Real Wedding Shenanigans: Lucy & Greg

Embarking on their wedding day, Lucy and Greg chose to get whisked away by love with picturesque views. The couple exchanged vows overlooking the ocean bluffs. Following the cocktail hour, guests were seated and served a delicious dinner. For dessert, the bride and groom surprised all with sweet treats from Mr. and Mrs. Creamery. As the night went on, the celebration continued. Cheers to more laughter and happy moments, Lucy & Greg! So Smitten provided full service planning, design and day-of coordination.

Photos by Yours Truly Media

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: The Point Vicente Interpretive Center
Caterer: Summit Event Catering
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Sunseri’s
Dessert: Mr and Mrs Creamery
Florist: GingerSnap Florals
Photographer: Yours Truly Media
DJ: Dennis Waller Entertainment
Hair/Makeup: Amy H Makeup
Party Rentals: MTB Event Rentals
Guest Transportation: Riz Transportation

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Ali & Byron

Waking up in Malibu, bride Ali and her soon-to-be husband Byron, each eagerly awaited the moment the two of them would see each other for the first time. Together, they planned a whimsical wedding that enhanced all of the natural elements outside. To do this, they comprised a neutral-toned color palette with accents of sage that highlighted each decor piece. From the decor to fine dining, this wedding was a hit! Family and friends could not have been happier for the married couple, and neither could we. Congratulations Ali and Byron! So Smitten provided full service planning, design and day-of coordination.

Photography by Elyana Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: Pepperdine University Stauffer Chapel
Reception Venue: Adamson House
Caterer / Bar: 24 Carrots
Cake/Dessert: Sweet & Saucy Shop
Florist: GingerSnap Florals
Photographer: Elyana Photography
Videographer: Yours Truly Media
Photo Booth: Tempoe Entertainment DJs
Band/DJ: Jason Sulkin Music
Hair/Makeup: Crowned Studio
Party Rentals: MTB Event Rentals
Invitations: Minted
Limo/Car/Guest Transportation: Riz Transportation

Omaze Holiday Party

The Carondelet House was filled with warmth and charm, creating a beautiful atmosphere for the Omaze Holiday Party. Guests were treated to an unforgettable experience as they were wowed by all of the surprise elements that were planned for the night. From Mark Paskell to Sirena Martell, jaws dropped as all were stunned by the talented magician and tarot card readings. In between acts, guests dined on delicious appetizers and captured the night through some photo booth fun!

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Carondelet House
Photographer/Photo Booth: Michael Farmer Photography
Florist: Gingersnap Florals
DJ: Tempoe Entertainment DJs
Magician: Mark Paskell Entertainment
Tarot Card Reader: Sirena Martell
Late Night Snack: Domino’s Pizza

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Alejandra & Bernardo

Surrounded by those near and dear to them, Alejandra and Bernardo committed their love to one another in a romantic ceremony, underneath a heart-shaped arch. In an outdoor setting, the venues catering team designed a unique menu for the couple, including some of their most divine dishes. Knowing they wanted to treat their guests to a personalized day, the bride and groom had every detail covered from specialized menus to personalized party favors. This heartfelt day was truly amazing and we send our best to Alejandra and Bernanrdo! 

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer/Bar: The Grand Long Beach
Cake: Rossmoor Pastries
Ceremony Musicians: Seaside Strings
Videographer: Sergio Anthony Films
DJ: Geo Beltran

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Kavita & Kiran

Kavita and Kiran were married at Hilton Universal on March 10, in Los Angeles, Ca. As ambient music played during the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed appetizers and the couple's signature drink, a Moscow Mule. Taking a step inside the reception hall, glass hurricanes vases were filled with tall leaf centerpieces, set on gold mirror trays. Accenting the tables, fern leaves were laid on each napkin and placed together with Burgundy chiffon ties, making for lovely decor. From the grand entrance to the fresh and flavorful cake, this wedding covered every detail imaginable. A magical day it was, we loved celebrating Kavita and Kiran's wedding together!

Photos by Anza Foto + Film

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Florist: GingerSnap Florals
Venue/Bar: Hilton Universal
Caterer: Diamond Palace
Cake: Porto's Bakery & Cafe
Horse: Enchanted Carriages
Photographer/Videographer: Anza Foto + Film
Photo Booth: Photobooth Geeks
Rentals: OC Events
DJ/Lighting/Dhol Player: Sound Nation
Hair/Makeup: Dolled Up by Lulu
Mandap Rental: Krushna Mandap

smashing! cocktail: cupids kiss

Squee! Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and there's nothing we love more than days devoted to love. Why not stay home with your sweetie, curl up on the couch, and mix-up this sweet concoction? WARNING: Drinking Cupid's Kiss may lead to Valentine's Day shenanigans!

What are you doing for Valentine's Day?



Ingredients
1/2 oz. Chambord Raspberry Liqueur
1/2 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
1/2 oz. Smirnoff Vanilla Twist

Instructions
Shake with ice and strain into a white chocolate rimmed martini glass.

Recipe via. Images: 1/2/3.

smashing! cocktail: spiked hot cocoa



For winter weddings, we LOVE the idea of a hot cocoa bar.  We went to a wedding once where there was a coffee and hot cocoa bar complete with different flavors of whipped cream, rock candy instead of sugar cubes, lots of little jars of spices for dusting, and peppermint sticks for guests to kick their drink up a notch.  It was fantastic!

Spiked Hot Cocoa

Ingredients
  • 5 ounces good quality dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces (140 g)
  • 4 cups homogenized milk (1 litre)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (10 ml)
  • 1/2 cup Kahlua or Amarula liqueur (125 ml)
  • 1/4 cup whipping (35%) cream, whipped for garnish (60 ml)
  • Cocoa powder or finely grated chocolate, for garnish
Directions
  1. Over medium heat, heat the chocolate and milk in a saucepan, stirring until chocolate has fully melted. Whisk until mixture is hot and frothy. Add liqueur and vanilla and continue to whisk until mixture is hot.
  2. Remove from heat, pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and dust with cocoa or garnish with grated chocolate. Make about 6 cups (1200 ml).

(recipe via; image credits: 1/2/3/4)

smashing! carmel apple martini

 

In honor of fall, we are featuring the super-yummy caramel apple martini. This elegant martini is a fun and tasty twist on your everyday appletini. Plus, it's candy-sweet and you barely even taste the booze. Talk about dangerously delish!  Garnish with your own special touch whether it be a dried apple slice, rock candy stick, drizzled caramel on the glass, or a squirt of whipped cream on top.

Caramel Apple Martini
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce sour apple schnapps
1/2 fluid ounce butterscotch schnapps
1 cup crushed ice
1 slice dried apple

Directions
Combine vodka, schnapps, and crushed ice in a shaker. Shake vigorously to chill. Pour into martini glass, garnish, and serve.

smashing! cocktail: champagne mojito



This champagne mojito makes us think of a beautiful warm day complete with a slight breeze. Combine fresh mint, tangy lime, and a splash of bubbly for a sweet treat you and your guests will love.


Ingredients
Serves 12
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
1 1/2 cups packed mint leaves, plus 12 mint sprigs, for garnish
6 limes, cut into wedges
2 cups light rum
Cracked ice
3 cups Champagne or sparkling wine


Directions
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water and cook over high heat just until the sugar has dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.

In a large pitcher, combine the sugar syrup with the mint leaves and lime wedges and muddle well with a wooden spoon. Add the rum and stir well. Strain the drink into another pitcher.

Fill tall glasses with cracked ice and pour in the drink, filling them about two-thirds full. Top with Champagne, garnish with the mint sprigs and serve.



Recipe via. Images: 1/2/3.

smashing! cocktail: adult snow cone



This refreshing cocktail based on the nostalgic summer treat is perfect for a carnival or circus-themed wedding. The kids in attendance will love it, and you can serve the grown-up version featuring one of these delicious concoctions below...

STEP 1: Make your snow
  • Place approximately six cups of ice into a food processor fitted with the grater blade, and shave to a fine texture.
  • Using an ice cream scoop, transfer a cup of shaved ice into a chilled cocktail glass or paper snow cone cup.
  • No matter what spirits you add to the ice, try to cool them before adding to the ice.
STEP 2: Add your flavor
Slowly drizzle any of these chilled concoctions over the ice. Decorate with a garnish to add a burst of color.

1. ITALIAN FREEZE
Toss a few ice cubes to a cocktail shaker, add 1 cup Campari and shake. Garnish with a lemon twist.

2. CREAMSICLE POP
Mix 1/2 cup orange concentrate, 1/2 cup Cointreau, and 3 tablespoons vanilla vodka in cocktail shaker and shake.

3. FROZEN MUDSLIDE
Add 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur, 1 ounce cream, and 1 ounce coffee liqueur to an ice-filled shaker.

4. ICE JOLT
Pour 1 cup of your favorite cream coffee liqueur into an ice-filled shaker and shake. Garnish with a coffee bean.

5. BERRY DELICIOUS
Add 1 cup vodka, 3 tablespoons crême de Cassis, and 1 cup fresh blueberries to a cocktail shaker. Muddle the blueberries in the shaker, then add ice. Shake and garnish with a blueberry.

Recipe via. Images 1/2/3.

smashing! cocktail: pink elephant martini



This fun and funky martini would be perfect at any circus, carnival, or pink-themed wedding!

Ingredients
1 part white cranberry juice
1 part berry vodka
1/2 part raspberry liqueur (recommended: Chambord)
1/2 part Limoncello
 
Directions
Add all ingredients to a shaker full of ice. Shake well and pour into chilled martini glasses.

Recipe via. Images clockwise from top: 1/2/3.

Smashing! The Rosemary Cocktail


A martini can go a lot of ways.  Classic, modern, luxe, posh, uptown, downtown.  We like the idea of serving this twist on the classic at a minimalist, ultra modern fête.  Gold accents encouraged for extra glitz.    

Ingredients:
16 pimento-stuffed olives, in brine
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 (6-inch) sprig fresh rosemary
1 bottle (750 ml) gin
1/4 cup dry vermouth

At least 1 day before serving, combine the olives and chopped rosemary in a small dish and pour over some of the brine from the olive jar to cover. Cover and refrigerate.

About 1 hour before serving, rub the sprig of rosemary between the palms of your hands for 10 to 15 seconds and put it in a cocktail pitcher. Pour the gin and vermouth over, stir to mix, and refrigerate.

Just before serving, add a generous handful of ice cubes to the pitcher and stir gently for a minute to give it an extra dose of chill. Pour the martini into stemless martini glasses, leaving the ice behind in the pitcher. Very briefly rinse the olives to remove any clinging rosemary and spear 2 each onto cocktail picks or small rosemary sprigs (with lower leaves removed), adding a pick to each glass.

Cook's notes: Double or triple all the ingredients, refrigerating extra to refill the pitcher as needed. Marinate the olives up to 1 week ahead (be sure they’re covered in brine) and refrigerate. Prepare the gin and vermouth with rosemary and refrigerate up to 2 hours ahead. 

Recipe via. Image credits: 1/2/3

smashing! cocktail: the starlight royale


We love the concept of a signature cocktail at an event.  Be it a fancy martini or a secret family concoction, your guests will love the thought put into keeping them refreshed (and relaxed!). Every now and then, we'll feature a new signature cocktail from around the web or created by us.  Have a smashing recipe you'd like to submit?  We'd love to feature it (and taste test it, let's just be honest)!

This week, we're channeling Marilyn with a sparkly, pink cocktail jazzed up with a little lime, gin, and sugar on the rim.  Serve in champagne saucers for Gatsby-esque flair.  Delicious? Yes.  We'll take one (or three). 

Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups freshly squeezed lime juice (or 1 1/2 ounces per shaker), plus more for rims
1 1/2 cups gin (or 2 ounces per shaker)
1/2 cup superfine sugar (or 2 teaspoons per shaker)
1 bottle brut Champagne or sparkling wine (or 4 ounces per shaker)
Fine sanding sugar for rims
Grenadine

Mix lime juice, gin, and superfine sugar in a 2-quart pitcher; chill until ready to serve, several hours.

To serve, dip rims of glasses in lime juice, then sanding sugar, to coat with a 1-inch-wide band.  Measue 4 ounces Champagne or sparkling wine into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.  Add 3 1/2 ounces lime juice-and-gin mixture, and shake; strain into two glasses, and add 2 to 3 drops of grenadine to each.  Repeat. (Serves 12)

Recipe via. Image credits: 1/2