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

birthday party shenanigans: mariana's batzceneara & nancy's 80th birthday

So Smitten Events had the pleasure of planning an extravagant triple-birthday celebration held at the Palos Verdes Golf Course in picturesque Palos Verdes Peninsula. The guests of honor were Mariana, celebrating not only her Bat Mitzvah, but also her Quinceañera, and her grandmother Nancy, who was celebrating her 80th Birthday. Mariana’s combo milestone was quickly coined as a “Batceñeara!” Lavish, custom-designed “Batceñeara” & 80th Birthday invitations were created and hand addressed by So Smitten. The inspiration behind the design of the invitation suite was themed after the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, utilizing shades of Tiffany Blue, jet black, and silver foil, including black satin bows, and hand applied rhinestones for a touch of bling. Custom, handmade décor and signage included diamond studded frames for photos, printed table numbers, timeless quotes from Audrey Hepburn like, “Life is a party…Dress like it” and “Don’t be like the rest of them Darling” and various signage. For that extra added flair, specialty made 3-tiered, pearl chair drapes were designed to be hung on the backs of black wood chiavary chairs. The event was held on a gorgeous day attended by family and friends. Mariana’s Bat Mitzvah ceremony was held in the outdoor garden of the club under an archway of white florals, intertwined with crystal and pearls. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed conversation, tray passed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and views of green fairways from the patio. Guests located their tables from the lovely display of diamond escort card holders with matching Tiffany Blue name cards. The celebration continued with 200 guests singing “Happy Birthday” to Grandma Nancy with a beautifully lit cake and surprise serenade by the Mariachis. Events continued with a slideshow honoring Nancy and Mariana, a traditional Quinceañera group waltz, and a special freestyle dance with Mariana and her friends. Tablescapes consisted of turquoise and black linens, pearl napkin rings, silver flatware, plate chargers, and mercury votives, bedazzled framed quotes and photos. Black chiavari chairs with pearl drapes complimented by crystal candelabras adorning white rose and hydrangea florals were placed on large round mirrors reflecting stunning accents throughout the space. An array of Mexican cuisine was served along with a plethora of sweet frosted Tiffany Blue glazed donuts, Mexican wedding cookies, and hand painted “M” sugar cookies. Young guests had a blast with their festive party favors given in Tiffany-esq gift bags filled with glow-in-the-dark neon glasses, neon flashing rings, black sun glasses and maracas. The photo booth was a hit where all guests posed with their fun party props in front of the trendy New York Tiffany & Co. backdrop. The night closed with the arrival of a 32-passenger shuttle bus to escort the teen guests equipped with blue soda pop and games as they made their way home. An amazing night of traditions, dancing, and birthday celebration was had by all. Feliz Cumpleaños Mariana and Grandma Nancy! 

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Full Service Event Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer: Palos Verdes Golf Club
Officiant: Janet Liss
Cake/Desserts: Torrance Bakery
Florist: Green Leaf Designs
DJ/MC:  Michael Angelo Music
Mariachi: Mariachi Romanza
Photographer/Videographer/Photo Booth: Michael Farmer Photography
Shuttle: GTS Charter
Shuttle Chaperone: Angela Hernandez
Invitation Creation/Styling: So Smitten Special Events
Invitation Hand Addressing: Jill Herrera for So Smitten Special Events
Decor: Jill Herrera for So Smitten Special Events
Rentals: OC Events
Rentals: Royal Elegance Designs
Car: Classy Chassis

real wedding shenanigans: leslie & paul

Paul and Leslie hired So Smitten for full-service planning for their stunning wedding. The couple wanted to find an inspiring and unique venue, and landed on the Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona del Mar (Orange County). The venue boasts beautiful botanical gardens, a research library full of old books, and old Spanish-style buildings. Inspired by the venue, we wanted to incorporate themes of flowers/garden and old books, as well as add a touch of vintage glam inspired by the couple's favorite movie, Casa Blanca.

For the ceremony, the couple were hitched under a stunning arch draped in a lush garland of greenery and red and pink flowers. Adding that desired touch of glam were draped strands of crystals and pearls, along with a crystal chandelier.  In addition, So Smitten added a rustic table, vintage books and lanterns, and an old-fashioned microphone to complete the look. The couple wanted the ceremony to have a concert-like vibe, so they hired a solo guitarist/signer, who serenaded the crown during the processional, ceremony rituals, and recessional. The couple had two unique ceremony rituals. The first was a unity planting ceremony. Usually done with candles, the couple opted for succulents in accordance with the garden surroundings, and planted three in a special planter box. Two of the plants represented them individually, and the third represented them as a couple. In addition, there was a sand ceremony, which included Leslie's two children. All four participants poured multi-colored sand into a vessel to represent the blending of the new family.

Cocktail hour took place out on the lawn at golden hour, where guests enjoyed live music among the dahlias, a signature sangria cocktail, tray-passed appetizers, and lawn games like giant Jenga, croquet, and corn hole (provided by So Smitten).

At the reception, guests enjoyed a delicious duet of entrees, hilarious toasts, and a surprise choreographed dance performed by the bride and groom. So Smitten designed the tablescapes with champagne lace overlays, vintage books, vintage props like cameras and globes, brass candlesticks, gold mercury votives, custom wood and vinyl signs, and pearl strands. The design complemented the florist's beautiful centerpieces. The party continued with dancing, a fire pit, and a grand exit. The couple left in spectacular vintage fashion in a 1960s Rolls Royce. Congrats to the happy couple, and thank you for letting us be a part of your special day!

Photos and video by Michael Farmer Photography

Full Service Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: The Sherman Library & Gardens
Officiant: Pastor James Scheller
Caterer/Bar/Drinks: Pascal Catering
Cake/Dessert: Plumeria Cake Studio
Florist:  Florals by Jenny
Photographer/Videographer/Photo Booth: Michael Farmer Photography
Guitarist: TJ Brown
DJ: Michael Angelo Music
Decor Rentals: So Smitten Special Events
Choreography: So Smitten Special Events
Vintage Car: Classy Chassis

delovely d.i.y.: fabric hoops

These fun and simple fabric hoops make us swoon. How lovely these would be hanging from a reception hall ceiling, acting as a backdrop for the dessert table, or sprucing up a bare wall.











Supplies:
  • Hoops, different sizes (6"-24")
  • Multiple cotton fabrics, at least 1/2 yard of each
  • Scissors
  • Fishing line or ribbon (for hanging and/or accent)
Instructions:
  • Unscrew embroidery hoops into two separate pieces and lay the bottom hoop (the one without the tightener on it) on the table.
  • Lay fabric over bottom hoop, positioning it to maximize fabric and pull as flat across as you can.
  • Push top hoop over bottom hoop to sandwich the fabric, and the fabric should pull tighter as you do this.
  • Pull fabric taut as you tightener the hoops together.
  • Embellish with ribbon at the fastener and suspend at desired height with fishing line or ribbon!
Images via 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11. Instructions via.

delovely d.i.y: tasty favors

Wedding favors can be, well, a little lame. Face it. We all receive something at a wedding that we inevitably toss. One thing that will never go to waste, though, is food. Food favors come in limitless forms, and most are great d.i.y. projects so you can be creative and stay within your budget. Who wouldn't want to eat a cupcake-in-a-jar after a night of drinking and dancing?! We've found some of our favorite food favors - what are yours?

Jam or jelly
Green beans or pickled veggies
Cupcake in a jar
Cherry pie in a jar
Make your own s'mores kit
Fill your own bag with cookies and/or candy
Mini pies
Lemon curd
Olive oil
Honey jars


Images via: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10

delovely d.i.y: treat bags

Photos by Weston Neuschafer Photography

Candy stations and homemade treats are the perfect party favor nowadays. Who doesn't love to leave a wedding with something sweet to eat?! Now all you need is the perfect treat bag for your guests to fill full of goodies.

These sweet and simple d.i.y. treat bags can be customized in so many different ways. You choose the ribbon (whether it be satin, lace, or raffia), the stamps, and a unique message to fit the theme of your wedding.

These candy bags can be made in less than two minutes, which is great if you have to make a couple hundred of them! Plus, they are super budget-friendly.


What you will need: paper bags (these are from Uline), ribbon, rubber stamps and ink pads, a hole punch, scissors, and, of course, treats!







Send us photos of your delovely d.i.y. treat bags! We'd love to see all of the different variations.

Delovely D.I.Y.: Paper Chains

Don't let memories of pre-school construction paper and sticky paste deter you! We love the idea of a "grown-up" paper chain and think they're such a fun (and inexpensive!) way to apply color and texture to your wedding. Drape a few casually in the trees at an outdoor rehearsal dinner or reception, or hand them vertically en masse as a stunning backdrop for a dessert bar or photo booth wall. The possibilities are endless! We particularly like the idea of using double-sided scrapbook paper for an extra pop of color. Grab your bridesmaids and your glue sticks, whip up a few cocktails, and make it a party!

image credits: left/right
How about swapping in a paper chain in areas like these? Create a stunning paper backdrop for your beverage bar or perhaps recreate this ceiling focal point as a gorgeous "chandelier" over the head table at your reception with paper chains, poms, and paper lanterns.

Image credits: left/right