Say A Little Prayer

Today, I ask you for a favor from the bottom of my heart.

My high school friend Stacie is on the brink of saying good-bye to her brave husband Basil who has been battling brain cancer since 2006.  Stacie & Basil have continued to live a full life of true love & tremendous courage in the face of cancer.  They have inspired many, including me.  Basil has fought too long & too hard- it is time for his angel wings.  Here is Stacie's latest update:

"I laid in his arms all night. My exhaustion led me to a deep sleep. I felt his breathing and thanked God for his breath, his love for me and our children. I thanked God for his life. With out this gift I would be without my two most amazing blessings. He is still fighting as expected ... But things are labored. It's getting much harder. God is wanting him. My love for this man is infinite. His love for you all will be felt from above I promise you this. Today I will continue to honor Basil. He is a survivor, a warrior and an awesome awesome soul. I love you Basil."

Such love & heartbreak in her words!!  When my heart was breaking into a million pieces last February, Stacie was one of the first people to reach out & say "I am here for you."   I will never forget her kindness.  If at all possible, I would like to return the favor.

Whatever you may believe, I ask you to please keep this beautiful family in your thoughts, sending them peace, comfort & grace.  They will feel the extra support & love.  Say a little prayer, wish upon a shining star or throw a new penny into a fountain for them.  Thank you & may you & your loved ones always have peace, comfort & grace.

Update: Basil received his angel wings at 3:35pm today.  Please continue to pray for the new angel & those he now guards from heaven: his wife Stacie, his young sons Evan & Shane & his family & friends.

Photo Robin Van Dyke Photography via

{Real Orchard Wedding} Diana & Brian

Diana & Brian's intimate wedding in a lovely apple orchard on a warm, summer day is a pure gem.  With stunning mountains, bountiful apple trees & pretty wildflowers, there is a simplicity & beauty to this wedding that is unparalleled.  Allow the beautiful photographs by Vendla Stockdale Photography tell this wedding story:

Diana & Brian tied the knot on a sunny, summer day at organic apple orchard, Delicious Orchards in Colorado.  The charming orchard offered plentiful rows of apple trees & spectacular views of the West Elk Mountains, just perfect for a small wedding of family & friends.  Also, the orchard inspired the couple to keep their wedding organic & local.  

Diana walked down the aisle escorted by her two sons & married Brian among the natural beauty of a clearing.  The happy couple celebrated their union at a long, family-style table set in between the rows of trees & decorated with small clusters of simple, pretty flowers.  They served trout caught by Brian, organic salad & local wines.  Diana & Brian's wedding was one natural beauty!  


VENDOR LOVE
Photography: Vendla Stockdale Photography  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights  /  Venue: Delicious Orchards

Sparkly Gold

Hello, my Koru family & friends!  I missed you!!!  We had a wonderful, relaxing vacation but I know we are doing something right when it is nice to return to our home sweet home & slip back into our normal routine.  &, of course, that means we're back to the regular programming here, starting with a little something gold & sparkly:  

 There's nothing like a little sparkle & shimmer to add pizazz to your wedding day!  Or any day really :-)

Please be sure to join me tomorrow for a gorgeous orchard wedding!

Photo Half Orange Photography via

{Sneak Peek} Diana & Brian

Happy Friday, my Koru family & friends!

I have some good news & bad news for you.  Let's get the "bad" news out of the way, shall we?  My hubs & I are taking a well-deserved vacation & the blog will be dark next week.  I thought about scheduling posts or lining up guest bloggers but I didn't want to be worrying about whether or not the posts were publishing or anything.  I  just want a break in every way.  So.  That wasn't too bad, was it?

Now for the good news!  I wouldn't even think of parting ways without leaving you with some wedding beauty to get you through the next week without me.  Here is a fun sneak peek at our next real wedding coming up on May 30:

My wedding-loving heart can tell you that this is one wedding you don't want to miss!  The organic orchard wedding is full of charming, down-to-earth details to inspire & delight.  It was photographed by none other than the lovely Vendla Stockdale who brought you the magnificent runaway Bride yesterday.

Till then, health & happiness to you & yours~

Photo by Vendla Stockdale Photography  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights

{Trash the Dress} Equestrian-style

Is this Bride channeling her inner Julia Roberts & pulling a Runaway Bride??!!

No need to panic, my friends.  This isn't a runaway bride; this is a Trash the Dress session done right.

Welcome to the beauty of Trash the Dress, Colorado-style.  The premise is simple.  Take a beautiful Bride wearing her wedding gown, cowboy boots & cowboy hat.  Add her gorgeous mare.  Mix those ingredients with the bare scenery of a desert.  Let the accomplished rider & her mare loose.  The results are AMAZING!

I like the idea of the Trash the Dress session featuring the Bride doing something she loves in her wedding gown.  It's a fun, interesting approach.  Now if I only knew how to ride a horse . . .

Photography by Vendla Stockdale Photography  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights

{Real Virginia Wedding} Jennifer & Robert

As someone who got married in the very same town I met my husband-to-be, I admire couples who return to where their love story began to get married.  Jennifer & Robert met as law students at Washington & Lee University & wisely selected the traditional brick & ivy campus as their wedding venue.  Combining a classic elegance with pops of navy blue & yellow, this wedding oozes glamorous style.  Lucky for the happy couple, Lauren D. Rogers Photography captured every last detail!

As Washington & Lee University law students, Jennifer & Robert met at a mock trial competition.  Jennifer was the expert witness & Robert was the acting judge.  Once their eyes met, it was clear this romantic case would never be closed!  One winter proposal later, Jennifer & Robert were ready to start the rest of their lives together.

The marriage ceremony took place at historic, ivy-covered Lee Chapel on the Washington & Lee University campus.  The simple, pretty church was accented with white hydrangeas aisle decorations & overflowing white & yellow arrangements at the altar.  Bridesmaids donned short, navy blue dresses & carried happy yellow rose & calla lily bouquets.  Jennifer was the very picture of a classic Bride with her bright red lips, cascading rose & calla lily bouquet & gorgeous Provonias gown.  A family friend presided over the emotional ceremony as Robert & Jennifer became husband & wife.

The celebration continued at Evans Hall with its soaring ceilings, large chandeliers & black & white floors.  Towering hydrangea centerpieces & candlelight decorated the space, along with a darling white wedding cake accented with white hydrangeas, yellow spray roses & navy blue ribbon.  Jennifer & Robert dined & danced with their family & friends.  

What a fabulous love story set against the backdrop of Washington & Lee University!

VENDOR LOVE

Photography: Lauren D. Rogers Photography  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights  /  Ceremony Venue: Washington & Lee Chapel  /  Reception Venue: Evans Hall  /  Caterer:  Washington & Lee University Catering  /  Wedding Cake: Barb's Bakery  /  Florist: University Florist  /  Invitations: Magnet Street  /  Wedding Gown: Provonias at Bella Rosa  /  Garter: Let's Dance Garters

tulip love

I feel like just yesterday I was saying hello to Spring; now it's almost time to say good-bye.  With Memorial Day just around the corner, my mind is dreaming of long, lazy Summer days of sunny days, beautiful beaches & refreshing ice cream.  Before we part ways with Spring, I wanted to give a final shout-out to my favorite Spring flower: Tulips!!!! 

I love the graceful simplicity of a white tulip bouquet for Spring Brides:

 

I love the unexpected, pretty look of a closed, white tulip bouquet for Spring Bridesmaids:

I love this white parrot tulip centerpiece almost more than words can describe:

Tulips, you have my Spring heart!

Tell me, what do you love about Spring? 

Photo 1 Travis Hoehne Photography via; Photo 2 Captured Photography by Jenny via; Photo 3 Jose Villa via

{Sneak Peek} Jennifer & Robert

Here is a sweet sneak peek of the elegant wedding coming next Wedding Wednesday:

The lovely Jennifer & Robert & their beautiful celebration chock full of striking yellow & navy blue details are not to be missed.  Be sure to check in next Wedding Wednesday for plentiful wedding eye candy & inspiration!!

Till then, Happy Weekend & Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful Mamas!

Photo by Lauren D. Rogers Photography

light the way

Imagine where this candlelit path leads . . .

Is there anything more romantic & dreamy than a blue-black sky, bare branches strung with white lights & a well-worn, candlelit path?  I think not.

Photo by Gideon Photography via

{Real Waterfront Wedding} Cheryl & Mike

As soon as this wedding with its waterfront location & pops of pink graced my computer screen, I couldn't stop obsessing over every last charming detail.  Feast your eyes on this beautiful wedding by Chi Photography of Charleston:

The gorgeous Cheryl & Mike said "I Do" overlooking historic Shem Creek with its classic low country views of palm trees, shrimp boats & playful dolphins.  Weathered docks & sandy beaches proved to be the ideal backdrop for the new Mr. & Mrs.  Gray skies were countered by big smiles & plentiful love.  Accenting the celebration were vibrant pink touches from the Bride's pink & white bouquet to the magenta bridesmaid dresses.  Now it's fair to say that two lovelies almost stole the show: the prettiest flower girl with a crown of pink roses & the darling bulldog with a pink pedicure.  Loving!

Plus wedding cake AND cupcakes?  This is a Southern affair to remember! 

VENDOR LOVE

Photography: Chi Photography of Charleston  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights  /  Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Landing on Shem Creek  /   Florist: Fine Floral Creations  /  Wedding Gown: Gown Boutique of Charleston