really like you want them to anyway... well maybe. But probably not. Who wants a bunch of portraits of every single guest hanging out with each other? I mean maybe you do but I'm just going to assume you don't. And from my experience looking through all the pictures that photographers send us after the wedding it is definitely not the norm for them to do that. That being said... with a photobooth your guests get the chance to get their picture taken. And then after the wedding you can share all those crazy pictures and embarrass the heck out of everyone in a really fun way. And your wedding guests will be talking about that wedding and how fun it was for forever. But that wedding where they danced awkwardly in the light that was never dimmed enough? Not going to remember it. Or maybe they will remember how awkward they were and they'll just try and pretend they don't remember. Or maybe that is just me? Awkward ginger syndrome or something. Not sure.

{Photobooth Credit} Dreamweaver Photography

THOUGHTS TUESDAY: All Over Lace Veils

Today I am here to talk all about the veil. Now for those of you who know me you know I am not traditional or girly when it comes to style. But that being said, I love veils. Just love love love. One of my favorite moments working in bridal is that moment you are working with a bride and she loves a dress and so you put on a veil and its just magic. Cue water works, cue tears. I love that moment. I think it is so special and so magical and so perfect. Its that moment when a girl goes from being a girl to being a bride. Its that moment when she can finally picture herself walking down that aisle to the love of her life. Its that moment when everything becomes a reality and she is finally imagining spending the rest of her life with someone. Its such a romantic and perfect moment when everything is real. That all being said... when I saw this veil on Green Wedding Shoes designed by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen I was well I guess I was speechless. It is quite possibly the most beautiful veil I have ever seen in my entire life. I showed Adrienna and we just knew we had to have one to offer our awesome Ivory + Beau brides. Luckily we are fortunate enough that we work with local accessories designer, Nicki OConnell of Adele Amelia, who we were able to commission to make one for us, which now is posted atop a mannequin for all to see upon entering our store. And its just as beautiful as I could have ever imagined. I cannot wait for the day one of our brides falls in love with this veil just as we so have. Anyway, scroll below to see the veil that inspired us!!

**Adele Amelia is available for custom bridal accessories for brides as well - if you are interested in scheduling an appointment to come in and try on your dress and talk custom pieces call us at (912)200-4794, e-mail ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here to schedule an appointment! Nicki is awesome and loves working one on one with brides to put together the perfect piece to complete their bridal look!!

{Photo Credits} Lace veil via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Heather Kincaid

THOUGHTS TUESDAY: The Pinterest + Wedding Blog Death Trap

Don't get me wrong when I say I love Pinterest. I just wrote an entire article on why I love Pinterest and how it is such a powerful tool within my industry for Aspiring Planner. However, I like to think of Pinterest also as a Death Trap at times. Not like you are going to die or anything of course, but it can be detrimental and an extremely stressful place to go browsing during the wedding planning process and the wedding dress buying experience. So today I am here to talk about my advice and my pinning timeline for brides that will help you successfully avoid the Death Trap while also using it to your full advantage to get all the benefits that it has to offer. Along for my rambling Thoughts Tuesday are some of my favorite pins of the week, which is a real treat for me since I no longer ever have free time to just peruse Pinterest.

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

THOUGHTS TUESDAY #11: Long Sleeves are In

We are listening to you brides and we are going to act on everything we are hearing that you want. And the #1 thing right now? Long sleeves, long sleeves, long sleeves. Even my best friend who is coming to shop with us is obsessed with long sleeves and its a must have for her wedding dress. And this coming weekend through the 25th we have 3 events going on with some really awesome long sleeve wedding dress options. [Side note: did you know if we have a designer coming up at a Trunk Show or Pop-Up Shop you can request specific dresses + we will contact our designers directly to see if we can get it in just for you to try on. We are all about helping you find the dress of your dreams!!] Back to my blog post though... so we are loving long sleeves and according to the brides who have been coming into our shop, so are ya'll. So today I'm going to share 3 of my absolute favorite long sleeve wedding dresses we will have this upcoming weekend! But that's not all, we will have more options available and to schedule an appointment you can call (912)200-4794, e-mail ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here!

1. Karen Willis Holmes Bridal will be at the shop Sat October 18th - Sat October 25th. Her dresses are for the sexy bride who wants to also show a hint of her feminine side on her wedding day. This dress, Arielle, is one of my absolute favorites from her Bespoke Collection and we cannot wait to have it at the shop for brides to try on!! With the low dip in the front to the soft lace with floral appliques it is just so so pretty.

2. Oh Rebecca Schoneveld, how we love you and your bridal separates which give brides so many options to create their perfect dress. The Brooke long sleeve lace overlay is made of the softest lace and perfect for the bride who really wants to show off her girly and feminine side on her wedding day. This look is elegant and timeless. Rebecca Schoneveld's Trunk Show is only going on Thurs October 16th through Sat October 18th and her collection features some awesome bridal separate options. So if you are interested in a couture custom look without spending the money necessary for a couture custom dress then this Trunk Show is the perfect time to come shop with us.

3. For the rocker chic bride, & For Love's Celestine long sleeve lace gown is a little more edgy with a thicker lace pattern, a higher neckline and a looser fit. I am obsessed with the scalloped lace and low back detail and the low cut in the front covered by the lace. It is sexy and badass to me all at the same time. We will also have this collection Sat October 18th through Sat October 25th for those brides looking for an edgier bridal gown. 

What do you think of long sleeve lace wedding dresses? Which look is your favorite? We love to hear your feedback and we hope to see you in our shop soon to try on some of these beautiful gowns!

{Photo Credits} Arielle by Karen Willis Holmes // Brooke by Rebecca Schoneveld, photography by Chellise Michael // Celestine by & For Love

THOUGHTS TUESDAY#10: New York Bridal Market

I'm writing this, like usual, not really on a Tuesday but rather on Wednesday October 1st. But I feel it just makes sense to write this now since well, I was inspired to write it now and well, it's officially October. So as I sip on my chai tea latte outside at Sentient Bean overlooking Forsyth Park while my dog Winnie is laying lazily on the ground looking mopey as usual I decided time to write this blog post. Bridal Market. To anyone in the bridal boutique industry this is kind of like Christmas. Its the time of year where all the bridal designers travel to New York to showcase their new Spring 2015 bridal collections and where all the bridal boutique owners also travel to New York to see the new collections. And it is so exciting and so fun and so magical. I can't even begin to tell you how many hours Adrienna + I spend pouring over bridal designers websites looking at bridal dresses we are interested in... and then looking again... and again... and again... and then looking again and printing out pictures of our favorites. I imagine its the similar feeling a little girl gets looking through Bridal Magazines imagining what her dream wedding will be twenty years from then. It never gets old. Because there are always new dresses to look at. And Bridal Market is just... magical. So today I am on here solely to reminisce and tell you all the reasons why I love Bridal Market. And along for the ride are some lovely sneak peek images of dresses that we are loving from our designers and highly considering adding to Ivory + Beau's permanent inventory so feel free to leave a comment below on which ones you are loving!! [Disclaimer: We will be open while we are in NYC. Adrienna's mom and our amazing intern, McKenzie, will be holding down the fort! We will have Alvina Valenta Spring 2014 bridesmaids for your girls to try on as well as our bridal gowns during this time so please do not hesitate to schedule an appointment, they will take good care of you while we are gone! To schedule something you can call (912)200-4794, e-mail ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here! We are almost completely booked for Friday and Saturday so make sure and schedule sooner rather than later!] So now, for my 3 top reasons why I love Bridal Market and am beyond excited for the crazy hectic scheduled weekend we have.

1. Meeting big name bridal designers is like meeting a celebrity (well, to me it is.) Last year the biggest name designer we met in person was Sarah Seven. (Not that our other designers aren't serious rockstars because ya'll are trust me.) I can still remember being so enchanted when meeting her. This designer has made a serious name for herself. She is all over the blogs. Her dresses are amazing. She is everywhere. So much that there does exist such a thing as a "Sarah Seven bride." That's kind of a big deal. And meeting her to me was kind of a big deal and so cool. Now if only Lauren Conrad would make her bridesmaids collection available wholesale so we could buy it and I could meet her... then my life would be complete. Kate Pankoke, of Elaya Vaughn Bridal and Project Runway, was another one who would have felt like a celebrity meeting; however, I had already met her previously in Savannah when she hired me as her Day-Of Coordinator. This year we get to **hopefully** meet some of my other favorite designers.. Miss Hayley Paige, Jessica Williams of Alvina Valenta/Ti Adora, and more... [Seriously you need to follow us on Instagram if you're not already, I will be posting mad Instagram sneak peeks of all thats going on at market so get ready... plus I just bought a jet pack for my phone so it won't die so bring on the picture Instagramming madness!!!]

2. Dresses. Dresses. More dresses. And even more dresses. This is kind of the overwhelming part but is definitely the fun part. Can you imagine being a buyer at Bridal Market? No? Well that's okay here is how it goes... Meeting with a designer. Having 30 minutes with the designer. Checking out their new collection of dresses. Sometimes getting to have their model try on the dresses, sometimes only getting to see the dresses on the hangers. Snapping pictures on your iPhone of the dresses you like. Scribbling notes of your favorites. Trying to think what would be popular, what will sell, what brides want. And time. NEXT designer lets go. Run, run, run, hail taxi, sit in traffic anxiously awaiting our next designer meeting location, scramble, scramble and go meet the next designer and do it all again. Then day over. Time to look back at your terrible pictures on your iPhone, your scribbled almost illegible notes and trying to figure out okay... which dresses did we really love, which dresses will brides also really love, which dresses we actually want in our store... To say its a little overwhelming is an understatement. But you know... it's overwhelming in a really good way. So this year, we only have 2 days at market basically since we have a wedding on Sunday. And our appointments are scattered all over NYC instead of at the Pier 94 in the same place like last year. So we plan to hone our taxi hailing skills, write a little faster and a little better of notes, and well just be general badasses all around. That being said we also plan to do a whole lot of prep work before we go. I am excited ya'll, so so excited.

3. New York, New York. I'm not going to lie because I just don't lie.... but I hated New York. I hated hated hated New York so much, until last year when we went to Bridal Market. And then I fell in love with New York. Is that weird? I think that's weird. I love New York when I'm there for work but I hate it when I'm there for vacation. That's just not normal but it's the truth. I loved being there for a purpose. Having a mission. Being involved in the hustle and bustle of this city that really seriously never sleeps and is always moving at a pace so fast that you can finally really understand what in the world a New York minute is because its fast. So fast. The bustle of the city is not annoying when you are also bustling. I think that has to be it. It was just a fabulous, adrenaline filled experience and I cannot wait to get back there for work this year. 9 days to go. Or well, 2 days to go since the post isn't going live until 2 days before we leave.

Alright, so with all that said I am going to open this up with questions in hopes someone will comment on this post... so we want to know: What do you want to see at Ivory + Beau? Specific fabrics? Long sleeves? More mermaids? More ballgowns? More lace? Tell us. We love your feedback seriously. That's all, thanks folks for reading!!!!!!

{Photo Credits} All sneaks via Instagram! Stay tuned for more!!!!! Can you tell we love surprises?

THOUGHTS TUESDAY #9: Gold is the New Silver

While working at David's Bridal it was silver, silver, silver and more silver. But at Ivory + Beau we have been seeing a whole new trend and that is that brides lately are loving gold. And with that we have decided that Gold is the New Silver and we are loving it. I don't mean obnoxious yellow fake looking gold but rather a pretty and subtle gold, which shines, shimmers and looks stunning on. Proclaimer before reading on... I promise these dresses we are showing you do have a golden tint but it is very very subtle and very very difficult to find an image online where you can see the real detail and the beauty of these gowns. They are just ones you have to see in person to really be able to appreciate the detail and the golden shimmer. That being said... call us at (912)200-4794, e-mail at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here to schedule an appointment!

1. Gold lace, gold sequins, gold beading, we love it all. We have 3 dresses that we consider gold: this lacy golden shimmer art deco inspired gown from Rebecca Schoneveld, this soft whimsical golden buttery Sarah Seven dress with gold threaded lace, and our Golden Lights all over sequin Sarah Seven dress which comes in both long and short. I know it is kind of hard to tell from these images that they have a gold shimmer but they really do and they really are some of our favorite dresses that brides too are loving.

2. Forget silver based accessories... gold is where its at. We are loving these bridal headpieces and sashes that use gold instead of silver. They stand out so much more when paired with pearls and bling than the traditional silver. Plus there's just something about gold that fits the vintage, soft and romantic bride where as silver is for the Cinderella traditional bride. Twigs & Honey makes the prettiest gold hair vines adorned with pearls and swarovski crystals and don't even get me started on how much I love their gold bows. And Hushed Commotion has an awesome gold birdcage that I am seriously obsessed with. That's not all though, we have way more in the shop that we love love love. If you are already have your dress but are interested in bringing in your dress to shop accessories to find that perfect piece to complete your look let us know and we can even bring in our custom accessories designer, Adele Amelia, to work with you to create the perfect accessory!

{Photo Credits} Gemma by Rebecca Schoneveld, available at Ivory + Beau, photography by Dust Studios // Cascade by Sarah Seven, available at Ivory + Beau, photography by Laura Fulmer // Golden Lights by Sarah Seven via Ivory + Beau Bridal Lookbook, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Twigs & Honey Hair Vine and Blush by Hayley Paige Gown available at Ivory + Beau from our Lowcountry Magazine Editorial Shoot, photography by Rach Lea Photography // Blue Dress by Jillian Fellers with Tulle Skirt from Love Found True, Twigs & Honey Gold Bow Sash from our Donuts & Horses Editorial, photography by Two Chics // Twigs & Honey Hair vine, photography by Sawyer Baird // Hushed Commotion Birdcage from Holiday Accessories Bridal Shoot, photography by Mackensey Alexander

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

THOUGHTS TUESDAY #7: Colors, Themes + Design

Today I am here to talk all about my tips on how to come up with colors, themes + the overall design and feeling of your wedding. Working with couples to come up with the perfect look for their wedding day is definitely my absolute favorite part about wedding planning because it allows us to get to be creative while also getting to really know a couple. That being said, it is not always the easiest of tasks for couples... I like to blame it mostly on Pinterest since that's where the majority of brides are going nowadays. But trust me, Pinterest is a mind suck and can really make things confusing and seriously overwhelming. There are so many beautiful things on Pinterest don't get me wrong. But your wedding shouldn't just be beautiful, it should be meaningful and fit you as a couple. So here are my 3 top tips on how to come up with the color palette, themes + design that is perfect for you and your fiance.

**The 3 dresses below are all part of our End of Summer Sample Sale and are 15-20% off now through Saturday Sept 20th! To schedule your appointment call us at (912)200-4794, e-mail at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here!

1. Start with the staples: venue first then dress. Once you find that venue I suggest finding your dress. And no not just because we sell dresses.. but because the dress sets the whole mood and the whole tone of your wedding. So you pick a venue that is somewhat of a blank slate whether because its simply a large room with neutral walls or maybe exposed brick, but regardless of that it is a room that does not dictate the style and can really be done up in a multitude of different ways. The possibilities may be endless in this said space. Botany inspired forest theme wedding? Sure. Classic and timeless affair with all white florals and romantic candlelight? Sure. Rocker chic with bold black and white patterns? Sure. Vintage rustic chic with lace and burlap? Sure. See where I'm going with this? Some venues can be overwhelming with how many options and possibilities they are if its a space that does not set the mood on its own. Sooo how is that going to help you when trying to figure out your colors, themes + design? It probably won't to be honest. Well it might... and you might start going in one direction, prior to finding your dress, but then what if you get your dress and then you start to think well shoot this is not going to work. It has happened before with our clients trust me. So my advice is find your venue then find your dress. 2 key starting points.

2. Next, look in your closet (and your fiance's of course, let's not forget about them.) What colors are you seeing? Themes? Patterns? Styles? So for me for example if you look in my closet you are going to see lots of neutrals, black, gray, pale blush and blue, more neutrals and then lots of geometric, aztec and southwestern patterns. If you look in Adrienna's closet you are going to see all floral prints, girly colors, lots of pink. So say Adrienna and I were getting married... color palette of neutrals, black, gray, blush, bold pink and other shades of pinks with a conglomeration of geometric and floral patterns. Sound familiar? Our store maybe? Not feeling inspired by your closet? Then look around your home and try to pick out colors you are drawn to as well as patterns or textures. This may not work for everyone of course, but I think it definitely is a good place to start looking for themes that really truly fit you as a couple.

3. Finalize your colors, themes + overall design and feeling of your wedding and then stop looking. Once you have put together your perfect look and you feel really good about it then its time to just stop looking. Get off Pinterest if you have to unless you are someone who can look at Pinterest and see pretty things that don't fit with your theme and realize they are just that but that they do not fit with what you want for you and your fiance and move on. Think of it this way... when you found your fiance and said yes did you keep looking for someone else? I sure as hell hope not. So treat your wedding theme the same way. Pick it out with your fiance and stick with it because it fits you as a couple not because its pretty but because it is you and your fiance together and its perfect in every way.

What advice do you have for brides getting started planning their wedding and trying to come up with themes and colors? Any tips? Also, if you are interested in any of the dresses above you can call us at (912)200-4794, e-mail at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here to set up a time to come try them on!!

{Photo Credits} [Red, Yellow + Retro] Elaya Vaughn Mermaid Gown via Bridal Editorial, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Bride + Groom in Front of Chairs Wall via Ruffled, photography by Ameris Photography // Eames Chairs Escort Cards via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Steve Cowell Photo  // Balloons via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Fstop Inertia [Playful Blush] Ceremony Decor via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by June Bug Company // Bouquet by Sacchi Rose, photography by Mikkel Paige //  Cake via 100 Layer Cake, photography by The Why We Love // Blush by Hayley Paige Dress via a and be Bridal, photography by Our Love is Loud [Black + White Rustic] Babydoll Faith Thornburg via Bridal Editorial, photography by Izzy Hudgins // Dessert Table via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Mandee Johnson // Mirror Drink Menu via Style Me Pretty, photography by Pat Furey // Love Sign via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Lauren Apel Photo // Lounge Area via Lauren + Ben's Wedding, photography by Ulmer Studios

THOUGHTS TUESDAY #6: Ivory + Beau Dinosaurs

Why dinosaurs? This is a question we hear pretty much every single day. I guess my first reply is why not? Why not have a mascot that makes absolutely no sense at all and that are hidden all over your store. From underneath the dress racks, to the top looking down on you, to our desk, to our bar cart filled with accessories. They are everywhere. And Wilbur. Don't even get me started on Wilbur. He adorns the wall as you walk into our shop. So back to the question, why dinosaurs? I guess why not really isn't a very valid answer at all. So I guess today I am going to explain, why dinosaurs. Here goes...

I've always liked dinosaurs as a kid growing up. I can remember having a big picture book with dinosaurs and I can remember watching Land Before Time all the time on television. I had a little boy friend (not boyfriend, I was definitely that super awkward ugly ginger kid who none of the boys ever liked you can trust me on that one.) But anyway, so I had a little boy friend and we used to play monster trucks and dinosaurs together. And I just always liked them. As I grew up I guess I got away from it but when back in the wedding industry I became enamored with the little gold dinosaurs that I had seen on wedding blogs and I just was drawn to them. When I got my first real girl place I went out and bought some dinosaurs, sprayed them gold and they hung out in my living room and I loved them.

Fast forward a few months when Adrienna + I started decorating the shop and I was also in the process of moving from my home to a new home downtown. I had all these crazy dinosaurs with no where to put them since I was moving to a smaller place. So like most of my inventory stuff for weddings that was taking over my house I brought it all to the shop. Including a box full of gold dinosaurs. We loved it. It made us happy. We put them around the shop in all the nicks and crannies you can think of. Adrienna found a large t-rex golden head dinosaur, Wilbur, online and we oohed and aahed over how cool he was. We agreed that after we sold our first gown we would buy Wilbur. And we sold our first gown and we did just that. We bought Wilbur. And we gave Wilbur a home on our wall. And it slowly transformed into our mascot.

The meaning behind the dinosaurs has transformed and evolved, unlike dinosaurs were ever able to do since I guess unfortunately extinction is forever. The dinosaurs in our shop have evolved and to us they now represent our mission as a bridal shop. We strive to make shopping for your wedding gown a happy and fun experience. We don't want to be a stuffy bridal shop. We want our brides to be comfortable and feel at home when walking in. With the vintage furniture, which feels like a living room to the gold dinosaurs everywhere we want brides to feel like she is in a fun and comfortable environment. And so the dinosaurs serve as a daily reminder of what we want, what we stand for, and what we want every bride's experience to be like. Mascot is born. And mascot will stay.

{Photo Credits} All images via Nicole's iPhone

THOUGHTS TUESDAY #5: Bride by Design, Heidi Elnora's TV Show

Before anything, I will say that sometimes most of the time I get seriously distracted. And I will start on a blog post and then instead of finishing the blog post I'll go off and do something completely different and unrelated and never finish the blog post. So that being said, I started on this post a week ago... got distracted with wedding planning e-mails and what not... finished 3/4 of it yesterday on Tuesday... got even more distracted... and now am forcing myself. Literally forcing myself to finish this. So that being said, please enjoy and now you know that we have blogging marathons and sometimes post things that we aren't even writing the same day... now you know our huge big dark secret. Moving along, please enjoy my Thoughts Tuesday blog post...

I'm really excited to write today's blog post because before I write it I'll be doing some field research. And when I say field research I really mean watching some Bride by Design, Heidi's Elnora's new TV show on TLC. The concept behind the show stems from Heidi's passion of helping brides feel like they are one-of-a-kind in a one-of-a-kind dress on their wedding day. Heidi's Build A Bride collection is all about giving brides additions to a staple gown, whether its a simple princess cut sweetheart dress with a fit and flare skirt or an a-line chiffon dress with added on cap sleeves, lace overlays or peplum skirts... there are so many options. Another reason I am excited to write this post is because our Pop-Up Shop with Heidi Elnora starts this week and we get to see the collection in person and for those brides who are coming to shop with us this weekend they will get to check out the dresses as well. Heidi is also a SCAD alumni and was a contestant on Project Runway. Anyway, now for some reasons why I am loving this show + think it is a great show for brides to be to watch...

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment during our Heidi Elnora appointment call us at (912)200-4794, e-mail at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here!!

1. It's not just entertaining but informative. In one of the episodes Heidi works one on one with a bride for her fitting once she's already found her dress. So many brides we work with will really have no idea about alterations, fittings and what that really means. Most brides who buy a dress with us end up having 2-3 fittings with our alterations specialist before their big day. So its so important that during those fittings brides work really closely with their alterations specialist to make sure their dress is everything they ever dreamed of, fits comfortably and perfectly.

2. The concept of custom!!! We love love love this. While we don't carry Heidi Elnora's Build A Bride collection, we do have bridal separates, which is a similar concept. Our bridal separates + short dresses give bride's the choice of picking the top or short dress that fits them perfect with the skirt that flows just the way they want. We love that this show is on TV because it will show brides not to be afraid of a little customization!! More often then not we get brides who come in, describe their dream dress, and then we show them the bridal separate top or short dress and bottom that is exactly what they are dreaming of and they are completely against trying them on. I mean, they will literally downright refuse to even try them on. So I love that Heidi is stepping out of the box and really showing brides this new concept because like I said already we love it, and we know with a little open mindedness brides will love the Build A Bride collection as well as bridal separates!

Complete side note not really at all its actually a related note... we got Heidi Elnora's Pop-Up Shop today and they are AMAZING. Look here and here on our Instagram!

{Photo Credits} Heidi Elnora Bride w/Logo via Heidi Elnora // Show Images via TLC