more winter wedding mash

Since Mother Nature is reminding me that March is indeed still winter with snow in our forecast from last night through Friday, I decided I have some extra time for winter wedding love!  So grab a cup of hot chocolate, sit back & enjoy another mish-mash of winter weddings that I adore so much.

Another winter wedding, another fabulous fur stole for the Bride:

A romantic & dreamy bridal bouquet for a winter wedding:

Pinecone wreaths & glowing candle lanterns perfectly mark the entrance to a winter wedding:

White & simple, much like winter itself, wedding cake:

Is Winter still lingering in your corner of the world?  Do you find it cozy & charming like these weddings or just cold & miserable?  

Photo 1: Carmen and Ingo Photography via; Photo 2:  via; Photo 3 & 5: Elisabeth Millay Photography via; Photo 4: Erik Kelley Photography via

{Holidays 2012} Crafting for Our Heroes

To kick off the festive holiday season, I was really honored to spend the day crafting for a good cause with Jen, Emily & Louisa.  Jen kindly hosted us at her place where we gathered with mimosas, treats, & craft supplies galore to make holiday cards for Holiday Mail for Heroes, a great Red Cross program that distributes cards to veterans, military families & active duty service members around the world.  Crafting is always fun but crafting for a worthy cause is just plain wonderful. 

Not only did these ladies bring their amazing talent, they brought enough awesome craft supplies to make a well-stocked craft store blush.  You name the holiday-themed supply & we had it: stamps, punches, stickers, ribbons, embossers, etc, etc:

I have a real soft spot for snowflakes so all my cards featured snowflakes:

When the fun day of crafting came to a close, we made over 40+ beautiful cards for Holiday Mail for Heroes!  Here is a small sampling of the handmade holiday cheer that will be spread to our heroes:

A big thanks to Jen & the always adorable Humphrey & the too pretty Mila for hosting us in their beautifully holiday-decorated home.  As you can see, Humphrey & Mila are as cute as can be:

Last year, I sent one card to Holiday Mail for Heroes & I was so excited to send 40+ cards this year.  Big thanks to Jen, Emily & Louisa for making it happen!  If you would like to show your support & send holiday cheer to our military, it's so easy.  By Friday, December 7, simply send a signed card to:

Holiday Mail For Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capital Heights, MD 20791-5456

For more information & complete instructions (no glitter!), please visit Holiday Mail for Heroes.

Here's to hoping everyone's holiday season is merry & bright!

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

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

Etsy Weddings Event

Saturday was a beautiful Spring day, just perfect for heading into NYC with Jen of Jen Kim Made & attending To Have & To Hold, the first-ever weddings event hosted by Etsy.

Just beyond the white & cream ribbon entrance, the event promised unique items & plentiful inspiration for Brides, Grooms, wedding parties & wedding guests.

 

& the event delivered!  I was instantly enamored with the sweet lace number accented with a blush pink flower belt:

Fresh flower bouquet alternatives like fabric, silk & wood were quite cool but a stunning ranunculus paper bouquet to last forever & ever stole my heart:

Oh, sweet little vignettes were tucked in every nook & cranny, chock full of vintage & handmade items for creating a stylish wedding:

Why hello, sparke & shine tassel garland:

Wow, wow.  To Have & To Hold vintage book cut-out!!!: look closely:

It wasn't all about the Bride & Grooms!  As a pet lover, I thought the ring pillows outfitted for a furry bridal party members were fabulous:

Bravo to Etsy & its artists for supporting same sex marriages:

Once.  You're only a Bride & Groom once jetting off on your honeymoon so why not travel Bride & Groom-style:

They had me at good-bye with the too-cool-for-school pink vintage typewriter:

  

Last but certainly not least is a great quote about marriage:

This post shows only a snippet of the items available at the event & the event only showcased a fraction of the items available on Etsy.  Please visit Etsy Weddings for handmade & vintage wedding inspiration & shopping!

Photos by Koru Kate

spring

Welcome, Spring!

The bright yellow heads of daffodils dotting the green landscape signify the beginning of Spring in my little corner of the world.  Since Spring made her official debut today, a darling daffodil arrangement marks this special occasion on Koru Wedding Style! 

There is so much to love about this sweet daffodil arrangement, starting with the main stars: gorgeous yellow daffodils.  But would this arrangement be as special without the limes, the burlap & the ribbon?  I think not.  This combination is pure Spring perfection.

Spring Brides, let these daffodils inspire you.  They would be ideal cocktail table centerpieces or fabulous reception centerpieces set on a burlap runner.  Or get creative & switch the burlap for lace & match the ribbon to your wedding colors.  Not planning a wedding?  How about a using these as a cheery Easter decoration?  Wherever your imagination takes you, it will be just lovely.  

What signifies the beginning of Spring to you?  A date on the calendar or something like the sighting of your first daffodil or robin?

Photo via

going green

Like any good Irish girl, I get excited for St. Patrick's Day!  This Saturday is the big day.  In its honor, Koru Wedding Style in going green this week.  I'm excited to celebrate green in all its wedding glory!!

Now Kermit the Frog claims it isn't easy being green but these green bridal bouquets dare to tell a different story . . .

A bouquet of green tomatillos & cotton?  Yes, please.

Why chose one shade of green?  Mix different shades of lush green flowers accented with pure white flowers:

Go bold with a modern, organic air plant bouquet:

Dusty, muted greens make a unique statement:

Bells of Ireland mixed with white snapdragons is green gorgeousness:

& before you go, here is a little sneak peek of the creation of my 2012 St. Patrick's Day card (to be revealed Friday):

Which is your favorite green bouquet?  Would you consider green for your wedding or has another color stolen your heart?

Photo 1 Stephanie Williams via Photo 2 Kelli Hunt via Photo 3 Mi Belle Photography via Photo 4 Benj Haisch Photography via Photo 5 Cassandra Eldridge Photography via

simple blooms

I'll be honest: I didn't have a large flower/decor budget when I was planning our wedding.  My then-fiance & I chose to prioritize & spend the most on our venue/food, photography & music.  As such, the pennies were pretty tight in other areas.  I went really simple with the flowers.*

So it's truly warmed my heart to see more & more reception centerpieces that don't break the bank, yet look quite lovely.  I know it's frustrating when your limited budget doesn't fit your big dreams.  Oh, my dears, there is hope.  Let's admire some affordable, beautiful centerpieces & fuel that hope!

A grouping of cheerful yellow flowers in different vases make for sweet centerpieces:

 Mix lots of greenery with a pop of bright color in a mason jar for a nature-inspired feel:

The small detail of green glass elevates this simple, single bloom & few branches centerpiece:

A fresh-picked centerpiece is just darling in a cute container:

Cherry on top: most of these centerpieces could easily be DIY projects!  As always, I beg you to recruit buddies or hire a day-of wedding planner to transport & set-up the centerpieces should you go the DIY route.  You want to spend your wedding day enjoying every moment with your loved ones, not playing with flowers. 

Are/Were flowers & decor a priority for your wedding?  Do you have any inspiring, budget-friendly decorating tips to share?  

(* I feel like a broken record but I promise more photos of our wedding are coming soon!  There are a few HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE & HERE TOO if you feel like scouring the entire blog.  I mean, I'm sure you have the free time.)

Photo 1 A & A Photography via Photo 2 via Photo 3 Kelli Hunt Photography via Photo 4 The Wedding Artists Collective via

Wedding Wheels, 2012 Debut!

Wow.  I'm embarrassed.  March is here & I'm just debuting Wedding Wheels?!

For those of you who are new here, Wedding Wheels is a series that celebrates my love of weddings & my adoration of cars.  Yes, yes- it's an odd combo but it happens to work.  I always notice the getaway car when I look at wedding photos & share the most fun, creative options with you.  &, let me tell you, Brides & Groom are getting pretty creative! 

Sweet couple + Wedding Bike = Awesome.  I mean, clearly:

   
There is so much to drool over in this photo (Groom's attire! Bride's shoes!) but I believe we can agree that the Vespa is the main attraction:

 Perhaps you're a little more bad ass?  Then this motorcycle getaway is just your speed:

No wheels, no problem!  Just float away on a getaway boat:

Last but not least, the classic: the vintage getaway car.  A convertible to boot:

As always, to see my absolute favorite getaway car ever, just glance up above at my header :-)  I'm working on a Wedding Wheels comprised entirely of that exact vintage taxi- coming soon! 

Tell me, which getaway mode catches your eye?    

Photo 1 by Kay English Photography via; Photo 2 by Lemon Lime Photography via; Photo 3 by Greg Benz Photography via;
Photo 4 by Ashley Maxwell Photography via; Photo 5 by Stone Crandall Photography via

Over & Out, Winter

The official celebration of winter weddings has come to an end.  I couldn't think of a more fitting farewell than to share my favorite bridal party photo from my winter wedding.  

Due to frigid temperatures & possibility of snow, winter Brides have to select a warm, indoor location for bridal party photos.  You can hope for outdoor photos but there must be a heated, comfortable spot chosen as well.  It's only fair to your bridesmaids & groomsmen.  RZ & I chose the gorgeous Hoboken Train Station for that exact reason.  As we arrived in downtown Hoboken & tumbled out of our cars onto the cobblestone street, Tim suggested a few outdoor photos before we headed inside.  Awesome idea!  Our good-natured bridal party huddled around us, smiling & laughing despite the chilly temperatures.  Absolute troopers, I tell you.

The photo is a total winner in my eyes.  It encompasses so many things I treasure: my husband, our wonderful friends, our hometown Hoboken, our fun vintage taxi &, of course, our winter wedding.  You can bet this baby is displayed in our hallway & will be included in our wedding album.  LOVE!!!!!! 

**Please click on the photo to see it in its full-size glory!  If anyone has tips on how to post larger photos, feel free to share with me via email or comment :-)  UPDATE: Problem solved, thanks to the fabulous Lena of A Crimson Kiss!

I hope you enjoyed this little winter wedding celebration.  Next year, I plan to kick up the celebration a notch to include more & more lovely winter wedding details.  Till we meet again, Winter Weddings!

Happy Weekend!!!!
 
Photo by Timothy Glenn Photographers

pink

Isn't this pretty, pink cake & its dramatic display oh so romantic?!  

I couldn't think of a better way to end Valentine's Day week than with this heart-stopping image.  Enjoy~ 

Photo by Christian Oth Studio via

Koru Kate Finds: Valentine-style

This week, we celebrate Valentine's Day!  Love is in the air, I can feel it.  Naturally, Koru Kate Finds is Valentine-style.

Here's a confession: while I love every Koru Kate Finds, I don't have the money to buy all of the cool products or the time to craft all of the fun projects.  However, my find for Valentine's Day inspired me to not only feature it but to make my own.  May I present you the fabulous photo heart: 

 
I'm loving this sweet & simple DIY heart-shaped display of photographs for Valentine's Day.  Chocolates are yummy & flowers are pretty but this personalized, meaningful photo display is perfect for any budget & shows your love.  While the project is slated for kids, it's quite ideal for kids & adults alike.  The photo heart particularly spoke to me because RZ & I are nursing broken hearts & a lovely reminder of the many blessings in our lives would be just perfect this Valentine's Day.  I chose big & small moments from our five years together- holidays, vacations, engagement, wedding, honeymoon & everyday delights.  I plan to arrange our photo heart on a blank wall in our hallway to surprise RZ when we return from our Valentine's Day dinner.  Hopefully, it will touch his heart.  Photos of my project coming soon! 

Are you inspired to make your own photo heart?  The possibilities are endless- showcase big moments in your relationship or fun times since last Valentine's Day or random snapshots of your life together.  The heart shown above includes 52 photos but you can adjust that for a smaller or bigger heart.  Now for those of you who don't print photos (guilty), don't worry you can order photos through sites like Shutterfly & pick them up at CVS or Target in one hour.  NO excuses!!  Simply choose & print out your photos, pick a choice spot for display & arrange your heart of love.  Imagine your Valentine's delighted surprise when he/she spots this beauty on Valentine's Day!

What fun surprises do you have in store for your Valentine?

P.S. How sweet would a heart photo display be at your rehearsal dinner or wedding reception?

Photo via

Koru Kate Finds: Book of Love

Welcome to the first Koru Kate Finds of 2012!  If you're new here (hello & welcome!), Koru Kate Finds is my weekly series of wedding finds, from DIY projects to decor to jewelry, to inspire you & your wedding.  Let's start the fun, shall we?

Today's Koru Kate Finds is the DIY Book of Love:

Let's face it, everyone has computer drives full of lovely photos that we never print.  Ladies, it's time to make something of those memories.  The sentimental fool that I am, this personalized & easy DIY project is right up my alley.  All you need are fun photos, sweet memories & few basic supplies to make a Book of Love to cherish forever. 

A Book of Love is billed for Valentine's Day, although it's fitting for any special occasion.  Make one with photos from your engagement session, your bridal shower, your bachelorette party, your rehearsal dinner, your wedding, your honeymoon or your newlywed years. You get the idea, right?  

A Book of Love is a perfect gift &/or a lovely keepsake.    

For complete instructions & plenty of other DIY goodness, please visit The Wedding Chicks HERE.  Enjoy!

City Lovin'

"I am about to make a brand new start of it, right here in old New York"

You can't argue with Frank Sinatra: New York is a great place for new beginnings, like weddings.  For lucky couples tying the knot in the Big Apple, consider letting the magnificent city influence your wedding invitation suite.  

I'm ready to bust out my party dress & attend this fabulous city affair!  The Empire State Building featuring a sweet pink heart?  Oh yes, I consider that NYC save-the-date perfection.  The wedding invitation doesn't bother with the traditional NYC skyline design.  Instead, the modern, calligraphy invitation & its coordinating pieces are a perfect compliment to the city lovin' save-the-date.  The oh so popular gray color maintains a sense of cohesion throughout the invitation suite.  LOVE!!  

Are you getting married in a town or city that is important to you?  Will you let the city influence your design decisions?


Photo via

Snowflake Smile

Winter Brides may not be able to say their vows in a beautiful garden or stroll among fields of lavender for photos.  But Winter Brides can have fun too, despite the cold & snow!  Don't believe me?  Just look at this Bride's joyful snowflake smile!

Photo via A Practical Wedding