Vendor Spotlight: Modern Luxe Rentals
Modern Luxe is a local Calgary company providing high-end rentals for luxury weddings and special events. They maintain a curated collection of stunning pieces to transform your space, setting the stage for your special day. We sat down with the owner, Suzanne Henuset, for more insight on her business.
JR: Tell us about your business. How did you get started in the high-end event rental business?
SH: Modern Luxe Rentals was born out of something I truly enjoy, so it is very special to me. My formal training is as a Chartered Professional Accountant and I spent the first part of my career managing financial reporting, taxes, banking and spreadsheets. Along with my husband Scott, we operated several companies in several other industries prior to getting into event rentals.
After running an industrial rental company for a few years, we changed gears and expanded into the events side of the rental market. I wanted to give people access to all the beautiful pieces I loved that weren’t available elsewhere and so, “Modern Luxe Rentals” was born. Along the way, we have acquired Great Events Rentals and along with all the beautiful inventory of Gathered Table Supply and Bella Linens. We’ve grown significantly in the last 18 months!
JR: What is your favourite thing about working in the wedding industry?
SH: On Saturdays you’ll find me glued to Instagram, checking out all the beautiful weddings our customers are creating. The planners amaze me! They are so creative and make our inventory look incredible. The wedding world is very collaborative, and I love seeing all the components come together into different versions of “beautiful.”
JR: How do you stay up to date with décor trends? Is there anything new and interesting coming up in 2019?
SH: Instagram is a great way to stay current and ahead of what’s trending in North America. I also review every wedding magazine every month. I read all my supplier newsletters, travel to various rental shows and try to attend events in other markets to see what is happening across the continent. A big trend for 2019 is velvet linen!
JR: What are your favourite/best-selling pieces?
SH: Our French Colonial Collection is our most popular lounge set for weddings! They match beautifully with our wooden tables and chairs and are very on-trend. I always love the newest things in my inventory the most. Each item is selected very carefully. This year, my focus is on adding table top items and improving our basics. I don’t think I have one favourite item!
JR: What is the most challenging and rewarding part of your business?
SH: Over the last year we have grown very quickly, so it’s been challenging for our team to be up to speed on every single inventory item. During the slow season, our team has worked together to make our business better. It has been rewarding for me to see how much our staff truly care and how much they have stepped up to help improve our company. I genuinely appreciate my team so much, they are more than just employees and I am so proud of all that we’ve accomplished together.
Most people would consider their wedding day to be one of the most important days of their lives. We are truly honored to be part of making that day beautiful for so many couples. Being a factor in someone’s dream wedding makes it all worth it and motivates me to make my business better.
JR: Tell us something interesting about yourself!
SH: This year I will celebrate my 15th Wedding Anniversary! I am so fortunate to be married to my best friend and business partner, Scott. Together we have four amazing kids. Two boys, Charlie (9 years) and Hudson (7 years) and twin daughters Jourdan and Harper (6 years). We literally utilize every single minute of the day but love to travel so that we can share quality family time and rest.
JR: Where can we best find you?
SH: We have recently redesigned the Great Events Showroom at 7207 Fairmount Drive SE and this is now home base for the entire Great Events/ Modern Luxe Team. Come see us anytime!
Website: www.modernrentals.ca
Instagram: @modernluxerental
Email: rentals@modernrentals.ca
Thank you Suzanne for sharing your story and allowing us to get to know you more,
