Real Wedding Shenanigans: Suzy & Duc

Radiating so much joy, Suzy and Duc chose to add special touches to their day. Becoming the center of this celebration, the SmogShoppe in Los Angeles, perfectly highlighted the couples eclectic taste. Electric colored signage was added to the tablescape of bamboo leaves and votives, creating a beautiful ambiance that wowed guests. This dreamy day had all in awe, and we were so happy to have been a part of it.
Best wishes to Suzy and Duc on their journey in life together!

Photos by The Hendrys

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: SmogShoppe
Caterer: Four Seasons Catering
Bar: Value Bar Services
Cake/Dessert: Angel Maid Bakery
Florist: The Flower Lab
Valet: White Label Valet
Photographer: The Hendrys
Videographer: Matteo Bertoli Visuals
Neon Signs: Nights of Neon & Joe & Debra Delivery Services
DJ/Photo Booth/Lighting: Vox Media
Hair/Makeup: Kelli Shawn

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Kelsey & Caley

Kelsey and Caley tied the knot in Los Angeles at a beautiful venue called the Edison. Filled with all sorts of charm, this historical spot had guests loving what evoked a romantic ambience. Whether it was the ceremony or reception, the bride and groom embellished all of this unique decor with personalized details of their own. One of our favorite pieces included the rustic lamp accents that were used as centerpieces. From the speciality drinks, dinner, and dancing, this day was an absolute joy. Congratulations again to Kelsey and Caley! 

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer: The Edison
Florist: Alicias's Flowers
Photographer/Photo Booth: Michael Farmer Photographer
Videographer: Living Locket Films
DJ: Casey Wixted
Band: Lyndsay & The All-Nighters

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Erica & Jesse

Tucked in Los Angeles, Ca, Erica and Jesse's wedding was held at the SmogShoppe. An intimate venue, their stylish ceremony featured a backdrop covered in an array of greenery, creating an incredible ambience. Enjoying the contemporary and vintage atmosphere, guests tasted delicious hors d'oeuvres and cocktails outdoors. Decorated with votives, the indoor reception was lovely and beautifully accented by a display, showcasing the couple's name. After heading to the dance floor for a song together, Erica and Jesse cut the cake to their mix-n-match display of cake and cupcakes. With a super-fun photo booth to top off the night, this day was simply divine!
 

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: SmogShoppe
Caterer/Bar: Little Nelly
Cake: Sweet Lady Jane
Florist: GingerSnap Florals
Valet: White Label Valet
Photographer/Videographer: Mandee Johnson Photography
Rentals: MTB Event Rentals
MC/Band: Black Crystal Wolf Kids
Hair: Kurlfriend by Kat
Makeup: Meg O'Hare

real wedding shenanigans: sarah & tony

An intimate ceremony space, nestled in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, Oviatt Penthouse was a must have for Sarah and Tony. A couple so in love, these two radiated joy and happiness all over. Accentuating the penthouse beauty, peach color tones lightened the staples of the reception. A breathtaking wedding for all to see!

Photography by Shelly Anderson

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Oviatt Penthouse
Hotel Accommodations: Los Angeles Athletic Club
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: LA Historic Park/Hop Li Seafood Restaurant
Caterer: Truly Yours Catering
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Truly Yours Catering
Cake/Dessert: Lark Cake Shop
Florist/Decor: The Flower Lab
Photographer: Shelly Anderson Photography
Videographer: Randy Witt Productions
DJ: Vox DJ's Inc.
Hair: Melissa Firestone
Makeup: Meg O'Hare Beauty
Lighting: Revagio Productions

real wedding shenanigans: andrea & david

The all in one, vintage and contemporary vibes of the Smog Shoppe in Los Angeles, was the perfect place for the duo Andrea and David to get married. With the ceremony and reception, there was beautiful decor inside and out. The cake and desserts were a mouthful and stunning to look at. We loved sharing the day with the bride and groom and bringing their special day to life.

Photography by Katie Branch

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue/Reception Venue: SmogShoppe
Hotel Accommodations - Guests: Four Points by Sheraton Westside
Accommodations - Bride & Groom: Hotel Wilshire, A Kimpton Hotel
Rehearsal Brunch Venue: Maggiano's
Caterer/Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Huntington Catering 
Cake: Delicious Arts
Florist: Honeycomb Affair
Photographer: Katie Branch
Videographer: Arroyo Films
Limo/Car/Guest Transportation: Uber
 

real wedding shenanigans: stephanie & rosty

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. 

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Full Service Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: St. John's Episcopal Cathedral
Officiant: Pastor Harrison Sommer
Caterer: My TacoMan
Bar: National Bar Staffing
Alcohol:  BevMo
Fruit Platters: Whole Foods
Desserts: The French Confection Co.
Florist: Twigs and Thyme
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Guitarist: Kevin Enstrom
DJ/MC: DJ2A "Double A" Entertainment
Rentals: Parlani

real wedding shenanigans: larke & russell

Larke and Russell had a spectacularly spooky Halloween wedding on October 31 in Los Angeles. They brought on So Smitten Special Events for full service planning and coordination, design and decor, flowers, and a personalized website. The couple wanted something unique, cool, and fun -- just like them. The design was inspired by Wes Anderson-meets-(not cheesy)-Halloween. We incorporated many of our vintage vases and props, created custom signage, and brought in bright fall flowers. We love how it all turned out!

The ceremony was so unique. Guests were invited to dress up in costume, and many did, including the officiant, who dressed as the Pope, and the ring bearer who was dressed up as Santa Claus. Epic. The couple sang their vows to each other, and after their first kiss, walked back down the aisle wearing horse and unicorn masks. So Epic.

The reception featured fun food stations with street tacos, sliders, butternut squash ravioli, and more, and So Smitten set up a wide array of old fashioned candy. There was lots of laughter, dancing, great speeches, and a rockin' version of Hava Nigila. Such a fun wedding to be a part of!

Photos by Russell Gearhart Photography and Chelsey Coleman for So Smitten Special Events (@apertureantics)

Venue: Millwick, Los Angeles
Planners: So Smitten Special Events
Decor and Flowers: So Smitten Special Events
Caterer: Summit Event Catering
Bar: Sunseri's
Cake: Lark Cake Shop
Photographer: Russell Gearhart Photography
DJ: Karene Daniels
Hair: Ava Brown
Makeup: Stephanie Navarro
Rentals: Apex Tent & Party
Coat Check: Night & Day Productions
Vintage China Plates: Cherished Rentals
Valet: White Label Valet
Shuttle: GTS Charter
Hotel: Hilton Checkers Los Angeles
Rehearsal Dinner: DRAGO Centro