Real Wedding Shenanigans: Jayme & Dane

Amidst the venues acres of vines, Jayme and Dane tied the knot on this summer night. Live music set the tone for guests to stand as Jayme made her way to the alter. Family and friends adorned this setup and arch display. Welcoming all to an outdoor reception with crafted cocktails and seasonally inspired dinner, Jayme and Dane created an unforgettable and unique day that was loved by all. Cheers Jayme and Dane to a fantastic future together! So Smitten provided day-of coordination.

Photos by Dana Grant Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer/Bar: Malibu Solstice Vineyard
Caterer: Rita’s Gourmet Catering
Bar: Yasmina’s Craft Bar
Cake/Desserts: Affogato Bar and Nick’s Butter Cake
Coffee Bar: Arrvo Coffee Bar
DJ: DART Collective
Design & Decor: Kelly Kling
Photographer: Dana Grant Photography
Videographer: John Kim
Hair/Makeup: Cindy ProStylist
Rentals/Lighting: A Rental Connection

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Rachel & Jeff

Rachel and Jeff were married at The Modern in Long Beach. The venue was full of new and eye-catching elements that enhanced the day. After the ceremony, friends and family mingled over signature cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, while Rachel and Jeff snuck away for some photos of the two of them. Following a night filled with dancing and laughter, Rachel and Jeff departed, beginning their newly wedded life together.

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
DJ/ Photo Booth/ Lighting: Tempoe Entertainment DJ’s
Florist: Gingersnap Florals
Venue: The Modern
Caterer: 24 Carrots Catering & Events
Bar: Cocktail Concierge
Rentals: MTB Event Rentals
Cake: Lark Cake Shop
Hair/ Makeup: Meg O’Hare Beauty

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Nicole & Tom

Nicole and Tom celebrated their wedding day at the Garland, a stunning venue in Hollywood. The two chose to add onto the venues natural beauty and fill the center of the tables from the reception with floral arrangements and votives. One of our favorite details from this day were the disposable cameras placed on each table, inviting guests to document their fun while saving those memories for the bride and groom. The happiness between these two radiated throughout the day and we wish them all the best!

Photos by Jenny Smith & Co

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Photographer: Jenny Smith & Co
Videographer: 5 Star Productions
Venue: The Garland
Caterer: The Garland
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: The Garland
Cake: Hansen’s Cake
Florist: Vave Studios
DJ: Vox DJ’s
Invitations: Paperless Post

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Dawn & Brandon

The Ebell Club in Long Beach was an exquisite venue for the lovely celebration of Dawn and Brandon. Filled with architectural elements and unique decor, the two wanted an elegant wedding with some personalized touches to seal the deal. This stunning setting was completed with gold centerpieces and navy blues accents. Cheers to happily ever after for Dawn and Brandon!

Photos by Sloan Photographers

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Ebell Club Long Beach
Caterer/Bar/Bartenders: Tres LA Catering
Cake/Dessert: Sugar From the Heart
Florist: Shawna Beaty
Photographer: Sloan Photographers
DJ: So Cal Premier DJ Co
Rentals: MTB Events Rentals

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Elisha & Colin

Walking into this dreamy day, Elisha and Colin were married at Sogno del Fiore, a private estate in Santa Ynez. With the scenery taking center stage, the bride and groom chose the perfect spot at the vineyard for their ceremony and reception. Delicious food, great music, and a romantic atmosphere, created the ideal setting for these two. Cheers to happily ever after!

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Photographer/Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Venue: Sogno del Fiore
Caterer: Pure Joy Catering
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Pure Joy Catering
Cake/Dessert: Solvang Bakery
Florist: Renae’s Bouquet
DJ: Modern Symphony
Hair/Makeup: Meg O’Hare Beauty
Party Rentals: Pure Joy Catering
Bathrooms: Major Event Trailers
Security: Triumph Protection Services

delovely d.i.y.: pinwheels

There are so many cute and fun ways to incorporate d.i.y. pinwheels into your special day. Whether they are adorning your cake, sprucing up your bridesmaids' bouquets, or acting as a boutineer for the guys, these nostalgic novelties can be created is any color and size, and are sure to bring a smile to everybody's face.
















D.I.Y Instructions via Ruffled.

What you’ll need:
  • Origami paper (4.5 x4.5 inches)
  • Buttons or pins for middle of pinwheel
  • Pin backings or wooden dowels for back of pinwheel
  • Cutting mat
  • X-acto or snap blade
  • Ruler
  • PVA glue or E6000 glue
  • Needle and thread
  • Optional: heavy duty paper awl, bookbinding needle and thread (instead of other needle and thread)
(All supplies are readily available in most arts and crafts stores and/or fabric stores)



Instructions:

Step 1: Measure the origami paper across the diagonal and mark the center point. From about a 1” radius from the center mark, cut along the diagonal to each corner. Dab some PVA glue on the center mark and fold in one of the eight bisected corner sections, so that the point is about a half inch beyond the center of the paper. With a dab of PVA glue between each layer, fold down alternating corner sections (should look like a pinwheel at this point).

Step 2: There are various was to sew the button on to the pinwheel, but here’s how I did it, which minimizes slack in the thread holding the button: Use the paper awl to puncture two holes in the center of the pinwheel (Note: awls make good sized holes, so be sure to space your holes far enough apart to not have them perforate into each other, but not wider than the diameter of the button you are using). Double-knot the end of your book binding thread. From the back of the pinwheel, stitch through the button and back out, gently pulling taut. Since bookbinding thread is nice and thick, sew through the thread, just under the double-knot, and gently pull taut (you should now have a flat bit of thread between the two holes). Tie a knot by looping under the flat bit between the holes, and, before pulling taut, loop back through the slack left on the other side of the flat bit. Trim any excess thread.

Step 3: Put a healthy dollop of E6000 glue on the back of the pinwheel over the knotted area. Lay a clean pin backing or wooden dowel, and gently press into place. Let dry (face down) for at least an hour.

Images via: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18.