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: jenn & andrew

It was a celebration of love, as Jenn and Andrew were married. The two chose a venue with high ceilings and brick walls, providing the rustic feeling they desired.  As lights draped the venue, candles burned bright, symbolizing the love between the two. The magical day for Jenn and Andrew was a cheerful occasion as family and friends joined in the festivities. 

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue/Reception Venue/Lighting: 440 Seaton
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: With Love Market & Cafe
Caterer (Drinks): Chichen Itza
Caterer (Appetizers): With Love Market & Cafe
Drinks/Alcohol: BevMo!
Service Staff: NDP
Cake/Dessert: Oaxaca Vegan Bakery c/o With Love Market & Cafe
Florist: Flower Couture by Stephanie
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Photo Booth: Shelby & Kristina Moulden
Band/DJ: Erna & The Erratics
Hair/Makeup: Soleil Salon
Party Rentals: OC Events
 

real wedding shenanigans: kristen & mickey

Kristen and Mickey tied the knot amongst their dearest family, friends and nearby livestock at the Centennial Farms located at the OC Fair and Event Center. Guests made their way to the red Millennium Barn for an authentic down home celebration of cool libations, barbeque, music, and a backdrop of sounds from various animals on the farm. Tables were set with white and pink roses combined with white hydrangeas in wooden crates, burlap wrapped bottles with baby’s breath, tea lights in mason jars and flower seed favors. In lieu of serving traditional wedding cake for dessert, guests were treated to warm, toasty, sweet funnel cake, topped with fruit and whip cream compliments of Feeding Frenzy – Funnel Cake Truck. Delicious! Cheered on by their loved ones, the bride and groom formally departed in a newly-purchased-just-for-their-wedding, vintage white Buick Riviera draped in white crepe flowers, pom poms, and balloons with a “Just Married” sign to complete the look. Congrats Kristen and Mickey!

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Day-of Coordination: So Smitten Special Events
Wedding Invitations: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Millennium Barn at the OC Fair Grounds
Caterer/Bar: Spectra
Dessert: Feeding Frenzy - Funnel Cake Truck
Flowers: Diane Shrake Florist
Officiant: Robert Ladd
Photographer/Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
DJ/MC: Battleson Entertainment
Photo Booth: DJ Tempoe Entertainment
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Hair: Sarah Tevis and Jen Combs
Makeup: Mallorie Mason       

Video by Michael Farmer Photography

real wedding shenanigans: eryn & mike

Eryn and Mike were married at a private rustic lot tucked away in the hills of Bell Canyon. On that rainy day, miraculously the sun peeked out and the rain stopped long enough to have the outdoor ceremony that our bride and groom’s hearts were set on. Surrounded by their family and friends, along with their dog Henry, all gathered under mists of rain to embrace Eryn and Mike as they exchanged their vows. The reception was held at the private residence and childhood home of the groom, set in a beautifully landscaped backyard under clear tents with strings of market lights and brightly colored yarn tassels. Guests enjoyed “Passion Fruit Habanero Diablo Pops with a Beer” specialty cocktails, tray-passed hor d’oeuvres, and catering from Diablo Taco. Hand potted succulents and mason jars filled with assorted florals placed on hand cut wood rounds with wooden and burlap accents came together perfectly, creating a warm rustic inspired atmosphere. Glasses were raised and toasts were made followed by a great night of music and dancing in the brisk night air. Cheers!

Photos by Jenn Emerling Weddings

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Day-of coordination: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Private Residence
Caterer: Diablo Taco
Bar Service: Liquid Catering
Cake/Desserts: Crave Dessert Co.
Officiant: Robert Gibson
DJ/MC: The Flashdance
Photographer: Jenn Emerling Weddings
Videographer: Sharkpig
Rentals: AAA Rents & Events
Transportation: Riz Transportation Services 

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

artistic inspiration: camping

As epitomized by the photos below, camping-themed weddings are fun, relaxed, and nostalgic. Surrounded by the great outdoors, you can intrigue your guests with a campfire, design make-your-own-s'mores-kits as party favors, remind everyone of the happy camping days of their childhood, and provide a romantic evening under the stars.



















Images: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19

artistic inspiration: provence

Today, we're taking a little trip across the pond and drawing inspiration from the Provence region in France. We think it would be delightful to see the colors, textures, and food from this region translated into a casual, rustic wedding. Start with an outdoor venue, mix in a vintage dress, add romantic flowers and bunches of lavender, sprinkle in rustic elements like vintage cafe chairs and milk bottles, toss in a fabulously rustic feast complete with figs, cheese, and crusty bread, and finish the whole thing off with gorgeous trays of macaroons. Um, to the bride who throws this fête? We'd like an invitation, thanks.


Draw a little color inspiration from Provence! Olive green, fig purple, lavender, sage green, and cream pull together the look and feel of the French countryside.


image credits from top: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14