A Dazzling Walk-Unique Aisle Runners

Years ago aisle runners were used to prevent guests from tracking in mud and dirt into the church before the bride arrived. These plain white runners or dirt catchers were then removed and the bride would walk down the aisle. Although the days of dirt roads are gone brides still hold onto this timeless tradition but with a bolder and more edgy style!

The first time a groom sees his bride walking down the aisle, is considered one of the most dramatic and breathtaking moments of the wedding day. So, why not choose a runner that not only complements this momentous occasion but highlights and illuminates the bride as well!

Colored runners add a splash of dramatic color that is sure to accentuate the bride in her white gown as she takes the “walk of her life”! Today’s runners are artistic creations, usually hand painted and highlighted in a hue of colors to give depth and definition to the design. Couples can choose to use their monogram and wedding date, a love quote or a passage from scripture to help set the tone of their event. Couples are even choosing to add extra detail and drama to the runner by incorporating the use of crystals creating a dazzling and dramatic look!

But just because you are done walking down the aisle doesn’t mean that the runners’ job is over! I usually recommend to couples that they have their coordinator or someone gather the runner after the ceremony and transport it to the reception hall. Here, the runner can be quickly cut down and draped either on the “sweetheart table” or cake table for that extra special touch.
I also suggest to the couples that after the wedding they frame the monogrammed portion of their runner and include other special sentiments from their wedding such as: their invitation, garter or handkerchief creating a “shadow box” for display in their new home!

So a runner that helps to highlight one of the most important parts of the wedding day can be carried through and used in many other ways and eventually be a wonderful reminder of that sacred union!

~Maria, Fleur Creations

All images Courtesy of Fleur Creations

Welcome to the World

Who doesn’t love hearing about a brand new baby’s birth these days? With all the craziness that surrounds us these days we all need a little something to remind us of the “Bigger picture”, LIFE!
Baby announcements have dramatically transformed from a simple snapshot of the “wee little one” and the birth details to breathtaking images of little toes and sweet little grins all put together in a beautifully designed announcement.

Currently I am obsessed with Long Island based Photographer, SummerLyn Photographys’, delicious images that depict the simple beauty that is a newborn baby. Being 33 weeks pregnant myself and waiting for my sweet bundle of joy, seeing these pictures not only enhances my excitement but as a stationery designer has my mind racing with ideas for the “perfect” announcement design for my sweet baby girl.

Whether you choose a fun photo announcement such as this one from Jitterbug Stationery

or a more elaborate and formal announcement, we all know that “a picture is worth a thousand words”!

~Maria, Fleur Creations

“Something Old”- Vintage trends for the modern bride.

A big trend for the upcoming wedding season is the “Vintage” look. This does not necessarily mean looking in consignment shops for a wedding dress from the 1930’s, but incorporating the classic trends of that time into today’s modern wedding. Spring 2009 Bridal collections are showing a trend back to the early-to-mid 1900’s, with lots of lovely lace and detailing reminiscent of turn-of- the-century-designers. Two of my favorites this season, the first from Carolina Herrera Spring 2009 Collection, “Bettina,” and the second from Monique Lhullier Spring 2009 collection, incorporate simple silhouettes and stunning yards of lace and beadwork. Both are perfect examples of a timeless vintage look for today’s modern bride.

Another comeback for the 2009 wedding season is the short and sweet birdcage veil from the 1920’s. Wear this look as a simple veil pared off with a little comb, or a more elaborate one, as shown below, from Etsy seller “brendasbridalveils. Embellished with silk flowers, light airy feathers and dazzling Swarovski crystals, this veil helps to draw attention to the brides face while still maintaining a “fun” and airy look. Now, every Vintage wedding needs a stunning invitation to set the “tone” of the wedding for your guests. Think simple and classic letter pressed invitations, embellished with hand woven silks and delicate silk flowers sent to your guests in a custom mailer box such as the one below from Fleur Creations' "Luxe" line. While today’s invitations are no longer sent by hand messenger, this exquisite presentation is a beautiful delight to the eyes and sure acknowledgement of the attention to detail that was customary 100 years ago.

The “Vintage” look is an easy one to achieve. Think in shades of white, ivory, creams, peaches and pinks as well as soft flowing fabrics. Add details such as lace, pearls, and antique brooches to your bouquet, bridesmaid’s dresses and centerpieces to tie everything together. The resulting look is romantic yet classic with a touch of whimsy.

~Maria, Fleur Creations

Photos in order of appearance courtesy of Carolina Herrera 2009 bridal collection, Monique Lhullier Spring 2009 Bridal collection, Brendasbridalveils, Fleur Creations in conjunction with Simply Unique Accessories.

Meet Your Guides: Fleur Creations, LLC

Hi, my name is Maria Fuller and I am the founder/Creative Director of Fleur Creations, LLC, a truly unique stationery studio specializing in custom pieces using materials imported from all over the globe. From silk covered boxes and handmade feather butterflies to luxurious Japanese Chyogami paper, we strive to design the most unique stationery to delight all of the senses.
Here on Stationery Guides, I will be discussing trends in the wedding industry with a focus on invitations and other unique wedding items that give that extra attention to detail, trends in baby and children’s stationery, and answering readers’ questions! I hope to share with you my love for paper and all things pretty here at The Stationery Guides!