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!

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!

Styling Your Wedding or Special Event with Wine Barrels

Here at Ira & Lucy Event Design & Vintage Rentals we can't get enough of our wine barrels! We love them and added two more to our collection this month! With 5 of these beauties coming right from our backyard Idaho wineries we are proud to offer them to our clients. These beauties (and my word are they heavy) are a collection of 5 right now with optional glass table tops! They make for gorgeous cake tables! Did you see ours at Greg Marsh's Designer Cake's booth at the Wedding Show earlier this month?! I personally love them for cocktail tables! Contact us soon to reserve for your special occasion!Check out our [button url="http://www.pinterest.com/iraandlucy/styling-with-wine-barrels/"]"Styling with Wine Barrels"[/button] Pinterest Board!

Images Via Pinterest

Pantone 2014 Color Announced! Radiant Orchid

Isn't it stunning! I personally love the old world feel to it! If I were to design an event featuring this gorgeous hue, I would go with the inspiration from this board. Not an over the top nightclub feel, but instead a romantic ornate renaissance feel. Oh so lovely! Images via Pinterest.

Melissa & Mark's Fairytale Wedding

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PHOTOGRAPHS by AMPERSAND STUDIOS IRA & LUCY VINTAGE RENTALS WOOD RIVER CELLARS AN OPEN VASE FLORAL DESIGN SOIREE DAY OF COORDINATION KINGS OF SWING MY DECO DAY HAIR & MAKEUP WHITTINGTON BRIDAL JOS A BANK GROOM TUX DROMGOOLES BELLA FIGURA INVITATIONS BRIDE & GROOM CONCEPTUAL DESIGN

Kentucky Derby Wedding & Event Inspiration

Think outside the box when it comes to your special event design! Color palettes and mood boards come from all types of inspiration! I've always loved the refinement and character of the Kentucky Derby. So versatile, "Derby" style can be used to celebrate Birthdays, Anniversaries, Engagements and more! This color palette could easily be for Fall or Spring, even Summer! Don't forget your mint juleps. There are many different takes on the mint julep and even non-alcoholic versions! Don't want to drink? Use the julep cups for floral vessels! Play up the equestrian details in your design, but don't go over the top. You'll go from an understated theme to cliche and tacky... It's a fine line. Need help? We help with all types of events and occasions.

Elegant Fall Plum and Gold Wedding

I'm just days away now from Abby and Dylan's Fall Still Water Hollow Wedding and am getting so excited! No, I'm not going to be that wedding designer that is so excited because she thinks it's her own wedding...I'm excited because I really just absolutely adore my Bride Abby! She has the biggest heart and is so darn sweet! Months and months ago, prior to her booking our Event Design services, she shared with me her frustrations, her concerns...her disappointment and I found myself wanting to swoop in and play the Fairy Godmother. When Abby contacted me and said "I just want you to do it all!" I was beyond thrilled! She has been such an incredible bride to work with. I am so very blessed by her! Honestly, I'm so sad she'll be moving out of state post wedding. I'm trying to convince her otherwise ;) She'd be a fabulous assistant for Ira & Lucy!

I'm working on the finishing touches for her and Dylan's special design details and am so pumped to see it all come together! I can't wait to share photos form their very special day and hope to blog about the full experience afterward too! Abby I am so happy for you and Dylan! You are truly a beautiful person inside and out! Your kindness and joy shine so bright! No matter how much work I put into your wedding, you will surely outshine it all!

Love you!