Real Wedding Shenanigans: Melanie & Jay

Marni Farmer March 1, 2019

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

Marni Farmer December 12, 2018

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: Adrienne and Byron

Marni Farmer February 2, 2018

At the Ebell Club Long Beach, Adrienne and Byron's wedding was filled with live music and special moments. Playing on the piano in the Parlour, guests were welcomed into a beautiful setting with music by the Jazz Trio. Burgundy chiffon lined the aisles, staircases, and fountain. Candles were placed at the base of the fountains and on the outside staircases. Adrienne and Byron's guests enjoyed a delicious cuisine and drinks catered by Tres LA Catering, including a Moscow Mule, the couple's signature cocktail. From the Photo Booth fun to the three-tired cake, we loved every bit of this wedding!

Video by Michael Farmer Photography

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Ebell Club Long Beach
Caterer/Bar: Tres LA Catering
Cake: King's Hawaiian
Photographer: Photo Andiamo
Videographer/Photo Booth: Michael Farmer Photography
Rentals: OC Events
DJ/Jazz Band: JK Wedding Events

real wedding shenanigans: jenn & andrew

Jill Herrera November 6, 2016

It was a celebration of love, as Jenn and Andrew were married. The two chose a venue with high ceilings and brick walls, providing the rustic feeling they desired. As lights draped the venue, candles burned bright, symbolizing the love between the two. The magical day for Jenn and Andrew was a cheerful occasion as family and friends joined in the festivities.

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue/Reception Venue/Lighting: 440 Seaton
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: With Love Market & Cafe
Caterer (Drinks): Chichen Itza
Caterer (Appetizers): With Love Market & Cafe
Drinks/Alcohol: BevMo!
Service Staff: NDP
Cake/Dessert: Oaxaca Vegan Bakery c/o With Love Market & Cafe
Florist: Flower Couture by Stephanie
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Photo Booth: Shelby & Kristina Moulden
Band/DJ: Erna & The Erratics
Hair/Makeup: Soleil Salon
Party Rentals: OC Events

real wedding shenanigans: stephanie & rosty

Marni Farmer September 3, 2016

Stephanie and Rosty were married at the historical St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral on Saturday, September 3, 2016. St. John’s is located in the University Park area in downtown Los Angeles. Rosty proposed to Stephanie on June 25th of this year. We had a great time working with Stephanie and Rosty during this whirlwind of fast and furious planning. We cannot go without mentioning Stephanie’s mom, Annette who via long distance was unbelievably generous with her time and assistance in planning for her daughter and son-in-law’s wedding day.

If you have ever imagined having both your ceremony and your reception in a historic cathedral setting, this is the place. The interior of the cathedral is magnificent. Over ninety years old, St. John’s cathedral withholds so much beauty with its Italian Neo-Romanesque architecture displayed in intricate vibrant hued mosaics, ornate details, painted wood high-beamed ceilings, Italian marble columns, and a majestic altar. With love in the air, the bride’s father escorted his beautiful daughter down the aisle to meet her groom. The bride and groom’s family pastor conducted a lovely intimate ceremony among their closest family and friends. Guests included family that traveled from Russia here to the U.S. As a gift to their guests, the bride and groom had guitarist Kevin Enstrom perform a mini concert for all to enjoy after the bridal party recessional.

Pretty floral arrangements created by the Maid of Honor and bridesmaids in shades of white and peach were placed along the aisles, adorned the altar and entryway, adding to the surrounding décor of the cathedral. After the ceremony, guests were escorted to the patio for cocktail hour, Mexican-inspired small bites, refreshing sangria, watermelon aqua fresca (delicious!), music, and lawn games. From ceremony to reception, the transformation of the sanctuary was unreal. Guests were amazed at the dramatic change in appearance as they were welcomed back into the cathedral for the reception. We absolutely loved the overwhelming response of excitement from Stephanie and Rosty as they entered the transformed space for their grand entrance and first dance as husband and wife…priceless. We incorporated tablescapes of navy linens, white lace runners, tons of tea lights, silver bells, florals placed in gold dipped vases set in a candle lit cathedral, creating an incredibly unique vision for all to see. Special thanks to Deacon Fernando Valdez of St. John’s who was absolutely amazing to work with. We couldn’t have done it without you and your staff!

Guests relaxed and mingled while enjoying their made-to-order tacos, heart-warming speeches, and champagne toasts. The evening came to a close with cake cutting, and a quick wardrobe change to prepare for the grand exit. Family and friends gathered outside the bronze church doors for the grand exit with paper cones of fresh lavender for tossing. Luggage in hand, Stephanie and Rosty made their way through the human tunnel of flowing lavender and cheers as they made their grand departure. The groom whisked away his bride for a surprise trip. Destination: unknown. Off they rode into the sunset...happily ever after.