Pearl and Birch Wedding Consignments

05/15/2024

Small businesses strive to be personal.
We create relationships with our clients and work very hard to serve our communities.
So when small businesses disappoint us it feels personal. And when they end that affects those closest to them.

It has been a very difficult 4 years and an extremely hard 6 months. We have done everything to remain viable post pandemic and now within this failing economy.

Last month, in an effort to protect our clients and ensure the return of their items, we discontinued our consignment program. This process is almost complete after meeting with almost 400 people since our inventory review began on April 23, 2024. Communication with our remaining active clients is ongoing and will be done privately on a case to case basis.

After exploring every path forward we have made the choice to close our doors. We have made every effort to limit the impact this may have on our clients.

The grief we all feel over this ending is immense. There are no words to convey what it means to lose everything after such a long, hard fight. Our hope is that people remember that for over 7 years we offered something unique and amazing. We connected thousands of people while maintaining our mission of inclusivity and sustainability. We want to thank everyone who supported us. We are deeply grateful for the relationships and experiences this provided us.

Please take care of the small business community we leave behind. Closures are happening at unprecedented rates and are imminent for many. This goes beyond a shop local hashtag. We implore you to explore your consumer habits and invest in your local economy whenever & wherever possible. Our dream may be over but someone else’s can still be saved.

With gratitude,
Amanda and Pearl & Birch Family

04/12/2024

Birds of a feather….…shop consignment 🦢

Finding a once wear dress for a one time event with a price tag that makes sense is why we sell secondhand formal. You’ll find shower, reception, rehearsal and engagement cocktails & formals in all shades of ivory & white on our racks! From $20-300 and in sizes 0-24 currently. Our plus sized options sell quickly!

Featured fit: Untamed Petals size 2-6 sequin & feather midi. Original retail $628 USD. NOW $298.

Reminder👇
We have a last minute closure today! Bookings are open for the weekends through our online calendar & walk-ins are welcome weekdays!

04/02/2024

Here is one thing I love about owning a consignment store…

The wedding & formal industry can be so confusing. The pre-planning, timelines, budgeting, terminology, traditions and expectations can get complicated. I love simplifying the shopping.

Here are three ways we make the shopping experience easier for our clients:

Transparency. There is no piece of information we won’t part with. From alterations to timelines, market values, item condition or real numbers we want to serve empowered consumers. Why? Because they make confident choices. So you won’t find any cagey responses or confusing messaging here. We are happy to provide clear, concise answers to all your questions.

Personal service. Give us a chance to impress you and we will! Consignment is different than retail. And formal is different than everyday clothing. Far too often we approach clients only to be rebuffed with the “I’m just browsing” boundary. IF you let us we will gladly listen to your needs, make suggestions & pull any and all options based on your search criteria. We want to reward you taking the time to book with us by providing a supportive shopping experience.

Accessibility. Everything we sell is available for same day purchase! No ordering. No hoping the measurements and sizing are going to work. No timing your alterations with estimated delivery dates. Absolutely no stress about delays, errors or rush fees. The dress you fall in love with is the one you buy! Our off the rack options eliminate a lot of guess work.

I love being the most stress-free part of your planning. I also love taking a process that is intentionally designed to be a complicated money trap for consumers and turning it into a “best day ever” life event for you and your friends & fam that’s enjoyable and easy to understand! See you at the shoppe 😘

03/25/2024

Thanks for being here! We have a lot of new faces & followers in the shop and on our socials. Let’s talk about who I am & what we do!

I’m a former fast fashion addict who loves vintage, is deeply nostalgic about dresses and spends all my time between my two great loves- this shop & my family.

I am also an addict who just quietly celebrated 14 years of sobriety, a mother of boys and a partner to my husband of 10 years. Like many women in their 40’s I have spent years cultivating my confidence and challenging myself to choose the paths that serve me the most in order to be the fully realized person I am outside of these labels.

This shop started as a way to sell my wedding dress. It has grown into so much more, offering services and selection that advocate for a circular fashion system when styling clients for all types of events. Pearl & Birch provides access to affordable, quality dresses through our consignment service. We focus on educating and empowering our clients to navigate the complex and often misunderstood world of weddings, alterations, secondhand and resale. We have built a business that actively assists hundreds of people a month in shopping and selling.

Along the way we have partnered with amazing local woman-owned vendors in featuring their products. You’ll find these unique pieces throughout the shop.

My vision to offer a space that is inclusive, environmentally impactful, inspiring and informative is achieved by:

✨ selling new & secondhand dresses and accessories on consignment
✨ serving as dress brokers specializing in items that require experience & expertise to sell
✨ creating personalized fittings that focus on the unique needs of the shopper
✨ offering a safe & welcoming shop for all people who desire to wear something special to their next event
✨ curating a collection of designer dresses that is financially accessible to all budgets
✨ investing in elevated experiences and spaces so clients receive the care & attention they deserve

Pearl & Birch is a place where we write love stories that are retold through garments and remembered for the moments we make with them. I am grateful to be a part of that each and every day.
XO,
A.

02/14/2024

We are in the love story business 💕 Happy Valentines Day to all of our couples, past and present. I hope you continue to write new chapters, make special memories and mark these little moments as milestones in your life together. We are so lucky to be a small part of it.

12/22/2023

It’s hard to stay hopeful in this season. There is so much grief and horror happening in the world right now. A seismic shift in our humanity. It’s terrifying and has left so many of us feeling helpless. And so I cling to the things that anchor me.
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I am so grateful for these humans. Elisa and Tiara have been with p&b for a while now. They have been my port in the storm through so much growth. Ella, Kaitlyn, Imani & Sukhmani have brought fresh energy and a new persepctive to the shoppe. It has been a joy teaching them everything we have learned about this business and it’s incredibly humbling to have them in my corner. I could not do what I do without them.
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I hope you are spending your time this season with the people that make you feel safe, celebrated and loved.
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**OPEN TOMORROW. We will be closed December 24th & 25th as well as January 1st. Our hours are tentative for December 26th and December 31st. We encourage people to book in so we know you want to come or we MAY adjust our hours or close entirely for those days.

11/21/2023

WE ARE HOSTING A HUGE YEAR END SALE NOVEMBER 29- DECEMBER 3!

It’s that time of year again 🛍️ We need to make room on our racks for recent arrivals which means amazing opportunities for nearly-weds looking to shop gorgeous dresses, off the rack and ready to wear by the designers you know and love. No ordering and amazing savings?! Yes please!

All wedding gown consultations should book an appointment in one of our 3 studio rooms. The sale runs Wednesday through Sunday and includes over 100 wedding gowns, hundreds of cocktails, formal, bridesmaids and accessories including shoes, veils & jewelry.

This clearance event is for clients actively looking for a dress who love to save money while supporting a more sustainable shopping option. We would love to show you why thousands of clients have found the gown with us!


Booking online ⬇️

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18765457&appointmentType=category:Shopping%20Consultation

11/03/2023

Our most commonly asked question is how many wedding gowns do you have on your racks?

Short answer, hundreds.

We feature over 350 options at anytime from size 0 to 30. But more importantly, we offer a variety of styles and designers from Winnipeg and beyond that were chosen by clients just like you because they loved them. This means our collection has been curated to feature the most beautiful options out there. We offer both new and used gowns that not only feature savings but are all available for same day purchase.

Take a peak at some of our newest arrivals and join us this weekend as we welcome guests at our new location for our first event. We will be offering a chance to Fling the Ring for up to 20% off while enjoying sips, swag and sweets!

Details can be found here:
www.pearlandbirch.com

Bookings can be made here:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18765457&appointmentType=category:Shopping%20Consultation

10/26/2023

Join us on November 4th & 5th as we officially launch our new location! After delaying over the summer months we want to take the time to host a special event in our new space at 1857 Portage Avenue. All our welcome to come say hi and see what the new P&B has to offer.

Special bookings are available for wedding gown shopping and the links were launched in our newsletter a few weeks ago. Those links are now public and you can schedule your visit to enjoy a unique shopping experience, sips, sweets and swag with a chance to Fling the Ring for BIG savings.

If you are planning an event, attending a party this holiday season or currently engaged and ready to start looking for your gown this event is for you! We will welcome walk-ins when available but expect to be fully booked so reserve your spot soon!

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18765457 See less

Schedule your appointment online Pearl & Birch

10/02/2023

Very rarely do you see me place my face in front of my business. I know I’m not alone in my relationship with social media, my self image and the level of energy it takes to create real engagement on here. It’s no secret- the key to great socials is, well, being social. Posting images of yourself, real time content of your day and reels that educate & entertain. It’s not like I don’t know the HOW or the WHY. It’s simply because just like you, I’m running through my life instead of walking in it. And I can’t keep up.

As a biz owner, mom and human I struggle. I’m tired. Perpetually tired. I never feel “on” or “ready”. But I’m always activated. I wake up in a state of reactivity. Racing towards every obligation and goal like I’m on fire. And then, I crash. After 3 long months where I moved my business, worked severely understaffed all summer, trained 4 new team members and started the fall school season where my family routine completely changed (husband who is also a small biz owner entered his busiest time of year!) I finally have a day of rest.

I use that term cautiously. Rest. I have no appointments, no plans, no fires to put out. But my brain is still filing and organizing the things I have put off to take this time. I imagine them orbiting in front of me weightless, as though I’m using some sort of mind control to keep them levitating in front of me at all times. Visible. Present. Paused. And if I stop thinking about any one of them for even a second they will all drop. Everything will collapse.

This was suppose to be a “welcome to the new followers” post. Something like, “hey, we’re back after a little hiatus”. And maybe this is my most authentic welcome. Perhaps the best way I can introduce myself and my shoppe is to tell you that it’s always growing. We are always changing. We have a whole new team of people to serve you. That beyond the burnout is an amazing new space that offers an incredible resource for people getting married in MB. That in spite of all the changes our consignment program is thriving. Our inventory is exceptional. It’s all happening.

So, welcome here 👋 my name is Amanda & here’s an entire carousel of me without my messy bun 💕

08/25/2023

For the longest time we were blessed with a full team that contributed to the growth of this amazing service. Sadly, it was just time for our some of our dedicated staff to move on to new life things and so we are looking to build a new work family!

We are hiring full and part time consultants immediately. Our ideal candidate will be an engaged learner who loves warm conversation, designing unique shopping experiences and connecting with clients. A love for style and an understanding of event wear is an asset.

Our clients love language is words of affirmation and quality time. Our new team member needs to know how to manage their responsibilities while focusing on providing feedback that builds our shoppers confidence and feels positive and empowering.

We are willing to train motivated people who would invest their passion into our business. If you love styling, weddings, sustainability and helping create big life moments this is the place for you.

A full job description is on our website and available on Indeed. Minimum 8-15 hours with the opportunity to increase to 20-35. Wage ranges from $16-20 hour based on experience. Hiring for day and evening shifts. Must be available a minimum of 3 Saturdays a month and 2 evenings each week.

You are welcome forward your resume and tell us about why you want to work with us by emailing ✨[email protected]✨
We can’t wait to meet you!

07/14/2023

It's gonna be a hot selling summer!
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1857 Portage Avenue is now open! Our new store is already a month old and we are looking to fill the space with gorgeous gowns for our new shoppers.
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In honour of our new space we are offering 60% on all dresses when you consign 3 or more wedding, formal, grad, jumpsuit or cocktails in July.
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Just a reminder: we accept everything from wedding gowns to cocktail dresses including everyday dresses. Use the link in our bio to request your intake an automatically receive this limited offer time offer!

07/13/2023

Sustainbility is so chic. Statement clients who want statement pieces can find these reclaimed handmade headbands created by designer Miriam de la Santos of Hello darling Co. at our 1857 location.
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When we approached Miriam about repurposing dated wedding gowns into modern headpieces a match made in Manitoba small business heaven was born. Not only are these eco-friendly headbands one of a kind they come in a variety of shades of white, ivory and champagne and different sizes and fabrics.
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Are you an amazing Manitoba business that would love to create or pop up with us? We are looking for vendors to fill summer/fall pop up spaces in both locations. See the link in our Insta bio and apply now!

07/08/2023

Our recent restock features some really fun pieces like these crystal heart earrings! We offer jewelry, hairpieces and belts by this local designer and always carry a full collection of accessories. Styles range from classic pearls to statement sparkle.

Walk ins available for accessories shopping anytime ✨

07/06/2023

It is gonna be a hot selling summer and we want fresh new inventory to dress our guests! Most people assume that the summer season is strictly for current events and that demand dwindles in the months where weddings are taking place. The truth is people are looking for wedding, grad and formal all year round. There is never a bad time to consign we just want to get more specific on the types of items our current and future clients are looking for at this time of year.

To learn why wedding dresses are still #1 on our list (even in summer!) and discover if you have inventory that is on our most wanted list head to our recent blog post on the top 5 current consignment must-haves. You’ll find the link below⬇️

https://www.pearlandbirch.com/single-post/our-top-5-current-consignment-must-haves

📸 this stunning crepe Pronovias is available in a size 6.

07/06/2023

Curious about consignment? Let's tackle our most frequently asked question below!
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Do you accept walk in consignments?
No- we offer a simply screening and appointment process that ensures that when you bring in items to sell with us you are greeted and served efficiently and that the items you want to sell are a good fit for the shoppe. Although we don't offer walk ins we have a range of appointments available and the intake process is quick and easy.
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Request a consignment intake today using the link in our bio or clicking anywhere on our website that says SELL WITH US.

07/05/2023

APPLICATION OPEN NOW!!

Raise your hand if you are a small local biz who’d love to spend some time in a store front 🙋‍♀️

Did you know that we collaborate with seven different locally owned small businesses operated by women? Their designs, products and services are featured in our current offerings and we are so grateful to promote other entrepreneurs in our shoppe. This summer/fall we are looking to add to this list and feature new brands in both of our locations in an effort to support our small business community and make new friends!

If you are a maker, designer or product based business check out the POP UP WITH US link BELOW for more info on our new summer/fall pop up series and how you can apply to join us in one of our spaces.

More details here
https://www.pearlandbirch.com/popupwithus

Vendor Application
https://docs.google.com/forms/u/1/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSkc9Kcrno5uhWzz8OFUa8L2h6JDfOxSH9lC5cKQg8GBzMHQ/viewform?usp=send_form

📸First photo
anneb


noirpro.wpg204

06/29/2023

Love, to me, is like a summer day
Silent 'cause, there's just too much to say
Still, and warm, and peaceful
Even clouds that may drift by
Can't disturb our summer sky
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Our original location continues to operate as a boutique for cocktails and event wear. Including dresses just like the one our giveaway winner Isabella chose for her styled shoot. Join us in Old St. Vital just 6 minutes from the Forks. Open five days a weeks for all your casual to formal cocktail dress shopping!
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Keep scrolling for all the details on what Isabella won in our I Pick You giveaway styled shoot and details on the vendors knocked this out of the park (or shall we say field!). Engagement photo inspiration is simply a swipe away.

06/26/2023

There is nothing more rewarding (and more risky) than then going all in on your business. After 6 years of floor plan revisions, leaking ceilings, hot summers with no central air and thousands of shoppers and sellers Pearl & Birch has opened a beautiful new space on Portage Avenue less than 2 minutes from Polo Park.
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Renovations have taken up a huge amount of our focus and time and we are excited to be back out on our socials sharing the space we have designed. To say that this was an enormous under taking doesn’t even begin to cover the last 8 months. But I’ll be letting you in on the behind the scenes this week!
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Are you new to the wedding world and just meeting us for the first time? You are probably wondering if you should believe the hype (spoiler alert: the reviews are totally true!) You may not even realize we have just opened a second space. Even if you are a life-long Birch Babe I am sure you have some burning questions and we want to answer them all.
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What has changed about our service?
Where are we?
Why did we choose this location?
Is the St. Mary's location still open?
Are you currently accepting new consignments?
How do I shop with Pearl & Birch?
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Whether you have helped build this community by supporting us through the years or you just found us 5 minutes ago I have no doubt my triumphant return to blogging will make you feel right at home with all things P&B. The reimagined Birch Blog is live and will be your resource for all the expertise and education we have to offer to our shoppers & sellers. We are here to show you a new way to wed in Manitoba.
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Check out our website for all of our amazing resources including alterations and dry cleaning information.

https://www.pearlandbirch.com/single-post/new-portage-avenue-wedding-shoppe-now-open

06/09/2023

Welcome to 1857 Portage Avenue our new space located just 2 minutes from the Polo Park Shopping Centre!

We are so excited to continue creating unique shopping experiences for our clients. Our wedding & formal shop offers over 300 wedding gowns, hundreds of graduation, bridesmaids, wedding party, Mother’s dresses and evening wear along with shoes, veils & accessories. Explore our amazing collection of jewelry, hairpieces & velvet ring boxes.

If you are looking to support a local business that is committed to sustainability and focused on creating inclusive & informative consultations with our dedicated stylists consider booking your visit with Manitoba’s only wedding and formal consignment shoppe. We would love to show you how we have connected thousands of previously owned & once worn designer dresses to people just like you!

Review our online calendar by clicking below or call us directly at 204-237-6625.

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18765457&appointmentType=category:Shopping%20Consultation

Photo credits for slides 7-11 ⬇️

Photography:
Dresses & Studio:
Styling & Coordination:
Earrings:

Models:


anneb


Makeup Artists:noirpro.wpg204

05/24/2023

Making bridal shower style dreams come true one outfit at a time 💭

We are open 11-7 pm weekdays and 10-4 on the weekend for this week only. As the countdown to our big move begins we want to continue to operate at St. Mary’s Road efficiently. This means keeping regular hours and staffing appropriately. If you are planning a visit with us this weekend please book in with us so we know to expect you. We have spaces available for wedding gown consultations & formal dress shopping! Our entire inventory remains available at this time. See our stories for more info on shopping with us this week!

05/07/2023

Our final clearance event begins this Tuesday! Swipe through this post and watch our stories for Q&A about the all the amazing savings and options we have ready for next week!

Our small business could really use your support during this time. We want to connect as many dresses as possible to ease our move to the new location (happening at the end of the month!!) and also continue to connect items for our sellers during this busy time. We would also love to see as many of our regular shoppers and biggest supports in the final weeks of our journey as a wedding shoppe on St. Mary’s Road

Please like & share this post to anyone looking for wedding formal on a short timeline, within a great budget or who loves secondhand. We will have something for everyone! See you next week ✌️

05/04/2023

Bright florals, intricate lace & low backs are always warm weather worthy 💐

Did you know that we carry sizes 0 through 6 and many of the gowns in that range have additional alterations, such as hems and cups, which not only allow petite people to see what a dress actually looks like on their body but may also save them hundreds in alterations?!

If you haven’t experienced trying on a dress that actually fits your proportions we highly recommend consignment. You’d be surprised how open you are to certain styles when they fit well.

New, unaltered dresses in retail are manufactured with a lot length and longer straps. The sample sizes they carry may also run 3-5 sizes too big forcing you to ignore the oversized cups, inches of rolled fabric & skirts that bunch and pool at your feet. Sometimes the weight of a gown alone will deter you from considering it when in actuality a dress altered to your shape and height wouldn’t feel so intimidating.

This Calla Blanche gown is a staff favourite that balances intricate lace with a stunning silhouette for just enough plunge in all the right places. See our calendar link for appointment details.

04/18/2023

🚨ACCESSORIES SALE ALERT 🚨

Our very own wore these gold floral earrings this past weekend at her wedding celebration! The Madrid earring is the perfect balance of feminine and chunky gold. Pair these with a minimal dress as a standout style statement or balance your ball gown with something worthy of its wonderfully full skirt. Available in store and online for 20% during our accessories sale.

💌Email subscribers check you inbox for details and read more about our personal styling appointments!

04/04/2023

Does your wedding budget make you feel like your free-falling?! There is a place that offers gorgeous gowns, an amazing experience & selection without the price tag. Spoiler alert: it’s us.

Allure Romance•Size 6•$750

03/15/2023

Getting married this summer and still shopping for a dress? Keep reading!

It’s that time of year again! Hot on the heels of an incredible post wedding show turnout we are seeing an amazing amount of nearlyweds who are preparing to be married between June and September that are shopping for their gowns. For some, the timeline may feel stressful. For us, this is where our services really shine. Here’s how we help our clients with short timelines:

✨ ALL of our inventory is available for same day purchase. No ordering. No timeline. No wait.

✨ We carry over 350 wedding dresses in size 0-26. So when we say there is something for everyone, we really mean it!

✨ The dress you love is the dress you leave with guaranteeing the fit you find will be the fit you keep. There’s no wondering how the made to order size will fit in comparison to the in-store sample.

✨We offer private fittings & one on one consultations so you can create the memories and experience you deserve while enjoying all the benefits of .

✨ Some alterations are already invested in our dresses offering savings on time & 💰

✨ We have a list of alterations providers to suit your needs in the event our seamstress is already booked 🗓️

✨ Enjoy the benefits of a one-stop-shop where you can find a dress, shoes, veil, hairpiece, jewelry and so much more (BONUS: when you become a by buying a gown from us you receive 15% off of ALL your accessories any time you shop with us!).

✨ Our consultants are experts in EVERYTHING event- not just our inventory. If we don’t have it we can tell you how to find it! We will let you know the designers you’ll love and where to shop for them while offering suggestions on how to navigate the wedding world on a time limit.

As ordering windows shrink and options start to feel limited we know how much pressure that puts on our clients who are already feeling overwhelmed by the planning process. I hope this post renews your excitement in finding your dress and inspires you to shop .

➡️What to learn more? Read our reviews on Google and discover why our clients love our service.
➡️Looking to shop with us? We offer online booking or you can call us directly!

02/25/2023

It’s all in the details! It is that time of year & we are so excited to be back at the Wonderful Wedding Show after a 2 year absence. Creating this booth was so much fun. We want people who take the time to visit us to get a sense of everything we have to offer, the quality and selection of our inventory and all the unique items we carry. Come visit us at booth 1322 & 1223 and see what we are all about!

✨Just a reminder we are open Saturday & Sunday during the show and you can call to book an appointment or review the online calendar!

02/07/2023

Why buy when you can rent?

So many of the small things we need to complete our event styling are pieces we enjoy for a few hours, weather required, time permitting, just for photos or as part of the ceremony.

All these little detail purchases can add up to big costs. Secondhand is the perfect way to save on these barely used additions. And renting not only costs way less but allows you to try on a variety of options before committing to something.

We rent vintage & faux fur capes, wraps & stoles all sourced secondhand and in a variety of colors and styles. The process is so easy➡️

1️⃣ Stop by the shoppe or review our collection online.
2️⃣ Check to see if your event date is available.
3️⃣ Book online by selecting your pick up date OR work with a team member to secure your date. Either way, fill out a short rental agreement and finalize your payment.

Here are some details:
✨We offer our rentals for 5 days therefore the date you schedule will be the day you are picking up your item (typically 1-2 days before your event).
✨ Accessories styling consults are a great way to compare & pick your favourite. (We also have an option to bring in your gown so you can see the whole look together!)
✨ We carry matching sets and options that pair beautifully together in shades of white, ivory, brown & grey.
✨ The majority of our collection is available for only $25+tax.
✨We have over 30 options!

Need more info? Head to our online booking calendar or contact us directly ❄️

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18765457&appointmentType=category:Rentals