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