Real Wedding Shenanigans: Jayme & Dane

Amidst the venues acres of vines, Jayme and Dane tied the knot on this summer night. Live music set the tone for guests to stand as Jayme made her way to the alter. Family and friends adorned this setup and arch display. Welcoming all to an outdoor reception with crafted cocktails and seasonally inspired dinner, Jayme and Dane created an unforgettable and unique day that was loved by all. Cheers Jayme and Dane to a fantastic future together! So Smitten provided day-of coordination.

Photos by Dana Grant Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer/Bar: Malibu Solstice Vineyard
Caterer: Rita’s Gourmet Catering
Bar: Yasmina’s Craft Bar
Cake/Desserts: Affogato Bar and Nick’s Butter Cake
Coffee Bar: Arrvo Coffee Bar
DJ: DART Collective
Design & Decor: Kelly Kling
Photographer: Dana Grant Photography
Videographer: John Kim
Hair/Makeup: Cindy ProStylist
Rentals/Lighting: A Rental Connection

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Ana & Chad

Los Verdes Golf Course provided a gorgeous photo location, where the special day of Anna and Chad was captured. Feeling nothing but happiness, the two were surrounded by family and friends as they recited their vows. Shades of green throughout the venue’s landscape and floral arrangements added sweet elegance, making this day unforgettable. Congratulations to Ana and Chad on their magical day together!

Photos by Chloe Atnip Photography

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer/Bar: Los Verdes Golf Course
Cake/Desserts: Los Verdes Golf Course
Photographer: Chloe Atnip Photography
Florist: Flower Duet
Video: Robles Video Productions
DJ: Carcano DJ
Hair & Make Up: Golden Glow Beauty
Photo Booth: AMP Booths
Late Night Snack: The Churro Man

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: Lizette & Sergio

Overlooking the Santa Monica Mountains, Lizette and Sergio celebrated their day at MountainGate Country Club. Highlighting the spectacular scenery, the couples florist created a lovely floral arch, outlining the perfect backdrop. While the two snuck off for some memorable photos, guests were treated to the sounds of Ocadima Strings, as the harpist played during the cocktail hour. Wowing their guests, the floral designs captured the effortless beauty of the property. It was a lovely day as all celebrated the wedding of Lizette and Sergio!

Photos by Hitched Photo

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer/Bar: Mountain Gate Country Club
Cake: Hansen’s Cakes
Florist: Flowers by Laurel
Photographer: Hitched Photo
Videographer: Atherton Media Group
DJ: Ultra Event Group
Harpist: Ocdamia Strings
Mariachi: Mariachi Divas
Photo Booth: Vox Djs

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Brianna & Jonathan

La Venta Inn, which has been a landmark since the 1920s, was the perfect setting for Brianna and Jonathan's magical day. The two recited their vows in the lush garden, overlooking the ocean. Following the cocktail hour in the courtyard, the guests were treated to a delectable feast prepared by the culinary team. Surrounded by family and friends, the enchanting day made all of Brianna and Jonathan's wedding dreams come true! 

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Wedding Decor/Design: A Good Affair
Venue/Caterer/Bar: La Venta Inn/NYFC
Cake: Torrance Bakery
Florist: Flowers by Laurel
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
DJ/Lighting/Photo Booth: Vox DJs
Band/String Quartet: Gemini Strings
Hair/Makeup: Beach Vibes Beauty Studio
Limo/Guest Transportation: Los Angeles Limousine

 

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

real wedding shenanigans: jade & derek

Derek and Jade were married at the beautiful Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, California. The winter wedding had a touch of glam with a whole lot of country. The ceremony took place at dusk, and guests snuggled together with warm blankets and drank warm apple cider. The couple's cute pug Chloe even made an appearance as one of the flowergirls. The reception featured fun choreographed dances, the rockin' live band, Tina Michelle and the Rhinestone Cowboys, and a delicious cake by Portos. Jade is a singer, and she and her friends serenaded the crowd with a mini concert. At the end of the evening, the venue cleared out while the happy couple shared one last dance before running through a throng of guests throwing rose petals as they made their grand exit.

Photos and video by Michael Farmer Photography

Day-of Coordination: So Smitten Special Events
Invitations and custom website: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue and Caterer: Calamigos Ranch
Reception Venue: The Redwood Room at Calamigos Ranch
Officiant: Pastor Jim Bullock
Cake/Dessert: Porto's - Glendale
Florist: Memory Made for You
Bar/Drinks: Coronado Brewing Company
Photographer/Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Band: Tina Michelle & The Rhinestone Cowboys
Hair/Make-Up: Maxima Makeup Artistry
Limo/Car: Rental SUV
Lighting: DIY Uplighting
Decor: Memory Made for You

real wedding shenanigans: karen & tana

Karen and Tana were married in a beautiful ceremony at the Inn of the Seventh Ray surrounded by thousands of twinkle lights, the greenery of Topanga Canyon, and the love and support of their friends and family. Their vows were romantic, moving, funny, and joyful, leaving not a dry eye in the house. The evening continued with a rockin' reception featuring a delicious farm-to-table dinner, a super-fun photo booth, coconut cream cake, dancing galore, and a sweet sparkler send-off. The theme and decor were inspired by the woodsy location and ambient lighting. Since it was a winter wedding, we threw in a touch of winter without getting too Christmas-y. We also included fun decor such as marquee lights, conversation starters, and cute chalkboard signs. We had a blast working with this lovely couple to create their dream wedding, and we wish them a lifetime of happiness!

Photos by Melanie Ruth for So Smitten Special Events

Full-service wedding planning: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony and reception venue: Inn of the Seventh Ray
Caterer: Inn of the Seventh Ray
Photography and videography: Blushing Bride Photo Video
Flowers: Acton Creative Flowers
Cake: Inn of the Seventh Ray
Paper goods and signage: So Smitten Special Events
Decor: So Smitten Special Events
Music: DJ Gino, Michael Angelo Music
Photo Booth: DJ Tempoe Entertainment
Hair and makeup: Monica Duldulao
Transportation: GTS Charter