{wedding accessories} winter cozy

To combat the chill of a winter wedding day, a Bride must wear an extra warm layer.  I opted for a vintage fur stole on my January wedding day.  This Bride opted for a cozy, knit scarf, a choice I am loving.  But what I love even more is that her handsome ring pup is sporting a matching knit scarf.  How adorable!  After all, everyone needs to stay toasty warm, right?

Photography: Caroline Lima Photography via

the chill

Winter Brides have the unique challenge of finding something fashionable & beautiful to battle the chill of winter days.  To stay toasty warm, I'm a huge fan of Winter Brides wearing fur stoles or jackets on their wedding day.  Yesterday's Christmas Bride wore a lovely, white fur stole & I wore a rich brown vintage fur stole on my cold January wedding day:

I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Winter Brides rocking fur stoles or jackets.  Always.  But lately I've been noticing Winter Brides choosing other options for staying warm.  & I like it.  Let's take a peek, shall we?

I'm absolutely swooning over this cozy, fur-lined cardigan:

I'm digging the cool, edgy look of this camel leather jacket: 

Most Winter Brides choose fur stoles or jackets in shades of white or brown, occasionally black, so I adore this gorgeous fur jacket in the prettiest shade of lavender:

I think a happy, bright yellow cardigan is an awesome choice: 

If you must combat the deep chill of winter, then you might as well do it with style & grace.  I tip my hat to these Winter Brides.  Job well done, ladies!

Photo 1: Timothy Glenn Photographers; Photo 2: Mirelle Carmichael Photography via; Photo 3: Ely Fair Photography via; Photo 4: Elizabeth + Rich Photography via; Photo 5: via

{Sneak Peek} Jen & Paul

Happy Friday!  I am pretty, pretty excited for this weekend because we are celebrating Christmas.  Yes, Christmas!  We don't get to see my Dad's family during the busy Christmas season so we pick a later date to gather & celebrate.  Sometimes it's been as late as summer before our schedules coordinate so we're pretty proud to at least be in the appropriate season this year.  Before I sign off to wrap one last Christmas gift, I wanted to leave you with a sneak peek of next Wedding Wednesday's delight:   

When you combine a Jimmy Choo Bride with a Converse Groom, you can imagine it's going to be fantastic wedding.  Be sure to tune in next Wedding Wednesday to enjoy this beautiful wedding!

Happy Weekend!

Photography: A Magic Moment  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights

{fur babies + weddings} girl's got style

Every once in awhile, I start to think that I have done or seen it at all when it comes to weddings.  I have logged in over 12 years as a wedding planner & wedding addict who regularly pores over my clients' weddings & weddings in magazines & blogs.  Naturally, something always comes along to slap me in the face & remind me that weddings, much like life, will always surprise me.  Case in point:

Yes, my wedding loves, that is a darling chihuahua donning a faux fur jacket on her parents' wedding day.  It's too fabulous & adorable for words!  This chihuahua has style for miles.  You know I love me a winter Bride in faux fur but I never imagined a fur baby in faux fur.  Not in my wildest wedding dreams.

I would say now I've seen it all in the wedding world, however, I'm sure the next surprise is just around the corner!

Photography: Avena Studios via

heart marks the spot

Did you enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving?  Mine was just wonderful, blessed by good company & good food.  Now I officially plunged into holiday mode & started dreaming of Christmas . . .

I wouldn't mind finding a gorgeous, sparkly pair of Jimmy Choo heels under my Christmas tree!  But what I truly love here is the red felt heart.  Very simple.  Such a small, sweet detail for a Bride.  I can just imagine the Bride's excitement & anticipation for the wedding as she carefully applies the heart to her bridal shoes.  The heart may not be seen by many, may not even last long after hitting the pavement & perhaps that makes it even more personal & special.  After all, a heart marks the spot!   

Photography: Cly Creation via

Hubbys & Wifeys

I love spying drop-dead gorgeous pair of Jimmy Choos peeking out from under a bridal gown as much anyone, yet I couldn't help but smile when I saw a Bride & Groom rocking their custom Hubbys & Wifeys Converse sneakers on their casual wedding day!  Talk about a whole lot of style & spunk.  My, my how far we have come since the days when Brides just wore plain, boring white or ivory shoes to match their wedding gown. 

These custom cuties may not work for everyone on their wedding day but they would super fun at the post-wedding brunch.  Or the honeymoon.  Or maybe my hubs & I could still get away with wearing these a year & a half after our wedding.  Pretty please!    

Photography: Imagine Photography via

{Sneak Peek} Corley & Jake

Happy Monday!  Is anyone else in as much shock as I am that it is August?!  I can't believe it.  Summer is just flying.  I've been having so much fun in the sun that I'm way behind in posting about my birthday, my Cape Cod vacation, my Boston getaway.  Hopefully, I'll catch up soon.  In the meantime, this Wedding Wednesday's sneak peek never posted Friday so here it is:

As a beautiful couple says "I Do!" & blends two families into one at the historic Opryland Hotel, there are tons of bright peacock feathers & meaningful family details to inspire every Bride.  Oh, & did I mention there is a Cinderella carriage?!  I'll see you this Wedding Wednesday with every last detail!

Please join me tomorrow with a little love & support for my monthly Still Standing post.

Photography: Joe Hendricks Photography  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights

Hearts & Sparkles

Hello, my dear Koru friends & family!  You may not have noticed since the blog kept going but I have been missing for the past two weeks.  I've been celebrating my birthday & relaxing on a Cape Cod vacation.  I enjoyed every moment but it's nice to be back! 

& I could not think of a better way to kick off my return than with two of my favorite things: 

Hearts & sparkles!  I fell in love with these darling bridal shoes upon second glance.  Upon first sight of the simple ivory peep toes decorated with a sweet heart, I thought the bridal shoes were cute.  Then I noticed the awesome rainbow glittery heels & I was sold.  Love, LOVE!!!

Sweetness in the front, party in the back!

Photo Tinywater Photography via

Rainbow Connection

Mere days ago, I mentioned if I was forced to name one thing I would change about our wedding, I would change the matching bridesmaid dresses (you can catch a glimpse of them HERE) to mismatched bridesmaid dresses.  I was thinking something along the lines of this or this, only in purple.  Guess what?

I spied this rainbow delight & I've already changed my mind:

Mismatched black dresses with matching shoes in rainbow hues!  Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.  Your bridesmaids could choose any black dress, chances are they already own one, & you could choose a cute shoe available in a rainbow of colors.  So simple, so stylish, so budget-friendly.

If this were my wedding, I would have let my bridesmaids choose any black dress & any purple shoe.  I bet the shades of purple & styles of shoes chosen would have made for a fun, original bridal party!

Clearly, if I have already changed my mind about this in the span of a few days, it's probably best that I went with a traditional, matching bridal party.  

Let's discuss!  Do you like matching or mismatched bridesmaids?  & what about this clever shoe idea?

Photo Picotte Weddings via

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

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

red

It's hard for me to choose only one accessory that makes me smile in this happy bridal portrait.  The fabulous hat & birdcage veil?  Smile, check.  The bold red lipstick?  Smile, check.  The simple red sash?  Smile, check.  The too cool red crinoline?  Smile, check.  The bright red pumps?  Smile, check.  The Bride's Kool Aid smile?  Smile, check.

Without a doubt, the red crinoline is what drew me to this wedding photo.  Unique & eye-catching, to say the least.  Man, I would love to steal this dress & take it for a twirl on the dance floor! 

P.S. Today's Bride & yesterday's Bride could be besties!

What is/was your favorite bridal accessory?  

Photo by Feather and Stone Photography via

shades

How darling is the Bride in her bright red, heart-shaped sunglasses?!  & she's got her Groom captured in her heart.  Perfection!!  

It wasn't exactly planned but I decided to devote this week to wedding accessories that make me smile.  Because, really, are there ever enough reasons to smile?

Photo by Lemon Lime Photography via

charmed

The sparkle.  The bow.  The sweetness & sass.  Oh, my wedding-loving heart practically stopped beating when I spied the oh so fabulous Kate Spade Charm heels in this cool photo!

Sigh.  I wanted the Charm shoes so badly for my wedding.  Unfortunately, me and a 4-inch heel could not be friends on a long day spent on my feet.  I want the Charm shoes so badly for my life.  Unfortunately, me and a 4-inch heel on a regular basis are as probable as me catching a falling star.  But a girl can dream.

Or a girl can cheer when she spots those charming shoes in wedding photos.  Wow, how Charm shoes rock on a Bride!!

Do you have any long-running dreams of obtaining the perfect accessory?  Please share!

Photo by Jason Walz Photography via

Mitten Magic

Hello, March!  I do hope your wet, rainy arrival means Spring is coming soon.  Yes, Spring!!  It's time to start wrapping up our Winter Wedding celebration!

Accessorize, accessorize.  For winter weddings, accessorize often means fur stoles & warm boots.  This ultra-cute bridal party sported handmade purple mittens!  LOVE.  Those bridesmaids are real troopers braving the cold with bare shoulders but at least their hands stayed toasty warm & looked super chic.  Oh & did I mention the Mother of the Bride knitted those fun mittens?!  Love, LOVE!!    

I'm adding adorable mittens to my must-have list for winter weddings.  Stat!

For more of this winter wedding eye candy (purple Uggs! cute dog! lots of snow!), please visit HERE!

Photo by Jessica Smith Photography via

how about a blanket?

Our Winter Wedding celebration continues!

Yesterday, I wrote about the fur/fake fur stole as an absolute essential for a Winter Bride to look fabulous & stay warm.  Of course, I adore a creative Bride who has her own ideas for looking awesome & keeping toasty! 

To stay warm & dry on her winter wedding day, this savvy Bride grabbed a black umbrella, a striped blanket & tall boots.  The Bride wouldn't let a little snow ruin her plans for outdoor photos.  The results are charming!  

&, if I've said it once I've said it a million times, a good attitude & bright smile will ALWAYS make for great photos, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.  In this montage, we don't witness the huge smiles but photos like that wouldn't be possible without a sunny attitude.  Maybe a positive attitude & a big smile are the true, must-have essentials for your wedding day!

Photo by Sarah Culver Photography via

Fur Sure

Since this is the last week of February & in my mind the last week of winter, I'm dedicating this week to the fabulousness of  Winter Weddings.  Grab some hot chocolate & enjoy this winter wedding celebration at Koru Wedding Style.  Ready, set, let's go!

What is a very important accessory for Winter Brides?  Why, a fur/fake fur stole or jacket of course!

I borrowed this luscious, rich brown fur stole from my sister-in-law & I loved rocking it on our winter wedding day.  It kept me so toasty & warm!  & it looked pretty fabulous in our wedding photos, if I do say so myself.  (Peek at the header to see another photo of me wearing it!)  I was happy & honored to wear something borrowed that was gorgeous, practical & meaningful.  The stole once belonged to my sister-in-law's grandmother.  I hope my niece Janie will wear it one day & as Erin describes its storied history she can include that Tita Katie (Filipino term for Aunt) wore it when she married Ninong Rodney (Filipino term for Godfather).      


Now let's admire other fabulous furs worn by Winter Brides, such as the wintery gray fur that makes a subtle statement on this pretty Bride:

This caramel-colored beauty is absolutely stunning against the snowy scenery:

While the gigantic balloons are pretty cool, winter white fur is the finishing touch of this bridal ensemble:

This Winter Bride looks warm & cozy in her caramel-colored fur stole:

I love me some fur (or fake fur) clad Winter Brides!  Does any other wedding season have an essential accessory that is both beautiful & practical?  

UPDATE: Visit Style Me Pretty AND Style Me Pretty New York today to see two beautiful Winter Brides rocking fur!

Photo 1 Timothy Glenn Photography; Photo 2 Katie Jane Photo via; Photo 3 James Christianson via;
Photo 4 via; Photo 5 FS Photography via

Sparkle

Hello, sparkly pretties.  Valentino you say?  Oh, how I adore you!

As a Bride-to-be, I had the hardest time finding shoes for my wedding.  Shoes were too high, too boring or too expensive.  It was starting to look like I might go barefoot when I found the perfect pair (yes, one of these days I will share all my wedding details with you!).  These fantabulous Valentinos would have been too high AND too expensive for me but I believe I may have made an exception for them.  They are AMAZING!!!   

What route will/did you go for wedding shoes?  Pretty sparkle, fun color or classic ivory/white?

Photo by Justin & Mary via

Major Veil Love

Why I do declare that is the most incredible veil I have ever laid my wedding-loving eyes on EVER!  The Bride looks like an angel wrapped in that light, frothy tulle.  So classic & timeless.

I. cannot. stop. staring. at. this. wedding. fabulousness.

Photo by Cliff Mautner Photography via

Best "I Do" EVER

Brides-to-be know the Bridal Drill: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue.

Something Blue can be tricky, although there are tons of cute, creative things on the market these days. My all-time favorite Something Blue are the rhinestone "I Do" shoe decals. Allow me to demonstrate their awesomeness from a real wedding . . .

Step One: Buy these cuties

Image via Shop Mindy Weiss

Step Two: Get Awesome Something Blue Photo!

Image via Photography by Martha

Love, love, LOVE! I adore this photo so much that it used to be the header on this blog & it influenced me to use "I Do" shoe decals as my Something Blue. Can you say obsessed?!

To score your own rhinestone "I Do" shoe decals, shop here or here. Enjoy!

Do you have a cool idea for Something Blue to share with us?