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: 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

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Michaela & Martin

Michaela and Martin began their morning off with an enchanting ceremony at the 1909. This woodsy wedding with natural lighting, created the perfect ambience for the bride and groom's exchange of vows. Following this heartfelt ceremony, Michaela and Martin snuck away for some photos of just the two of them. With the celebration continuing, the couple rejoined their guests for an exquisite candle-lit dinner. A truly magical day, we are so excited for Michaela and Martin's journey together! 

Photos by Aga Jones Photography

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: The 1909
Caterer: Wood Ranch BBQ
Bar: Sunseri's
Cake: Lark Cake Shop
Florist: Gingersnap Florals
Photographer: Aga Jones Photography
Videographer: Our Westward Hearts
Transportation: Warner Center Limo Service
DJ/Lighting: Electric Entertainment DJs

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 Wedding Shenanigans: Peri & David

Peri and David celebrated their love together in a beautiful venue, the Loft on Pine. Adding personal touches to their big day, a custom copper arch was built for their ceremony creating the perfect backdrop with a flair. The day was catered by 24 Carrots, who devised a unique menu based on the couple's favorite choices. Smitten with the day, we are so excited for Peri & David's future together!

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Charlene & Calvin

Charlene and Calvin's dreamy wedding took place outdoors on a warm day at Calamigos Ranch. In addition to the multitude of unique elements, that created an enchanting experience, the couple had a custom floral arch built for their ceremony. Their color palette was infused with shades of gray, rose gold and blush. Enhancing the receptions tablescape, bundles of flowers and lanterns were centered on each table. As the sun was setting, the bride and groom's family and friends gave heartwarming speeches. Evoking a magical ambience, this sweet and intimate day was absolutely breathtaking!  

Photos by Jenny Smith

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer: Calamigos Ranch
Cake: Jennifer Park
Florist: Little Thistle Design
Photographer: Jenny Smith
Videographer: Buckley Videography
Rentals: Arcadia Rentals
DJ/Lighting: Vox DJs
Hair/Makeup: Kelly Zhang

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Onita & Paritosh

Starting off their day at the Adamson House, Onita and Paritosh were joined by family and friends as they said "I Do". Following the breathtaking ceremony on the Fountain Lawn, guests were welcomed to the courtyard for light appetizers and drinks. While ambient music played, all enjoyed a delicious dinner that was platted on the Oak Tree Lawn. We had an amazing time celebrating the newlywed couple and wish Onita and Paritosh all the best!

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Adamson House
Cake: Shirin Bakery
Caterer: Whoa Nelly
Bar: Sunseris
Coffee Cart: Coffee Cart Los Angeles
Florist: Flower Couture by Stephanie
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Guest Transportation: Riz Transportation
Rentals/Lighting: MTB Event Rentals
DJ: Vox DJs
Hair/Makeup: Kelly Zhang
Band: Hedgehog Swing

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Julie & Daniel

On the day of their nuptials, Julie & Daniel wed in an outdoor ceremony with amphitheater seating. After the beautiful exchange of vows, hand written signage, welcomed guests to light appetizers and drinks. Woodsy decorations enhanced the venues warmth and charm, as did the rustic glower centerpieces with vibrant blooms. Picked out by the bride and groom, this stylish reception and delicious cuisine were absolutely divine. Cheers to Julie and Daniel and their amazing future together!

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Point Vicente Interpretive Center
Caterer: Lucille's
Bar: BevMo
Cake: Polly Ann Bakery
Service Staff: Night & Day Productions
Florist: Massey's House of Flowers
Photographer: Ivan Chen Photography
Transportation: Riz Transportation
DJ/Photo Booth/Lights: Micheal Angelo Music
Makeup: Lepique Beauty
Rentals: MTB Rentals

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Emily & Daniel

Fitting for this couple, Emily & Daniel were married in an outdoor ceremony at MountainGate Country Club. During the cocktail hour, guests sipped on the signature cocktails and tasted the delicious selection of prepared hors d'oeuvres. Table finishings for the reception were made up of lantern centerpieces, acrylic table numbers, succulent napkin treatments, and gold votives. The sweetheart table was placed under a beautiful chuppah, draped with ivory linens and clusters of greenery. Unforgettable memories made together, we were so happy to have been included on Emily and Daniel's special day!

Photos by M.Hart Photography

Video by Light Up

Photos by So Smitten Special Events & MountainGate Country Club

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Bar/Caterer: MountainGate Country Club
Cake: Jaqki's Cake Creations
Challah: The Bagel Factory
Florist: Flower Couture by Stephanie
Photographer: M. Hart Photography
Videographer: Light Up
DJ/Lighting/Photo Booth: DJ Jack Farmer
Hair/Makeup: Meg O'Hare Beauty

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 Wedding Shenanigans: Tiffany & Tyler

Castle Green's lavish grounds, created the ideal setting for Tiffany and Tyler's wedding day. Centered around an exquisite magnolia tree, friends and family of the couple, gathered together for the romantic ceremony. Following the services, a cocktail party included hors d'oeuvres and signature drinks. Shades of gold were featured throughout, enhancing the venues natural beauty. A memorable day for all, we wish Tiffany and Tyler all the best!

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Castle Green
Caterer/Rentals/Bartenders: Castle Catering
Cake: King's Hawaiian
Bar Drinks: The Bottle Shop
Florist: Vave Studios
Photographer: Shane Karns, Inc
DJ/Photo Booth/Lighting: Vox DJs

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Amanda & Daniel

Amanda and Daniel's wedding at the Ebell Long Beach was filled with romance, tradition, and rituals. The beautifully tiled courtyard uniquely accented this ceremony. Vows under the chuppah symbolized the new home the couple was building together. Following the vows, the groom outlined his promises to his wife through the signing of the Ketubah, a historic tradition. After the courtyard ceremony, guests gathered in the Parlour for drinks and appetizers catered by Tres LA. The King's table, set with linen runners in Iridescent Crush Champagne and Shantung Ivory linen napkins, was beautifully lined for the bridal party, ready to enjoy the delicious cuisine. A gift to all as they departed, guests enjoyed Macaron party favors at the end of Amanda and Daniel's breathtaking day! 

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Video by Michael Farmer Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Ebell Long Beach
Caterer/Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Tres LA
Cake/Dessert: Katella Bakery
Florist: Vave Studios
Photographer/Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Band: Lucky Devils Band
Hair/Makeup: Heather Roach
Guest Transportation: JTK Transportation

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Kristin & Nick

Mount Palomar Winery was a beautiful, natural setting, for the wedding of Kristin and Nick. Decorated with rustic inspiration and vintage details, white flowers and ruby accents embellished the charm of the reception. Filling everyones sweet tooth, Kristin and Nick incorporated a "Sweets" display. On top of wooden barrels, this display featured desserts of all kinds, including a two-tiered cake from Love Cakes. An overall romantic setting was enjoyed by all throughout Kristin and Nick's enchanting day. 

Photos by Jodi B Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Mount Palomar Winery
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: South Coast Winery
Caterer: Once Upon A Wedding
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Mount Palomar Winery
Cake/Dessert: Love Cakes
Florist: Lovely Stems Floral
Photographer: Jodi B Photography
Photo Booth: Pixster Photo Booths
Band: The Straytones (Crowd theory Entertainment)
Hair/Makeup: Makeup by Giovanissa
Decor: Rickety Swank Vintage Rentals