Real Wedding Shenanigans: Teresa & Hoang

Facing the breathtaking mountain side, white garden chairs were lined together for Teresa and Hoang’s wedding day celebration. Teresa walked down a white aisle runner, where she met her husband-to-be under a rustic arch with floral arrangements clustered on the sides. Sipping on cocktails, guests shared their wishes and advice to the newly wedded couple, as they wrote down their thoughts in Teresa and Hoang’s photo album. The day was sealed with dancing under the tree twinkle lights and joyous times together. Congratulations again to Teresa and Hoang, we wish you both the best! 

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer/Bar: MountainGate Country Club
Cake: Jaqki's Cake Creations
Transportation: Riz Transportation
Florist: Flower Couture by Stephanie
Photographer: Mary Costa Photography
Videographer: Theatre 10 Films
DJ/Lighting/Photo Booth: Vox DJs
Hair/Makeup: Amy H. Makeup

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Amanda & Michael

Amanda and Michael had a heartfelt, outdoor ceremony at The Resort at Pelican Hill. A dreamy wedding in Newport Beach, set the tone for the breathtaking nuptials. The couples guests were able to enjoy live music and views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Continuing into the reception, this wedding held elegance throughout. From the personalised hexagon cards to the tall trumpet flower arrangements, Amanda and Michael's wedding was exquisite!

Photos by Mi Belle Photography, Video by Yours Truly Media.

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer: The Resort at Pelican Hill
Ceremony Musicians: Seaside Strings
Florist: Florals by Jenny
Photographer: Mi Belle Photography
Videographer: Yours Truly Media
Live Band/MC: Jukebox
Rentals/Lighting: Chiavari Chairs Rentals
Hair/Makeup: Meg O'Hare Beauty
Guest Transportation: Riz Transportation Services

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Meagan & Adam

White flower petals lined the aisle way for Meagan and Adam's special day. The two shared their moment at the Mountain Gate Country Club, located in Los Angeles, California. Flowers decorating the canopy and delicate pink accents, enhanced the ceremony and reception's natural beauty. The day was a magical wedding setting that brought forth the love between Meagan and Adam. 

Photos by Lin and Jirsa

Coordinator: So Smitten Events
Venue: Mountain Gate Country Club
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Diddy Riese
Florist: The Bloemist
Photographer: Lin and Jirsa
Videographer: Theatre 10 Films
Band: Downbeat LA-Gold Standard
Hair: Drybar
Makeup: Glam Squad
Rentals: OC Events
Transportation: First Student Charter Bus Rental

real wedding shenanigans: stephanie & rosty

Stephanie and Rosty were married at the historical St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral on Saturday, September 3, 2016. St. John’s is located in the University Park area in downtown Los Angeles. Rosty proposed to Stephanie on June 25th of this year. We had a great time working with Stephanie and Rosty during this whirlwind of fast and furious planning. We cannot go without mentioning Stephanie’s mom, Annette who via long distance was unbelievably generous with her time and assistance in planning for her daughter and son-in-law’s wedding day.

If you have ever imagined having both your ceremony and your reception in a historic cathedral setting, this is the place. The interior of the cathedral is magnificent. Over ninety years old, St. John’s cathedral withholds so much beauty with its Italian Neo-Romanesque architecture displayed in intricate vibrant hued mosaics, ornate details, painted wood high-beamed ceilings, Italian marble columns, and a majestic altar. With love in the air, the bride’s father escorted his beautiful daughter down the aisle to meet her groom. The bride and groom’s family pastor conducted a lovely intimate ceremony among their closest family and friends. Guests included family that traveled from Russia here to the U.S. As a gift to their guests, the bride and groom had guitarist Kevin Enstrom perform a mini concert for all to enjoy after the bridal party recessional.

Pretty floral arrangements created by the Maid of Honor and bridesmaids in shades of white and peach were placed along the aisles, adorned the altar and entryway, adding to the surrounding décor of the cathedral. After the ceremony, guests were escorted to the patio for cocktail hour, Mexican-inspired small bites, refreshing sangria, watermelon aqua fresca (delicious!), music, and lawn games. From ceremony to reception, the transformation of the sanctuary was unreal. Guests were amazed at the dramatic change in appearance as they were welcomed back into the cathedral for the reception. We absolutely loved the overwhelming response of excitement from Stephanie and Rosty as they entered the transformed space for their grand entrance and first dance as husband and wife…priceless. We incorporated tablescapes of navy linens, white lace runners, tons of tea lights, silver bells, florals placed in gold dipped vases set in a candle lit cathedral, creating an incredibly unique vision for all to see. Special thanks to Deacon Fernando Valdez of St. John’s who was absolutely amazing to work with. We couldn’t have done it without you and your staff!

Guests relaxed and mingled while enjoying their made-to-order tacos, heart-warming speeches, and champagne toasts. The evening came to a close with cake cutting, and a quick wardrobe change to prepare for the grand exit. Family and friends gathered outside the bronze church doors for the grand exit with paper cones of fresh lavender for tossing. Luggage in hand, Stephanie and Rosty made their way through the human tunnel of flowing lavender and cheers as they made their grand departure. The groom whisked away his bride for a surprise trip. Destination: unknown. Off they rode into the sunset...happily ever after. 

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Full Service Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: St. John's Episcopal Cathedral
Officiant: Pastor Harrison Sommer
Caterer: My TacoMan
Bar: National Bar Staffing
Alcohol:  BevMo
Fruit Platters: Whole Foods
Desserts: The French Confection Co.
Florist: Twigs and Thyme
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Guitarist: Kevin Enstrom
DJ/MC: DJ2A "Double A" Entertainment
Rentals: Parlani

real wedding shenanigans: Private Event

So Smitten had the pleasure of coordinating a private wedding for a lovely couple held at their stunning Brentwood home. The setting couldn’t have been more splendid. On a warm summer night guests entered a spectacular secret garden with several pathways leading to shady corners, waterfalls, ivy archways, and vintage furniture surrounded by various foliage textures and colors. A custom wood covering was designed to convert the pool and jacuzzi to an amazing open space for the ceremony to be held. Rows of iron ornate garden chairs and lanterns aligned the aisle for the bride to greet her groom while musicians sang the couples love song. Classical music performed by a string trio played for the guests as butterflies were released during their vows. Farmhouse, wood rounds, and garden iron tables were brought in and placed in various locations throughout this unique indoor and outdoor setting. Tables were dressed with fine china and silver, tinted glassware, embroidered white linen, gold mercury votive candles and bright gorgeous roses in mason jars. Floral archways and lush table garland adorned the beautifully set tablescapes. Dark custom wood signage including Mr. & Mrs., table numbers, reserved seating, Here Comes the Bride, and a suite of directional signs popped against the lush green background. Afterwards, friends and family enjoyed photos, conversation, cocktails, tray passed hors d’oeuvres and music. Guests were seated for dinner under strings of market lights and stars. Special dance and musical performances were featured by well known artists in honor of the bride and groom. Dancing ensued while specialty desserts were served along with a s'mores bar, a popular campfire treat. The evening was outstanding. The most exquisite venue can sometimes be in our own backyard. Thank you to our bride and groom for the incredible honor in allowing us to transform your magical garden into the ideal venue for your dream wedding. It was truly a vision of romance and charm. Congratulations to the lovely bride and groom!

Photos by Marni Farmer & Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Photos by Birds of a Feather

Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: Private Residence
Caterer: Market Provisions
Desserts: B Sweet
Smore Bar: S'MORE PLAY
Florist: The Bloemist
String Trio: Seaside Strings
DJ/MC: Lee Dyson
Photographer: Birds of a Feather
Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Rentals/Lighting: Town & Country
Hair: Sarah Osterberg
Makeup: Judy Haft
Valet: Chuck's Parking Service, Inc. 

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: sandra & alan

Sandra and Alan were married in a beautiful ceremony at California Heights United Methodist Church in Long Beach, California, followed by a gorgeous reception at the bride's parents' house. So Smitten worked closely with Sandra to create a soft, romantic aura for the reception, which featured delicious Mexican food, a photo booth, lawn games, dancing, and a surprise mariachi performance. There's nothing we love more than a beautiful backyard wedding in the summer.

Planners: So Smitten Special Events
Caterer: Summit Catering and Events
Bar Service: Sunseri's
Tent and Rentals: OC Events
Flowers: Flowers by Laurel
Additional Flowers and Decor: So Smitten Special Events
Cake: Sweet & Saucy Shop
Transportation: Classy Chassis
Photographer: Hartman Outdoor Photography
DJ: DJ Jonathan
Photo Booth: DJ Tempoe
Hair and Makeup: Stephanie Scholz
Portable Toilets: Mission Valley Sanitation

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.