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

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: Selby & Dylan

Surrounded by family and friends, Selby and Dylan wed in the outdoors of Malibu. With an abundance of greenery and shades of soft yellow, this day was an absolute dream. The two partook in many traditional blessings that made the day that much more special for each. After being announced as the newly wedded couple, guests were treated to a bevy of hours d'ourves and cocktails. Following those tasty bites, heartfelt speeches made by the bride and grooms closest made all laugh and tear up. With a little dancing and a lot more signing, Selby, Dylan, and their guests enjoyed the rest of the night!

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer/Bar: Calamigos Ranch
Dessert: Carmela Ice Cream
Florist: Matriarch LA
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Videographer: CineStory Films
Shuttles: Riz Transportation
DJ'/Lighting: Vox DJ’s

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Teresa & Hoang

Facing the breathtaking mountain side, white garden chairs were lined together for Teresa and Hoang’s wedding day celebration. Teresa walked down a white aisle runner, where she met her husband-to-be under a rustic arch with floral arrangements clustered on the sides. Sipping on cocktails, guests shared their wishes and advice to the newly wedded couple, as they wrote down their thoughts in Teresa and Hoang’s photo album. The day was sealed with dancing under the tree twinkle lights and joyous times together. Congratulations again to Teresa and Hoang, we wish you both the best! 

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer/Bar: MountainGate Country Club
Cake: Jaqki's Cake Creations
Transportation: Riz Transportation
Florist: Flower Couture by Stephanie
Photographer: Mary Costa Photography
Videographer: Theatre 10 Films
DJ/Lighting/Photo Booth: Vox DJs
Hair/Makeup: Amy H. Makeup

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: Sarah & Eric

Behind the gated grounds of La Chureya Estates, this Spanish hacienda was an absolutely breathtaking location for the wedding of Sarah and Eric. With the enchanting garden surrounding the beautifully manicured lawn, the bride and grown recited their vows. One of our favourite details from this wedding was Sarah's bouquet. The gorgeous showstopper, featured green foliage, accented with an array of blue and purple flowers. Sarah and Eric were thrilled to have shared their magical wedding with family and friends and are looking forward to their married life together!

Photos by Jessica Miriam Photography

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: La Chureya Estate
Caterer: F10 Catering
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: F10 Catering
Cake: F10 Catering
Florist: Kevin Reeder
Photographer: Jessica Miriam Photography
Videographer: Press Films and Media
DJ: Vox DJs
Party Rentals: Folklore Vintage Rentals
Rentals: Signature Party Rentals

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Lauren & Michael

Tucked away in the Malibu hillside, Lauren and Michael were showered with love on their wedding day. The couple said "I do" in an outdoor ceremony gathered by loved ones. Trees held dangling chandeliers, lighting the night that incorporated traditional Ukrainian elements with a modern twist. Calamigos Ranch was the perfect spot for Lauren and Michael's personal and intimate day.

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer: Calamigos Ranch - The Oaks
Rehearsal Lunch Venue: Westlake Village Inn - Wine Cellar
Cake/Dessert: Sweet Lady Jane Bakery
Florist: The English Garden Floral Design
Photographer: Jeff Newsom Photography
Videographer: Fisheye Studio
Photo Booth:VOX DJs
DJ/Lighting: VOX DJs