Real Wedding Shenanigans: Michelle & John

Marni Farmer August 17, 2019

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: Elisha & Colin

Marni Farmer August 18, 2018

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

Real Inspiration: Wedding Planning Tips

Marni Farmer April 18, 2018

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 Wedding Shenanigans: Kelly & Andrew

Marni Farmer September 9, 2017

It was the beginning of forever, as Kelly and Andrew recited their vows to one another. With an open-air venue, Malibu West Beach Club was elegant and romantic, just what the couple had dreamt of. Smooth sand and blue skies set the tone, while shades of pink were evident throughout the decor. With the beautiful background of the ocean, Kelly and Andrew's wedding was the start to a magical future!