{Holidays 2013} snowy days

Hello there!  Thank you SO very much for your patience.  I'm feeling much better & I've somewhat caught up on my holiday to-do list.  I've missed everyone & I can't wait to catch up on your blogs!  As I write this, we're getting our fourth (!!!!) snowstorm in two weeks.  Our Christmas tree is twinkling in the living room window as the snow swirls in the background which is becoming a common sight.  Quite pretty & cozy!  We're not expecting anything major, just a few more inches to keep our little world white & beautiful.  It's just the perfect day to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate & catch up with the rest of the world.  The scene above is from earlier today when Beagle Bailey & I had to venture out for a walk in our local park.  We both agree that the warm, comfy couch is the place to be today.  I hope today finds each of you happy, healthy & cozy too!

Photo: Koru Wedding on Instagram 

{Holidays 2013} sick

I had big holiday plans for this week.  Decorating our home for Christmas.  Making our handmade Christmas cards.  Making more handmade Christmas cards for Holiday Mail for Heroes.  Planning our annual NYC holiday date night.  Shopping for our family & friends.  &, of course, sharing all the holiday goodness with you on the blog!

Life had other plans.

I am sick, a really charming fever-cough-sore throat-exhausted combo.  The kind of sick where there is absolutely nothing you can do or take to feel better but rest, stay hydrated & keep your highly contagious self away from the innocent masses.  

& just let go of the holiday to-do list.  That's probably the hardest part!  As I rest on the couch for the fourth day in a row & take in the view of our undecorated Christmas tree, I've had to realize the holiday season will be just as festive & wonderful this year.  Without the house decorated to full holiday tilt.  Without handmade Christmas cards.  Without a tradition or two.  Without documenting everything here.  

For the rest of the holiday season, I'll do my best to blog when I can.  I promise to be back to regular programming in the new year.  I hope each & every one of you are enjoying a healthy, fun holiday season! 

Photo: Koru Wedding on Instagram

{Thanksgiving 2013} forever thankful

Every year since we got married, I've dedicated my Thanksgiving post to my husband.  & this year shall be no different!  My husband is my family, my world, my love & my best friend.  I am so thankful for everything he is, everything he does & everything he will be.

It's always such a treat to look through our wedding photos to pick one for this post.  The fun task reminds me of where everything started, how far we've come & what lies ahead of us.  Maybe it hasn't always been the easiest journey but it's our story & it's a story of love & hope.  Because I don't think I could possibly say it any better & the words still ring true two years later, here is a rerun of my thankful 2011 post:    

Thankful.  Very, very thankful.

My husband RZ is at the tippy top of my gratitude list this Thanksgiving.  I dedicate this post to him.  

I am thankful to call you my husband.  I am thankful for the beautiful moment we clasped hands, looked into each other's eyes & pledged our vows in front of our nearest & dearest during our marriage ceremony.  I am thankful for the fun, rockstar party that followed.  I am thankful for our sunny, dreamy Hawaiian honeymoon.  I am thankful for the incredible, lovely newlywed times that came after our wedding & honeymoon.  & for the times that were not so happy or easy, I am thankful we weathered the storms together.  I am thankful for our sweet home we share with our sweet pup.  I am thankful that I look forward to the moment you walk through the door every night.  I am thankful for every big & small moment that we make special.  I am thankful for this amazing life that is ours. 

More than words. 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

From Koru Wedding to you & yours: Happy Thanksgiving!

Photography: Timothy Glenn Photographers

{Thanksgiving 2013} hey gord-eous

Because we spend Thanksgiving at my in-law's home, I don't get to decorate a Thanksgiving table.  But that doesn't stop me from dreaming about the day that I can fit more than four people at my dining room table and we can host Thanksgiving for our family.  & this lovely autumn gord centerpiece in a rich fall palette?  It's high in my Thanksgiving-of-the-future dreams!

Do you host Thanksgiving or spend it family or friend's home?

Photo: via

{Sneak Peek} Coco & Steve

Happy Friday!  I'm sorry I have been largely absent lately, only posting pre-planned sneak peeks & real weddings.  Life is crazy!  Husband on a 2-week business trip, juggling dog, bathroom remodel, work, travel, commitments, etc crazy.  Thankfully, said husband returned last night (yay!!!!!) & I hope to return to regular blogging next week.  Here is a sneak peek at our final Wedding Wednesday feature of 2013 to make its appearance the week after Thanksgiving:

Wedding Wednesday features of 2013 are ending on a very high note with the most darling elopement in San Francisco, complete with little white dress, sweet moments & City Hall.  Don't miss the loveliness!

In case you didn't see it, please take a moment to admire the fabulous Winter Winery Wedding from this week.

Happy Weekend!

Photography: IQphoto Studio  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights

{Winter Winery Wedding} Danielle & Coulter

Happy Wedding Wednesday!

This week, the cold temperatures feel like winter & the colored leaves look like autumn.  This December winery wedding is almost the opposite; the calendar date spells winter & the seasonal leaves read autumn.  Whatever season it may be, the gorgeous location, the rustic details & the happy couple clearly equal a fabulous wedding.  IQphoto Studio shows us the beauty:  

Danielle & Coulter got married on December 16 at Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery in Pleasanton, California.  Nestled in Livermore Valley Wine Country, the venue boasts a Mediterranean feel surrounded by vineyards & olive groves.  The Bride & Groom made the venue their own with a classic black & white palette accented with plenty of glowing candlelight.

The rustic Amber Room provided the perfect ceremony setting with its warm brown walls & porcelain tiles.  The beautiful Bride floated down the white rose petal & floating candle lined aisle to meet her handsome Groom.  In front of their nearest & dearest, they exchanged vows & became husband & wife.  Their triumphant ceremony exit was marked with a white rose petal toss. 

The celebration continued in the Grand Salon, a classic setting for eating, drinking & being merry.  Touches like wine cork escort cards & guest book celebrated the vineyard location while the floating candle centerpieces twinkled & the black chargers added a hint of drama.  The wine flowed freely as did laughter & dancing.  Once night fell & the newlyweds snuck away for dramatic final photos in the vineyard.  Cheers to the new Mr. & Mrs.!    

My Favorite Moment: The petal toss- the Bride loves those flying rose petals while the Groom seems to be ducking!

My Favorite Detail: The wedding cork guest book- perfect for winery wedding!

Congratulations, Danielle & Coulter!

VENDOR LOVE:
Photography: IQphoto Studio  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights  /  Ceremony & Reception Venue: Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery

For Philippines With Love

 

In remembrance of those affected by Typhoon Haiyan, I am joining Utterly Engaged, Ever Ours and other bloggers in skipping our regular scheduled posts to acknowledge those affected by the typhoon. It's a small but meaningful effort to help raise awareness For Philippines With Love™.

This effort means a lot to me.  You may or may not realize that my husband is Filipino, he is the first generation of his family to be born in the United States.  When I married him, I was honored to become a part of a large, loving Filipino family.  I thank the stars above that our family in the Philippines is safe & sound.  But many, many others are not as lucky.  Please keep the Philippines in your heart & donate if you can.

To learn more about this disaster relief fundraiser, please visit For Philippines With Love™.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Image Credit: For Philippines With Love™