Real Wedding Shenanigans: Tory & Michael

Tory and Michael’s guests were in awe of their modern and chic day that took place at the Hudson Loft. Picture this: rose gold chairs lining the way, as the beautiful bride walked down the aisle to meet her soon-to-be husband in the most exquisite veil. This intimate ceremony was just the beginning of a picture-perfect day for Tory and Michael. When guests made their way into the reception area, floral chandeliers, custom table decor, and accents of darker colors made this space a jaw-dropper. To Tory and Michael, their future together, and a life filled with so much happiness, cheers!

Photos by Jenna Bechtholt Photography

Video by Shutter and Sound Films

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Hudson Loft
Caterer: Summit Event Catering
Bar: Sunseri’s
Cake: Susie Cakes
Desserts: Chunk-n-Chip and Milk Bar
Florist: GingerSnap Florals
Photographer: Jenna Bechtholt Photography
Videographer: Shutter and Sound Films
Photo Booth: The Booth & Bus Co.
Magician: Rmax Goodwin
DJ: Vox DJ’s
Hair/Makeup: Cheek to Cheek
Transportation: Riz Transportation
Rentals: MTB Event Rentals, Archive Rentals, Nights of Neon and Trees by Steve

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Valentina & Brandon

Valentina and Brandon created a chic and timeless day as they wed in Los Angeles. For their summer themed wedding, the couples color palette was mixed with magenta, yellow, orange and coral tones. Valentina’s bridesmaid’s all joined in the fun and choose a dress amongst the bride’s color palette. These colors were infused throughout the day in all of the details, including colored goblet glasses that added spunk and character to the existing setup. When it came time for dancing, glow sticks were handed out and the venues signature fountain lit up with changing colors. With this light show, music and churros, you could tell that Valentina and Brandon were having the time of their lives!

Photos by Victoria Gold Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Grand Park LA
Bar: Sunseri’s
Food Truck #1: Kogi BBQ Taco Truck & Catering
Food Truck #2: The Habit
Dessert #1: Smore Play
Dessert #2: The Churro Man
Florist: Village Florist LA
Photographer: Victoria Gold Photography
Photo Booth: Get Dapper
Rentals/Lighting: MTB Event Rentals
Service Staff: Night and Day Productions
DJ: Vox DJs

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Julie & Daniel

On the day of their nuptials, Julie & Daniel wed in an outdoor ceremony with amphitheater seating. After the beautiful exchange of vows, hand written signage, welcomed guests to light appetizers and drinks. Woodsy decorations enhanced the venues warmth and charm, as did the rustic glower centerpieces with vibrant blooms. Picked out by the bride and groom, this stylish reception and delicious cuisine were absolutely divine. Cheers to Julie and Daniel and their amazing future together!

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Point Vicente Interpretive Center
Caterer: Lucille's
Bar: BevMo
Cake: Polly Ann Bakery
Service Staff: Night & Day Productions
Florist: Massey's House of Flowers
Photographer: Ivan Chen Photography
Transportation: Riz Transportation
DJ/Photo Booth/Lights: Micheal Angelo Music
Makeup: Lepique Beauty
Rentals: MTB Rentals

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 Inspiration: Wedding Planning Tips

When planning your wedding, there are many things to consider that include everything from shopping for the dream dress to executing the wedding shenanigans. That and so much more can begin to overwhelm many couples and even cloud the importance of the big day. To help eliminate those worries, we have complied some ideas that will help you and your partner hold that same dreamy day you both envisioned while saving money and staying in the moment! 

Photo by Whimsie Photographie

Wedding Planning Tips:

1. Opt for heavy tray-passed appetizers instead of a full seated dinner for a meet-and-mingle, cocktail party-style reception.
2. Find a venue/space that is so naturally beautiful or already has a lot of character to cut down on the amount of flowers and decor you may need.
3. Double the photo booth photos as the party favors for guests.
4. Opt for a beer and wine-only bar instead of a full premium bar.
5. Find a used wedding dress online (it's probably only been worn once!).
6. Have a friend or family member get ordained online and be your officiant (and hope they don't charge you a fee for performing your ceremony!). 
7. Use Uber/Lyft for day-of transportation.
8. Get a small one or two-tier cake for the cake cutting ceremony, and have the rest of the cake in sheets in the kitchen ready to be cut and served. Or opt for mini desserts instead of cake.
9. Use an email invitation service like Paperless Post for your save-the-dates.
10. Stay at an Air BnB instead of a hotel the night of the wedding.
11. Hire a wedding planner to guide you through the process, help you make good decisions with your money, and get you discounts with vendors! ;)

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Stephanie & Matthew

Stephanie and Matthew were married in Pacific Palisades, Ca at the Bel-Air Bay Club. On beautifully manicured lawns, this outdoor ceremony created a lovely setting. Rose petals 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 dining space consisted of clear votives and pillars in hurricanes on a bed of greenery. Accenting the tablescape, greenery hung from the chandelier. Guests savored on innovative dishes, as well as, a dessert and cappuccino bar. Unforgettable memories made together, the wedding of Stephanie and Matthew was absolutely wonderful!

Photos by Miki & Sonja Photography

Video by Shutter and Sound Films

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer/Bar: Bel-Air Bay Club
Cake: Fantasy Frostings
Florist: The Bloemist
Photographer: Miki & Sonja Photography
Videographer: Shutter and Sound Films
Guest Transportation/Valet: Quality Parking
Band/Guitarist: Jukebox Productions
Hair/Makeup: Meg O'Hare Beauty
Lights/Draping: Stage Labs

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Carla & Bob

Tucked inside Malibu Wine Country, this December wedding was fit with warm weather and luscious greens. Be-side the flagstone pathway, rows of white garden chairs were tied with green and silver ribbons. This outdoor ceremony was centered around an enchanting Gazebo draped with florals. Soft white uplighting hung above the reception, as guests found their Champagne glitter table numbers. A dreamy day it was, Carla and Bob's wedding was filled with magical touches!

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue/Caterer: Calamigos Ranch - Redwood Room
Cake/Dessert: Lark Cake Shop
Florist: Wisteria Lane
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
DJ/Band: JK Wedding Events
Hair/Makeup: Meg O'Hare Beauty
Guest Transportation: Riz Transportation

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Amanda & Daniel

Amanda and Daniel's wedding at the Ebell Long Beach was filled with romance, tradition, and rituals. The beautifully tiled courtyard uniquely accented this ceremony. Vows under the chuppah symbolized the new home the couple was building together. Following the vows, the groom outlined his promises to his wife through the signing of the Ketubah, a historic tradition. After the courtyard ceremony, guests gathered in the Parlour for drinks and appetizers catered by Tres LA. The King's table, set with linen runners in Iridescent Crush Champagne and Shantung Ivory linen napkins, was beautifully lined for the bridal party, ready to enjoy the delicious cuisine. A gift to all as they departed, guests enjoyed Macaron party favors at the end of Amanda and Daniel's breathtaking day! 

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Video by Michael Farmer Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Ebell Long Beach
Caterer/Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Tres LA
Cake/Dessert: Katella Bakery
Florist: Vave Studios
Photographer/Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Band: Lucky Devils Band
Hair/Makeup: Heather Roach
Guest Transportation: JTK Transportation