Bespoke Warehouse Visit & Some Chalkboard Art

I’m sure I’ve mentioned in passing, one of my besties has started an amazing business in Vancouver and not only am I so jealous, but I’m really impressed at how quickly she’s pulled together a full blown business. Bespoke Decor Rentals is vintage furniture and decor (and lawn games!) that you can rent for your event, photo shoot, or anything in between- because we all want that pretty settee for our party, but no one wants to store it. (Prepare yourself for an image heavy post folks- I got carried away).

In university, Ashton and I planned our local bridal fair- staying up for days at a time while we worked on our grad papers, emailing vendors, and endless spreadsheets. I don’t know anyone I have ever worked with better. She’s so patient, knows her strengths, and she’s pretty much the sweetest thing you’ll ever meet. When she called me with her idea last year, I knew if anyone could pull it off- it was her. Last summer she spent her days driving around the province picking up vintage decor pieces and furniture (yes, she snapped up that beautiful turquoise table!) and now she’s opened her doors to brides, photographers, and anyone else.

I’m honoured that she lets me give input on some of her business decisions and was SO so excited to finally get down to her warehouse and see what she’s been working on- and not just the pictures! Not only does she have all the things you picture when I say vintage decor rentals (couches, chairs, milk glass, birdcages, dressers and mirrors), but she has a ‘Mantiques’ inventory- Shane loved every bit of it. I was pretty sure he was going to commission me to find a big ship wheel and some globes like she had displayed.

Seriously, picture those decanters with some cigar boxes and dark leather suitcases for a men’s area at your wedding. Or those globes and some bright suitcases for a going away party. I also love (but didn’t snap any pictures of) their kids wagons and vintage toys because they would make a rockin’ first birthday party with their new marquee letters- but I did get a picture of their toboggan! I’m thinking I’d like to rent the toboggan and some snowshoes and lantern for family Christmas photos this year!

Am I gushing a bit? I’m wishing I lived closer so she could hire me! To top it off, the babies loved it and any outing with happy babies, makes this mommy a happy lady.

Even more exciting? She had a last minute wedding show booked- so I got to help her design a 6×2 (read: tiny!) display and truck it all over and answer questions about her awesome company. Since it was last minute, she wasn’t able to get the calligrapher she usually works with to create signage for her, so I got to try my hand at chalkboard art. I did my best to imitate her business card and am pretty pleased with the results! (The framed art with the trees is her usual calligrapher- jaw drop amazing.

Would you rent props/furniture/decor? I love this idea because I’m running out of storage and am tired of using the same pieces over and over for parties… if only it was closer! Also- have you tried chalkboard art? It’s trickier that I expected! Any tips for next time?  Thanks for letting me share- if you’d like to check out Ashton and her work you can click around Bespoke’s website,  follow her blog or Instagram (where she shows off her marquis letters that I’m drooling over).

XO -C