Aisle Art

Aisles of Distinction

She walks in beauty across a narrow field of petals or blossoms spread across a grassy lawn forming an aisle of fragrant color. Perhaps it's a bed of foliage or palm fronds spread across the sands that she will tread to meet her groom. Or a sparkling cloth runner may be ceremonially unrolled. It glows with silver, gold and copper tones. Crystals, beads, semi-precious and precious stones reflect the light. Abstract designs, painted flowers, personal insignia, poetry or religious verse unfurl. The "grand entrance" has begun.

Traditional religious spaces with their soaring ceilings and dark woods may lack intimacy or offer an august, but impersonal, atmosphere resistant to the blandishments of flowers alone. On the other hand, reception rooms, lawns or beaches may lack definition and a sense of the sanctity and solemnity of the occasion. As brides increasingly choose locations that are personally meaningful, they find themselves searching for a balance, a personal, intimate yet "hallowed" ground-their own ceremonial space. But no ceremonial space is complete without a defined altar and a defined aisle.

Delicate aisles created with floral petals are usually intended only as a showcase for the bride. At some weddings, because of logistics, the entire wedding party may need to traverse across them. Floral runners may also be used to mark the long entrance or central steps of a cathedral or other indoor wedding site or with permission, may be used indoors atop a cloth runner.

"For spring and summer, fragrant blooms and petals are best," explains Theresa Cabral of Ray's Flower Shop in Fall River, Massachusetts. "Lilacs and peonies in spring and then bountiful colored roses, carnations, gladiola blooms and by the end of summer, hydrangea. For a design pattern, the outline might be all red and the pattern white or pink-initials, a rose or a symbol to go with the invitation."

Adding beauty and definition to any space indoors or out, decorated cloth aisle runners also heighten the drama as they are unrolled slowly and ceremonially while guests stand, anticipating the bride's appearance. Two groomsmen are given the honor of gently pulling the runner down the length of the aisle by holding the elegant cording along each end. Because color is delicately layered and multi-dimensional, runners glow softly from within, shimmering even in dim indoor lighting.

"It's a walk that carries so much emotion" explains Lodia Roderick, owner of Lodia Roderick Designs, Inc. of Lexington, Massachusetts and creator of an extensive line of heirloom aisle art. Cloth aisle runners create a family legacy as they start a new family tradition. They become increasingly precious as each bride meets her groom along its sparkling path. Like fine art, runners are numbered, signed and dated and have their own certificates of authenticity.

Roderick is most often asked for biblical verses or that fairy-tale ending, "and they lived happily ever after." Runners may reflect a visual family history by adding names, monograms, or coats of arms. They may also be personalized with floral patterns, seasonal elements, abstract designs, ethnic symbols, or a copy of a love note or the wedding invitation, itself. In some cases, fur or stones such as sapphires, citrines or even diamonds may be added.

Trendsetting or traditional, as you step into your new life, let your pathway add to the beauty of your ceremony and reflect that style that is all your own.