Real Wedding Shenanigans: Christen & Brett

Christen and Brett’s family-filled weekend began with an outdoor ceremony on the Oak Tree Lawn at the Adamson House. Creating a romantic bouquet for the bride, Shindig Chic chose to use bright colors and blend many flowers together. These beautiful in-season blooms also created special arrangements that were loved by all.

As guests found their seats, they were stunned by all the detail that went into designing signage for the day. For dinner, the main course included chicken, waffles, and breakfast burritos. Guests paired this delicious cuisine with tableside mimosas could not have been happier! Between the honest exchange of vows, dinner, and photo booth fun, this day was filled with everything Christen and Brett dreamt of. Cheers to the couple as they embark on a life together as husband and wife!

Photos by Mary Costa Photography

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Adamson House
Caterer: The Rooster Truck and Wings & Waffles
Bar: Sunseri’s
Florist: Shindig Chic
Photographer: Mary Costa Photography
Videographer: Amari Productions
Guest Transportation: Riz Transportation
Rentals: Premiere Party Rentals
Cake: Susie Cakes
Photo Both: Porty the Foto Booth Bus
Service Staff: Night & Day Productions

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Pip & Andrew

Pip and Andrew planned their dreamy wedding day at the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens. A private ceremony on the San Fernando Courtyard combined natural and rustic themes. Dark wooden chairs and fresh petals along the aisle way, added gorgeous color to the freshly manicured lawns. After the two said "I Do", close ones to the bride and groom gathered around for some lawn games and light appetizers. As the time came for dinner, guests made their way to the main courtyard. Combined with vibrant blooms and gold details, this mix and match array of outdoor furniture was beautifully accented. To top off the night, guests were able to fill up on their sweet tooth cravings with mini cupcakes from Half Baked Co! A lovely day it was, we are so excited for Pip and Andrew!

Photos by Gris Photography

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Los Angeles River Center & Gardens
Caterer: Summit Event Catering
Bar: Sunseri's
Hamburgers: Fusion
Cupcakes: Half Baked Co
Florist: The Bloemist
Photographer: Gris Photograhy
Rentals/Lighting: MTB Rentals
Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals
DJ: Vox DJs
Hair/Makeup: Cheek to Cheek

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Stephanie & David

Stephanie and David's wedding at Altadena Town & Country Club was romantic and sweet. Jars filled with a variety of flowers anchored the aisle way, as did the petals lining the path Stephanie walked down. As ambient music played, the cocktail hour began on the patio. Guests were welcomed to take selfies with a Polaroid camera and a photo booth, as they dined to delicious appetizers and drinks. The couples reception was held in the Victorian Ballroom where water goblets, champagne flutes and a 2-course plated meal was served. Stephanie and Davids day was vibrant and colourful, filled with great memories!

Photos by Mike Yoon Photo

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Altadena Town & Country Club
Cake: Jaqki's Cake Creations
Florist: City Flowers
Photographer: Mike Yoon Photo
Photo Booth: EY Photobooth
DJ/Lighting: JK Wedding Events

real wedding shenanigans: Private Event

So Smitten had the pleasure of coordinating a private wedding for a lovely couple held at their stunning Brentwood home. The setting couldn’t have been more splendid. On a warm summer night guests entered a spectacular secret garden with several pathways leading to shady corners, waterfalls, ivy archways, and vintage furniture surrounded by various foliage textures and colors. A custom wood covering was designed to convert the pool and jacuzzi to an amazing open space for the ceremony to be held. Rows of iron ornate garden chairs and lanterns aligned the aisle for the bride to greet her groom while musicians sang the couples love song. Classical music performed by a string trio played for the guests as butterflies were released during their vows. Farmhouse, wood rounds, and garden iron tables were brought in and placed in various locations throughout this unique indoor and outdoor setting. Tables were dressed with fine china and silver, tinted glassware, embroidered white linen, gold mercury votive candles and bright gorgeous roses in mason jars. Floral archways and lush table garland adorned the beautifully set tablescapes. Dark custom wood signage including Mr. & Mrs., table numbers, reserved seating, Here Comes the Bride, and a suite of directional signs popped against the lush green background. Afterwards, friends and family enjoyed photos, conversation, cocktails, tray passed hors d’oeuvres and music. Guests were seated for dinner under strings of market lights and stars. Special dance and musical performances were featured by well known artists in honor of the bride and groom. Dancing ensued while specialty desserts were served along with a s'mores bar, a popular campfire treat. The evening was outstanding. The most exquisite venue can sometimes be in our own backyard. Thank you to our bride and groom for the incredible honor in allowing us to transform your magical garden into the ideal venue for your dream wedding. It was truly a vision of romance and charm. Congratulations to the lovely bride and groom!

Photos by Marni Farmer & Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Photos by Birds of a Feather

Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: Private Residence
Caterer: Market Provisions
Desserts: B Sweet
Smore Bar: S'MORE PLAY
Florist: The Bloemist
String Trio: Seaside Strings
DJ/MC: Lee Dyson
Photographer: Birds of a Feather
Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Rentals/Lighting: Town & Country
Hair: Sarah Osterberg
Makeup: Judy Haft
Valet: Chuck's Parking Service, Inc. 

real wedding shenanigans: leslie & paul

Paul and Leslie hired So Smitten for full-service planning for their stunning wedding. The couple wanted to find an inspiring and unique venue, and landed on the Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona del Mar (Orange County). The venue boasts beautiful botanical gardens, a research library full of old books, and old Spanish-style buildings. Inspired by the venue, we wanted to incorporate themes of flowers/garden and old books, as well as add a touch of vintage glam inspired by the couple's favorite movie, Casa Blanca.

For the ceremony, the couple were hitched under a stunning arch draped in a lush garland of greenery and red and pink flowers. Adding that desired touch of glam were draped strands of crystals and pearls, along with a crystal chandelier.  In addition, So Smitten added a rustic table, vintage books and lanterns, and an old-fashioned microphone to complete the look. The couple wanted the ceremony to have a concert-like vibe, so they hired a solo guitarist/signer, who serenaded the crown during the processional, ceremony rituals, and recessional. The couple had two unique ceremony rituals. The first was a unity planting ceremony. Usually done with candles, the couple opted for succulents in accordance with the garden surroundings, and planted three in a special planter box. Two of the plants represented them individually, and the third represented them as a couple. In addition, there was a sand ceremony, which included Leslie's two children. All four participants poured multi-colored sand into a vessel to represent the blending of the new family.

Cocktail hour took place out on the lawn at golden hour, where guests enjoyed live music among the dahlias, a signature sangria cocktail, tray-passed appetizers, and lawn games like giant Jenga, croquet, and corn hole (provided by So Smitten).

At the reception, guests enjoyed a delicious duet of entrees, hilarious toasts, and a surprise choreographed dance performed by the bride and groom. So Smitten designed the tablescapes with champagne lace overlays, vintage books, vintage props like cameras and globes, brass candlesticks, gold mercury votives, custom wood and vinyl signs, and pearl strands. The design complemented the florist's beautiful centerpieces. The party continued with dancing, a fire pit, and a grand exit. The couple left in spectacular vintage fashion in a 1960s Rolls Royce. Congrats to the happy couple, and thank you for letting us be a part of your special day!

Photos and video by Michael Farmer Photography

Full Service Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: The Sherman Library & Gardens
Officiant: Pastor James Scheller
Caterer/Bar/Drinks: Pascal Catering
Cake/Dessert: Plumeria Cake Studio
Florist:  Florals by Jenny
Photographer/Videographer/Photo Booth: Michael Farmer Photography
Guitarist: TJ Brown
DJ: Michael Angelo Music
Decor Rentals: So Smitten Special Events
Choreography: So Smitten Special Events
Vintage Car: Classy Chassis