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: 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

real wedding shenanigans: connie & jason

Connie and Jason were married in the breathtaking rustic garden setting of the Beverly Park at the Garland Hotel in North Hollywood. The happy couple pledged their love for one another surrounded by beautiful sycamore trees, pristine lush green landscape, and over 350 of their closest family and friends.  Their chic, black-tie North Hollywood gathering continued as they were escorted in a white vintage beauty to Le Foyer Grand Ballroom for the reception. Guests arrived to an amazing ballroom of opalescent lighting, shimmering chandelier, glazed white dance floor, and Disney-themed centerpieces with pink floral and decorative accents throughout. The grand entrance began with a choreographed bridal party waltz, and led into a whimsical, fog-induced dance routine performed by the bride and groom. What a magical introduction to the 3-course, sit-down dinner that took place along with games, photo booth fun, music and dancing. Congratulations Connie and Jason! 

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Day-of coordination: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: The Garland Hotel
Reception Venue, Caterer: Le Foyer Grand Ballroom
Florist: Flower Couture By Stephanie
Cake: La Fleur Pastry
Officiant: Albert Hwu
Choreographer: Brynn Fehir
Reception DJ/MC: Ivan Kwan, MC
Photographer/Videographer: Justin Element Productions
Photo Booth: Element Photo Booth Company
Transportation: Byrd Limousine Service
Hair/Makeup: Luong Lasting

 

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: shiney and jeff

Shiney and Jeff got hitched in a beautiful ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Redondo Beach on the terrace overlooking the beach. Glam Event Stylists provided the amazing draping and lighting for the ceremony and ballroom reception (and provided us with these fabulous photos!). We had such a great time coordinating this wonderful day full of love, great speeches, and all night dancing.

Photos courtesy of Glam Event Stylists

Venue/caterer: Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach
Coordinators: So Smitten Special Events
Rentals/decor: Glam Event Stylist
Photography/videography: George Street Photo
Cake: Torrance Bakery
Photo Booth: Eleven Photo Booth
DJ: Danny from the D'Jay Company