Real Wedding Shenanigans: Kristin & Nick

Mount Palomar Winery was a beautiful, natural setting, for the wedding of Kristin and Nick. Decorated with rustic inspiration and vintage details, white flowers and ruby accents embellished the charm of the reception. Filling everyones sweet tooth, Kristin and Nick incorporated a "Sweets" display. On top of wooden barrels, this display featured desserts of all kinds, including a two-tiered cake from Love Cakes. An overall romantic setting was enjoyed by all throughout Kristin and Nick's enchanting day. 

Photos by Jodi B Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Mount Palomar Winery
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: South Coast Winery
Caterer: Once Upon A Wedding
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Mount Palomar Winery
Cake/Dessert: Love Cakes
Florist: Lovely Stems Floral
Photographer: Jodi B Photography
Photo Booth: Pixster Photo Booths
Band: The Straytones (Crowd theory Entertainment)
Hair/Makeup: Makeup by Giovanissa
Decor: Rickety Swank Vintage Rentals

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Audris & Michael

Audris & Michael celebrated their love together on a joyous afternoon. The couple recited their vows under the canopy of majestic trees, surrounded by the love of family and friends. With music playing, guests dined on the delicious cuisine. Lighting the path as the evening came to an end, sparklers were held by guests, creating an arched send off for the bride and groom to walk through.

Photos by Kevin Lee Studio

Coordinator: So Smitten Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue/Caterer/Bar: Happy Trails Catering
Cake: Lark Cake Shop
Band: Lucky Devils Band
Photographer/Videographer: Kevin Lee Studio
Florist: Beauty and Bloom
Hair/Makeup: Echoumakeup

real wedding shenanigans: fran & michael

What's the best place to get married when you love wine? A vineyard of course! The Callaway Vineyard and Winery in Temecula, CA was the perfect landscape for this couple. The ceremony was performed with the sun setting over the vineyard as the backdrop. The bride and groom included a wine blending ceremony, combining two wines that represented each of them. They were driven around the property in a vintage automobile, enjoyed photos with the close friends and family in attendance, before heading to the Barrel room for dinner and dancing among casks of wine. The bride and groom were able to drink their custom blend from the ceremony with their meal. Of course there was plenty of wine to enjoy and the casks added a nice touch to the vintage decor. It was a beautiful day to celebrate a beautiful relationship.

Photos by Shaunte for So Smitten

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Full-Service Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue/Caterer: Callaway Vineyard & Winery in Temecula
Florist: Florals by Jenny
Cake/Desserts: Cakes to Celebrate
Photographer/Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
DJ/Photo Booth/Lighting/Draping/Band: Sterling Productions
Rentals: Madam Palooza
Hair/Makeup: Cristal Salo
Officiant: Pastor Bill Yaccino
Invitations/Decor: So Smitten Special Events
Antique Car: Haynes Chauffeuring

real wedding shenanigans: vanessa & chris

It was a beautiful day in Malibu for a wedding. The cool breezes at Calamigos Ranch blended with the rich sunshine to celebrate Vanessa and Chris's nuptials. The ceremony was held outside while the bridal party entered to music played by a string quartet. The officiant was personal and humorous, and added special elements to the ceremony. The draping of flowers and greenery, along with small touches of traditional Chinese elements transformed a lovely space into the personal, intimate event the bride and groom always wanted. Guests loved the cootie catcher programs, and the Jenga "guest book". After a delicious dinner and dancing to a DJ who catered to guests of all ages, the bride and groom exited through a tunnel of glow sticks and cheers from friends and family.  

Images by Marni, Shaunté, & Sabrina for So Smitten

Partial Service/Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue/Caterer/Bar: Calamigos Ranch
Florist: The Bloemist
Cake: Lark Cake Shop
Photographer: Tauran Photography
DJ: Coastline Music
Hair/Makeup: Alicia Wu Hair & Makeup
Officiant: Rev. Roché Vermaak
String Quartet: Bravo Music
 

real wedding shenanigans: safura & bradley

Safura and Brad met at a BBQ in 2014, and on March 19, 2017, they were joined together in marriage. Family and friends flew from all over the country to celebrate the union of this beautiful couple at the Ebell in Long Beach, CA.
The festivities began with an Iranian Sofreh ceremony. Family and friends covered the bride and groom with a canopy, sprinkled them with sugar, to symbolize sweetness in their lives, while they said their vows sitting in front of a sofreh table full of items symbolizing many blessings for the couple. A traditional ceremony followed, with a scripture reading from one of the best men. 
The Ebell is a venue with great character and many, many places for great photos; including the women's restroom. Guests enjoyed old-fashioned cocktails and appetizers while the bride and groom made the most of the natural light in the building to get some great photos. One of the best parts about the Ebell, is that you can have the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in one classic, intimate space. The day combined, old & new, multiple cultural traditions, young & slightly less young, and the lives of two great people. 

photos by Marni and Shaunté for So Smitten
 

photos by Duane Peck Photography

 

Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: The Ebell Club of Long Beach
Caterer/Bar: Tres LA
Florist: Magnolia's
Cake: Cake Monkey
Photographer: Duane Peck Photography
DJ: DJ Mike Damn!
Rentals: OC Events
Hair/Makeup: Meg Ohare beauty
Officiant: Mayra Gamez, Hamid Jafarian, & Susan Kavoosi
Pianist: Weinglass Music

real wedding shenanigans: sol & gabriel

Yes, you can have an elegant wedding AND include cultural elements. The beautiful Jonathan Club in Los Angeles, CA was the elegant reception location Sol and Gabriel were dreaming about. The vintage design paired beautifully with the bride's decor. However, guests partied the night away to a live, Latin band featuring Yari More. Who said that you can't pair a gourmet meal with Latin music at a country club? Not this couple! It was a beautiful night, and everyone celebrated their love. 

photos by Marni for So Smitten
 

photos by Karen Cohen Photography


Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: Holy Angels Catholic Church
Reception Venue/Hotel Accommodations:  Jonathan Club
Caterer/Bar: Tres LA
Florist: Flowers by Sharen
Photographer: Karen Cohen Photography
Band: Yari More Latin Band
Rentals: OC Events
Hair/Makeup: Susy
Officiant: Father Stephen Washko
Pianist: Joe Soto
Harpist: Ernesto
Cantor: Bradley Franklin
 

real wedding shenanigans: julian & viviana

The day began as Julian and Viviana tied the knot at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hawthorne, Ca. After the vows and exchange of bands, the couple proceeded to start their adventure together at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Culver City, Ca. The room was filled with laughter and dancing when the two entered the reception. The dreamy, coastal-inspired venue, was accentuated with beachy vibes, neutral pinks and navy blues. From the bouquet toss, to the cutting of the cake, each moment was breathtaking and special to be a part of.

Photos by Michael Farmer

Full-Service Coordinator: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue: Saint Joseph Catholic Church
Reception Venue/Caterer: DoubleTree by Hilton
Hotel Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton
Cake/Dessert: Torrance Bakery
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
DJ/Lighting/FOG: DJ Tempoe
Mariachi: Mexico En America
Limo/Car: Hertz Rental

real wedding shenanigans: emily & nathan

The rainy, Los Angeles skies paused for a day. And on March 4th, Emily and Nathan wed in an intimate, backyard, garden ceremony. It was the bride's dream to get married in her childhood home. And as we all know, dreams do come true. After the ceremony, guests dined in the living room, den, and dining rooms with personal touches like Italian seasoning blends selected by the bride and groom. The love between the bride and groom, and their friends and family, was felt far outside this lovely home.

Photos by Shaunté for So Smitten

Photos by Mary Costa

Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: Private home
Caterer: Peaches Truck
Florist: Bloominous
Photographer: Mary Costa
Videographer: Wandering Study
Rentals: Pico Party Rentals
Hair/Makeup: Haas & Co Hair Design
Cake: Erin McKenna's Bakery Los Angeles
Staffing: Night and Day

real wedding shenanigans: sarah & mina

It was a grand, gold evening at the Long Beach Hyatt Regency celebrating the nuptials of Sarah and Mina. Hundreds fought through the storms to party the night away. The elegance of the Regency ballroom was accentuated by the gold and ivory adornments throughout the room. The bride and groom were assured to get lots of photos on social media because they gave guests selfie sticks; and they made good use of them. There was even a surprise flash mob honoring Sarah and Mina. In his toast, the brother of the bride said, "It must be a special day, because on the day Sarah and Mina got married, the drought in Southern California ended." It was indeed, a special day.

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: Archangel Michael
Reception Venue/Caterer/Hotel Accommodations: Long Beach Hyatt 
Florist: Flower Allie
Photographer/Videographer: Purdy Studios
DJ/Lighting/Chair Rentals: DJ Hetal
Hair/Makeup: Dolledupbylulu
Invitations: Out of the Box Creation
Limo/Car: SoCal Limo and Buses
Cake: Jeseca Creation
 

real wedding shenanigans: cynthia and darryl

Cynthia and Darryl had a traditional ceremony at St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Long Beach, CA. While the bridal party took sunset photos, guests headed to the Alexandria Ballrooms in Downtown Los Angeles. Alexandria ballrooms have an elegant, retro feel that lends itself well to each event's design elements. It's a great space with great character. The built-in bar was a great backdrop for cocktail hour. The room was transformed with elegant floral arrangements, simple, fresh, herb accents at each place setting, and blush uplighting. If you want to make a space uniquely yours, it is worth the money to have uplighting; it makes a great difference. 
The bride and groom purchased a custom wooden cake topper, that reflected their bubbly personalities. The food was delicious, and guests made it through the buffet line faster than we've ever seen (thanks to an awesome caterer and serving staff). The bride and groom stayed on the dance floor late into the night, partying with all their guests. There was so much love and joy, it flooded into the streets of Downtown.

Photos by Marni Farmer for So Smitten

Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Location: St. Cornelius Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Alexandria Ballrooms
Caterer/Bartender: Jay's Catering
Cake: Krystin Occiano
Florist: California Petals
Photographer: Kimberly Daniels
Videographer: Spark Story
Photo Booth: Pixel Photo Booth
DJ: Vince Zambrano
Hair & Makeup: Kelly Zhang
Party Rentals: Imperial Party Rentals
Lighting: Impulse Event Lighting
Security: David Shield Security, Inc
Valet: City Center Parking
Set Up/Breakdown: Fresh Nest

 

real wedding shenanigans: hannah & peter

From the architecture to the open scenery, there was an overwhelming flow of emotions as Hannah and Peter exchanged “I do’s”. From the natural beauty at Wayfarers Chapel in Los Angeles to the reception at Redondo Beach Historic Library, the two kept with the theme of natural vintage for a timeless effect. Through the cake stand made of old books, to the table settings, every detail was so elegant and we were so happy to have encapsulated this couples love together.

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Coordinator: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue: Wayfarers Chapel
Reception Venue: Redondo Beach Historic Library
Hotel Accommodations: Portofino Hotel & Marina
Caterer/Bar/Drinks/Bartenders/DJ: Spectrum 
Cake/Dessert: Spectrum/King's Hawaiian 
Florist: Magnolias Floral Design
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Invitations: Green Envelope
Limo/Car: Classy Chassis  

real wedding shenanigans: sean & danielle

Elegant and personalized just what Sean and Danielle dreamed of! From St. Monica Catholic Church to The Culver Hotel, the couple was surrounded by family, friends, and their adorable pup. The reception was bright and lightly lined with accents of gold, black and shades of pink.With a four tiered cake and music to keep the party going, Sean and Danielle and enjoyed their special day together.  

Michael Farmer Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue: St. Monica Catholic Church
Reception Venue/Hotel Accommodations: The Culver Hotel
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Villa Blanca
Caterer/Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: The Culver Hotel 
Cake: Cake Studio
Photographer/Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
DJ/Lighting: Vox DJs
Hair/Makeup: The Beauty Affair
Party Rentals: Town & Country Events
 

real wedding shenanigans: andrea & david

The all in one, vintage and contemporary vibes of the Smog Shoppe in Los Angeles, was the perfect place for the duo Andrea and David to get married. With the ceremony and reception, there was beautiful decor inside and out. The cake and desserts were a mouthful and stunning to look at. We loved sharing the day with the bride and groom and bringing their special day to life.

Photography by Katie Branch

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue/Reception Venue: SmogShoppe
Hotel Accommodations - Guests: Four Points by Sheraton Westside
Accommodations - Bride & Groom: Hotel Wilshire, A Kimpton Hotel
Rehearsal Brunch Venue: Maggiano's
Caterer/Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Huntington Catering 
Cake: Delicious Arts
Florist: Honeycomb Affair
Photographer: Katie Branch
Videographer: Arroyo Films
Limo/Car/Guest Transportation: Uber
 

real wedding shenanigans: eliza & d'artagan

It was a night under the lights as Eliza and D'Artagan were married. Friends and family of the couple came together for the ceremony at Our Lady of the Bright Mount Polish Parish followed by the reception at the Bel Air Bay Club. As the day wore down and the sun was setting, the couple celebrated their journey together!

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Events 
Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of the Bright Mount Polish Parish 
Reception Venue: Bel Air Bay Club
Wedding Night Accommodations: Huntley
Hotel Accommodations: Huntley, Double Tree Hilton Santa Monica, Best Western Santa Monica
Caterer/Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Bel Air Bay Club
Cake/Dessert: Bel Air Bay Club
Florist: Wisteria Lane
Photographer: Tommy Lu

 

real wedding shenanigans: jenn & andrew

It was a celebration of love, as Jenn and Andrew were married. The two chose a venue with high ceilings and brick walls, providing the rustic feeling they desired.  As lights draped the venue, candles burned bright, symbolizing the love between the two. The magical day for Jenn and Andrew was a cheerful occasion as family and friends joined in the festivities. 

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue/Reception Venue/Lighting: 440 Seaton
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: With Love Market & Cafe
Caterer (Drinks): Chichen Itza
Caterer (Appetizers): With Love Market & Cafe
Drinks/Alcohol: BevMo!
Service Staff: NDP
Cake/Dessert: Oaxaca Vegan Bakery c/o With Love Market & Cafe
Florist: Flower Couture by Stephanie
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Photo Booth: Shelby & Kristina Moulden
Band/DJ: Erna & The Erratics
Hair/Makeup: Soleil Salon
Party Rentals: OC Events
 

real wedding shenanigans: cindy & james

We loved celebrating the day with James and Cindy! The two exchanged vows at the Quiet Cannon and Events Center and continued the jubilation at the East Gourmet Seafood Restaurant. From vows to the first dance as a married couple, every moment was special to be a part of. It was a joyous occasion commemorating the love between James and Cindy.

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue: Quiet Cannon Event & Conference Center
Reception Venue: East Gourmet Seafood Restaurant
Hotel Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Montebello
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Cake/Dessert: Sunny Bakery
Photographer/Videographer: Studio M
Hair/Makeup: Kelly Zhang
Reception Invitations: Super Jet USA
Ceremony Invitations/Save the Dates: Wedding Paper Divas

real wedding shenanigans: molly & jason

Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, this open-air venue, was the perfect spot for Molly & Jason. The two had a glamorous wedding with exquisite dinning. With breathtaking views, the ceremony and reception held an intimate atmosphere and was overall a heartwarming day for the couple. 

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue/Reception Venue: Redbird
Hotel Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton
Caterer/Bar/Drinks/Bartenders/Cake/Dessert: Redbird
Florist: Wisteria Lane Flowers
Photographer: Annie Bang Photography
Hair/Makeup: Heather Roach Bridal
Party Rentals: Luxe Linen

 

real wedding shenanigans: andrea & ross

Overlooking the ocean, Andrea and Ross celebrated their love together with family and friends. The wedding took place on a warm, sunny day in October. Sitting at the head of the table in oversized vintage chairs, the bride and groom shared laughs together as they enjoyed their special day.

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue: Neighborhood Church
Reception Venue: Jacky Glass Residence
Hotel Accommodations: Crown Plaza Redondo Beach
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Seaside Lagoon
Caterer/Desserts: Summit Catering
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Sunseries Bar Catering
Florist: Brooke's Flowers
Photographer: Andy Lu Photography
Band: Eddie Estudillo & The Hush
Hair: Penny Lu Hair
Makeup: Nikki La Rose
Party Rentals/Lighting: OC Events INC.

real wedding shenanigans: miranda & tom

This elegant ceremony and reception was held at the Annenberg Community Beach House built in 1920. Garden Roses, Ranunculus, and Callalilies were everywhere; from bouquets, to centerpieces, to the yummy cake. The bride was escorted down the grand staircase by her mother and father. Guests dined at tablescapes and ocean views as the sun set in Santa Monica. 

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Photos by Gina Cella Photography

Full Service Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Annenberg Community Beach House
Caterer/Bartender: Border Grill
Officiant: Rabbi Jeff Marx
Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop
Florist/Decor: Petal Florist
DJ/MC/Lighting: Vox DJs
Main Photographer: Gina Cella
Photo Wall Photographer: Sammy Siharat
Party Rentals: Border Grill
Makeup: Jacklynn Evans
Hair: Leland Ferrell
Guest Transportation: Riz Transportation

real weddings shenanigans: genevieve & christian

It was a beautiful day at the Redondo Beach Public Library; a day perfect for a wedding. The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father and her adorable baby boy. The ceremony and reception were held at this historic location. The decor was designed to give guests the feeling of being by the ocean at sunset. Guests loved the super cute escort frames to replace cards with their photo booth pics.  The bride and groom dined at at sweetheart table with a lovely floral arrangement before partying the night away with guests on multiple levels. It was a happenin' evening for all!

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Full Service Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue/Caterer: Redondo Beach Historic Library
Officiant: Jennifer Scarborough
Officiant: Jennifer Scarborough
Cake: King's Hawaiian
Florist: Flower Couture by Stephanie
DJ/MC: Lance Bork
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Glassware Rentals: Cherished Rentals
Balloon Artists: Mind Blowing Balloons
Babysitters: Friends of B&G
Photo Booth: DJ Tempoe
Mariachi (3 Piece): Mariachi Romanza
Ceremony Musicians (3 Piece): Seaside Strings
Makeup & Hair: Meg O'Hare Beauty