Real Wedding Shenanigans: Julie & Daniel

On the day of their nuptials, Julie & Daniel wed in an outdoor ceremony with amphitheater seating. After the beautiful exchange of vows, hand written signage, welcomed guests to light appetizers and drinks. Woodsy decorations enhanced the venues warmth and charm, as did the rustic glower centerpieces with vibrant blooms. Picked out by the bride and groom, this stylish reception and delicious cuisine were absolutely divine. Cheers to Julie and Daniel and their amazing future together!

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Point Vicente Interpretive Center
Caterer: Lucille's
Bar: BevMo
Cake: Polly Ann Bakery
Service Staff: Night & Day Productions
Florist: Massey's House of Flowers
Photographer: Ivan Chen Photography
Transportation: Riz Transportation
DJ/Photo Booth/Lights: Micheal Angelo Music
Makeup: Lepique Beauty
Rentals: MTB Rentals

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Sarah & Eric

Behind the gated grounds of La Chureya Estates, this Spanish hacienda was an absolutely breathtaking location for the wedding of Sarah and Eric. With the enchanting garden surrounding the beautifully manicured lawn, the bride and grown recited their vows. One of our favourite details from this wedding was Sarah's bouquet. The gorgeous showstopper, featured green foliage, accented with an array of blue and purple flowers. Sarah and Eric were thrilled to have shared their magical wedding with family and friends and are looking forward to their married life together!

Photos by Jessica Miriam Photography

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: La Chureya Estate
Caterer: F10 Catering
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: F10 Catering
Cake: F10 Catering
Florist: Kevin Reeder
Photographer: Jessica Miriam Photography
Videographer: Press Films and Media
DJ: Vox DJs
Party Rentals: Folklore Vintage Rentals
Rentals: Signature Party Rentals

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Linh & Michi

Following their vows, Linh and Michi were radiant as they reached their reception. Arriving in Downtown Los Angeles at the Ocean Seafood Restaurant, the wedding party as they enjoyed their delectable cuisine. With the first reception a success, the bride, groom, and guests departed to Nature Friends Sierra Madre Lodge. Arriving at the rustic lodge, the newlyweds were beaming with happiness. This reception was intimate and private, exquisite from both the inside and outside. Soon after the cake cutting, guests said goodbye to the couple with a sparkler send off. The day was a heartwarming celebration of love for Linh and Michi. 

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

 Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Rehearsal Venue: Our Lady of Peace
Tea Ceremony: Gardena Tenrikyo Church
Reception Venue 1: Ocean Seafood Restaurant
Reception Venue 2: Nature Friends Sierra Madre Lodge
Rentals: LA Party Rentals

real wedding shenanigans: stephanie & rosty

Stephanie and Rosty were married at the historical St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral on Saturday, September 3, 2016. St. John’s is located in the University Park area in downtown Los Angeles. Rosty proposed to Stephanie on June 25th of this year. We had a great time working with Stephanie and Rosty during this whirlwind of fast and furious planning. We cannot go without mentioning Stephanie’s mom, Annette who via long distance was unbelievably generous with her time and assistance in planning for her daughter and son-in-law’s wedding day.

If you have ever imagined having both your ceremony and your reception in a historic cathedral setting, this is the place. The interior of the cathedral is magnificent. Over ninety years old, St. John’s cathedral withholds so much beauty with its Italian Neo-Romanesque architecture displayed in intricate vibrant hued mosaics, ornate details, painted wood high-beamed ceilings, Italian marble columns, and a majestic altar. With love in the air, the bride’s father escorted his beautiful daughter down the aisle to meet her groom. The bride and groom’s family pastor conducted a lovely intimate ceremony among their closest family and friends. Guests included family that traveled from Russia here to the U.S. As a gift to their guests, the bride and groom had guitarist Kevin Enstrom perform a mini concert for all to enjoy after the bridal party recessional.

Pretty floral arrangements created by the Maid of Honor and bridesmaids in shades of white and peach were placed along the aisles, adorned the altar and entryway, adding to the surrounding décor of the cathedral. After the ceremony, guests were escorted to the patio for cocktail hour, Mexican-inspired small bites, refreshing sangria, watermelon aqua fresca (delicious!), music, and lawn games. From ceremony to reception, the transformation of the sanctuary was unreal. Guests were amazed at the dramatic change in appearance as they were welcomed back into the cathedral for the reception. We absolutely loved the overwhelming response of excitement from Stephanie and Rosty as they entered the transformed space for their grand entrance and first dance as husband and wife…priceless. We incorporated tablescapes of navy linens, white lace runners, tons of tea lights, silver bells, florals placed in gold dipped vases set in a candle lit cathedral, creating an incredibly unique vision for all to see. Special thanks to Deacon Fernando Valdez of St. John’s who was absolutely amazing to work with. We couldn’t have done it without you and your staff!

Guests relaxed and mingled while enjoying their made-to-order tacos, heart-warming speeches, and champagne toasts. The evening came to a close with cake cutting, and a quick wardrobe change to prepare for the grand exit. Family and friends gathered outside the bronze church doors for the grand exit with paper cones of fresh lavender for tossing. Luggage in hand, Stephanie and Rosty made their way through the human tunnel of flowing lavender and cheers as they made their grand departure. The groom whisked away his bride for a surprise trip. Destination: unknown. Off they rode into the sunset...happily ever after. 

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Full Service Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: St. John's Episcopal Cathedral
Officiant: Pastor Harrison Sommer
Caterer: My TacoMan
Bar: National Bar Staffing
Alcohol:  BevMo
Fruit Platters: Whole Foods
Desserts: The French Confection Co.
Florist: Twigs and Thyme
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Guitarist: Kevin Enstrom
DJ/MC: DJ2A "Double A" Entertainment
Rentals: Parlani

real wedding shenanigans: Private Event

So Smitten had the pleasure of coordinating a private wedding for a lovely couple held at their stunning Brentwood home. The setting couldn’t have been more splendid. On a warm summer night guests entered a spectacular secret garden with several pathways leading to shady corners, waterfalls, ivy archways, and vintage furniture surrounded by various foliage textures and colors. A custom wood covering was designed to convert the pool and jacuzzi to an amazing open space for the ceremony to be held. Rows of iron ornate garden chairs and lanterns aligned the aisle for the bride to greet her groom while musicians sang the couples love song. Classical music performed by a string trio played for the guests as butterflies were released during their vows. Farmhouse, wood rounds, and garden iron tables were brought in and placed in various locations throughout this unique indoor and outdoor setting. Tables were dressed with fine china and silver, tinted glassware, embroidered white linen, gold mercury votive candles and bright gorgeous roses in mason jars. Floral archways and lush table garland adorned the beautifully set tablescapes. Dark custom wood signage including Mr. & Mrs., table numbers, reserved seating, Here Comes the Bride, and a suite of directional signs popped against the lush green background. Afterwards, friends and family enjoyed photos, conversation, cocktails, tray passed hors d’oeuvres and music. Guests were seated for dinner under strings of market lights and stars. Special dance and musical performances were featured by well known artists in honor of the bride and groom. Dancing ensued while specialty desserts were served along with a s'mores bar, a popular campfire treat. The evening was outstanding. The most exquisite venue can sometimes be in our own backyard. Thank you to our bride and groom for the incredible honor in allowing us to transform your magical garden into the ideal venue for your dream wedding. It was truly a vision of romance and charm. Congratulations to the lovely bride and groom!

Photos by Marni Farmer & Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Photos by Birds of a Feather

Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: Private Residence
Caterer: Market Provisions
Desserts: B Sweet
Smore Bar: S'MORE PLAY
Florist: The Bloemist
String Trio: Seaside Strings
DJ/MC: Lee Dyson
Photographer: Birds of a Feather
Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Rentals/Lighting: Town & Country
Hair: Sarah Osterberg
Makeup: Judy Haft
Valet: Chuck's Parking Service, Inc.