The sun is shining and I'm excited to share the second gal in my monthly series featuring talented wedding professionals. In January, Blair was the featured photographer and this month I'm thrilled to introduce an old friend, Yuriko of Vintage Origami.
Yuriko is kind and generous and beautifully talented. A wedding decor rental company is her perfect path. With a keen eye for style, Yuriko combines stunning vintage treasures to produce magical wedding environments and styled photo shoots. Here's a little more about Yuriko and her business...
Why did you decide to start a vintage rental company and why the name, Vintage Origami?
My wedding and event rental business all started with this vintage tandem Schwinn bike that I had purchased while down in Texas. Half the work was convincing my husband I needed the bike and the other half was bringing it back to Canada. It's really rare to get your hands on a early 1970's tandem Schwinn here in Canada and I was enamoured with the bike. I kept saying to my husband, "other people to need to experience this bike, it's way too amazing to just sit in my garage unused." So one day it just dawned on me that I could offer it to others for use through a vintage wedding and event rental business.
I was so close to calling the business, "Tandem Inspired" due to the original cause of my startup, but I settled on the name, "Vintage Origami". It speaks to my Japanese heritage and to my love for vintage items weathered with a story. Origami means the folding of paper. My business is directed towards brides and event planners who love the world of "Do-It-Yourself". I thought back to my wedding six years ago and remembered how I was always searching for cost effective ways and DIY projects to make my wedding unique, personal and affordable. With origami there is a number of layers and steps that you have to fold and crease to complete your project, the same goes with wedding and event planning. We just hope that our Vintage Origami rentals help reduce the number of steps for our clients to make it a smooth process when planning their event.
What do you love most about your job?
While the hunt for amazing props is a very satisfying feeling, it doesn't compare with the experience of seeing a bride's first response to the decor at her wedding. I will often try to sneak the bride and groom into their reception room before the guests arrive so they can experience the finished product before their guests. Brides put so much love and energy into the little details of their wedding so when it all comes together on their big day it's magical to experience the response of the bride. That is what energizes me!
What are your favorite color palettes or decor schemes right now?
I love this question! What's so great about vintage decor is that there doesn't have to be a precise colour palette as long as you keep the vintage theme consistent throughout the space. Subtle and soft neutral tones such as soft greens, blues, pinks and yellows can allow for variety and doesn't box you in when choosing your decor. Some of my most adored vintage props have the perfect patina of multiple coloured layers. As for decor schemes, right now I would have to say a travel theme. Maybe it's a bond that all globe trotters share, but I just love the use of old maps, globes and postcards. The decor can be made very personal as the story of the couple and their travel experiences can be told throughout the event with photos, personal maps and postcards they've collected along their journeys.
What advice do you have for brides collecting their own vintage pieces for their wedding or home?
I always recommend brides incorporate their own heirlooms and antiques into their wedding -whether it's their grandma's vintage upholstered chair or if it's their grandparent's old wedding photo or lace doilies. As for the hunt when trying to collect your own vintage pieces - start small. It can get overwhelming as you browse the flea markets, thrift stores and antique shops. Choose just a few items you want to hunt for so it doesn't get overwhelming. Always chat with the vendors and shop owners to see if they have your particular items behind the counter or in their additional storage. Everyone has their particular interest when collecting so I bet if they don't have the item you are looking for they will certainly point you in the direction of who will.
How do you stay inspired and creative?
I think vintage inspired wedding websites are a great source for inspiration, but for me it's important to stay unique and original. It's a wonderful challenge for me and a creative outlet to simply browse the thrift stores and flea markets. I will see an item and think to myself, "I love this piece, now what can be made from it?" It keeps my creative juices flowing and that's how I came up with the idea of using spools I found at a flea market along with old metal church letters that I found at a Texas antique fair. To be able to reuse, recycle and revamp an item is a fun process and it's a great alternative from buying new factory made items.
How would you describe your personal style as well as your home decor style?
I am very eclectic with my personal fashion and home decor choices. I change from season to season and will shop for new pieces compliment my classic clothing items and furniture pieces. Maybe that's why my home has over seven different paint colours throughout it ! I'm not able to settle on a certain theme because I'm constantly exploring new avenues of decor.
With my vintage home decor I mix different eras and play around with a variety of colour schemes. Since we are in the process of renovating our home here in Kelowna I've learned that I was more satisfied with my decor choices when I chose to take bigger risks in colour and texture. The colour matching machine at the paint store is your best friend. I took in lamps, pillows, colour chips and even my favourite cardigan to get the colours that invigorated and intrigued me. It's so much fun when you create your own paint colour and get to personally name it. I live with a feature wall in my living room that I call, "classic dijon". Have fun and don't be afraid to take risks.
Thanks for sharing with us, Yuriko! Be sure to keep up with what's going on over at Vintage Origami and if you're planning your wedding or special event in the Okanagan, you know who your girl is.
Photography by Yuriko Larson
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