Real Wedding Shenanigans: Sara & Jeremy

Sara and Jeremy's vision for their day combined classic and modern elements. Marrying at the Smog Shoppe in Los Angeles, the couple chose to embellish the venue's natural beauty by using a color palette composed of gold, jewel tones, and fall colors. On the menu? Tacos from Koji BBQ Truck, which were the couples favorite, were enjoyed by all. Congratulations to Sara and Jeremy and their enchanting day together!

Photos by Alexander Photography

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: SmogShoppe
Caterer: Kogi BBQ Truck
Bart: The Whaling Club
Service Staff: Night and Day Productions
Florist: Salted Blooms
Valet: White Label Vallet
Photographer: Alexander Photography
Photo Booth: Flipbooth
Rentals: La Pinta Party Rentals

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: Annabelle & Terry

Annabelle and Terry chose the vineyards of Triunfo Creek as the perfect ceremony backdrop. A chuppah with white dropping and floral arrangements, enhanced the space for the two as they exchanged their vows. Basing the color palette off of the venues beauty, Annabelle and Terry chose to use a natural color scheme for the rest of their details. The neutral tones and enchanting grounds created the most breathtaking ambience for all to enjoy!

Photos by Chloe Moore Photography

Day-of-Coordinator Concierge: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Triunfo Creek Vineyards
Caterer: Command Performance Catering
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Cocktail Concierge
Late Night Snack: In-n-Out Truck
Florist: GingerSnap Florals
Photographer: Chloe Moore Photography
Videographer: Yours Truly Media
Rentals: MTB Event Rentals
Party Rentals: A Rental Connection
DJ/Photo Booth: Vox Djs
Cake: Lark Cake Shop
Ice Cream /Desserts: Mr. and Mrs. Creamery
Desserts: Emil's Patisserie & Cafe
Hair/Makeup: Nicol Artistry
Security: Sandman Security
Valet: SoCal Valet

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Dawn & Brandon

The Ebell Club in Long Beach was an exquisite venue for the lovely celebration of Dawn and Brandon. Filled with architectural elements and unique decor, the two wanted an elegant wedding with some personalized touches to seal the deal. This stunning setting was completed with gold centerpieces and navy blues accents. Cheers to happily ever after for Dawn and Brandon!

Photos by Sloan Photographers

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Ebell Club Long Beach
Caterer/Bar/Bartenders: Tres LA Catering
Cake/Dessert: Sugar From the Heart
Florist: Shawna Beaty
Photographer: Sloan Photographers
DJ: So Cal Premier DJ Co
Rentals: MTB Events Rentals

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Shermeen & Sean

Shermeen and Sean’s wedding day was extraordinary from the beginning. Tucked away in Woodland Hills, the couple chose to rent an air BNB for their venue. A lovely setting surrounded by luscious greenery and trees, this “Greenhouse & Gardens” wedding was absolutely breathtaking. The bride and groom shared heartfelt vows, and after their first kiss, they snuck away for some romantic photos of the two of them. Meeting back up with the rest of their guests, all dined on an exquisite dinner made by Spotted Hen Catering. Aside from the delicious meal, this reception tablescape included blue carousel water goblets and rose gold accents.  Following the spectacular dinner, all gathered as the bride and groom cut the cake and shared their first bite. Congratulations to Shermeen and Sean on this beautiful and intimate wedding day celebration!

Photos by Jenn & Pawel Photography

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Air BnB "Greenhouse & Gardens"
Caterer/Bar/Cake: Spotted Hen Catering
Rentals: MTB Rentals
Florist: Beautiful Savage Flowers
Photographer: Jenn & Pawel Photography
DJ: Tempoe Entertainment DJs
Hair/Makeup: Beautiful Crave by Jennifer May

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: Sandy & Ian

Playa Studios offered the perfect setting for Sandy and Ian to showcase their modern wedding dream. Wowing their guests in the open venue, the couple was married under a copper arch with greenery. The 5,000 sq ft space, was decorated with overhead bistro lights that complemented the modern setup. Tables were lined with mustard yellow linen napkins and rose gold hammered chargers, accented by rose gold metal chairs. Sandy and Ian's wedding day was exquisite in every way!

Photos by Jenna Bechtholt Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The Upper West
Venue: Playa Studios
Caterer: Summit Catering
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Sunseri's
Cake: Miso Bakes
Florist: The Little Branch
Photography: Jenna Bechtholt Photography
DJ: All the Above Events
Party Rentals: Archive Rentals/OC Events

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: Sarah & Adam

In an asymmetrical design, fabric and flowers hung from the wood structure, where Sarah and Adam were married. As the two left the alter, guests showered them with rose petals, that dangled from the aisle way seats. With ambient music playing, guests wandered through the two-story outdoor space where corn hole and meat and cheese horderves were held. Of these unique touches, the couple used Jenga as a way for their guests to write down pieces of advice and memories to share for their future together. Sarah and Adam had so many creative ideas, including a Mr. and Mrs. mirror placed above their sweetheart table. From the horderves to the 4-tier vanilla lemon berry and red velvet cake, this wedding was sweet and special all over!

Photos by So Smitten 

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer: Calamigos Ranch
Officiant: Dream Day Weddings
Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop
Florist: Belle of the Ball Designs
Photographer: True Photography
DJ/Photo Booth/Lighting: Vox DJs
Musicians: Devvlov
Hair/Makeup: Cheek to Cheek Artistry
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Transportation: Riz Transportation

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Kristin & Nick

Mount Palomar Winery was a beautiful, natural setting, for the wedding of Kristin and Nick. Decorated with rustic inspiration and vintage details, white flowers and ruby accents embellished the charm of the reception. Filling everyones sweet tooth, Kristin and Nick incorporated a "Sweets" display. On top of wooden barrels, this display featured desserts of all kinds, including a two-tiered cake from Love Cakes. An overall romantic setting was enjoyed by all throughout Kristin and Nick's enchanting day. 

Photos by Jodi B Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Mount Palomar Winery
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: South Coast Winery
Caterer: Once Upon A Wedding
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Mount Palomar Winery
Cake/Dessert: Love Cakes
Florist: Lovely Stems Floral
Photographer: Jodi B Photography
Photo Booth: Pixster Photo Booths
Band: The Straytones (Crowd theory Entertainment)
Hair/Makeup: Makeup by Giovanissa
Decor: Rickety Swank Vintage Rentals

real wedding shenanigans: fran & michael

What's the best place to get married when you love wine? A vineyard of course! The Callaway Vineyard and Winery in Temecula, CA was the perfect landscape for this couple. The ceremony was performed with the sun setting over the vineyard as the backdrop. The bride and groom included a wine blending ceremony, combining two wines that represented each of them. They were driven around the property in a vintage automobile, enjoyed photos with the close friends and family in attendance, before heading to the Barrel room for dinner and dancing among casks of wine. The bride and groom were able to drink their custom blend from the ceremony with their meal. Of course there was plenty of wine to enjoy and the casks added a nice touch to the vintage decor. It was a beautiful day to celebrate a beautiful relationship.

Photos by Shaunte for So Smitten

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Full-Service Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue/Caterer: Callaway Vineyard & Winery in Temecula
Florist: Florals by Jenny
Cake/Desserts: Cakes to Celebrate
Photographer/Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
DJ/Photo Booth/Lighting/Draping/Band: Sterling Productions
Rentals: Madam Palooza
Hair/Makeup: Cristal Salo
Officiant: Pastor Bill Yaccino
Invitations/Decor: So Smitten Special Events
Antique Car: Haynes Chauffeuring

real wedding shenanigans: vanessa & chris

It was a beautiful day in Malibu for a wedding. The cool breezes at Calamigos Ranch blended with the rich sunshine to celebrate Vanessa and Chris's nuptials. The ceremony was held outside while the bridal party entered to music played by a string quartet. The officiant was personal and humorous, and added special elements to the ceremony. The draping of flowers and greenery, along with small touches of traditional Chinese elements transformed a lovely space into the personal, intimate event the bride and groom always wanted. Guests loved the cootie catcher programs, and the Jenga "guest book". After a delicious dinner and dancing to a DJ who catered to guests of all ages, the bride and groom exited through a tunnel of glow sticks and cheers from friends and family.  

Images by Marni, Shaunté, & Sabrina for So Smitten

Partial Service/Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue/Caterer/Bar: Calamigos Ranch
Florist: The Bloemist
Cake: Lark Cake Shop
Photographer: Tauran Photography
DJ: Coastline Music
Hair/Makeup: Alicia Wu Hair & Makeup
Officiant: Rev. Roché Vermaak
String Quartet: Bravo Music
 

real wedding shenanigans: safura & bradley

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: sol & gabriel

Yes, you can have an elegant wedding AND include cultural elements. The beautiful Jonathan Club in Los Angeles, CA was the elegant reception location Sol and Gabriel were dreaming about. The vintage design paired beautifully with the bride's decor. However, guests partied the night away to a live, Latin band featuring Yari More. Who said that you can't pair a gourmet meal with Latin music at a country club? Not this couple! It was a beautiful night, and everyone celebrated their love. 

photos by Marni for So Smitten
 

photos by Karen Cohen Photography


Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: Holy Angels Catholic Church
Reception Venue/Hotel Accommodations:  Jonathan Club
Caterer/Bar: Tres LA
Florist: Flowers by Sharen
Photographer: Karen Cohen Photography
Band: Yari More Latin Band
Rentals: OC Events
Hair/Makeup: Susy
Officiant: Father Stephen Washko
Pianist: Joe Soto
Harpist: Ernesto
Cantor: Bradley Franklin
 

real wedding shenanigans: julian & viviana

The day began as Julian and Viviana tied the knot at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hawthorne, Ca. After the vows and exchange of bands, the couple proceeded to start their adventure together at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Culver City, Ca. The room was filled with laughter and dancing when the two entered the reception. The dreamy, coastal-inspired venue, was accentuated with beachy vibes, neutral pinks and navy blues. From the bouquet toss, to the cutting of the cake, each moment was breathtaking and special to be a part of.

Photos by Michael Farmer

Full-Service Coordinator: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue: Saint Joseph Catholic Church
Reception Venue/Caterer: DoubleTree by Hilton
Hotel Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton
Cake/Dessert: Torrance Bakery
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
DJ/Lighting/FOG: DJ Tempoe
Mariachi: Mexico En America
Limo/Car: Hertz Rental

real wedding shenanigans: sarah & mina

It was a grand, gold evening at the Long Beach Hyatt Regency celebrating the nuptials of Sarah and Mina. Hundreds fought through the storms to party the night away. The elegance of the Regency ballroom was accentuated by the gold and ivory adornments throughout the room. The bride and groom were assured to get lots of photos on social media because they gave guests selfie sticks; and they made good use of them. There was even a surprise flash mob honoring Sarah and Mina. In his toast, the brother of the bride said, "It must be a special day, because on the day Sarah and Mina got married, the drought in Southern California ended." It was indeed, a special day.

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Day-of Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: Archangel Michael
Reception Venue/Caterer/Hotel Accommodations: Long Beach Hyatt 
Florist: Flower Allie
Photographer/Videographer: Purdy Studios
DJ/Lighting/Chair Rentals: DJ Hetal
Hair/Makeup: Dolledupbylulu
Invitations: Out of the Box Creation
Limo/Car: SoCal Limo and Buses
Cake: Jeseca Creation
 

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

 

real wedding shenanigans: hannah & peter

From the architecture to the open scenery, there was an overwhelming flow of emotions as Hannah and Peter exchanged “I do’s”. From the natural beauty at Wayfarers Chapel in Los Angeles to the reception at Redondo Beach Historic Library, the two kept with the theme of natural vintage for a timeless effect. Through the cake stand made of old books, to the table settings, every detail was so elegant and we were so happy to have encapsulated this couples love together.

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Coordinator: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue: Wayfarers Chapel
Reception Venue: Redondo Beach Historic Library
Hotel Accommodations: Portofino Hotel & Marina
Caterer/Bar/Drinks/Bartenders/DJ: Spectrum 
Cake/Dessert: Spectrum/King's Hawaiian 
Florist: Magnolias Floral Design
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Invitations: Green Envelope
Limo/Car: Classy Chassis  

real wedding shenanigans: eliza & d'artagan

It was a night under the lights as Eliza and D'Artagan were married. Friends and family of the couple came together for the ceremony at Our Lady of the Bright Mount Polish Parish followed by the reception at the Bel Air Bay Club. As the day wore down and the sun was setting, the couple celebrated their journey together!

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Events 
Ceremony Venue: Our Lady of the Bright Mount Polish Parish 
Reception Venue: Bel Air Bay Club
Wedding Night Accommodations: Huntley
Hotel Accommodations: Huntley, Double Tree Hilton Santa Monica, Best Western Santa Monica
Caterer/Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Bel Air Bay Club
Cake/Dessert: Bel Air Bay Club
Florist: Wisteria Lane
Photographer: Tommy Lu

 

real wedding shenanigans: jenn & andrew

It was a celebration of love, as Jenn and Andrew were married. The two chose a venue with high ceilings and brick walls, providing the rustic feeling they desired.  As lights draped the venue, candles burned bright, symbolizing the love between the two. The magical day for Jenn and Andrew was a cheerful occasion as family and friends joined in the festivities. 

Photos by Jill Herrera for So Smitten

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Events
Ceremony Venue/Reception Venue/Lighting: 440 Seaton
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: With Love Market & Cafe
Caterer (Drinks): Chichen Itza
Caterer (Appetizers): With Love Market & Cafe
Drinks/Alcohol: BevMo!
Service Staff: NDP
Cake/Dessert: Oaxaca Vegan Bakery c/o With Love Market & Cafe
Florist: Flower Couture by Stephanie
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
Photo Booth: Shelby & Kristina Moulden
Band/DJ: Erna & The Erratics
Hair/Makeup: Soleil Salon
Party Rentals: OC Events