I had the good fortune to meet and talk shop with Liz Demos while my husband & I were visiting Savannah. Liz and I chatted over lunch at Back in the Day Bakery, where they make the yummiest cupcakes.

Liz is truly so gifted – she has a beautiful eye, but what I love most about her is how warm and approachable she is. You might know of Liz from her styling work (which has been featured in Country Living, Southern Living, Country Home and Better Homes & Gardens), her beautiful home featured on Design*Sponge, or the shop she owned for more than ten years, @home vintage general. Liz has since opened a full service event design studio in Savannah, drawing on her experience in production, photo styling, creative direction and crafting. She’s so very talented, and I’m quite sure she will have a great impact on the event design industry. I asked Liz to share a little bit about her background with us…

What led you to Savannah? “I fell in love with Savannah while visiting some friends that were attending the Savannah College of Art and Design. Savannah was never far from my mind and when I decided to pursue an Art History degree, SCAD was the front-runner for me.  After graduation my husband and I made Savannah home. We purchased a 19th century house (in need of considerable TLC) in a “transitional” neighborhood. It was a 3-year commitment to get it livable (and beautiful) for us and we still enjoy it to this day. In the spring of 2000 I opened @home vintage general, a retail home furnishings store.  Early on the store received attention and accolades from national magazines, which led to a freelance career in production and photo styling for me. After 10 years I decided to close my store to pursue my freelance work and event design and that is where you find me today.  Thankfully the shop gave me visibility and credibility so the future looks bright in both industries.”

How would you describe your style?  “I have had life-long love affair vintage objects, and they are prevalent in my designs but my delivery is fresh and modern. Most of the brides that inquire about my services have the same love and interests so it makes my job that much more enjoyable. I believe people hire me for my vision and creativity, and I’m equally happy to know that if they are attracted to ‘my’ look – then they are a good fit for me too.”

What inspires you? “First and foremost COLOR, followed by great design, architecture, art, photography, history, textiles, interiors, people, travel, magazines, good composition, texture, nature, blogs, etc. Ok, pretty much everything!   I’m one of ‘those’ people. I see it everywhere, and I fill little notebooks and bits of paper with doodles, swatches and endless notes to myself. One day it will all come in handy.”

Do you have one tip to pass along to brides as they consider the design for their weddings? “It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the great eye candy out there for brides (both online and in magazines). My initial consultations with brides are usually filled with folders and folders of images. It is almost too much. Start small and build from there, consider meeting with a professional before you get to ahead of yourself.  If a pro is not in your budget I suggest you lay out all your images on a large surface and stare at them together. Play the old Sesame Street song ‘one of these things is not like the other’ and you will be able to edit out the stray dogs in your selections. Knowing how to edit is essential, unless you would your wedding to look the island of misfits.”

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your work with us, Liz! I hope our paths cross again very soon! xo

{images courtesy elizabeth demos)