Name: Kelly Ucen
Location: Scituate, MA (soon to be Greenwich, CT & Branford, CT)
Company Name: New England Country Rentals
Tell us a little about what you do.
New England Country Rentals (NECR) is a premier quality event rental company that focuses on filling the voids in the New England event rental industry, while providing the best products and service. Growing from a personal need into a very fast growing business, NECR has been recognized as the “breath of fresh air” to the New England event rental industry.
In addition to all of the basics that most event rental company offer, NECR has concentrated on the untapped demand for top-of-the-line furnishings and custom products. NECR builds custom superior products ranging from beautiful, hand crafted farm tables and distressed furniture, to high-end china, flatware and glassware. Each of our products have been carefully chosen to set the perfect mood.
Our top of the line furniture collection includes handmade tables, chairs, benches, bars, lounge furniture and statement pieces. We provide a range of finishes, colors and fabrics so clients can chose the pieces that are just right for them.
Whether planning an intimate affair, a once in a lifetime extravaganza, or a dream wedding, New England Country Rentals (NECR) is the perfect full-service rental company to help express your exceptional style. NECR offers an extensive product line that allows clients to hand-pick every creative detail for their event.
How long have you been in business?
2 years
What inspired you to start your business/studio?
NECR began as a result of Matej and Kelly Ucen planning their own wedding. For several moths they were in a never-ending search for wooden farm tables, but after multiple failed attempts, they accepted that farm tables were not available to rent on the East Coast. They bought reclaimed lumber, rented a workshop from a friend and utilized their savings to produce the tables that they were hoping for.
With their original tables and folding chairs, Matej and Kelly created a company Farm Tables 4 Rent, which quickly expanded to New England Country Rentals (NECR) in less than 1 year. As NECR, Matej and Kelly now focus on bringing new products and trends to life on the East Coast.
What is your favorite thing about your business/studio?
The reaction from brides when they first see our products in real life – we instantly receive a gasp, followed by something along the lines of “I told you I would find this!” to their accompanying guest.
Besides our other favorite of getting to see all the pieces come together in photos, we love the frequency of clients requesting to purchase our rentals after an event, it is very humbling.
Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path?
When my husband and I were on our honeymoon and constantly daydreamed about the next best thing we wanted for NECR or the next products we would build – one afternoon we were sitting at a poolside bar, sipping on afternoon cocktails and began sketching out our next products on our cocktail napkins with the bartender’s pen. At that moment, I realized that NECR would be the perfect blend of our passions, talents and careers.
When you built your business what style would you say you built it around? (i.e. classic, modern, vintage)
Rustic elegance – we were looking to have an outdoor oceanfront wedding and were adamant that we did not want layers upon layers of linens on everything – we wanted it to look simple, unique and gorgeous. We have since expanded from the rustic elegance into a variety of styles that focus on providing the best in quality and style.
When working with people how do you help bring the vision for the event to life?
Inspiration boards are a huge help – when we sometimes are not able to completely grasp the vision for the clients, we will put together an Inspiration Board for them or ask if they would like to come meet. Often clients will set-up a table in our showroom to see how everything will fit in, it is wonderful to see everything come together and to witness the stress be lifted off their shoulders when they see that it works!
Where do you go for inspiration? (i.e. blogs, magazines)
Wedding blogs – Style Me Pretty, Sparkle & Hay
Furniture Magazines/Blogs – Dwell, One Kings Lane
Furniture Stores – Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn
Antique Stores & Craft Fairs
Differing Markets – Italy, France, Australia, California
Is there anything else you want people to know about you and your business/studio?
We are ever expanding and adding new products. We often build custom items for events and then add them to our inventory after the fact. It never hurts to ask and we will see what we can do!
Photos courtesy of New England Country Rentals.
**If you are interested in doing a vendor spotlight just email us at lucydylanweddings{at}gmail{dot}com!
