A-to-Z Savannah Weddings: 10 Downing
Hey y'all. I'm Nicole. And I love blogging. And it's been way too long since I've really blogged or had the time to. I can't complain because if I don't have the time it means I'm too busy with other things, and not that I'm not busy now because we are crazy busy BUT I have a bigger support staff and team to help me with the tasks that before took up so much of my time. So blogging... let's get back to blogging.
Take me back to summer 2011... actually don't really take me back because life is so much better now but if we were back in that summer I was spending hours... and hours... and hours... and then even more hours... and I literally had no life or friends or love handles but that's another story for another day... I was spending HOURS blogging. And I LOVED it. It was an addiction. I could spend hours perfecting all the little details of the mood boards I would make and hours finding the perfect picture to fit in the blog post. I loved it and I miss it a lot. I also love writing. Like a lot... I also am a super fast typer. I used to be obsessed with this typing game as a kid with a ghost in it and so I can type 100 wpm. No really, I just took a test even to make sure I wasn't bullshitting and I got 93. So that's like basically 100.
Side notes and distracted undiagnosed ADD Nicole aside... and back on track now. I love blogging and I love what I do and I love all things weddings!!!!! SO... I am starting a new blogging series and I am holding myself accountable. And the series is the A to Z's of Weddings in Savannah, GA. Here is the premise:
- If you have ever read Savannah Weddings Magazine you will know there is a handy dandy Venue guide in the very back of the magazine. I will be going down the list A to Z of the venues and featuring a new venue each week... but that's not all...
- If you are new around here you might not know this but Ivory & Beau is not just wedding dresses.... we are also wedding planning, flowers, bridesmaids, calligraphy and even tuxes. Basically all the things. So each blog post will feature...
- The perfect wedding dress for the venue
- The perfect color palette and styles of bridesmaids styles
- The perfect florals
- The perfect calligraphy/signage to go with the vibe
Are you guys ready? I am and I bet you are too after my super lengthy intro. And so today.... A to Z is really actually 1-2-3 to A to Z. So first up is 10 Downing, which is awesome because you guys I love this venue. I really love Mark too. He is incredible. I just got to say when a venue coordinator rocks and is accommodating, friendly, hard-working and nice it makes wedding planner's and florist's jobs like a million times easier. I think there's something to be said for the vendor who realizes that we are all in this together for a common purpose and goal... and that's HAPPY BRIDES AND GROOMS. So anyway, to this gorgeous venue...
10 DOWNING
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE BOARD(S): 10 Downing brings that modern city vibe to historic Savannah so the dress that I envision in this space (bride's personality aside) would be something more modern, chic and fashion forward like our long sleeve beaded chiffon skirt gown. For the bridesmaids they would be rocking shades of blues of course.
For the flowers and design of everything I love the idea of bringing in those dusty blues with darker blues but then combining with the modern style of the space with bold pops of black and white. BUT THEN... bringing it back to the romantic vibe by combining lush greenery framing the windows, mantles and all the candlelight because well, you can't ever go wrong with a ton of candlelight... I mean unless you start a fire (knock on wood.) Also, I'm a total sucker for fancy linens... and these linens from Nuage Designs are my new obsession with the fringe and sequins combo. Plus, who doesn't want to match their linens?! That is kind of a joke but still I thought that was awesome I found matching heels at Lulu's...
Adding to the modern vibe of the space, I think utilizing signage in the right way is so key. I think having cohesive matching signage really sets the tone for a wedding and sets it apart from just any other wedding. For 10 Downing I love the idea of using acrylic boards for signage. Just adds an extra dose of modern plus I mean... acrylic is so cool. Our calligraphist is also finally back from maternity leave!! For a custom quote on her work click here and tell us all the deets!
Black with pops of greenery and tying in the blues would make for the perfect invitations to set the stage for the wedding. Modern yet still with that organic touch of lots of greenery. Now I don't know if that black wedding cake would dye your mouth black... but how badass does it look!? Style 5755 is one of the most modern bridesmaid's dresses we have in stock with a boxy strappy neck style that is so flattering with its soft chiffon skirt while also being very fashionable. Also, did y'all know we work with Jim's Formal Wear for tuxes?! That's right... head here to shop all the most fab styles for the man in your life.
Read on for some more details about this awesome gem right in the center of Savannah...
THE WHERE: 10 Downing is a private dining space conveniently located above Churchill's Pub on Bay Street. The space has two beautiful mantles and fireplaces, modern artwork and light fixtures, beautiful windows that overlook historic Savannah and an outdoor patio area that can be reserved for private parties as well.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT 10 DOWNING: I mean... food. Do I need say more? The food at this venue is incredibly delicious. Oh and the staff. Mark, the venue's coordinator, is awesome to work with. He is hospitable, friendly and extremely easy to work with. I also love the modern touches that vibe really nicely with the historic vibe of the building and room.
PERFECT FOR COUPLES THAT... have around 90 guests or less and LOVE to party. Want a wedding that is romantic and somewhat intimate. Even though technically 90 guests isn't really classified as "intimate," I think of the space in 10 Downing as an intimate space. It might be those beautiful fireplaces. 10 Downing is one of the few venues in Savannah where you can party until those late hours, so if you have a group that loves to get your party on this is the perfect spot. Or if you don't want to party there you can easily take the party to the streets since its location has you right in the center of all the wild crazy action of Savannah nights.
BEST COLORS FOR THE SPACE: Neutrals, black, white, gold, silver, all the shades of blue
I&B @ 10 DOWNING: Clarissa + Max // China + Chris
We really do a little bit of it all and if you are in need of any help for your big day whether it's dressing you and your girl squad, your men, helping with planning every little detail, creating custom signage, designing floral arrangements or even just a day-of coordinator, we got you covered. Click below to contact us today for all your wedding needs - we are now booking 2019... can you believe it!?!?! And then it's 2020.... whoa.
Photo Credits: [BOARD ONE] Flowers via Borrowed & Blue and Weddingtopia // Shoes via Lulu's // Linens via Beachview Event Rentals // Wedding Dress available at Ivory & Beau -- shop gowns!! // Favors via Beau Coup // Bridesmaids Styles 5809 & 5811 by HP Occasions -- shop bridesmaids! // Garland over Window by Ivory & Beau; photography by Ari Merritt [BOARD TWO] Acrylic Sign via Pinterest -- contact our calligraphist, McKenzie! // Invitation Suite via Minted! // Cake via Wedding Forward // Clarissa & Max via The Happy Bloom // Custom Napkins via For Your Party // Bridesmaid Style 5755 by HP Occassions -- shop bridesmaids! // Suit via Style Me Pretty, photography by Sara Lucero -- shop tuxes!