Over the past couple months, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Beth Boelter of Elements Preserved. We quickly bonded over our passion for small intimate weddings and vintage French design!

I figured it’s a perfect time for another Vendor Spotlight! So let’s jump right in!

What services does Elements Preserved provide?

Elements Preserved provides vintage, vintage-inspired, and specialty furniture/rugs/décor/props. These items are available for photographers, event planners, theatre productions, and florists. We specialize in offering décor packages to brides and individuals planning special events. 

With the opening of our upscale vintage loft space, The Loft of Elements Preserved, we now offer small wedding packages, all of which include pieces of our inventory. 

How did you get started in this business?

I’ve been a vintage collector for many years and have acquired pieces from various shops, flea markets, estate sales, and auctions all over the country.  I originally purchased these pieces to use as décor in my home. As my style and tastes have changed, I’ve hung on to those pieces, realizing that many would be hard to find again. 

It occurred to me that renting my inventory might be a way to create a business involving my passion for decorating while putting these vintage beauties to use.  It seemed like the best of both worlds to see these pieces used again and again without having to part with them! 

We truly are recycling, reusing, and repurposing pieces of history, while creating events that are one-of-a-kind! 

What is your favorite part about the work you do?

I love putting all the details together: envisioning a vignette, a lounge seating area, a backdrop, a cake table, and all the little pieces that make a cohesive design. I love being able to create a “bespoke” wedding, where we weave your personality, style, and vision into your special day.

Seeing the client’s look of happiness at the finished product and knowing that we’ve exceeded their wishes is what I treasure the most in my work.  Your wedding is one of the most important days in your life; creating the wedding of your dreams is what we love to do.

How do you find your rental pieces and decide what gets added to your inventory?

Over the years, my personal collection grew to include many different décor items.  Since launching our rental business, I have primarily focused on purchasing upholstered seating pieces and very unique vintage items that are not easily found elsewhere. For example, we have a one-horse open sleigh, a square vintage cupola with verdigris copper roof, wicker buggies from the early 1900’s, a beautiful European Marmet pram, and a vintage French iron flower cart.

I look for classic vintage styles that exude timeless elegance and each piece is carefully chosen to fit our brand.  Even our large vintage farm tables take on a look of elegance when combined with just the right mix of vintage bottles, flower stems, and silver trays! 

What can your loft space be used for?

Our loft is a beautiful space that is useful for so many things!  We hold baby showers, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, intimate weddings, workshops, and corporate events. Even family gatherings are ideal at the loft, with our 14-ft. wooden table and upholstered seating for 18!  What better place to gather?

The space is full of natural light needed for a photography studio space, styled shoots, or family photo sessions. And, having the choice of décor from our vast inventory, we can create very different looks to suit the specific theme or design aesthetic of each event or session.

What are some wedding décor trends you are loving right now?

I adore the Boho wedding trend.  We have several pieces in our inventory that are perfect for this style, including rugs, backdrops, and peacock chairs. 

I also love the creative use of furniture pieces for cake tables, whether it’s a set of whiskey barrels with a barn door top, a painted buffet, a desk, or a sewing machine. Things like this add such a unique touch!

I’m also in love with woodland weddings or garden weddings.  The use of greens, moss, tree rounds, or birch branches is so simple, but stunningly elegant.  Incorporating those touches into a garden, conservatory, or woodland area, with the use of neutral furniture and a crystal chandelier creates a beautiful backdrop for this style wedding.

How do you get your inspiration for styling and decorating an event?

I usually suggest that a bride start an inspiration board and pin the colors, style, and specific items that speak to her.  Once I have an idea of the look she loves, I’ll take that information and put together pieces of our inventory that seem to fit her style.  Then I continue to tweak the items and display until it looks like I envision it!  Sometimes, I’ll do drawings and placement on paper, but usually I just walk the warehouse and pull items to start my planning. 

Usually I start with a main focus piece, perhaps a backdrop or a seating piece, and then I work from there.  This is my favorite part of this creative business!

What advice would you give to a bride who is considering rentals?

My best advice would be to envision the overall style you want for your wedding and give thought to how to make it uniquely yours. Rentals have such a unique ability to bring warmth and personality to an event. And because of the countless combinations of items, no two events are ever alike!

If you want a DIY wedding, consider at least a few rentals that can help you achieve the look you’re going for.  I’d rather see you use something of quality that you can return than purchase items you won’t ever need again. Even the smallest items such as candleholders and candles are available through us.

Finally, be sure to ask questions, review the rental company’s website, and follow them on social media to make sure you are a good fit.  Do you like the style of their décor and furniture?  Are you able to share your ideas with them?  To develop a successful business relationship, you should feel like you’ve met a friend from long ago.  This is a really important part of our business, and we strive to make every client feel special.

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Thanks so much Beth for taking the time to share your heart and passion!

If you’d like to connect with Beth, you can find her on Instagram , Facebook , and Pinterest

ALSO, if you are engaged, be sure to RSVP for the Spring Bridal Expo that Beth is hosting!! It’s going to be an amazing time with fabulous prizes! Details below:

Date: March 11

Time: 11am-3pm

Location: The Loft of Elements Preserved

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Get in touch with Beth

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