REAL WEDDING SHENANIGANS: SAMANTHA & MATT

Samantha & Matt held their special day at SmogShoppe in Los Angeles, CA. They said their I Do’s in front of a gorgeous backdrop of greenery, surrounded by vibrant florals. They finished off their day with the reception of a lifetime, including a juice bar and photo booth van.

Photos by Kate Haus

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: SmogShoppe
Caterer: Olive Wood Pizza
Bar: Nomad Cocktail Co.
Alcohol: BevMo
Pressed Juice: Juicy Ladies
Service Staff: JM Event Planning
Officiant: Jon Olson
Florist: GingerSnap Florals
Photography: Kate Haus
Videography: f/8 Studios
Rentals: MTB Event Rentals
DJ: Second Song
Photo Booth: The Booth & Bus Co.
Hair/Makeup: Kelly Zhang Studio
Dessert: Mr. and Mrs. Creamery
Limo: Swoop
Valet: White Label Valet

REAL WEDDING SHENANIGANS: CHRISTINA & KYLE

From the beginning, Christina and Kyle knew exactly what they wanted for their wedding day, and they knew it was going to be something very unique that matched their style perfectly. The couple said “I Do” at the spectacular Paramour Estate, a Historical Landmark in LA with stunning views of Downtown. Their art deco theme was tied together with pops of velvet and fall colored hues, and we were ecstatic to get to be apart of such a magical day. So Smitten provided full service planning, design and day-of coordination

Photos by f/8 Studios Weddings

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: The Paramour Estate
Caterer: Baby Blues BBQ
Service Staff: Night & Day Productions
Bar: Sunseris
Coffee: Lattes on Location
Florist: GingerSnap Florals
Photo/Video: f/8 Studios Weddings
Band: Lucky Devils Band Photo Booth: Paper Moon Shoppe
Dessert: Friends & Family LA
Party Rentals: Premiere Party Rentals
Classic Car: Classy Chassis Rentals
Guest Transportation: Riz Transportation
Valet: Premiere Valet Parking
Security: Around the Clock Protection

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Sara & Benjamin

Sara and Ben chose to celebrate their love for one another in a beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception at Highlands Spring Ranch and Inn. Tucked away in Cherry Valley, the property sat on hundreds of acres, full of natural beauty. Known for its olive trees and lavender fields, it was no surprise that Sara and Ben wanted to incorporate these aspects into their wedding decor. For Sara and Ben, this rustic-themed wedding was magical, and we loved every part of it! So Smitten provided full service planning, design and day-of coordination.

Photos by Michael Farmer of f/8 Studios Weddings

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony / Reception Venue: Highland Springs Ranch and Inn
Cake/Dessert: Krispy Kreme
Florist: Gingersnap Florals
Photographer / Videographer: Michael Farmer of f/8 Studios Weddings
Photo Booth / Entertainment: The Booth and Bus Co.
Limo/Car: Uber

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Andrea & Alex

Planning their wedding day, Andrea and Alex chose to say "I Do" in an intimate location at Cielo Farms. Surrounded by loved ones, the bride and groom exchanged vows in a traditional Jewish ceremony. Following the first kiss, Andrea and Alex's family and friends enjoyed picturesque views and tasty, hand-passed appetizers before sitting down for dinner. The night continued with stories from the past, toasts to the future, and lots of laughter. The day was beautiful, and we wish all the best to Andrea and Alex. So Smitten provided full service planning, design and day-of coordination.

Photos by Erica Reade Photography


Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Cielo Farms 
Caterer: Tres LA 
Florist: GingerSnap Florals 
Photographer: Erica Reade Photography 
Rentals: Premiere Party Rentals
Band: Los Angeles Quartet
DJ: RedShoe
Cake: Lark Cake Shop
Late Night Snack: Taco Zone 
Hair/Makeup: Amy H Makeup 
Transportation: Swoop

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Megan & Miles


Megan and Miles' whimsical wedding day took place at the Westlake Yacht Club on a sunny afternoon. The couple turned the flexible outdoor space into a gorgeous ceremony location with sweeping views of the water. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed refreshing cocktails and light hors d'oeuvres before sitting down for dinner. The night continued with stories from the past and toasts to the future. To Megan and Miles, cheers to a beautiful day! So Smitten provided day-of coordination.

Photos by Michael Farmer of f/8 Studios Weddings

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Westlake Yacht Club
Cake: Bree's Cakes 
Florist: Gingersnap Florals
Photographer: Michael Farmer of f/8 Studios Weddings
DJ/Lighting: Tempoe Entertainment
Hair/Makeup: Mellody Vere 
Photo Booth: Oh Watta Night Entertainment 

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Vanda & Michael

Vanda and Michael had a fun, filled two-day wedding extravaganza. For the first day, the couple's celebration began with a traditional Thai ceremony, and on the next, friends and family joined the bride and groom for a unique, carnival-themed part two of the wedding. From there, the couple and their guests enjoyed dishes catered by Ayara Thai Restaurant, where all fun and games continued. Carnival rides, candy favorites, and so much more were enjoyed by the bride and groom's loved ones at this out-of-the-box wedding day. Cheers to Vanda Michael, we were so lucky to have shared in this special occasion. So Smitten provided full service planning, design and day-of coordination.

Photos by Annie Bang

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Ayara Thai Restaurant 
Service Staff: Night and Day Production
Late Night Snack: Tacos La Guera 
Florist: GingerSnap Florals 
Photographer: Annie Bang
Videographer: Shark Pig
GIF Booth: f/8 Studios
Rentals: MTB Event Rentals
Rentals: Adore Folklore
Restrooms: Luxury Flush
Hair / Makeup: Amy H Makeup
Cake: Angel Maid Bakery 
Dessert: Jeni's Ice Cream
Dessert: BonPuf Cotton Candy
Ferris Wheel: Christiansen Amusement
Midway Games: My Little Carnival
Security: Fidelity Security Services 
Live Artist: Chasing Linen

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Ashley & Steve

Ashley and Steve celebrated their summer nuptials at The Fig House in Los Angeles. Walking down the aisle, Ashley wore a stunning fitted gown with a beautiful train. After she and Steve expressed their love for one another, all cheered as they walked down the aisle as husband and wife. For the reception, friends and family made their way to the shabby chic venue, with dinner outdoors and cake and dancing inside. This day was absolutely magical throughout and wish we nothing but the best to Ashley and Steve! So Smitten provided day-of coordination.

Photos by Carmen Lopez Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: Exposition Park Rose Garden 
Venue/Caterer/Bar: The Fig House
Cake: Kira Bakes 
DJ: DJ J. Roberts
Ceremony Band: Hudson & Delilah
Ceremony Singer: Tyana Farrell
Videographer: Tim Irvin
Photographer: Carmen Lopez Photography
Florist: Renee Steckermeier
Rentals: MTB Event Rentals 
Caricaturist Artist: Nathan Graham
Transportation: GoGo Bus Charters and Swoop

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: Taylor & Mark

The historic Redondo Beach Library served as the perfect location for Taylor and Mark to exchange their vows. Under a flowered arch, and alongside friends and family, the couple said "I do"! With a "Bubbly Bar" lined up and ready to go, guests were able to meander amongst the gorgeous landscape. The vintage decor theme continued throughout the ceremony and reception. The day was jubilant for Taylor and Mark as they began their life as a newlywed couple! 

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer: Redondo Beach Library
Cake: King's Hawaiian
Flortist: FlorUnique
Band: Lucky Devils Band
Photographer: Joey Ikemoto Photography
Transportation Shuttles: Riz Transportation
Photo Booth: Capture POD
Videographer: All Because He Asked
Rentals: Quality Equipment Rentals
Makeup & Hair: The Heart of Makeup
Car Service: Classic Limos
 

real wedding shenanigans: cynthia and darryl

Cynthia and Darryl had a traditional ceremony at St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Long Beach, CA. While the bridal party took sunset photos, guests headed to the Alexandria Ballrooms in Downtown Los Angeles. Alexandria ballrooms have an elegant, retro feel that lends itself well to each event's design elements. It's a great space with great character. The built-in bar was a great backdrop for cocktail hour. The room was transformed with elegant floral arrangements, simple, fresh, herb accents at each place setting, and blush uplighting. If you want to make a space uniquely yours, it is worth the money to have uplighting; it makes a great difference. 
The bride and groom purchased a custom wooden cake topper, that reflected their bubbly personalities. The food was delicious, and guests made it through the buffet line faster than we've ever seen (thanks to an awesome caterer and serving staff). The bride and groom stayed on the dance floor late into the night, partying with all their guests. There was so much love and joy, it flooded into the streets of Downtown.

Photos by Marni Farmer for So Smitten

Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Location: St. Cornelius Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Alexandria Ballrooms
Caterer/Bartender: Jay's Catering
Cake: Krystin Occiano
Florist: California Petals
Photographer: Kimberly Daniels
Videographer: Spark Story
Photo Booth: Pixel Photo Booth
DJ: Vince Zambrano
Hair & Makeup: Kelly Zhang
Party Rentals: Imperial Party Rentals
Lighting: Impulse Event Lighting
Security: David Shield Security, Inc
Valet: City Center Parking
Set Up/Breakdown: Fresh Nest

 

artistic inspiration: lemons

Today we're featuring an artistic inspiration spotlighting by this tangy fruit. Incorporate these little guys into your spring or summer soiree - they're sure to add a burst of color, hint of texture, and zing of flavor.












Okay, what really inspired this post was this cake with the lemon toppers. How cute are those?!

Images: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15