{wedding centerpieces} think pink centerpieces

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a special time when the NFL sports pink & others don pink ribbons to support the fight against breast cancer.  Breast cancer has affected many people I love & this cause means the world to me.  Although it may be a small effort, I turned the blog pink this week in honor of breast cancer awareness.  Let's continue the pink party with pretty in pink centerpieces!

May these pink beauties remind you to take a breast exam or mammogram yearly.  Early detection saves lives!  & please remind every woman you love (grandma, mom, aunt, sister, friend, co-worker, etc) to do the very same.

Photo 1: Joseph Martinez Photography via; Photo 2: Angie Cao Photography via; Photo 3: Becky Hill Photography via; Photo 4: via; Photo 5: Olivia Leigh Photographie via




  

{wedding centerpieces} planted

During the summer, the faded red deck of my childhood home was lined with planters, spilling over with bright, beautiful flowers.  The pretty image is burned forever in my heart.  Lately, I've noticed wedding centerpieces featuring planters, looking just as gorgeous as the planters in my old backyard.  I've fallen in love!  

I have to say, I think planters as wedding centerpieces are just as special as planters as backyard decor!

Photo 1: Char Photography via: Photo 2: Sarah Culver Photography via; Photo 3: Clayton Austin via; Photo 4: Dreamlove Photography via; Photo 5: Studio Castillero via

Desert Delight

We're experiencing such a heatwave on the East Coast that I feel like we just might be living in the desert!  I'm not complaining as I love summer.  However, the desert-like condition does explain why this original cactus centerpiece caught my eye:

So colorful, striking & different!  The cactus are very cool but the colorful tins really make this centerpiece.  Add the papel picado & a good margarita to achieve perfection!

Bonus: if you're looking for an easy, budget-friendly centerpiece, you've found it!  For a different look, you could collect vintage tins or for a varied look, collect tins of different colors & sizes.  Get creative! 

Now excuse me as I daydream sipping a cocktail on the shores of Cabo San Lucas . . . 


Photo Sarah Yates 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

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

baby, baby

I've never had an opinion about baby's breath one way or the other until now. I see it popping up everywhere in the wedding world & I'm falling in love.  Baby's breath is so simple & sweet, just my style.

Here are a few examples of baby's breath in weddings that made me fall in love:

The bunting is darling but the baby's breath arrangements make the statement for this ceremony altar:

Baby's breath bridal bouquet that is seemingly heaven-sent:

Delicate baby's breath mixed with fragile stephanotis is bridesmaid bouquet perfection:

Escort cards nestled in a bed of fluffy baby's breath is quite genius:

Varied containers wrapped with ribbon & filled with baby's breath makes the ultimate simply pretty centerpieces:

Best of all, baby's breath is inexpensive.  Music to the ears of Brides on a tight budget! 

Are you seeing baby's breath everywhere too?  Hate, Love or Like?  I vote LOVE!

Photo 1 & 5 Yolande Marx via Photo 2 Jonathan Ong via Photo 3 via Photo 4 Braedon Photography via

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

green goodness

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, this week I celebrated green in weddings- green bridal bouquets & green bridesmaid dresses.  I adore green & I didn't use it in our wedding so this little green exercise has been the most fun for me. & it's been leading up to this very moment: glorious green centerpieces!

A creative centerpiece that is practically an ode to everything that is good & green with its air plant, cactus & succulent:

An exotic, green centerpiece is living large:

A leafy, original centerpiece that makes quite the green statement:

A Bells of Ireland centerpiece that proves this common centerpiece filler does just fine on its own green stems:

Speaking of St. Patrick's Day & green goodness, here is another sneak peek at my homemade cards to be revealed tomorrow:

I have to say, after seeing these green delights, I almost wish I had used green for our wedding.  Is/Was there a color you regretted not using for your wedding?


Photo 1 Aubrey Joy Photography via Photo 2 Mademoiselle Fiona Photography via Photo 3 Source Unknown via Photo 4 Aquario Studio via Photo 5 Koru Kate

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

Koru Kate Finds: Snowy Tree

Oh yes, once again, I spy stylish carnations . . .  


Koru Kate Finds is Holiday-style with this festive, snowy tree decoration!!!


I'm loving the snowy tree for holiday parties & weddings.  Turn your holiday table into a winter wonderland with your snowy tree, coordinating ornaments & candles.  Simple, inexpensive & attractive!  


For this holiday DIY project, you'll need carnations, small Christmas ornaments, cute container, floral foam & a little time on your hands.  Then follow the easy instructions from Miss Martha here.


If a snowy tree is not quite your style, you're in luck because carnations come in a rainbow of colors.  Bright red carnations with silver ornaments would make a bold holiday statement.  Lime green carnations with dark green & silver ornaments would make a modern holiday statement.  Choose your favorite color & use your imagination.


My holiday mind thinks the snowy tree may be the perfect hostess gift for my sister on Christmas!  


Photo via

Cranberry Craze

I'm officially dreaming of Christmas.  Nope, not a white Christmas; I'm not a huge fan of the white stuff.  A cozy Christmas with a crackling fire, a glittering tree & a festive table.  A pretty table just like the one above. 

I would love, LOVE this gorgeous holiday tablescape.  I pinned the image forever ago & I'm still a huge fan.  It's the perfect balance of stunning & attainable, unlike many of the images in Martha Stewart that require a professional crew to assemble & display.  Nope, I think I may be able to manage this DIY project!  Fill a glass container with water, cranberries & hydrangea, then add holly & pine needles.  Decorate your table with thick ribbons & sparkly garland.  Be creative: pick ribbon & garland colors & patterns to match your holiday look.  Place your cranberry arrangement on your ribbon/garland runner & you have instant holiday magic for your merry festivities! 

Holiday/Winter Brides, the cranberry hydrangea arrangements are just lovely as centerpieces.  For the sake of simplicity, you could nix the ribbon/garland runner & choose a beautiful table linen instead.  If you're having anything other than an intimate wedding with one or two tables, I'd skip the DIY route & put a florist in charge but maybe that's just me.

If you haven't noticed, I adore the holiday season.  If I'm missing any DIY holiday fabulousness, please share!!!!

Photo via

All You Need

Don't you wish you could whip up something Fall fabulous like this pumpkin centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table?

RZ & I don't have a Thanksgiving table per se as we travel to my in-law's home for the holiday.  There is no room for plates on their table, let alone decor.  Their table is a true bounty of a Thanksgiving feast, filled with delicious, abundant American & Filipino food.  We serve ourselves from the dining room table, then scatter about the rest of the house to eat & enjoy the family day.

My childhood Thanksgivings consisted of an adults' table & a kids' table.  The adults' table was a formal affair with pretty china & flickering candles while the kids' table was a folding table with festive paper plates.  Later, they trusted us with a real china but it was tough to graduate to the adults' table.  I'm still at the kids' table, sigh.  There's only so much room at a dining room table!

I suppose you could have a blanket picnic on your living room floor & it wouldn't matter.  All you need is family, love & gratitude for Thanksgiving.

Is your Thanksgiving table a formal, candlelit, place card type?  Or is it a more casual, mix & match china, food-filled type?        

Image by Heather Armstrong Photography via Inspired by This

Koru Kate Finds: Carnation Glory

I've said it before & I'll say it again: I like carnations.  Carnations come in a gorgeous rainbow of colors, don't cost a fortune & easily last from getting ready to the last dance- yup, I'm a fan.  I did lots & lots of research on chic carnation arrangements when I was planning my wedding.  Almost one year later, I'm pleased to run across new wedding inspiration for carnation-lovers.  Today's post is dedicated to those Brides who share the carnation love with me.

The Carnation Topiaries would look beautiful in any color to match your wedding decor:

  Image via Luxe Finds

I can envision these pretties lining the aisle, decorating cocktail tables or, with a few at varying heights, serving as a reception centerpiece.

This Carnation Cake would add a simple, sweet look to any wedding reception:

Image via Luxe Finds

I believe this cake would look quite lovely in any carnation shade.  Plus add more tiers, square tiers &/or a patterned linen for more pizazz!

For more fabulous carnation inspiration, please visit Luxe Finds.

What do you think about using carnations for a wedding? Yes or no?

Centerpiece, You are Beautiful

Besides planning & coordinating a wedding, there is little I enjoy more than attending a wedding as a guest. Oh, the pure & simple joy of eating, drinking & being merry to celebrate a happy couple's positive new beginning!

Now the wedding planner in me is always there. This part of me likes exploring new venues, enjoying good food & admiring pretty decor.

Historic & Beautiful Edison Ballroom

I had the golden opportunity to be a guest at an Edison Ballroom wedding last Summer (why has it taken me so long to blog about it?!). This stunning, art deco ballroom has served as a grand ballroom for Hotel Edison & as a theater for Broadway. It's sleek & swanky, yet you can feel its history. Clearly a win-win if you ask me!

Centerpieces, you have my Heart

Now I crushed hard on the amazing centerpieces. Everyone around me was snapping photos of the Bride & Groom or their dressed up friends & my camera was aimed at the centerpieces. RZ may or may not have been embarrassed. The crystal candelabras held dark purple, almost black, candles & dripped with additional crystals. Then four dark purple, cut crystal wine glasses filled with various purple orchids surrounded the candelabras. GORGEOUS!

Yup, I'm still drooling

I haven't looked at these photos in awhile & my love affair with the centerpieces is renewed! Have you fallen for fabulous details at your friends' & families' weddings? It's not just me, is it?!

It's A Wrap! 15th Edition

Hydrangeas in FULL Glory
via Erin Ever After

Stop it! No really, stop it.
This centerpiece is beyond!

Are you a Twinkie fan? Yes?
Then this fun creation is for YOU!

You know how I love me an all-white or mostly white wedding. Feast your eyes on this white beauty!

Sorbet as wedding inspiration? Yes indeed!

Happy Summer Weekend!