birthday party shenanigans: mariana's batzceneara & nancy's 80th birthday

So Smitten Events had the pleasure of planning an extravagant triple-birthday celebration held at the Palos Verdes Golf Course in picturesque Palos Verdes Peninsula. The guests of honor were Mariana, celebrating not only her Bat Mitzvah, but also her Quinceañera, and her grandmother Nancy, who was celebrating her 80th Birthday. Mariana’s combo milestone was quickly coined as a “Batceñeara!” Lavish, custom-designed “Batceñeara” & 80th Birthday invitations were created and hand addressed by So Smitten. The inspiration behind the design of the invitation suite was themed after the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, utilizing shades of Tiffany Blue, jet black, and silver foil, including black satin bows, and hand applied rhinestones for a touch of bling. Custom, handmade décor and signage included diamond studded frames for photos, printed table numbers, timeless quotes from Audrey Hepburn like, “Life is a party…Dress like it” and “Don’t be like the rest of them Darling” and various signage. For that extra added flair, specialty made 3-tiered, pearl chair drapes were designed to be hung on the backs of black wood chiavary chairs. The event was held on a gorgeous day attended by family and friends. Mariana’s Bat Mitzvah ceremony was held in the outdoor garden of the club under an archway of white florals, intertwined with crystal and pearls. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed conversation, tray passed hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and views of green fairways from the patio. Guests located their tables from the lovely display of diamond escort card holders with matching Tiffany Blue name cards. The celebration continued with 200 guests singing “Happy Birthday” to Grandma Nancy with a beautifully lit cake and surprise serenade by the Mariachis. Events continued with a slideshow honoring Nancy and Mariana, a traditional Quinceañera group waltz, and a special freestyle dance with Mariana and her friends. Tablescapes consisted of turquoise and black linens, pearl napkin rings, silver flatware, plate chargers, and mercury votives, bedazzled framed quotes and photos. Black chiavari chairs with pearl drapes complimented by crystal candelabras adorning white rose and hydrangea florals were placed on large round mirrors reflecting stunning accents throughout the space. An array of Mexican cuisine was served along with a plethora of sweet frosted Tiffany Blue glazed donuts, Mexican wedding cookies, and hand painted “M” sugar cookies. Young guests had a blast with their festive party favors given in Tiffany-esq gift bags filled with glow-in-the-dark neon glasses, neon flashing rings, black sun glasses and maracas. The photo booth was a hit where all guests posed with their fun party props in front of the trendy New York Tiffany & Co. backdrop. The night closed with the arrival of a 32-passenger shuttle bus to escort the teen guests equipped with blue soda pop and games as they made their way home. An amazing night of traditions, dancing, and birthday celebration was had by all. Feliz Cumpleaños Mariana and Grandma Nancy! 

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Full Service Event Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer: Palos Verdes Golf Club
Officiant: Janet Liss
Cake/Desserts: Torrance Bakery
Florist: Green Leaf Designs
DJ/MC:  Michael Angelo Music
Mariachi: Mariachi Romanza
Photographer/Videographer/Photo Booth: Michael Farmer Photography
Shuttle: GTS Charter
Shuttle Chaperone: Angela Hernandez
Invitation Creation/Styling: So Smitten Special Events
Invitation Hand Addressing: Jill Herrera for So Smitten Special Events
Decor: Jill Herrera for So Smitten Special Events
Rentals: OC Events
Rentals: Royal Elegance Designs
Car: Classy Chassis

real wedding shenanigans: karla & gus

Karla and Gus were married at the Neighborhood Church, a gorgeous landmark site perched on the cliffs of Palos Verdes with epic Pacific Ocean views of the coastline clear to Malibu. Pristine vintage cars lined the paved driveway leading to the entrance of the church doors. An amazing means of classic transportation and photo opportunities for the newlyweds and bridal party as they exit in style and make their way to equally gorgeous locations along the coast for photos. Guests arrived at Michael’s Tuscany Room in San Pedro for cocktail hour and reception. Michael’s is a beautiful space exuding old world charm, exposed high beam ceilings, and a sweeping staircase perfect for a grand entrance. The bride and groom awaited on the second floor preparing for their grand entrance down the staircase to greet their family and friends. Our lovely couple relished in the few minutes of down time while we made sure they relaxed with drink in hand, giving them a chance to absorb the moment and of course a “selfie” with their wedding planners. The tablescape consisted of ivory and gold linens, ornate white lanterns with coral and pink floral arrangements, and gold mercury votives throughout, setting the romantic atmosphere for an evening of glowstick dancing and celebration for the happy couple. Salute! 

Photos by Buns Photography

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: The Neighborhood Church
Officiant: Church Minister
Reception Venue/Caterer: Michael's Tuscany Room
Cake: Polly Ann Bakery - San Pedro, CA
Florist: Flower Duet
DJ/MC/Lighting: VOX DJs
Photographer: Buns Photography
Photo Booth: Pure HD Photo Booth
Hair/Makeup: Leticia Reyes
Rentals: AC Chair Covers
Car: Father of the Groom
Hotel/Shuttle: Crowne Plaza LA Harbor
Invitation Styling/Hand Addressing: Jill Herrera for So Smitten Special Events  

real wedding shenanigans: alanna & david

Alanna and David were married at the Palos Verdes Golf Course situated on the stunning Palos Verdes Peninsula. Their ceremony was held in the outdoor wedding garden under a peoni, rose, and lily-adorned archway overlooking lush green fairways and ponds. Rose petals, mixed floral clusters, and hand made wooden signage lined the pathway for the stunning bride to meet her handsome husband-to-be. Guests mingled over cocktails and enjoyed gorgeous views from the patio. The escort cards were CDs of the bride and groom’s favorite music. These cards were beautifully hand painted in shades of aqua and gold serving as a lovely musical keepsake for guests. The reception was held in the Spanish style clubhouse with panoramic views of the ocean and city hillsides. Illuminated LOVE and XOXO marquee letters accompanied by bright florals, and glowing gold-trimmed geo vases with navy candles were placed throughout the foyer. The dining space consisted of gorgeous inspirations of navy, aqua and gold. Detailed tablescapes of navy sequins linens, fine gold flatware, glass and gold accented plate chargers, aqua mercury votives, framed hand written love-inspired quotes, unique Brazilian agate table numbers, gold chiavari chairs, and farmhouse tables achieved an incredible chic setting complimented by eye-appealing backdrops of Palos Verdes. Guests savored the lavish array of food stations, delicious eats, wedding cake and signature ice cream sandwiches and soda float bar from Coolhaus Ice Cream Truck. After a memorable evening of celebration and dancing, the bride and groom’s guests gave them a stylish send off under a canopy of bright flickering sparklers as they were whisked away into the night in a beautiful vintage Rolls Royce. Congratulations Alanna and David!

Photos by Marianne Wilson Photography

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Full Service Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Wedding invitations and Custom Website: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer: Palos Verdes Golf Club
Officiant: Pastor Wayne Chaney
Cake: Torrance Bakery
Ice Cream Truck: Coolhaus
Florist: Green Leaf Designs
DJ/MC: Jev the DJ
Photographer: Marianne Wilson Photography
Photo Booth: DJ Tempoe
Table Rentals: Rustic Events
Party/Lighting Rentals: OC Events
Flatware Rental: Signature Party Rentals
Car: Classy Chassis
Hair: Cynthia Moultrie
Makeup: Jazzmene Ellison