Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine's Regional Debut

You know when something so meaningful happens to you that you actually don't want to share it with the world just yet, instead you want to hold onto it for a little while longer in your own quiet and safe space and take it all in? That's how I have been feeling about the debut of Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine's regional launch featuring the big editorial I designed for them back in October. It's been a journey getting to this place and I never want to lose site of my gratitude or faith in what my dream and goal of Ira and Lucy is. I've been experiencing a ton of emotions leading up to this week and finally holding the magazine in my hands and seeing my work on actual magazine pages, it's surreal! Thank you Rocky Mountain Magazine for this incredible opportunity. Every single page is beautiful and it's an honor being party of such a gorgeous collection!

Magazines will be hitting the shelves any day now! In the meantime, if you are anxious to see this gorgeous magazine and start getting some fabulous design and planning tips you can head to the virtual magazine, but for reals, you really do need a hard copy! It's stunning! 

Yellow Wedding Ideas - Ira and Lucy

Here's a little sunshine for your Monday afternoon! If you follow us on Instagram, you'll see I have an obsession with these dusty, muted tones! The yellow and gray wedding palette has been done a million times, so I suggest opting for a more toned down hue and layering your palette to more than just yellow and gray. Hope you enjoy our yellow wedding ideas board! We adore this vintage chair featured at the Bliss and Bespoke Retreat! The added pop of pink/violet is beautiful!

You can see we incorporated vintage elements and popped in some mid-century modern vibes with  the vase selection. Texture is key! Chiffon, lace, velvet tufting, wood, greenery - layering is the key to quality design! For our groom, how about stepping away from a tux rental and go with a charcoal suit and a dapper bow tie! YES PLEASE! Love it! This look is really quite achievable and works great for the couple on a budget, but design in mind! We love us a vintage accent chair, perfect for those bridal portraits, special seating at dinner and then used again for the garter toss! When we chat with our clients we talk a lot about how to repurpose decor elements to save on the budget! Think about how that chair will make for way cooler pics for the garter toss then a regular folding chair? Just say'n ;)

As you know we are pretty smitten over Maggie Sottero Gowns and think the "Anna" gown in the champagne tone would be so gorgeous with this concept. It's "a stunning fit and flare wedding dress featuring pleated tulle and flaring into a voluminous skirt, is complete with romantic sweetheart neckline and finished with corset closure" You can find Maggie gowns at exclusive retailer, Heartfelt Bridal, just off Fairview Avenue.

As for adding in those modern elements - think color blocking or geometric shapes and lines. Hook up with local invitation and specialty paper designers Paperie + Pen just down the road from Heartfelt Bridal at The Village at Meridian! They have a dreamy paper shop that you will die for! This is a great place to also get thank you cards for your bridesmaids, gifts for your friends and family and a whole lot more!

Fall Wedding Inspiration is Brewing!

It's my favorite time of year! I love this time of year, when the days are still warm, but you can feel the change in the air. The evenings are cooler and come sooner and it sends me skipping with joy for my sweaters, scarves and fall boots! Fall bring me all your goodness and with it comes some delightful ideas for Fall Wedding and Special Event Styling! If you follow my pinterest board, it's getting some serious eye candy action right now! I stumbled on this lovely Autumn Wedding Inspired shoot from Southern Table Design and photographed by Becca Lea Photography. If I had to pick my two favorite details it would be the use of the serpentine table and the copper elements. We have an upcoming wedding using copper as one of the primary design details. I can't wait! Enjoy!  

Imagine how lovely our mismatched [button url="http://iraandlucy.com/gallery/category/1259/"]gold vintage chairs[/button] would be with this set up!

Internship Announcement!

INTERNSHIP We are a family-owned business based our of Nampa, ID, with our business named after our great grandparents, Ira & Lucy. We specialize in supplying vintage prop rentals, event design and styling in the wedding and event industry. We hope you will take time to view our website to learn more about us! Thank you for your consideration and time!

Individual will work under the direct supervision and guidance of Lead Designer of the Ira & Lucy Design Team. Individual will learn to navigate event design & vintage rentals in the following technical and creative aspects:

• venue research & collaboration
• concept & design initiation
• design presentation (idea boards & social media/blogging)
• styling (styled shoots, events & displays)
• scheduling of meetings, styled shoots, consults, etc
• compose detailed BLOGs with final approval by Heidi
• Initiate press publishing with direction from Heidi on preferred platforms
• exclusive access to Ira & Lucy Inventory
• maintain implemented procedures to ensure cleanliness, professional presentation and effective organization of inventory
• honor strict privacy standards regarding inventory, client interaction, styled shoots, event and business events and activities
• contribute your own ideas for improving procedures and design concepts! We love to hear your ideas!

Internship to begin June 1, 2014 for a period of 5 months ‘til October 31st 2014 with potential for full time employment at the end of the internship or sooner.

Our IDEAL CANDIDATE must:

• THRIVE on creative passion
• function on innovation! We strive to add a fresh approach to event design and not to merely copy what has already be done!
• work as a team! We can’t excel alone... we believe in the power of networking, collaboration and recognizing that it isn’t about “I”, but about a cohesive team effort toward “awesome’ness”
• never compromise on integrity. We value honest, hard work. Every action must be performed with outstanding character.
• experience with composition, interior design and/or graphic design
• strong verbal and written communication
• efficient with MAC computers and software
• graphic design skills, proficient with Adobe Creative Suite
• proficient or willingness to to learn WordPress and effective blogging
• ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• punctual, organized and flexible
• sparkling personality
• provide avg 15-20 hours per week (more during wedding season)

COMPENSATION:

-Currently an unpaid position, however there is strong potential for this part-time position to grow into a full-time position if the candidate(s) is the perfect fit for our team.

TO APPLY

The right individual(s) will be hand selected through a four part process:

1. Submit your cover letter & resume, including two example “idea” boards, references and availability (days + hours)
2. Write a 300 word essay on why you are an asset to Ira & Lucy. Email with above items to heidi@iraandlucy.com
3. In person interview
4. Final Selection

Heidi Wight

heidi@iraandlucy.com

www.IraAndLucy.com

Late Night Thoughts

As many of you know, it's hard for me to separate business from personal...Ira & Lucy is quite personal since my heart, soul and sweat have and continue to pour into this dream. I know I tend to wear my everything on my sleeves and Jonnathan often tells me that it's one of my best qualities and yet, gets me into hard situations as well. I have always believed in the value of authenticity. Maybe sometimes I share too much, but truthfully I do allow myself to be vulnerable because I hate to accept the negative that is out there...even if it has caused me some painful lessons. I don't want to have to build walls and be "all business", but sometimes I really see the value in that. You know what I mean?! It's scary as hell to be that vulnerable, and my word, is that emphasized when it comes to starting your own business. Ira & Lucy is not a hobby, it's a living breathing full scale business that supports our family. I thank God every day for the opportunities and blessings He has given us to help make Ira & Lucy what it is. The relationships we have built with some incredible people have lifted us up and encouraged us through the stuggles business owners all understand. I am blown away by the growth we have had in less than a year!!! It's thrilling and fills me with hope for the longevity of this business. If you follow us and feel connected to Ira & Lucy, thank you for your support and encouragement. It means so much to us. We truly believe that the Treasure Valley has phenomenal businesses and people behind those businesses and are honored you pick us. Tonight I'm focusing on believing in the potential, for not listening to any of my insecurities, and allowing myself to continue to share my heart with you. I encourage you to allow yourself to be vulnerable, to reject allowing fear to control your actions and to leap for your dreams! Leap and FLY!

The Vintage Rental Trend!

While DIY and shabby chic have dominated wedding trends in 2013, the industry is seeing a shift towards elegant, old-world cinematic design style, especially since the release of the Great Gatsby and the huge following of Downton Abbey fans! Elaborate and glamorous table settings, french country inspired lounges and old hollywood bridal portrait sessions are all the craze! These styles often recognized as design for the "upper class" are attainable for every bride's budget now that Vintage Rental Companies give bride's access to all the swoon-worthy details at a fraction of the cost. Event Designers now have access to their dream "prop closets" without having to soak up their client's budget purchasing key decor items.

Tips on finding your Vintage Rentals!

• Discover what YOUR style is! Shabby chic, Old Hollywood Glam, Downton Abbey Refined, French Country Farm to Table, Country Sweet Tea & Romance? Don't get so swept up in a trend or a theme that doesn't represent you.
• Vintage Rental Owners are obsessed with Styled Shoots to offer ideas and concepts for wedding design. Head to Pinterest and start researching!
• Pin ideas and then REPIN ideas onto a new board that is more focused!
• Contact your local Vintage Rental Business and start asking questions and book an appointment! Vintage Rentals companies do book quickly since they are such a speciality niche business.
• If you are feeling overwhelmed at all the eye candy just book the items you know you for sure want! Get them reserved!
• Ask questions! Do they deliver? What if something happens to that dream velvet sofa you reserved, but it got a wine stain the night before at a previous wedding?
• Love the look, but have no idea how to make it all come together!? Make sure your wedding doesn't end up looking like a thrift store. Ask your Vintage Rental business about style and design services! They work with their props all the time and know how to style their props, networking with key vendors!
• Think outside the box! Forget basic table and linen for your head table or cake table! Use an old Singer Sewing Table, a vanity or french dresser. Feature rustic farm tables from reclaimed barns. The ideas are limitless. They will create memories and an incredible experience for you and your guests that will last a lifetime!

 The Stylish Soiree, Tinywater Photography, Soulflower Floral Designs, The Whole Cake,The Glamourist

Stephanie Mballo Photography // Ira & Lucy Vintage Rentals // Behrens Artistry // Heartfelt Bridal

Found Vintage Rentals // Katie Vowels for Annie McElwain