Real Wedding Shenanigans: Tipesa & Chelsea

Tipesa and Chelsea exchanged vows at the Bel-Air Bay Club. The two wore light and ethereal wedding dresses and were smiling ear to ear the whole day. From saying "I Do" with the most beautiful view to the dining area for the reception, this day was magical. Both Tipesa and Chelsea showcased their personal touches in all of the decor elements featured throughout the day. This fall wedding, with its private location and stunning ocean backdrop, made for a dreamy romantic day, and we loved joining in on this special celebration! So Smitten Provided full service planning, design and day-of coordination.

Photos by f/8 Studios Weddings

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer: Bel Air Bay Club
Florist: GingerSnap Florals
Photo/Video: f/8 Studios Weddings
DJ/Photo Booth/Lighting: Tempoe Entertainment DJ’s
Cake: Lark Cake Shop 
Party Rentals: MTB Event Rentals 

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Allie & Nick

Allie and Nick had an intimate wedding at Calamigos Ranch's chic property located in Malibu, California. The day embodied a rustic-themed atmosphere and reflected the couple's personalized style. Accenting the space, included unique decor, candles with vivid florals, and greenery. From exquisite dining to lots of dancing, this day was beautiful. Cheers to Allie and Nick! So Smitten provided day-of coordination.

Photos by FunLovinCamera Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer/Bar: Calamigos Ranch
Cake/Dessert: Sweet Arleen's
Florist: Mitsuko Floral
Photographer: FunLovinCamera Photography
DJ/Lighting: VOX DJ's
Hair/Makeup: Cheek to Cheek Artistry

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: Lynn & Stefano

Lynn & Stefano's wedding day bliss began with a gorgeous outdoor ceremony at the Smog Shoppe in Los Angeles. A combination of greenery and eclectic ceremony seating created a beautiful ambiance for the exchange of vows. Following the ceremony, mixed drinks flowed as the preparation for dinner began. For the reception space, the couple chose a simple table design, as the Smog Shoppe's rustic wooden tables were the center of attention. Lynn & Stefano wanted to give each of their guests a gift and what better gift than a personalized bottle of limoncello. Dancing, laughter, and heartfelt speeches filled the rest of the night. To years of happily ever after, congratulations Lynn & Stefano!

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue & Reception Venue: Smog Shoppe
Caterer: 24 Carrots
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: 24 Carrots
Service Staff: 24 Carrots
Cake/Dessert: Atticus Creamery & Pies
Florist: A Touch of Lavender
Photographer: Laura Ford Photos
Photo Booth: Pixster
Band: Jason Sulkin Music

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Melanie & Jay

The Bel-Air Bay Club was the perfect choice for Melanie and Jay when it came to their wedding day. From the venues lush grounds, and scenic views, to its exquisite cuisine, this place had it all. Keeping with their elegant theme, the bride and groom designed the reception with a gold color palette and accents of blush and navy. These colors radiated throughout and every bit of this day was magical!

Photos by Lin & Jirsa Photography

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer: Bel-Air Bay Club
Cake: Lark Cake Shop
Ice Cream: Mr. and Mrs. Creamery
Late Night Snack: In-n-Out Burger
Florist: City Flower LA
Photographer: Lin & Jirsa Photography
Videographer: Theatre 10 Films
DJ/Lighting/Dance Floor: Tempoe Entertainment DJ’s
Photo Booth: Flip Booth
Party Rentals: MTB Event Rentals
Hair/Makeup: Meg O’Hare Beauty
Valet: Quality Parking Services
Decor: J’adore Flower Wall

Omaze Holiday Party

The Carondelet House was filled with warmth and charm, creating a beautiful atmosphere for the Omaze Holiday Party. Guests were treated to an unforgettable experience as they were wowed by all of the surprise elements that were planned for the night. From Mark Paskell to Sirena Martell, jaws dropped as all were stunned by the talented magician and tarot card readings. In between acts, guests dined on delicious appetizers and captured the night through some photo booth fun!

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Carondelet House
Photographer/Photo Booth: Michael Farmer Photography
Florist: Gingersnap Florals
DJ: Tempoe Entertainment DJs
Magician: Mark Paskell Entertainment
Tarot Card Reader: Sirena Martell
Late Night Snack: Domino’s Pizza

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Pip & Andrew

Pip and Andrew planned their dreamy wedding day at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens. A private ceremony on the San Fernando Courtyard combined natural and rustic themes. Dark wooden chairs and fresh petals along the aisle way, added gorgeous color to the freshly manicured lawns. After the two said "I Do", close ones to the bride and groom gathered around for some lawn games and light appetizers. As the time came for dinner, guests made their way to the main courtyard. Combined with vibrant blooms and gold details, this mix and match array of outdoor furniture was beautifully accented. To top off the night, guests were able to fill up on their sweet tooth cravings with mini cupcakes from Half Baked Co! A lovely day it was, we are so excited for Pip and Andrew!

Photos by Gris Photography

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Los Angeles River Center & Gardens
Caterer: Summit Event Catering
Bar: Sunseri's
Hamburgers: Fusion
Cupcakes: Half Baked Co
Florist: The Bloemist
Photographer: Gris Photograhy
Rentals/Lighting: MTB Rentals
Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals
DJ: Vox DJs
Hair/Makeup: Cheek to Cheek

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Erin & Lucius

Beginning their wedding festivities, Erin and Lucius wed in a lovely ceremony with a reception in the Green Room. Inspired by modern elements, the decor for the day was combined with green and white stripped sofas, as well as accented details with acrylic designs. This romantic day was perfect for the bride and groom, who were so excited to have shared such a special time in their life with those closest to them. From the mesmerizing setup to the beautifully documented photos, this day was amazing throughout and we were so happy to have joined Erin and Lucius!

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Grass Room
Cake: SusieCakes 
Caterer/Bar: Little Nelly
Photo Booth: DJ Tempoe
Rentals: Premiere Party Rentals
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Invitations: Minted

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! ;)

Real Party Shenanigans: Amy's Birthday Party

As guests "Followed the Call of the Disco Ball," they were welcomed to Amy's beautiful backyard for an inviting disco-themed birthday party. Decor for this day included Gold and Silver sequin linens, gold mercury votives, and trivia print-outs that were laid out on the tables. From Berg Catering's assortment of appetizers to Amy's homemade Vanilla and Chocolate cake pops, guests were filled with delicious goodies. A groovy day indeed, this disco-themed party had all the trimmings and essentials for Amy's birthday! 

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Rentals: OC Events
Caterer: Berg Catering