real wedding shenanigans: safura & bradley

Marni Farmer March 19, 2017

Safura and Brad met at a BBQ in 2014, and on March 19, 2017, they were joined together in marriage. Family and friends flew from all over the country to celebrate the union of this beautiful couple at the Ebell in Long Beach, CA.
The festivities began with an Iranian Sofreh ceremony. Family and friends covered the bride and groom with a canopy, sprinkled them with sugar, to symbolize sweetness in their lives, while they said their vows sitting in front of a sofreh table full of items symbolizing many blessings for the couple. A traditional ceremony followed, with a scripture reading from one of the best men.
The Ebell is a venue with great character and many, many places for great photos; including the women's restroom. Guests enjoyed old-fashioned cocktails and appetizers while the bride and groom made the most of the natural light in the building to get some great photos. One of the best parts about the Ebell, is that you can have the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in one classic, intimate space. The day combined, old & new, multiple cultural traditions, young & slightly less young, and the lives of two great people.

photos by Marni and Shaunté for So Smitten

photos by Duane Peck Photography

Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: The Ebell Club of Long Beach
Caterer/Bar: Tres LA
Florist: Magnolia's
Cake: Cake Monkey
Photographer: Duane Peck Photography
DJ: DJ Mike Damn!
Rentals: OC Events
Hair/Makeup: Meg Ohare beauty
Officiant: Mayra Gamez, Hamid Jafarian, & Susan Kavoosi
Pianist: Weinglass Music

real wedding shenanigans: karla & gus

Jill Herrera May 14, 2016

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: T he 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: eryn & mike

Marni Farmer April 9, 2016

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: larke & russell

Marni Farmer October 31, 2015

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!