Meet Brooke Mason, owner of bridal boutique Ivory & White and today’s FACE of Birmingham. Brooke and her team of bridal consultants pride themselves on exceptional customer service and a curated selection of couture wedding gowns and accessories. Brooke has been helping brides-to-be find perfect dresses since October 2008.
What brought you to Birmingham?
I grew up in Clayton, AL. I then went to Auburn University, where I met my husband, Porter Mason, who is from Birmingham. I fell in love with the city, so we decided to move back.
Tell us about Ivory & White and how you got started in this business.
I was offered a job to run the bridal department at Saks Fifth Avenue. From the very first bridal appointment, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in helping brides find their dream dresses. After working there a year I decided that I wanted to open my own bridal boutique. I felt that I had a gift for listening to brides and finding exactly the looks they are going for.
What are your favorite parts of the bridal industry?
One in particular is going to Bridal Market in New York twice a year. It is like Fashion Week, but for wedding dresses. I get so excited in the weeks leading up to it; I can’t wait to see the dresses that I get to bring back to my brides.
Do you have a favorite story about helping someone find THE dress?
One bride who comes to mind was a girl who was originally from right outside of Birmingham and now lives in New York. She had many bridal appointments in New York and Atlanta and had not found THE dress. She came to town to visit family and made an appointment at Ivory & White. She came in feeling discouraged and stressed, and by the end of the appointment she had fallen in love with a beautiful lace gown. She left so relieved and excited, which made me so happy that I do what I do.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
My grandfather Dempsey Boyd, who is no longer with us, came to speak to my class when I was a senior in high school. He said to find something you love in life for your career, and you will always be happy and prosperous. This is so true, and I have always focused my career goals around this advice.
What advice would you give to others?
Since my grandfather’s advice was so inspirational to me, I have always passed that along to people who are striving to open their own businesses.
What local event are you looking forward to?
Definitely Birmingham Fashion Week in April. I love anything to do with fashion.
What fashion item would you never be caught dead wearing?
I would say a cropped wide-leg pant. That is just not flattering on anyone. Skinny cropped pants are OK, but not wide-leg.
What’s your “must have” spring fashion purchase?
I have had my eye on some Victoria Beckham sunglasses. She has some really great ones right now.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?
Either a dinner date with my husband or pizza-and-movie night at home with my family.
Do you have a favorite local restaurant?
There are so many great restaurants in Birmingham, but my favorite would have to be Bottega Café.
What are you listening to?
Beyonce’s latest CD is my favorite right now.
What books are you reading?
I am reading Divergent and trying to finish before the movie comes out.
Do you have any personality quirks or irrational fears?
I have an extreme aversion to speaking in front of large crowds; I get break-out-in-a-rash nervous!
If your house was on fire, what’s the one nonliving thing you would grab?
My purse.
Name three things you can’t live without, excluding friends, family and faith.
Going to the movies, pizza (I have pizza once a week if not more), and coffee. I love the Bob at Church Street in Crestline.
Thanks for sharing, Brooke!
And thank you to Kelly Cummings of Spindle Photography for today’s photos.
