It’s a great day on the blog because I’m THRILLED to be introducing you all to the newest face on the Love & Splendor team: Kourtney, aka Koko.  Exactly two months ago today, I put out the word that we were actively hiring for the first time ever!  In a little over a week, I received 33 incredible applications from creative and intelligent women all over soCal.  I was blown away by the response! A week later, I interviewed my top 8 candidates.  Kourtney was my 8th interview and she made a serious impression on me.  We had that instant rapport and a genuine connection.  I felt like she was a great personality fit (for our team culture and brand), a great style fit (impeccable art + fashion sensibilities) and a great talent fit (with experience in styling, photography, etc.).  I did one round of follow-ups the next week and then officially brought Koko on board.  In my heart I think I knew from the moment I read her application that she was “the one.”

a natural beauty // thoughtful, sincere, contemplative, generous, sweet

She joined us a few days later for her very first wedding on September 14th: a beautiful Paso Robles wine country wedding.  I’ve gotta say, it was the perfect inaugural wedding.  😉  She even got to meet Erik and Olive the following day!

Today Koko has two L&S weddings under her belt, as well as experience as a prop stylist + set designer for a special engagement shoot we helped with earlier this month.  I have already received glowing praise for her from vendors, colleagues, and our clients so I feel a bit like a proud mama. Koko has this gentleness about her.  She isn’t shy or quiet, but you get the sense that she chooses her words carefully and means each one.  In fact, her sincerity is almost disarming.  I have witnessed her get into deep conversations with people shortly after meeting them (myself included) without an ounce of pretense.  She wears her heart on her sleeve, she cares deeply for others, she is empathetic and warm and a great listener.  She also has an effortlessly chic sense of style.  The way she captures a photo, or considers a venue or space, or styles her breakfast for just the right Instagram shot, is stunning in its simplicity.  I thank God for bringing her to us, and I know she will add so much to our team.  Today I am excited to formally playfully introduce her here in true Love & Splendor fashion: 20 questions!

glowing inside & out // joyful, witty, playful, enthusiastic, silly

1) Give us the basic rundown on who you are, where you’re from, and your family.

Okay, hello!  My name is Kourtney.. although many know me as Koko.  I’m currently living in East Los Angeles, but I was born and raised near Dana Point, CA.  I adore my family.  My parents, older sister + brother-in-law, younger brother, as well as some of my extended family still live down in south Orange County.  I’m the only odd one that moved away.  It must have been the “middle child syndrome.”  😉

2) When you were 5, what did you want to be when you grew up?

My childhood dream alternated between being a veterinarian & a professional singer.  Those are similar, right?

3) What did you study in college and why?

I studied Studio Arts because I wanted to focus & develop my creative passions, with the hope of having a future career involving design or creative direction.

4) Describe your perfect Saturday.

I love adventures and Saturdays are good adventure days.  But for the common busy week, my perfect Saturday would include brunch at a local cafe, taking my puppy to the park, spending the afternoon with a friend, making dinner from scratch & watching an interesting new film.

5) What’s your favorite season and why?

I tend to think every season is my favorite, as I enjoy each one.  But I must say, Spring has something about covering the hills in green & the trees with fresh blooms that tempts me to call it my favorite.

6) What food is impossible for you to resist?

If you offer me a lemon bar, be prepared for me to accept the offer.  Always.

7) Tell us about the best trip you’ve ever taken.

I’ve had incredible travel opportunities in my lifetime, of which I’m so thankful for.  It would be hard for me to choose between my time studying Art History in Italy or teaching English on the Indonesian island of Java for a summer.

8) What destination is #1 on your travel wish list?

Japan is my #1, with Iceland close behind.

9) Your uniform (most worn outfit):

I’ve recently only been wanting to wear simple black on black ensembles, like my black Madewell skinnies with my favorite silk black tank.  This is a new phenomena, but I’m embracing it.

10) Favorite band and song of the moment.

I’m currently all ears to the new Volcano Choir album, Repave.

11) What are your favorite flowers?

I wish I were more knowledgeable on flowers, though I’m sure I’ll learn all I need to know while working with Angel.  As for now, I love my neighbor’s white rose bushes for their sweet fragrance.

12) What drew you to {love and splendor} and why did you apply for this job?

The Love and Splendor team always seemed to LOVE what they did and I couldn’t help but want to be a part of it!  I applied at a big transition time in my life and the opportunity was exactly what I needed.  It’s been such a gift to work alongside them so far.

13) What has been your favorite part of the wedding world so far?

As it turns out, it IS a blast hosting weddings with the Love and Splendor team!  We always end up laughing until our bellies hurt and smiling from ear to ear.  I couldn’t ask for a better team!  I also love getting to know the other creatives involved in putting on our events.  From the wedding band to the florist, we work with such talented and delightful folks through and through.

14) What movie could you watch over and over again?

Notting Hill has been a go-to for me over the years.

15) Where would you take an out-of-towner for dinner in LA?

I would give my guests the option between LA’s best Mexicatessan, Cacao, or the “hip” local spot for American comfort food, Little Beast.

16) Favorite book(s)?

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo + Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

17) What inspires you?

The ocean always inspires me, as well as the quirky little things of daily life, & being among passionate people.

18) Three random facts about you!

-Although I have a hard time pinpointing answers, I LOVE questionnaires like these.  I get way too excited about them.

-I wear glasses everyday because I misplaced my contacts a while ago… whoops!

-I have a 7 month old husky puppy named Indigo.  She’s my little partner in crime.

19) Hidden talents and skills?

Although it’s rusty, I grew up speaking French with my grandfather.  I enjoy writing and playing music.  And let’s be honest, I’ve got some dance moves up my sleeves that are quite “innovative.”  😉

20) Either/Or…

sweet v. salty — sweet

forest v. beach — both… the Pacific Northwest!

dress up v. dress down — dress up

earlybird v. night owl — either

sunrise v. sunset — sunrise

indigo + koko

Koko — you’re our perfect fit and we love you!  I thank God for bringing you into my life and onto my team at just the right time.  You have already become like family to me.  <3  I can’t wait to make many more memories with you by my side.  xoxo, Angel

It’s no mystery why she won us over!  Give Koko a warm welcome in the comments — I can’t wait for many of you to meet her in person soon.  Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday!