Nancy + Connor's Country Club Wedding

Saturday May 7, 2016 | Club at Spurwing | Meridian, ID

“‘I don’t believe in magic.’
The young boy said.
The old man smiled.
’You will, when you see her.’”

— Atticus

TABLE DESIGN

Even with more simple table design, sometimes just a little somethin' is needed to give it that finished look. Nancy wanted bright and fancy, but specialty linen and large floral arrangements weren't in the budget. That's ok! And we get it! We decided that it was worth surprising Nancy and Connor with some added fruit elements that just brought it all together so nicely! We felt like the tables needed something as bright and fun as our couple, so we decided to add some fresh fruit to really pack an extra punch throughout the table design. Our vintage blush stemware added more of the pink tones Nancy loved and added some glitzy gold pillows for the Bride and Groom's chairs.

Dessert Bar

Mrs. Fancy Nancy our bride, knew she could not throw the perfect wedding reception without a dessert bar filled with delicious goodies. We helped bring the dessert bar to life with clear glass containers filled with bright candies and trays of custom cookies Nancy had made just for their special day. Adding different elements that vary in height helps bring dimension to displays, and we can't forget about the glittering gold fabric to make it all come together. 

"Ira and Lucy were hands down the best decision I could have made to coordinate our wedding and help with all our wonderful design ideas! Heidi is so personal and caring, and always wanted to make sure our needs were met and we were happy! She went above and beyond her job duty for us and we were so pleased with the final outcome! We couldn't have made our wedding any more beautiful and memorable without her and the team! They are all so professional and punctual! I would recommend Ira and Lucy to everyone! You won't be disappointed!"

-Nancy McCracken

VENDORS

Ira + Lucy
Spurwing Golf Club
Laken Fulton Photography
Flowers at Will
Sound Wave Events
Behrens Artistry Hair and Makeup
Boise Wedding Productions
Holy Apostles Catholic Church
Cookies | Made by Mum
Cake | Frog + Fairy Cakes by Anita Mitchell
Calligraphy | Letters by Linds

Still Water Hollow Raves About Ira + Lucy Wedding Planner

"As the owner of a local Idaho event venue, Still Water Hollow, I have had the privilege of working closely with Heidi Wight and the Ira & Lucy team. It began with Heidi and myself putting on events together to help inspire Bride's and bless the couples who were preparing for their wedding day. I saw she had a creative and gifted mind in the area of decor and quickly noticed she could make a dramatic impact without a lot of fuss. I also saw her attention to detail and her deep care for her clients. I felt confident in referring Ira & Lucy, knowing our clients would be taken care of and would be very happy with their rentals and decor.

Recently, I have gotten to see first hand what an impressive job the entire Ira & Lucy team does when taking on event design, decor, vintage rentals, and coordination as a whole. I am convinced that this is the solution to pulling off a wedding or special event with little to no stress.

On the design and decor front, Heidi has the ability to see the big picture and help those planning an event understand what will give them the most dramatic impact. Rather than spending a little money here and there on things that will most likely go unnoticed, but will add up quickly, Heidi has knowledge of where to save and where to really invest. The events Heidi has decorated always look stunning, but each one has a style that showcases the Bride and Grooms individual personalities or the theme that the company is hoping to convey. There is always an elegant flair whether it is a rustic country wedding or a black tie affair. Creating an atmosphere worthy of celebrating and making lifelong memories.

The Coordination part of this is so important. Please do not underestimate the value of hiring a coordinator. On a personal level, I chose not to hire a coordinator at my wedding and both my mom and I would like a do-ver on that decision. My mom and I are very close and I would have loved to have her by my side as I got ready and during the prayer before I walked down the aisle, but she was out making sure vendors were setup and tying up loose ends. She had to change her dress quickly as guests were getting settled into their seats. Leaving us with little memories of being together on that day.

As a venue, we unfortuantely see many events become stressful and overwhelming to those planning. In the case of weddings, we have seen mothers who don't get to spend time with their daughters. We have seen Bride's who have had to focus attention on decor rather than on the deep and meaningful commitment they are about to enter into with the love of their life. We have seen company employees who have had little experience planning large events feel overwhelmed and unsure how to handle difficult situations. On the contrary, with the Ira & Lucy team coordinating a recent event, we were aware of many things going awry behind the scenes, but not one family member, the parents of the Bride and Groom, or the couple had any idea what was taking place. Heidi took care of everything professionally and quickly to ensure the couple and the family had a wonderful evening and left with only sacred moments that will be shared around the dinner table for years to come.

I trust Ira & Lucy with any event I plan in the future and I highly recommend that couples invest in a decor team and coordinator who will ensure their day goes off without a hitch. Many couples spend $2,000-$3,000 on a tent to protect their event from being rained on, but few think of the protection they can gain from someone there making sure you spend the day surrounded by your family and focused on the real meaning of your wedding celebration. That is priceless!"

Brianne Gray Owner and fellow farm girl of Still Water Hollow

TIPS for DIY Brides working with Wedding Coordinators

We recently wrote an article for Sound Wave Music and Lighting about the DIY bride with some tips! Head on over for the full article. Since writing that guest blog post I have continued thinking about the DIY couples and how as designers and coordinators we can help our Do It Yourself Couples with some helpful tips! So, get your notepad out and start taking notes! Here are some tips for DIY Brides working with wedding coordinators and designers!

Some Background

SAVING MONEY! From experience talking with DIY couples, many assume they can't afford a professional Coordinator or Designer. DIY, usually lends to a couple being serious about having their wedding on a strict budget , so they are opting to tackle the details as much on their own as possible to save money. They immediately write off any option of having a Coordinator OR they hope to use a family friend or relative to help with coordination. Sometimes this works great and other times not so much... In our own wedding, many years ago and pre-wedding industry professional, I was in the same boat. I felt that $10k was a lot of money and had no clue what weddings cost and thought it would stretch far. I made the mistake of blowing through a decent amount of that buying decor, as there weren't vintage rental businesses back then. I certainly thought hiring a coordinator was out of the question!

Questions to ask yourself:

• Budget - have you actually figured out an itemized budget? Not just an overall budget, but how it is broken down? Usually DIY brides are reaching into the unknown trying to estimate price range for services: venue rentals, catering, DJ, flowers, attire etc. Often the answer is... "I had no idea how much that costs!" A professional coordinator can help you navigate the budget with a clear idea of what the different services cost and how to best guide you to reputable vendors that fit your budget.
• How much of your budget went out the window on those spontaneous shopping sprees at Hobby Lobby? You know exactly what I'm talking about. I know how tempting it is! That $75 here and $50 there and another $130 last month... Those add up! Instead, that money could have been saved up to go toward catering vs your family having to prep all the food. Or that dream floral arch for your ceremony! Those details will last in photos and give you the real bang for your buck vs. all those cute chalkboard signs. Really go through and ask yourself what you definitely need. Return the extras before you get any further into planning.

• Prioritize needs: (some of the main things to consider)
  • Venue
  • Officiant/Ceremony
  • Catering
  • Photography
  • Rentals (chairs, linen, tables etc)
  • DJ
  • Attire
  • Floral + Decor
  • Lodging
  • Travel
  • Hair + Makeup
• Coordinator fees. We highly encourage you reach out to local coordinators and ask lots of questions! Each of us offers different packages and services and all share the belief that each couple will find the coordinator that fits their personality and needs. It's okay if you meet and find that it isn't a good fit. It's all part of the process. Ask about coordination and design services - YES, there is a difference. Let the coordinator know your budget up front. Talk about it. See if you can figure something out that works for both of you. Maybe you need to pick between having a designer/decorator or a coordinator - what do you need most? ASK why they are beneficial to your particular needs. *side note! As with all industries there are always businesses that want to get into the industry and therefore do research on the market and then underprice the competition in hopes of getting experience and business starting out. Beware. As a couple with budget on the mind, that doesn't mean the cheapest coordinator is quality.
• Utilize PINTEREST. Pinterest can be a bride's AND coordinator's best friend or worst enemy! Autumn is a perfect example of how awesome Pinterest can be utilized for DIY couples!
  • Set your Pinterest Wedding Board to SECRET! You don't need the opinions and input of everyone AND you want to keep some elements a surprise right?
  • Start pinning things that catch your and your fiance's eye.
  • EDIT and DELETE pins that no longer fit the vision (or move them to a different board if you are attached to them)
  • Once you have narrowed down your board make sure to put in the comments the specific description:

With Autumn giving us all the details we knew EXACTLY what she wanted! This is perfect for the DIY bride who really wants to make sure her hard work comes together at the end; how SHE envisioned it. Autumn functioned as the designer until the last three months and then handed the reins off to our incredible team.

My husband and I both so grateful for Heidi's and her team's part in making our wedding day truly memorable and amazing. It was more than we dreamed about, and it was surreal to walk into the space with all the little details I'd been planning and working so hard on fully executed beyond my wildest dreams. It was beautiful, and I wouldn't change a single thing about any of it. The Ira & Lucy team was truly incredible - so kind, thoughtful, and hard working, and their dedication means the world to us. Because of all their hard work, we were able to relax and enjoy ourselves from the first second to the last, and focus on our vows, our guests, and most importantly, each other. My husband even made a point of telling me the next day how happy he was that we found Ira & Lucy - we couldn't have pulled it all off if we hadn't! Special thanks to Arielle for her attention to detail - she had lots of questions in the days and weeks leading up to our big day, and it really showed that she was thinking through everything to make sure it was just how we pictured. You know you've had a successful event when there isn't a single thing you'd change when you look back! - Autumn

We work with DIY couples often and don't want you to shy away from contacting us to inquire about our services. Hopefully these tips will help you in your planning! Certainly, we could give many more tips, but this post is already long enough! After you take a look at your budget with realistic expectations and think you may benefit from hiring a coordinator or designer/day of decorating team - shoot us an email and let's chat! You can see our packages here. Now put the car in reverse and pull out of that Hobby Lobby parking lot!!!

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Ira & Lucy Featured on Oregon Bride Magazine!

We are so honored to be featured today on Oregon Bride Magazine! 

"Though I love the brightly colored, sunny mood of summer in the Pacific Northwest, fall and winter tend to bring out a sumptuous richness of design in our local vendors’ creative efforts that I find simply irresistible. This equal parts Ralph Lauren and equestrian inspired styled shoot embodies that cold-weather decadence. From the gorgeous reclaimed wood table, to the dramatic black wedding gown, to the striking blue chaise lounge, rustic luxury with a glam touch abounds.

Pretty details aside, I’m even more excited to share this shoot than usual, given that it features a dream team of Western Idaho vendors never before featured on Oregon Bride. After writing the Eastern Oregon destination story in the current print issue of our magazine, I’m keenly aware that Eastern Oregon brides don’t have half the luxury of picky-ness that their Willamette Valley counterparts do. Though all of the vendors featured in this shoot are Idaho-based, most are located within 45 minutes of the Oregon border, and creative mastermind behind the whole shoot, Heidi Wight’s event coordination team Ira & Lucy, specializes in Northwest destination weddings. Keep scrolling to see it all, and scroll all the way to the bottom to read more about Wight's inspiration behind the shoot—Eastern Oregon brides, take note!" - Taylor Ellsworth, Oregon Bride Magazine

Read the [button url="http://orbridemag.com/vintage-equestrian-ralph-lauren-inspired-styled-shoot"]FULL ARTICLE HERE[/button]

Featured on Equestrian Culture Magazine's Blog! Fall Equestrian Wedding

We are so excited to have our Fall Equestrian Inspired Photo Shoot featured on Equestrian Culture Magazine's Blog! How cool is that?! Be sure to [button url="http://equestrianculture.com/2014/09/11/fall-equestrian-wedding/"]head on over[/button] and share the love for EC! And another BIG thank you to our awesome team for helping bring our vision to life! Stephanie Mballo Photography // Cassandra Hayes // FlowersAtWill // Behrens Artistry // Heartfelt Bridal // 3K Ranch// Paperie and Pen // Rocky Mountain Barn Board and Beam  // Judy Scheel You can SEE MORE from this Styled Shoot from an earlier blog post.

Ralph Lauren Equestrian Inspired...Styled Bridal Photo Shoot by Ira & Lucy

It's finally time! Many of you have been so kind emailing us craving more pictures from our Ralph Lauren Equestrian Inspired Styled Bridal Shoot. This shoot is very near and dear to my heart! Long before Ira & Lucy even came about, I had dreamed of a fairytale photo shoot featuring a beautiful horse with elements of high fashion and rustic elegance. It took many hours of careful preparation and pulling together a dream team to make this happen! Why Ralph Lauren you ask? I am very drawn to the iconic design Ralph Lauren has become greatly admired for. His blend of rustic accents with refined elegance is breath-taking. I love his focus on different textures and patterns. His attention to detail, beauty and the uniqueness of design. Check out this film featuring Ralph Lauren.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6lkr8horU0&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLhAQN8jdR-MNvqfdmgPLtsSeFBMlfEmQ8

Ralph Lauren, Equestrian Inspired Styled Shoot

A BIG THANK YOU TO THE CREATIVES AND PROFESSIONALS THAT HELPED MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

Stephanie Mballo Photography // Cassandra Hayes // FlowersAtWill // Behrens Artistry // Heartfelt Bridal // 3K Ranch // Paperie and Pen // Rocky Mountain Barn Board and Beam // Judy Scheel

The tablescape featured a custom handcrafted reclaimed barn wood farm table by Jacob, owner of Rocky Mountain Barn Board and Beam. He is our go-to man for the stunning farm tables we carry in our rental inventory! These beauties rent out quite a bit and we encourage you to contact us sooner than later for your special event. I custom designed the table runner and with tones of browns and creams that pulled in the color of the wood, chargers and horse stalls. I also loved that the fabric had roses on it. I played with different textures, woven chargers, china, brass, crystal stemware and milk glass. Will, with Flowers At Will, put together this classic and elegant hydrangea centerpiece focusing on adding height and playing off the amber and brown hues. Instead of placing one lamp as the centerpiece, I opted for two Ralph Lauren Designer lamps on either side of the larger floral design. Imagine at a real wedding, these could be lit for beautiful lighting! Vintage books, and masculine bookends created a Ralph Lauren masculinity and drama. Paperie and Pen designed a matching invitation suite, place cards and menus for us that were to die for!!!

LeAnn with Heartfelt Bridal was so incredible helping us find the perfect gowns! We were sad we lost the sun at the end of the shoot since we had one more bridal gown ready to go... another shoot perhaps! LeAnn is such a sweetheart and genuinely cares about her customers. Together, with her dresses and veils and the stunning makeup and hair by Lindsey with Behrens Artistry...WOW! GORGEOUS! The three of us worked quite close planning the different hair and makeup looks and how they worked with the two gowns. I found the most perfect equestrian fashion hat, riding gloves, and equestrian inspired belt. She even wore darling bow earrings that matched the cascading bows down the back of the wedding gown. SWOON! What I love about the black lace dress by Jordan Fashions, is that it is considered a "mother of the bride" gown, however you can see that with the right styling it is versatile for many looks!

"Thank you for taking time to view our work! It means the world to me! The creative process is the excitement and passion that we thrive from.We can't wait to talk with you about your dreams and how together, we can make them happen! A HUGE thank you to a great team! Cassie you are such an incredible model! I could use you again and again and again... You are going to go far my dear!"

[button url="http://iraandlucy.com/gallery/"]VIEW INVENTORY USED IN SHOOT HERE[/button]

Stephanie Mballo Photography // Cassandra Hayes // FlowersAtWill // Behrens Artistry // Heartfelt Bridal // 3K Ranch // Paperie and Pen // Rocky Mountain Barn Board and Beam // Cassandra Hayes // Judy Scheel

Winter Wedding Sneak Peek!

Alysse and Kris married early December at the beautiful Still Water Hollow with the first snow fall of the season! Alysse's mother did an incredible job decorating the reception. It was such a joy to add the final touches with the bride & groom special seating, the wine barrel cake table, old skates, skis and sled and a few other special details here and there. Seeing Alysse's face light up with more joy than words could ever express was so special! Her Mom rented our vintage fur capelet as a surprise for Alysse. During her bridal portraits we had her close her eyes and her mom gave her the capelet. Everyone was teary eyed and so happy! Chelsea and bridesmaids braved the cold and took these adorable pics with our "Cora" vintage blue settee. Thank you Chelsea Risko Photography for sharing these sneak peeks with us! Gorgeous Bridal Bouquet by Flowers At Will. [pullquote width=250 float=left]Time for wedding thank yous! Heidi Wight, thank you so much for all your help styling our wedding. Your flexibility and keen eye made our day incredibly beautiful. Your "surprises" were absolutely stunning, and made our day stress free and exciting. I can't thank you enough![/pullquote]

Abby & Dylan Fall Wedding

Click on above Digital Magazine to view Featured Wedding.