Real Wedding Shenanigans: Michelle & John

Beginning their fairytale together, Michelle and John were married in a sacred ceremony at the Santa Monica Catholic Church. Following the mass and vows, all made their way to the Jonathan Beach Club. Surrounded by nature, this beach setting, the sound of crashing waves, and the sun shining down evoked a romantic expression of love between Michelle and John. Lively music, fun games, and over the top food, made for a beautiful wedding. To Michelle and John and many more beautiful memories, cheers!

Photos by Ali Rogers/Prana Lens

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Reception: St. Monica Catholic Church
Reception Venue/Caterer: The Jonathan Beach Club 
Cake: The Butter End
Florist (church): Westchester Florist
Florist (reception): With Love Floral Co.
Photographer: Ali Rogers/Prana Lens
Band: Jack's Cats
Hair (Bride: Dean Banowetz
Hair (Bridal party): Mona Maleki
Makeup: Brandy Moreno
Rentals: Town & Country

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Jade & Conrad

This dreamy day began with a gorgeous ceremony at Wayfarer's Chapel, where Jade and Conrad expressed their love for one another. After the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, the couple walked down the aisle, beaming with joy and happiness. As the celebration continued, this luxurious affair moved to La Venta Inn. The event space, adorned with light pink and burgundy colored floral arrangments and candle lighting, evoked a romantic ambiance. With the exquisite dinner and delicious cake, the wedding of Jade and Conrad was beautiful inside and out.

Photos by Walter Wilson

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: Wayfarers Chapel
Reception Venue: La Venta Inn
Caterer: New York and Food Company
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: New York and Food Company
Service Staff: New York and Food Company
Officiant: Wayfarers Chapel
Cake/Dessert: New York and Food Company
Florist: Stems Floral Design
Photographer: Walter Wilson
Videographer: YTM Studios
DJ: DJ Kreiger
Hair/Makeup: BeLoved
Party Rentals: One Call Event Rentals
Guest Transportation: California Excursions & Transportation, Inc.

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Shermeen & Sean

Shermeen and Sean’s wedding day was extraordinary from the beginning. Tucked away in Woodland Hills, the couple chose to rent an air BNB for their venue. A lovely setting surrounded by luscious greenery and trees, this “Greenhouse & Gardens” wedding was absolutely breathtaking. The bride and groom shared heartfelt vows, and after their first kiss, they snuck away for some romantic photos of the two of them. Meeting back up with the rest of their guests, all dined on an exquisite dinner made by Spotted Hen Catering. Aside from the delicious meal, this reception tablescape included blue carousel water goblets and rose gold accents.  Following the spectacular dinner, all gathered as the bride and groom cut the cake and shared their first bite. Congratulations to Shermeen and Sean on this beautiful and intimate wedding day celebration!

Photos by Jenn & Pawel Photography

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Air BnB "Greenhouse & Gardens"
Caterer/Bar/Cake: Spotted Hen Catering
Rentals: MTB Rentals
Florist: Beautiful Savage Flowers
Photographer: Jenn & Pawel Photography
DJ: Tempoe Entertainment DJs
Hair/Makeup: Beautiful Crave by Jennifer May

Real Inspiration: Wedding Planning Tips

When planning your wedding, there are many things to consider that include everything from shopping for the dream dress to executing the wedding shenanigans. That and so much more can begin to overwhelm many couples and even cloud the importance of the big day. To help eliminate those worries, we have complied some ideas that will help you and your partner hold that same dreamy day you both envisioned while saving money and staying in the moment! 

Photo by Whimsie Photographie

Wedding Planning Tips:

1. Opt for heavy tray-passed appetizers instead of a full seated dinner for a meet-and-mingle, cocktail party-style reception.
2. Find a venue/space that is so naturally beautiful or already has a lot of character to cut down on the amount of flowers and decor you may need.
3. Double the photo booth photos as the party favors for guests.
4. Opt for a beer and wine-only bar instead of a full premium bar.
5. Find a used wedding dress online (it's probably only been worn once!).
6. Have a friend or family member get ordained online and be your officiant (and hope they don't charge you a fee for performing your ceremony!). 
7. Use Uber/Lyft for day-of transportation.
8. Get a small one or two-tier cake for the cake cutting ceremony, and have the rest of the cake in sheets in the kitchen ready to be cut and served. Or opt for mini desserts instead of cake.
9. Use an email invitation service like Paperless Post for your save-the-dates.
10. Stay at an Air BnB instead of a hotel the night of the wedding.
11. Hire a wedding planner to guide you through the process, help you make good decisions with your money, and get you discounts with vendors! ;)