SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Karen Willis Holmes, Succulents + Cats

Today's wedding inspiration board is dedicated to one of my best friends who shall remain nameless. That being said, I used one of our favorite Karen Willis Holmes gown that literally is screaming her name with its soft lace and long sleeves. We are so excited to have this designer's collection at our shop... this collection is truly one we fell in love with at bridal market last fall. We will have these dresses at our shop from October 18th through 25th!! To come in and check out the entire collection call us at (912)200-4794, e-mail us at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here!! These dresses are pretty phenomenal and come all the way from sunny Australia! Thank you Karen for sharing your collection with us up here in Savannah!!! 

{Photo Credits} Bouquet via Wedding Chicks, photography by Elyse Hall // Succulent Table Runner via Justina Blakeney // Bride + Groom w/Cat via Style Me Pretty, photography by John Shim // Harry Potter Escort Cards via Offbeat Bride, photography by Candice Benjamin // Cake Table via 100 Layer Cake, photography by The Why We Love // Invitations via Style Me Pretty, photography by Luke and Cat // Cat vs. Boutonniere via My Wed // Ariel Dress via Karen Willis Holmes, will be available at Ivory + Beau from October 18th through 25th

SIMPLY PUBLISHED: {Snippet & Ink} Summer Blueberry Inspiration by Ashley Seawell

Pretty freaking excited that our dresses were featured on Snippet & Ink this week... Not just that but these images are pretty phenomenal. Ashley Seawell Photography and Cote Design put together an absolutely amazing blueberry inspired styled shoot at Wormsloe featuring one of our permanent dresses by Lena Medoyeff and two dresses we had for our Pop-Up Shop with Ivana Krejci. To see more of the beautifulness of this shoot check it out here!! And scroll down to see all of the awesome vendors who made this happen & thank you Ashley for showing off our dresses!! If you are interested in the Lena Medoyeff dress you can call us at (912)200-4794, e-mail us at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here to schedule your appointment!!  

{Vendor Credits} Feature: Snippet & Ink // Photography: Ashley Seawell Photography // Floral Design: Cote Design // Stationary: Tessa Shane // Bride's Dress: Lena Medoyeff available at Ivory + Beau // Bridesmaid's Dresses: Ivana Krejci // Flower Girl Dress: Gap Kids // Hair + Makeup: Pastel Hair and Makeup // Cake: Savannah's Hall of Cakes // Rentals: Amazing Event Rentals, Linen Me // Hairpiece: Vanilla Hue // Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab

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

TUESDAY THOUGHTS #2: Ivory + Beau Bucket List

Today on our Tuesday Thoughts we are thinking and talking about our Bucket List. Not for us personally but rather our Bucket List for the store. We think its important to always have goals, dreams, aspirations in life and so that is our tip for you in your life. So today we talk about our wildest dreams that aren't actually so wild that they won't ever happen... at least they better not ever happen. Hmm...

1. Get a bigger space... Or at least a space with more racks to hold dresses and more fitting rooms. This is a big one. That isn't going to be easy. It's going to take a lot of hard work. But we got this and will do this. And honestly it's not so crazy to think about. We have only been open since January and we are already running out of space. And hangers. Well, not anymore since Adrienna just ordered more. But seriously... realistically we can only hold about 140-150 max dresses without everything getting cramped. And who wants to walk into a boutique where the dresses are all wrinkly, cramped, and not given their proper love and care? We don't want that. Not at all. But at the same time, we love dresses. We love options. We love variety. And considering the fact we already have doubled our inventory of dresses since January and then we are heading to New York Bridal Market in October to buy even more dresses well... I'd say that we are going to definitely be needing some more dress racks in the future.

2. Get a store cat and dog. This goes hand in hand with a bigger space. We want a space where we can have pets in the shop. Adrienna wants a super fat fluffy white cat and I want a French Bulldog. And they will chase each other around, greet guests, and cuddle all over the place. The cat will be named Ivory and the French Bulldog named Beau.

3. Hire a sales consultant. Nuff said.

4. Sell 360 dresses in a year. Every day. One dress. Making dreams come true one day at a time. Now that would be a major milestone for both of us.

5. Lend a bridal gown to a styled shoot to Rhiannon Nicole of Hey Gorgeous Events. I don't even think I need to add anything. I pretty much am in love with everything this wedding planner/event designer does and I would probably cry a little if she ever used one of our dresses in one of her shoots. I have admired her since the very day that Layla Mayville of now Blue Mason Jar Studios showed me her website and she has been such a role model and idol from afar. So this would just be like wow.

6. Be on the cover of a national magazine. I would definitely cry if this ever happened. Big time. This would be the biggest dream come true ever. Ever. Someday? Oh I do so hope. Just one of our dresses that's all. I mean if this ever happens I'm throwing a party with free champagne for everybody.

7. Have our shop featured on a TV show. This may be the least realistic but would be seriously cool.

8. Attend a Floral Workshop by Amy Osaba. She is seriously incredible. Her floral designs are just freaking phenomenal and we would just love to be able to attend and learn from the best. And we will attend and learn from her soon. Hopefully next year is the goal. This is by far the most attainable item on our Bucket List, especially since Amy Osaba is located in Atlanta.

And that's all for now kids. :) Thanks for reading!!

{Photo Credits} French Bulldog via Dreamy Whites // Cat via Mr. Light Chaser {Bridal Gowns} "Cascade" via Sarah Seven // "Justine" via Faith Thornburg // "Blushing" by Sarah Seven via Lovely Bride // "1409" by Blush by Hayley Paige via Bridal Guide // "Blythe" by Sarah Seven via Ceremony Boston // "Marlo" by Elaya Vaughn via Ivory + Beau's Bridal Editorial, photography by Izzy Hudgins {Amy Osaba Florals} Amy Osaba with Arrangement via Style Me Pretty, photography by Rylee Hitchner // Bouquet via Amy Osaba Events, photography by Juliet Elizabeth Photography // Flower Arranging on Table via Style Me Pretty, photography by Rylee Hitchner // Floral Wall via Magnolia Rouge, photography by Ali Harper // Camp Workshop, photography by Haley Sheffield // Indian Summer Workshop via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Our Labor of Love

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Love Marley + Summertime

We are really excited for our next upcoming Pop-Up Shop featuring Love Marley, a collection from Watters Bridal. These dresses are pretty phenomenal with gorgeous details, romantic silhouettes and bohemian flair. So today we are showing how these dresses are perfect for a summer wedding with bright colors, tropical infused details and lots of gorgeous florals. Our Pop-Up Shop with Love Marley will be from July 25th through July 28th! We have limited availability during the Pop-Up Shop and are appointment only. If you are interested in coming in to check out the entire collection call us at (912)200-4794, e-mail us at ivoryandbeau@gmail.com or click here!! 

{Photo Credits} Penelope wedding dress by Love Marley, available at Ivory and Beau July 24th - 26th // Grooms attire, Invitations, and Mrs + Mrs. sign via Ruffled, Photography by Best Photography, Stationary by Shannon Kirsten Illustration, Floral design by Freshly Picked // Hibiscus cake via Style Me Pretty, Photography by Heidi Lau, Cake by Truffle // Tablescape via Style Me Pretty, Photography by Malia Cano, Floral and Event Design by Green //  Bouquet via Grey Likes Weddings, Photography by Lauren Kinsey, Flowers by Myrtie Blue Design

TUESDAY THOUGHTS #1: How a Dress Dictates a Wedding

We work with a lot of brides. A lot. And we hear a lot of the same things from brides. One of the most common things a bride says is that she doesn't know the theme of her wedding yet and so isn't ready to get her dress. But au contraire, I beg to differ. Because you know what we also hear a lot of from brides we are working with on planning their wedding? We hear that they have changed the theme or color palette because they finally found their dress. Yup. True story, I promise. The dress dictates the wedding in so many ways. You know that one time I wrote about how you should never pick the shoes first? Well, it's okay if you don't remember... but basically I wrote about how I had my wedges picked out first for my friend's wedding and then it was a major pain in the ass to find the dress. Same concept here. When you have a theme first and then force yourself to find the dress that fits that theme so perfectly it can sometimes feel like the search for a needle in a haystack. And let's be real. Wedding planning is stressful enough. So why not make things easier for yourself. Find your dress, set the mood, plan, plan, and plan. Of course there are some dresses that can really fit with any theme, but I mean there is an exception to every rule. So we will just ignore that for now and focus on some of our favorite dresses and the themes and color palettes they invoke.

1. Rebecca Schoneveld's Rosaline: This dress. Ohhh this dress. We love this dress. It is beautiful, handmade, soft, romantic, feminine, pretty. This lacy dress is made for the preppy, Southern, traditional and romantic bride. Her guests will ooh and aah at the lace illusion low-cut back and beautiful lace train on her gown while she walks down the aisle to her Southern preppy gentleman rocking an adorable bow tie. The couple will say their vows outside of a barn under a giant Oak tree as her hair billows in the wind. Her color palette is filled with navy blue, peach and coral shades. Her bouquet is perfect and classic with a touch of whimsy. Her guests will be drinking out of mason jars and Georgia peaches will serve as an extra touch of peach. Her friends and family will know they are at a wedding filled with class and elegance.

2. Sarah Seven's Blushing: Another dress we kind of are ridiculously obsessed with. Not just because it's pink, but of course even more because it's pink. This soft organza dress is made for the modern funky bride who loves being stylish in her own unique way. This bride's guests will be excited and surprised upon arrival as they see the bride in her funky attire. The ceremony will take place in a warehouse setting with lots of funky floral details. Her color palette compliments her dress without matching it and is filled with bold yellows, gold and every other color of the rainbow. Guests will enjoy a reception filled with unusual hanging installations, quirky mismatched chairs, and succulents. Her friends and family will know they are at a wedding where the unusual is to be expected.  

3. Elaya Vaughn's Maria: And yet another of our favorite dresses. This ballgown is the softest ballgown you will ever touch in your entire life and is made for the glamorous bride who loves being in the spotlight and is sometimes a little over the top. Her bridesmaids will stand next to her at the altar fashionably in black sequin gowns with flowers in hues that match the bride's lipstick shade. Her color palette will be dramatic and bold with shades of reds and gold with black. Guests will enjoy a luxurious cocktail hour among plush couches filled with sequins and pillows. Every last detail of her wedding will be exquisite and extravagant. Her family and friends will know they are at a fete that will never be forgotten. 

Which look is your favorite?

{Photo Credits} [Preppy + Navy] Rosaline dress by Rebecca Schoneveld, available at Ivory and Beau // Groom via Spotted Photography, bow tie by Starboard Clothing, Boutonniere by Bloom Box Design // Venue via Green Wedding Shoes, Photography by Josh Elliot // Bouquet via Style Me Pretty, Photography by Annabella Charles, Flowers by Haute Horticulture, Styling by Social Grace Events // Peach drinks via The Perfect Palate // Cake via Wedding Chicks, Photography by Landon Jacobs, Cake by Ally and Eloise // Bow Ties via Green Wedding Shoes, Photography by Ryan Ray, Bow Ties handmade by Palm Cottage Goods // Tablescape via  Green Wedding Shoes, Photography by Danielle Poff Photography [Funky + Yellow] Blushing Dress by Sarah Seven, available at Ivory and Beau // Invitations via Oh So Beautiful Paper, Photography by Hoopla Love, Stationary by Rolodex // Shoes via Green Wedding Shoes, Photography by Bayly and Moore, Shoes by Jeffrey Campbell // Reception via Green Wedding Shoes, Photography by Kate Ignatowski, Flowers by Mimosa Flower Design Studio // Bouquet via Ruffled, Photography by Orange Turtle, Flowers by Natural Flair  // Ceremony via Green Wedding Shoes, Photography by Phil Chester, Greenery by The Green Dandelion [Gold Glam] Ballgown by Elaya Vaughn, available at Ivory and Beau // Bridesmaid dress and ceremony via Green Wedding Shoes, Photography by Aaron Young, Florals by Inviting Occasion // Reception and Cake via Green Wedding Shoes, Photography by Aaron Young, Cake by Sweet and Saucy shop // Invitations via 100 Layer Cake, Photography by Style It Photography, Stationary by Bright Room Studio // Shoes via Floridian Weddings, Photography by Starfish Studios

BRIDAL LOOKBOOK 1.0

Happy Fourth of July everyone!!! Here is some bridal loveliness for ya'll!! To see more of our bridal lookbook check out Burnett's Boards and The Lovely Find!! All dresses are from Ivory + Beau featuring styles from Sarah Seven, Rebecca Schoneveld, Elaya Vaughn, and Faith Thornburg; accessories from Twigs & Honey, Hushed Commotion and Jaclyn Jordan. And thank you to the other vendors who helped on our bridal lookbook: accessories from Apricot Lane Savannah, photography by Izzy Hudgins and hair & Makeup by Michelle Royal!!

SIMPLY PUBLISHED: {Burnett's Boards} 12 Ways to Accessorize Your Wedding Dress

I must say today if we are being completely honest that today started off a little rough. The morning started like every other weekday morning but then once I realized that today I am on my own at the shop without Adrienna I got a little sad. It's crazy when I stop and think about how much of a team we are and how much I just really enjoy being a team. But I must say... seeing our bridal lookbook published on Burnett's Boards made it all better!!! This shoot was photographed by Izzy Hudgins of our entire beginning inventory that we opened shop with so its an extra special shoot. Michelle Royal did hair + makeup on our beautiful models and the funky accessories are all from Apricot Lane!! Anyway, be sure to head over to Burnett's Boards to see the entire shoot!!! Thank you Sara for sharing!!