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

party shenanigans: mikey's first birthday

There's nothing we love more than helping to celebrate milestones like first birthdays. Mikey's parents came up with a unique theme for this pool party: Mikey's Yacht Rock Birthday Brunch. We worked closely with them on the nautical-themed decor and flowers, and the event featured a live band playing Yacht Rock music, a make-your-own mimosa and Bloody Mary bar, an out-of-control spread of brunch food, a speedboat photo wall, and more. Happy Birthday, Mikey!

Planners: So Smitten Special Events
Decor and Flowers: So Smitten Special Events
Band: The Status: Crowes
Photography: Chelsey Coleman (@apertureantics) for Studio M by Michael Farmer Photography
Cake and Desserts: Sweet & Saucy Shop

Whoppee! A Bright Birthday Party Tablescape

On December 27 So Smitten planned and designed an intimate Italian dinner party for a friend's birthday. Using inspiration from brightly-colored Fiestaware, we used paper lanterns, simple flowers, and paper straws in all sorts of colors. Macaroni Grill catered (Robert the Delivery Man sang "Happy Birthday" in Italian), Sweet and Saucy Shop made the Oreo-flavored birthday cake, and Italian jujubes were scattered down the center of the table. The wine and beer were flowing, and guests were laughing all night long.