{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

{wedding menus} surf's up!

Is there anything more fitting for a beach wedding than printing the menu on a bright surfboard?  I think not.  Surf's up & dinner is served!

Photography: Braedon Flynn Photography via

{seating card display} wedding subway

Welcome to Week Three of the local New Jersey & New York wedding series!  Each Wedding Wednesday features a local New Jersey or New York wedding & other days present details from local weddings that I love, like skyline save-the-dates & skyline wedding photos from last week.  Today, we're back to the New York Subway.

Ah, the good old New York City subway map.  If you visit or live in New York City, you have stood in front of this exact map once or twice or a million times, trying to figure out how to get from here to there.  I even have a pocket-sized subway map tucked away in my purse.  For a New York City wedding, it's quite clever & original to show your wedding guests the way to their reception seat with a giant, colorful subway map.  But it gets even better.  The tables are named after popular New York City spots, like the Empire State Building & Brooklyn Bridge, & the table guest lists are traced back to the subway stop for that spot.      

Fortunately, no stops or transfers are required to get to the tables at the reception!

Photo: 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





 

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

{Real Wedding} Melissa & Phillip

Who doesn't love a good love story?  Partner a good love story with a gorgeous Southern wedding &, well, I'm hooked.  Let's dive in with the pretty images of Melissa & Phillip's wedding by Lauren D. Rogers Photography:

Oh so pretty!

Melissa & Phillip were destined to meet as their paths kept crossing.  Both attended the University of Virginia.  They only meet briefly.  Both worked at the same consulting firm in Atlanta.  They met again when they were placed on the same project.  They became friends, they became a couple &, finally, in October 2011, they became husband & wife.

Melissa & Phillip's autumn wedding took place at Clifton Inn, a stately white manor house in a beautiful setting surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The day was infused with the glorious oranges, reds & yellow of the autumn season accented with deep blue & dark purple.  With details like a bourbon bar, a bourbon whiskey guest book & grits favors, the Bride & Groom laced nods to their Southern heritage throughout the celebration.  Perhaps the best detail of all is Melissa's cheery, gorgeous smile in every photo, exuding such happiness on her wedding day!  

Melissa & Phillip said "I Do!" in an outdoor ceremony full of autumn-colored flowers, sunny skies & family & friends.  The romantic wedding celebration continued inside the manor house with dinner, dancing & merriment.  The fun night concluded with a festive sparkler departure for the Bride & Groom.  What a perfect beginning to the new chapter of Melissa & Phillip's love story!    
 

VENDOR LOVE

Photography: Lauren D. Rogers Photography  /  Submitted via Two Bright Lights  /  Ceremony & Reception Venue: Clifton Inn  /  Event Planner: Beehive Events  /  Band: The John Winntet  /  Make-up Artist: Daphne Latham  /  Cake: Clifton Inn  /  Tent: Skyline Tent Company

white is right

A typical Bride chooses white for her wedding gown; why not choose white for your wedding cake?  White is a simple & classic choice.  These wedding cakes prove white is beautiful!

I like the clean white on white presentation here.  & don't even get me started on the delicate, white sugar flowers cascading down the white cake- LOVE!

Once a classic, always a classic.  I like the fresh flower adornments & silver riser that make this classic white beauty stand out.  

At first glance, I mistook this for a traditional basketweave cake.  Nope, it's just some amazing piping work that makes this a sweet, white beauty of a wedding cake!

The ruffles, the darling white ruffles on this white wedding cake make it pretty special!

Last, but certainly not least, is my favorite white cake in this collection.  The wedding cake is a timeless legend with its tiny dots & (look closely) dainty patterns.  

Divine, every one of these white cakes is absolutely divine.  Almost too divine.  Who would want to cut into these & ruin their beauty?!

Photo 1 Edyta Szyszlo Photography via Photo 2 Laurie Bailey Photography via Photo 3 Fondly Forever Photography via Photo 4 Oh Darling! Photography via Photo 5 Shira Weinberger Photography via

colorFULL

Heaven knows why it's been so long since a fabulous wedding cake has graced the posts of Koru Wedding Style.  Clearly, this situation needs to be fixed right now. Viola, done!

The modern, colorful cake is AMAZING!  Yes, this justifies all caps.  When I first spied the wonderful creation, I thought the tall cake was covered in jelly beans.  Maybe an effect of my Easter state of mind?  Anywho, I realized my mistake- the entire cake is piped from the deepest purple to the whitest white & every color in between.  WOW.  Yup, we need all caps again.  This rainbow creation is just so bright & happy & beautiful.  I can only imagine it tastes as good as it looks!

Are you consistently amazed by the artistry of wedding cakes or is it just me?

Photo by riseandshinebakery

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

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: 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

Thankful.

Him, I am so thankful for him

Photo by the great Timothy Glenn Photographers

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. 

Dear Koru Family & Friends, I wish you the most Happy Thanksgiving!  

Chart House Wedding {Real Wedding Sneak Peek}

Don't get too excited, Koru family & friends.  Maybe just a smidgen excited.  Why?  I have some sneak peek photos to share with you from last Saturday's wedding!!!!  Please understand these photos were taken by me during a whirlwind work day on my camera phone.  I couldn't capture everything (ahem, like the beautiful Bride & Groom!), nor could I capture anything well.  But I did my best to give you a little glimpse of a happy, gorgeous occasion.

The Bride & Groom live in Hoboken (just like me) where they are treated to stunning views of the New York City skyline just across the Hudson River from them.  It was important to them to share those city views with their guests & the Chart House in nearby Weehawken gave them that luxury.  Bonus points if you remember I considered Chart House for my wedding!  Chart House sits at the end of a pier & it's so close to NYC you feel like you could touch the buildings.  As shown here, Chart House is at the end of the pier on the left & the city is just beyond it:

The Bride loves, LOVES the romantic vibe of candlelight & candles were a major force throughout the wedding during the ceremony & reception.  I didn't get a good photo of the guest table centerpieces but each table got a healthy dose of red rose petals, crystals & candles wrapped in various black & white pattern ribbon.  Here is the version I modified for the head table:

This is a close-up of a candle & rose petals on the head table, yet look beyond the table to that glittering NYC view from the ballroom!  Incredible, right?  The Empire State Building is front & center, lit up in orange, white & blue for the NYC Marathon the next day:

Oh, & the gorgeous, delicious cake from Hoboken's famous Carlo's Bakery (aka Cake Boss)! Again, bonus points if you remember Carlo's Bakery also made my wedding cake!  This couple's round, white cake is decorated with a big, black bow, black swirl detailing & black piping.  Red velvet cake- YUM!  I re-purposed flower garlands used during the ceremony to decorate the cake table.  We positioned this darling cake so it was in front of the windows facing downtown.  Maybe only I notice it but the white glow near the top of the cake is the Freedom Tower:

After a fun, rocking reception, the Bride & Groom had a Sparkler Grand Departure!  If you follow me on Twitter you know this was almost nixed due to a fire hazard.  But when there is a will, there's usually a way & we found one.  After a candlelit Last Dance, my assistant & I lined up the guests, handed out sparklers & lit them up, then prompted the Bride & Groom to run through to their getaway car.  This is the second Sparkler Grand Departure I've organized & it's just so awesome!  My photo was taken after the Bride & Groom had left but the guests still had plenty of sparkle:

I hope you enjoyed this humble little sneak peek!  More to come as soon as I can share professional photos from the great Daniel Hedden Photography.  Um, cause if you noticed, I am not a professional wedding photographer.  Just leave me to the wedding planning!