SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Prairie Farm + Anna Campbell Trunk Show

So excited that we are having our first trunk show with Anna Campbell featuring the Forever Entwined Collection. These dresses are seriously stunning. So today I'm sharing one of my favorites that has a soft lace keyhole back that would be so perfect for a prairie farm wedding with its romantic and flowy style. To check out the entire collection during our Trunk Show (March 13th-15th ONLY**) call us at (912)200-4794 or click here!!

{Photo Credits} Milla via Anna Campbell // Enduring Enchantment via Wedding Paper Divas // Daisy Flower Earrings via Jane Stone // Can You Kick it Booties via Modcloth // Ceremony Backdrop via Green Wedding Shoes //

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

{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

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

SIMPLY PUBLISHED: Southern Bride

Super super super excited that our Mod Valentine's Day themed inspiration shoot from last year at the Jepson Center with Izzy Hudgins + French Knot was featured on Southern Bride a few days ago!!! Go on over to check it out!! Hope ya'll are getting really excited for Valentine's Day!! I know I'll be at the new movie premiere of Endless Love with my valentime + Adrienna is spending a romantic evening in with her boyfriend, Woody, and their cats... Can't wait to hear everyone's engagement stories that happen this weekend!!! We have lots of POP-UP Shops + Trunk Shows coming up that will be the perfect opportunity for you to find your gown! Make your appointments now - our VCD Collection by Cotton Bride POP-UP Shop on February 27th - March 3rd is booking up fast!! 

{Vendors} Event Design/Styling Collaboration: Izzy of Izzy Hudgins, Audrey of French Knot Studios and Nicole of Ivory + Beau // Photography: Izzy Hudgins // Decor Details: French Knot Studios // Flowers: Madame Chrysantheum // Shoot Location: Cafe Zeum at the Jepson Center and Coffee Fox // Bridesmaids' Dresses: Copper Penny // Hair: Loren Laney of Femme Fatale // Makeup: Jessica Mock of Dollface by Jules // Wedding Cake: TIER Luxury Cakes // Macarons: Maison de Macarons // Rock Candy: River Street Sweets // Rentals: In Any Event // Furniture: 24e // Stationary: Miss Pickles Press // Letterpress Cards: Macon York

SIMPLY PUBLISHED: H&H Weddings

So excited that our love shoot with Mackensey Alexander for Gay Savannah using two of our bridal gowns from Ivory + Beau was featured on H&H Weddings yesterday!!!! Make sure you go on over and check it out!! It's filled with lots of love, a teepee + some bohemian touches!! And we absolutely love how well our Faith Thornburg high-low gown matched with our Sarah Seven Blushing gown!! **We are one of the vendors who will be at the Gay Savannah Wedding Show this July 13th!! Stay tuned for more details + information to come!!! 

{Vendor Credits} Photography: Mackensey Alexander // Dresses + Bouquet: Ivory + Beau // Blush Dress: Sarah Seven // Ivory High-low Gown: Faith Thornburg

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Sarah Seven Cascade

Sarah Seven's dress, "Cascade," is by far one of my favorite gowns we have in stock right now. I love how soft and romantic the dress is with it's fluttery lace details and sweetheart neckline. Just had to do an inspiration board inspired by this gown... I'm thinking woodland + purple would match this dress so well with it's touches of gold within the lace. It's just so ethereal and reminds me of a pretty fairy. Enjoy!

{Vendor Credits} Dress from Ivory + Beau, design by Sarah Seven, photography by Mackensey Alexander // Gems on Table via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Lauren Goldenberger // Tablescape by Flora + Fauna // Invitation via 100 Layer Cake, invitations by Hip Ink, photography by Corina V // Bouquet via Burnetts Boards, bouquet by Green and Bloom, photography by Feather & Stone // Cake via Ruffled, cake by , photography by Marion Heurteboust // Heels via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Clayton Austin

{STYLED SHOOT} Winter Rustic Shoot at Brockington Hall

It's crazy to me that I'm just now getting around to blogging this winter rustic styled shoot considering this photo shoot took place in the dead heat of the summer... This shoot was so much fun to be a part of!!! My favorite part about this shoot was that the hanging centerpiece installation was actually inspired by my living room one night... I have a furry sheepskin rug with a ghost table on top of it with a brown tray with antlers as handles + was inspired to turn that into a centerpiece and so this shoot was born. Everybody thought I was crazy for hanging those acrylic planks over the table but oh my gosh I was so happy that it worked and didn't fall over + collapse!!! Thank you to Melissa + Lee at Brockington Hall for letting us take over their venue again for the day!! Rach Lea did an incredible job capturing all the details! The bride, fellow wedding photographer, Amanda Nicole Miller, was made up by Dollface by Jules and dressed in a gray Vera Wang for David's Bridal wedding gown. She also rocked a furry jacket by Adrienna McDermott, of Ivory + Beau. Kiwi Fleur made the pretty bridal bouquet + the adorable little floral halo for the flower girl and Art POP Balloons provided the large tassel balloon. The dessert table was filled with a cake by Lulu's Chocolate Bar, macarons from Maison de Macarons, and chocolates from Cholatat by Adam Turoni with a vintage cake stand from Lillian's China. This shoot was also featured on 100 Layer Cake! Thanks again to all the vendors who made this happen!!!  

{Vendor Credits} Photography: Rach Lea // Styling + Hanging Installation: Ivory + Beau // Venue: Brockington Hall // Cake: Lulu's Chocolate Bar // Hair + Makeup: Dollface by Jules // Dress: Vera Wang for David's Bridal // Fur Wrap: Adrienna McDermott // Bouquet: Kiwi Fleur // Macarons: Maison de Macarons // Chocolates: Cholatat by Adam Turoni // Balloon: Art POP Balloons // Vintage Cake Stand: Lillian's China

SIMPLY BRIDAL: Gray Gowns

I love colored wedding gowns. Kind of obsessed. From blue to pink to gold, they add such personality to the bride, and show off her unique spirit. But what about gray? It's cool, flattering on all skin tones, and is perfect for the winter. I mean what would look better in the snow then a cool silver and gray dress? (Especially if it has sparkle!) And when you look at the photos below, look at how well it photographs! With so many shades, from soft white to a deep charcoal. Divine! So when you're looking for a dress, that's not white or ivory, think gray!

xoxo,

Adrienna

{Photo Credits} Wedding gown and bouquet via Martha Stewert Weddings // Vintage wedding gown via Green Wedding Shoes, gown from Shareen Vintage, Necklace by Yelena Johnson from The Stylish Soiree // Sparkling dress via Wedding Chicks, dress by Pam Chorley, photography by Scarlet O'Neill // Bride and Groom via Chrisspira Photography // Silk charmuse and chiffon gown by Mariansmo // Bride via Ruffled Blog, Gown by Vera Wang, Flowers by Stem Floral, Photography by Q Weddings // Outdoor wedding via Green Wedding Shoes, Dress by J.Crew, Flowers by Hotel Budir, Photography by Pat Furey, Hair accessories by Ice Green Eyes

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Gems + Crystals

{Photo Credits} Centerpiece with Succulents + Gems via Ruffled, photography by Love is a Big Deal // Escort Cards via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Hazelwood Photo // Bride + Groom with Gems Centerpiece via Style Me Pretty, photography by Perez Photography // Rings via Ruffled, photography by Evynn Levalley // Jewelry via Ruffled, photography by Alissa Saylor // Rock Candy Cake via Craftsy, cake by Sweet and Saucy

SIMPLY PUBLISHED: {Every Last Detail} Bold Dramatic Blush + Black Wedding Ideas

Eeek! Ivory + Beau was featured on Every Last Detail yesterday! Pretty excited since this is our first shoot to be featured under the new business name instead of Simply Savannah Events! So it's extra special... and even more special because I have met Lauren, the author of ELD, before. Lauren was a speaker at the Cultivate Workshop in Jacksonville, Florida in 2012 hosted by Flaire Events that I attended as Layla's assistant. I can still remember being so in awe of Lauren. I mean here standing in front of me was someone who took her passion and made a career out of it. She was living what she loved everyday and working for herself. She was someone I seriously looked up to and so it is a dream come true to have my work featured on her site!!! I hope you will go on over + check out the feature of our Bold dramatic blush + black wedding inspiration shoot that was at Brockington Hall! Huge thank you to all the vendors who helped out: Shannon Christopher, Beyond Beautiful by Heather, BleuBelle Bridal, Thrive A Carry Out Cafe, Laura Lavender + In Any Event! And huge thank you to Lauren for featuring us on your site!! 

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Boho Beach Elopement

What do I do when I can't sleep? Make wedding mood boards for my clients obviously. This mood board is missing one color the bride is interested in (orange)... but you know sometimes when it's 3:30 in the morning and you're lethargic from being woken up after having nightmares and you just can't find the right inspiration photos to add into the mix so you just nix it in the board. Anyway, the colors for the elopement will be *tentatively* turquoise, orange + purple, which will be so gorgeous on the beach! But anyway, I am super excited for this intimate elopement! I am not going into any more details because well... if you know me then you know I absolutely love surprises!!!!! So like always, you'll just have to keep on following the blog to see the wedding after it's happened! Also, side note... big news coming this Sunday regarding the future of Simply Savannah Events! Stay tuned!!! OH and... giveaway details being posted on Sunday as well! Follow us on Facebook for updates!

{Photo Credits} Cake via Ruffled, by Maria V Creative, photography by Vitalic Photo // Turquoise Beaded Necklace via Beaded Wire // Candle via Wedding Chicks, DIY by Petal Floral Design, photography by Hello Love // Bottles via Love and Lavender, photography by Best Photography // Purple Artichoke Flowers via Wedding Chicks, florals by The Arrangement Company, photography by Elisa Bricker // Ferns via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Rad + In Love // Ceremony Arch via Style Me Pretty, photography by Katie Osgood // Bouquet via Green Wedding Shoes, florals by Modern Bouquet, photography Swoon by Katie

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Honey Bee + Jack Daniels

How about some honey + Jack Daniels? Anyone? I know this is a super summery post, but I must say the weather here in Savannah right now is exactly what it's like during summers in Portland, Oregon where I'm from originally. But really... 80 degrees is about as hot as it ever gets. See now why I love Georgia so much?? 

{Photo Credits} Bride and Bridesmaids via Wedding Chicks, photography by Braun Photography // Jack Daniel's via Amber Housley, photography by Brooke Boling // Cake via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Love Me Do // Honeycombs via BLoved, photography by Brancoprata // Bouquet via Honey Honey Photography // Honey Favors via Couple of Dudes

SIMPLY INSPIRATION: Antler Love

Sooo... I have a love affair with antlers. I mean realllllly big love affair. They are my favorite. And my vendor-love-friends know it so much that when brainstorming a new styled shoot with a vendor friend she told me no antlers Nicole. Because she knows I love them. And she knows I would obviously try to find a place to squeeze them in. So anyway, now that it's finally fall... here is some antler love for all you fellow antler lovers out there.

{Photo Credits} Antler Bouquet via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Spencer Combs and Geneoh // Ceremony Teepee via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Cassidy Brooke // Dress on Antlers via A Charming Occasion, photography by Leo Evidente // Antlers on Table via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Ely Fair // Antler Monogrammed Napkin via Grey Likes Weddings, photography by Carrie Patterson // Antler Bouquet 2 via Ruffled, photography by Colagrossi Studio // Invitations via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Josh Goleman from The Wedding Artists Collective // Antler Chandelier via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Three Nails