Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Ives.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In our family, Sunday mornings have always been for dreaming. With a cup of coffee in hand, we would sit around talking about our biggest ideas and imagining what could be possible.
The first of those dreams became a reality in 2001 when our mom, Tami, opened Affairs of the Heart. For years, she has been part of the village of Arroyo Grande, operating inside Posies and carefully curating beautiful home décor, vintage treasures, and unique gifts. Growing up, we spent countless hours helping her search for special pieces, and along the way we fell in love with the hunt—the excitement of discovering something meaningful and one-of-a-kind.
As the years went on, another dream began to take shape. We found ourselves incorporating these beautiful vintage pieces into our own celebrations and events, and we realized how much we loved creating memorable experiences. Over dozens of cups of coffee, our ideas became plans, and our plans became reality. In 2016, together with our mom, we launched Affairs of the Heart Event Rentals.
Today, our passion goes far beyond providing beautiful rentals. We genuinely love designing and planning events, paying attention to every detail that makes a celebration unique to each couple. One of our favorite parts of the process is hearing a couple’s love story and learning about their vision. Every wedding and event is different, and we enjoy finding creative ways to bring those personal touches to life.
There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing a dream day come together—from the first conversation and design ideas to the moment guests walk into the finished space. Our goal is to create events that feel authentic, meaningful, and unforgettable.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any business, our journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. There are always obstacles—both big and small—that come with running a business. One challenge we’ve faced was losing our showroom space and having to relocate and reorganize our inventory. It was a lot of work, but it taught us how adaptable and resilient we could be.
That said, our greatest challenge has always been finding the right balance between work and family life, and I think that will continue to be an ongoing challenge. Affairs of the Heart is a small, family-run business operated by my sister, Brooke, and me. Since starting the business, we’ve welcomed two babies into our family, which has made balancing motherhood, family responsibilities, and business ownership both rewarding and demanding.
At the end of the day, family is the reason we work so hard, so while finding that balance isn’t always easy, it’s a challenge we’re grateful to have. Those experiences have shaped not only our business but also the way we connect with our clients and celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Our goal is to find unique and beautiful pieces—whether vintage treasures or carefully selected new items—that bring personality and charm to every event. We specialize in creating curated lounge spaces that not only elevate the design of an event but also create inviting places for guests to gather, connect, and relax. We also love working with client’s creativity to create the perfect lounge tailored to the couple’s unique style and personality.
We’re known for being approachable, easy to work with, and providing high-quality rentals at an affordable price point. We believe that creating a beautiful and memorable event shouldn’t have to come at the expense of your budget. Our focus is on delivering exceptional service, quality pieces, and thoughtful design while remaining accessible to our clients.
What sets us apart is that we are truly a small, family-run business. When you reach out to us, you’re speaking directly with either me or my sister, Brooke. We personally guide our clients through every step of the process—from the initial inquiry and design planning to delivery and setup on event day. Because we are involved from start to finish, our clients receive a level of care, attention, and personalized service that is difficult to find elsewhere.
What I’m most proud of is the relationships we’ve built along the way. Many of our clients come to us during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives, and it’s an honor to play a small role in helping bring their vision to life. We take that responsibility seriously, and because our name and reputation are behind every event, we always strive to go above and beyond.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Honestly, it’s so difficult to choose. We were blessed with such an incredible childhood, filled with happy and warm memories. However, the first thing that comes to mind is Christmastime.
Our mom created all of the Christmas magic. We would decorate the tree as a family, fill the house with decorations, watch Christmas movies, and anxiously count down the days until Christmas arrived.
Our grandma was exactly the same way. She would make six or seven pies and fill a dozen different cookie jars with Christmas cookies. I remember thinking her Christmas tree was always so big, covered with beautiful ornaments that each held a special meaning. Every year, she would hide a Coca-Cola Christmas bear, and all the grandkids would search for him. Whoever found him first won a prize.
The women in our family have always been passionate about making celebrations special, down to the smallest detail. Looking back, I think that’s why we have so much fun doing the same for others. It’s our way of continuing that tradition and creating magical experiences and lasting memories for the people we serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.affairsoftheheartrentals.com/
- Instagram: @affairsofthehearteventrentals
