Vendor Luv:The Paper Couturiere

Hi Bloggers,

I'm super excited about the opportunity chat with Autumn at the Paper Couturière. We met via Twitter and I just had to get the low down on their fabulous paper products. Paper Couturière has tons of things happening including a newly updated website and super cool app (details to follow later) and lots more. Check it out!

How did you start Paper Couturière?
The Paper Couturière as a business, was formed gradually, over many
years. I never woke up one day and said to myself, "today is the day I
start a business". I'd been designing and handcrafting invitations for
years, and eventually it got to the point where I had to quit my job
working for Corrections Victoria, and focus solely on design.

How long have you been in business and what direction do you plan to move on with your hand made creations?
PC has been an actual business for close to 2 years. I'm still building my clientele, but already have clients who have come to me for more than 1 occasion. Eventually, I would like to spread my wings even further and, while still designing and handcrafting invitations and stationery, work with clients on branding and logo design.

Where are you based?
I'm in Melbourne Australia, but serve Australia wide and
international clients as well. As I'm American, I have a steady client
base from the US.

What are some of your favorite social networking sites?
4- My favourite networking site by far is Twitter. {@papercouturiere} I've met some wonderful people and have formed some great working relationships with many of them. Although I do use Facebook to post new photos; tips; ideas, etc, I find that it's not as interactive with clients and/or vendors as Twitter. I also like Twitter better because it's more fast paced. If I ask someone a question or ask for advice, I get the answer within minutes rather than asking the same question on FB, I may not get an answer at all. This has happened to me before when I've posted questions on Facebook, so, I focus on Twitter.

What makes you stand out from your competitors?
I stand out from my competitors in Australia because of my costing and the nature of my design. Although I do have some digital designs, the majority of my collection is handcrafted using the same techniques and skills that I've learned over the years through my love of scrapbooking. I use different layers; elements, and textures that all come together to make a wonderfully unique piece of paper art. Although I do like digital design, and it is another form of artwork, in my opinion, I believe it takes a different, more in depth skill to go back to basics and create your art using adhesives; paper; scissors, and embellishments. I enjoy that it's much more labour intensive and, although this can drive up the cost of invitations, I still remain competitive to my all-digital-design counterparts.

What are some of the unique events your paper products have been used for?
I'm currently putting together Press Kits for My Wedding Concierge..no pictures on that yet...they're secret between Phyllis & I before the reveal.

What is one of the most over the top request you’ve ever received from a client?
I've not received really any over the top requests from clients. They've all been fairly straight forward and "normal", if that makes sense. But, if I ever get a client asking me to engrave their invitation on a grain of rice like we see at fairs and art shows, you'll be the first person I contact!

What are some of the latest color trends for couples tying the knot this season?
Turquoise. Turquoise is HUGE this wedding season. Pantone labeled it "The colour". That being said, my advise to brides is to not follow a trend just because it's a trend, because you won't be completely happy. If you genuinely love turquoise and want it as the main focal point regarding colour, then by all means, use it. No matter what, make sure whatever colour palette you choose, is one that "speaks to you", that makes you comfortable and happy, and one that completely reflects your event and your & your partners personalities.

How do you find the time to get all the “important” stuff done?
Sometimes, I don't find the time, and those are the days that I'm up until 2 or 3 in the morning. Everyday I take time out for myself and my family. That is priority numero uno for me. Everything else is secondary. I don't care what kind of deadline I'm up against, my family is first. I make it work. And lists? Well, I couldn't live without the good ol'fashioned list! I prioritize and make lists for lists. Somehow, someway, it all comes together.

Which show would best describe you?...and why? Platinum Weddings, Whose Wedding Is It Anyway or Bridezilla’s.
We don't have Platinum Weddings in OZ. I've never seen it and only last week heard about it for the first time. So that show definitely doesn't describe me. Bridezilla's is only shown sporadically so I don't really watch that either. I was a happy-go-lucky bride {who incidentally designed EVERYTHING from the centerpieces to music to flowers to decor to stationery..everything}, and not much stressed me out..so I definitely don't relate to Bridezilla's. I do watch Who's Wedding Is It Anyway from time to time. I would have to say that show definitely describes me the best. I love the organization of the planners and how no matter what goes wrong, they always find a way to make it work and it turns out stunning. I'm very much that way. Being a designer, there are sometimes kinks in the chain. I welcome those "kinks" because it reinforces to me that I really do have a talent. If I didn't, I would let those "kinks" take over me and I would lose control and throw in the towel. You gotta roll w/ the punches. I do. Everyday. And so do the wedding planners on the show. PS. Donnie Brown, if you're reading this, I ♥ you. Come to OZ so we can work together.

You can check out Paper Couturière at their chic website, on Twitter also on Facebook. Autumn and her team is also accessible via email at info@thepapercouturiere.com.au.

Here are a few photo's from Paper Couturière's extensive collection.

Thanks for blogging with us!
Signature Wedding Aisle Runners

Signature Selection: Unison Event Planners LLC

Hi Bloggers!

We are so enthused to kick off our Signature Selection. Signature Selection will feature vendors, trends, “must have’s” and information that we feel you’d be interested in.

Juliette Senior is the founder and owner of Unison Event Planners LLC. We met on Twitter last year and always look for her useful tidbits. The Unison Event Planners team is based out of Englewood, NJ. Juliette has a BA Finance and Business Management and was kind enough to give me an interview to shed some light on how she’s making things happen.

1. How did you get started in the event planning industry?
I was always the “birthday girl” at work planning all the baby showers, birthday parties and group outings. Eventually the word got out that I was creative and innovative. I started assisting with planning weddings and pretty soon was planning weddings and events from conception through to execution. Unison Event Planners LLC was officially formed after I planned my 30th birthday cruise to the Bahamas with 30 close friends when it became evident that planning came naturally and nothing gave me greater pleasure than the end result-A happy client with a smile on his/her face.

2. What vision do you have for UEP in the next 3-5 years?
In 3-5 years event productions designed by Unison Event Planners would have been featured in several publications. We will have a store front showroom that offers event planning, design, stationary and party rentals. Finally, I hope to have the need for additional staff.

3. What advice would you offer brides looking to plan their special day?
Don’t get discouraged after the first day of planning and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It will get better.

4. Do you do many destination weddings? Could you share some of your favorite wedding destinations with us?
I’ve done several destination weddings in the past. My favorite destinations are Jamaica, Nassau, Bahamas and St. Maartin.

5. Can you share the most outrageous request you’ve ever received from a client?
My brides are usually edgy and non traditional – just like me. So I wouldn’t say that any of their requests are technically outrageous..but….I did have a bride ask for a conveyor belt as her aisle. She wanted to stand still and go down the aisle on a conveyor belt, like a distribution line at a factory.

6. What are a few of your favorite wedding “things”?
I love everything non-traditional. For example Card Boxes – Marni Gold from Creative Custom Card Boxes designs some amazing card boxes that can be used to house the bride’s cards on the day of the wedding so that the brides doesn’t have to walk around with the traditional satin bag. I also love Paloma’s Nest. Instead of the traditional ring pillow, Caroline offers the cutest hand crafted ring bearer bowls. The best resource that I’ve found is Etsy.

7. Can you share some of the lessons you’re learned over the years as a result of owning UEP? Maybe one or two of your favorites that had the most impact.
The most important lesson that I’ve learned is to set boundaries. When I began the business I was so adamant on getting clients that I would take everyone and lower my prices just to get them. As a result, I signed on “bridezillas” and people who were not willing to pay for the services rendered. I even had clients who called me at 3AM in the morning and I was crazy enough to answer the phone. Now I set and adhere to office hours and I know how to weed out the potential headache clients that can be a downfall to my business.

8. What’s your favorite place to go (or favorite thing to do)?
I confess that I am a reality show junkie. My favorite pass time is watching TV. I am a fan of Law and Order SVU, 24, The Amazing Race, Survivor, So You Think You Can Dance, Criminal Minds and Big Brother to name a few. I know, I know..Iam a looser.

9. If you don’t mind sharing some personal things, who are some of the people that have had a major influence on where you are today?
First, my boyfriend Curtis. He was positive and supportive way before I decided to start Unison Event Planners and he remains positive and supportive today. He even helped me with my first bridal show. We created a customized Unison Event Planner tie for him with the company logo. He walked around the bridal show in a suit and the tie taking pictures. On a daily basis he continues to amaze me with his input, wealth of knowledge and support. He has been and continues to be the person that I share my ideas and thoughts with and I thank him for that. Next, would be my parents and my sister Angela. They have been there for me for as long as I can remember..lol. They support my decisions while accepting the fact that I am my own person. Finally, my close circle of friends. Camille, Karin, Leah, Marielyn, and Tracy. You guys rock!! They are my team and ladies who help me on the day of and with the bridal shows that I do.

10. Which show would best describe you?...and why? Platinum Weddings, Whose Wedding Is It Anyway or Bridezilla’s.
I would have to say Whose Wedding Is It Anyway. I like to cater to the brides who want to stretch their budget at far as possible and I am over Bridezilla’s. I run in the opposite direction!

Below are a few pictures from Unison Event Planners. You can contact Juliette and her team here:
Website: www.unisoneventplanners.com
Email address: info@unisoneventplanners.com




Stay Tuned for the next installment of Signature Selections.
Signature Wedding Aisle Runners

Ali & Blake’s Chic Raspberry Aisle Runner

We absolutely love Ali and Blake’s raspberry wedding theme and had to share it with you. Ali was kinds enough to provide several photo’s so enjoy. We hope to add one of these photo’s to our current Knot.com ads.

Here’s what Ali had to say:
I loved my aisle runner. It made our wedding just that much more special and personalized. Thank you!

Ali, Thanks for the opportunity to work with you and for these super chic photo’s. Congrats once again.

Thanks for blogging with us,
The Signature Wedding Aisle Runners Team

Twitter Connection: Unison Event Planners

Hi Bloggers,

A special “Thank You” to Juliette at Unison Event Planners. We connected on Twitter and she was gracious enough to feature Signature Wedding Aisle Runners on the Unison Event Planners blog. Check out the interview when you have some time.Thanks again Unison Event Planners, we look forward to your tweets.

If you’re on Twitter, follow us! http://www.twitter.com/SWAislerunners

Thanks for blogging with us,
Signature Wedding Aisle Runners