OUR STORY
Elizabeth has loved antiques and vintage finds since she was a young girl. She was always tagging along with her Mom & Dad to antique shows, flea markets and art galleries. The quality of older handcrafted pieces combined with the sentimental value she assigned to most things made for a true love of collecting.
Elizabeth began refinishing and restoring antiques after studying professional wall finishes in 2003 at The Finishing School, where she learned European troweled finishes, hand painted cabinets, furniture and floors. After a few years of owning her own boutique “Elizabeth’s Cottage” in Elizabethtown, PA she expanded into residential and commercial interior design. For several years, Elizabeth participated as a vendor at numerous Clover Markets in Ardmore, Chestnut Hill and Kennett Square, as well as being an antique dealer at local antique co-ops.
Elizabeth had always wanted to take her love of antiques, art, and custom painted pieces and incorporate them into designing unique one-of-a-kind events. One day she decided to stop selling and start holding onto her best and most unusual pieces, in order to make them available to rent for weddings and events.
Elizabeth manages all the inventory for Vintage Betty, which entails all the buying, refinishing or restoring of each piece, staging and then creating packages, vignettes, themes and for how to incorporate each piece into your event. Her love of painting and creativity allows for the constant changing of pieces to suit each new design idea. While some pieces are perfect in their original finish, and should never be touched, other pieces gain new life and new stories when necessary – simply by changing them from white to gray or silver to gold. One of our proudest features is that we often times will seek out specific pieces of furniture for a Bride & Groom, and then paint those pieces to complete the look of their overall event design. Customizing fixtures and accessories to make that event pop and be truly unique is essential.
Behind Our Name
THE STORY
The name “Vintage Betty” has great sentimental value as well. Elizabeth was named after both her Grandmothers, and Elizabeth McGarrie Sr. born in 1901 – was affectionately known to all as “Betty”. Betty was the oldest of five girls, always taking care of her sisters and anyone else who needed a hand. Her generosity and unconditional love for those around her were just a few of her amazing traits that she carried throughout her long and healthy life into her 90’s. She was a true matriarch, but more importantly an incredibly strong, yet humble person. She was truly an Angel here on earth and touched everyone she met. Betty was also amazing florist and had a way with flowers and gardening. Amongst the many things Elizabeth learned from her Grandmother Betty, working with fresh flowers and greenery is one of her most valued gifts!
Featured In:
Here is Loch Aerie Mansion’s amazing debut article in Chester County Life Magazine. It is such a beautiful spread, and I’m so grateful for the generous and kind shout-outs from the owner Dana Poirier. It’s a blessing to work with such amazing people who truly appreciate your time and dedication. Everyday has been a gift and a true labor of love! I’m lucky to be included in such a special project. Here’s to A great year ahead for Loch Aerie Mansion in 2020! Shine bright like a diamond!
Chester County Life
Magazine
A Styled Shoot
by Terry Myers
A collaboration of some of the areas best designers, planners, florist, vendors & venue paired with beautiful models a talent photographer and videographer all brought together for a photo and video shoot.
@cheyforbes @loch_aerie_mansion @graceandardor @bybianca.co @vanclevebridal @vintagebettyrentals @nicolfloraldesign @peonies.events @conniemcallisterflowers @scottabaggot @themastersbaker @proparazzi_photobooths @serockcatering
