I used to drive by this secondhand shop on my way home from work. With my daughter in tow, it was the LAST place I want to bring her into….one with lots of breakable, one-of-a-kind treasures. Plus, it’s like pulling teeth for me to stop anywhere between work and home. I like to get home, as we all do, as soon as humanly possible. NO destinations. I made a mental note each pass-by to check it out, later.
Snap, Its Vintage was finally a destination, when I was all alone – that precious, short time. Oh my…I was blown away by everything about this store. This shop is not at street level, but basement level, making the setting like a cave to explore, one you want to venture deep into. The lamp window display shown above isn’t part of the main store, it’s underneath it. The entrance staircase on the corner climbs down into another time. Each step I took down was like descending into Narnia. Yes, the atmosphere is THAT profound and amazing.
When I stepped foot in the shop on an exquisite oriental rug, I was immediately greeted by a woman with a warm welcome and contagious smile. I figured she was the owner. She looked the part – a baby boomer who finally decided to do what she loves later in life (take note!). She had a way about her that made you feel like you were a honored guest in her beautiful, unique home.
The place was lit with crystal chandeliers and unique lamps you rarely see anymore. As I walked around, I admired the decorating and design, displaying great finds. From elegant brooches to antique dressers, and old-fashioned decor to Jackie O-style attire. And, so much more.
After perusing the place the first time, I felt I HAD to chat with this woman. Just as I had assumed, she and her spouse’s true passion was collecting antiques and vintage items. After 30+ years of doing this, they finally opened their own vintage boutique to showcase their finds. Her husband spent a year and a half renovating the old, previous dungeon-like space into something truly special. The brick walls, exposed pipes, wainscoting, and natural lighting all add to the exquisiteness of this place. It feels like you are going through the decorated rooms of a Victorian home.
The owner said she changes things around all the time so it “doesn’t get old”. I could tell she loved doing just that – displaying all of her prized pieces. I felt I could chat for hours over a few cups of coffee, by the way, complimentary to shoppers. Even though I wanted to spend more time imagining I was in the 50s and wishing I had every single thing I touched, I had to go. I did another couple of loops around the place which was necessary because it was too much to take in the first time.
How does this relate to Yard Sale Weddings? This shop and similar ones are the very reason I started my blog. I recommend checking out vintage and antique shops in addition to the yard sales and Goodwills. While these places don’t have items for pennies like yard sales, you may come across a piece that finds you. Perhaps a silver-tiered serving tray or a classic pearl clutch. Whatever it is, I imagine you will remember items like these more so than the cookie-cutter ones sold in big box stores.
My Story: I found my wedding card box in an antique store while shopping with my husband and mother-in-law. It is an old-fashioned wooden trunk reminding me of a treasure chest. I ended up putting all of our wedding memorabilia in it after our wedding. That chest has significant meaning to me. It’s not stacked on a basement shelf or in the garage. It’s in my closet, close by. The memories of one of the best days of my life are in the chest, now treasures of my past.
I’d love to open up a similar store with just wedding stuff, but I’m not at that point in my life. I will continue to work my day job while using this blog as my therapy and to dream. Maybe in time, I will be the lovely woman who followed her dream. For now, I’ll blog about places like this which warm my heart.
Check out the cute as-a-button attire below which would be a perfect wedding dress for your vintage wedding. Although I cannot guarantee it’s still there, you may find something else that calls you. However, you will need to travel to downtown Nashua, NH to experience the enchantment.
Do you see why I love this place?Â
Look at all these TREASURES…
All pictures above were taken by me.
Snap, It’s Vintage
33 Main Street
Nashua, New Hampshire
(603) 943-8484
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Vintage Shopping for your Wedding this is a very interesting idea, I think the Invitations of Wedding can be in vintage look and theme also then it will be a perfect Vintage theme Wedding.
Hi – I totally agree on the vintage look for invitations to match any vintage decor. Such a trend right now.