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: Samantha & Brice

Sweetheart couple, Samantha and Brice, were looking for a wedding venue that encompassed all of their wishes. When taking a look at Calamigos Ranch, they knew this was where they would want to stand before family and friends and exchange their love for one another. Nestled in Malibu, Ca, the ceremony had touches of a traditional wedding and created a romantic ambiance. Attendees enjoyed signature drinks outdoors before being ushered into the dining space for dinner. Following the decadent food, more dancing, and laughter, guests could not get enough of this beautiful day! So Smitten provided full service planning, design and day-of coordination.

Photos by Lin and Jirsa Photography

Video by Yours Truly Media

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer: Calamigos Ranch - Oak Room
Cake/Dessert: Baby Makes Cakes
Florist: GingerSnap Florals
Photographer: Lin and Jirsa Photography
Videographer: Yours Truly Media
DJ / Photo Booth / Lighting: Vox DJ's
Hair/Makeup: Design Visage
Party Rentals: MTB Event Rentals
Transportation: Riz Transportation

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Suzy & Duc

Radiating so much joy, Suzy and Duc chose to add special touches to their day. Becoming the center of this celebration, the SmogShoppe in Los Angeles, perfectly highlighted the couples eclectic taste. Electric colored signage was added to the tablescape of bamboo leaves and votives, creating a beautiful ambiance that wowed guests. This dreamy day had all in awe, and we were so happy to have been a part of it.
Best wishes to Suzy and Duc on their journey in life together!

Photos by The Hendrys

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: SmogShoppe
Caterer: Four Seasons Catering
Bar: Value Bar Services
Cake/Dessert: Angel Maid Bakery
Florist: The Flower Lab
Valet: White Label Valet
Photographer: The Hendrys
Videographer: Matteo Bertoli Visuals
Neon Signs: Nights of Neon & Joe & Debra Delivery Services
DJ/Photo Booth/Lighting: Vox Media
Hair/Makeup: Kelli Shawn

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Adrian & Amber

Adrian and Amber chose to celebrate their love the best way they knew how. The couple wanted to have their wedding be as reflective of them as it could. While the SmogShoppe provided a unique and earthly venue, Adrian and Amber chose to add elements that would match this esthetic while also showing off their personal style.

For the ceremony, the bride and groom used a mix of bench and couch seating. Including tasteful decor options, the couple used a four-tone color palette which was comprised of blacks, deep purple, grey, and succulent green. White pumpkins, and floral centerpieces that were made up of these colors created the most beautiful decorative adornments. When it came time for the dinner, guests could tell that the bride and groom truly knew what would taste best. Two stations with the yummiest foods included: tacos, chips, rice and beans, while the other featured Huntington sliders, mac and cheese, and french fries. Adrian and Amber’s dream day was heartfelt, filled with laughter and tons of amazing food!

Photos by Photography by Priscilla

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: SmogShoppe
Caterer/Bar: Huntington Catering
Cake: Cake Monkey Bakery
Florist: GingerSnap Florals
Valet: White Label Valet
Photographer: Photography by Priscilla
Photo Booth: Party the Photo Booth Bus
DJ: Black Book Social Club
Hair/Makeup: Design Visage

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Ana & Chad

Los Verdes Golf Course provided a gorgeous photo location, where the special day of Anna and Chad was captured. Feeling nothing but happiness, the two were surrounded by family and friends as they recited their vows. Shades of green throughout the venue’s landscape and floral arrangements added sweet elegance, making this day unforgettable. Congratulations to Ana and Chad on their magical day together!

Photos by Chloe Atnip Photography

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue/Caterer/Bar: Los Verdes Golf Course
Cake/Desserts: Los Verdes Golf Course
Photographer: Chloe Atnip Photography
Florist: Flower Duet
Video: Robles Video Productions
DJ: Carcano DJ
Hair & Make Up: Golden Glow Beauty
Photo Booth: AMP Booths
Late Night Snack: The Churro Man

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 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: Kat & Bryan

Following a church ceremony, family and friends met Kat & Bryan at Villa del Sol d'Oro for the reception. Beautiful signage welcomed guests to the private villa, where they then dined to some appetizers and beverages made by Santa Anita Gardens Catering. With extravagant floral bouquets, this couple's color palette was infused with gold accents. A dream setting, their four-tiered cake was delightful, creating a whimsical explosion of flavors. Capturing these precious moments, Kat & Bryan hired a Photo Booth company and made sure that guests took home their pictures as memorabilia and a token of the day. Congratulations again to Kat and Bryan, love is in the air!

Photos by Alyssa Marie

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: St. Dominic Catholic Church
Reception Venue/Caterer: Villa del Sol d'Oro by Santa Anita Gardens Catering
Cake: Susie Cakes
Florist: Violettes Flowers
Photographer: Alyssa Marie Photography
Videographer: ScenEmotion
Bar: BevMo
Dj/Lighting: DJ Moejoe
Photo Booth: Photo Booth Geeks
Hair/Makeup: Bright Crystal Weddings

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Tamara & Alexander

White lanterns illuminated by candles with spiral topiaries, anchored the entrance of the First Presbyterian Church Santa Ana. Once the ceremony inside the church was concluded, guests were escorted to Tamara and Alexander's reception at the Estate on Second. The Irish Mule, the couple's signature cocktail was enjoyed by many of the guests. Silver-rimmed chargers on top of shantung linens held each guests spot as the meal was served. Centerpieces were combined with hurricane vases filled of candles and garland, in addition to silver votives placed throughout the tables. Diving into the hot chocolate bar, guests savoured the decadent cake prepared by Jay's Catering, cozied up near the fire pit. Tamara and Alexander's wedding combined traditional aspects with modern twists, creating the perfect vision for their wedding day!
 

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church Santa Ana
Reception Venue: The Estate on Second
Caterer/Bar/Cake: Jay's Catering
Florist: Flower Couture
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
DJ: Vox DJs
Hair: Jessica Minton Salon
Invitations: Minted

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Emily & Luis

Emily and Luis had a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony underneath a triangle wood arch, anchored with potted succulents. Following the ceremony, cocktail hour included an assortment of beverages and appetizers from the Grilled Cheese Food Truck. The reception was held both inside and outside of the tent, featuring tables with twinkle lights and a chandelier hanging above. The carnival lights served as the perfect setting for the bouquet toss. With a variety of music, guests were treated to phenomenal sounds during the evening. Emily and Luis were thrilled with their amazing day and happy to have shared it with their family and friends!

Photos by Cloak Photography

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Rehearsal Dinner Caterer: El Tapatio
Food Truck #1: Kogi
Food Truck #2: Grilled Cheese Truck
Service Staff: Night & Day Production
Rentals/Lighting: AV Party Rental
Cake/Dessert: Nadia Cakes
Florist: The Wild Rose
Toilets: Ben Z Sanitation
Photographer/Photo Booth: Cloak Photography
DJ: Tempoe Entertainment
Band: Back 2 Back Band
Mariachi: Mariachi Mexico
Hair/Makeup: Meg O'Hare Beauty
Limo/Car for Bridal Party: RC Limousine
Guest Transportation: Antelope Valley Express

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Kelly & Andrew

It was the beginning of forever, as Kelly and Andrew recited their vows to one another. With an open-air venue, Malibu West Beach Club was elegant and romantic, just what the couple had dreamt of. Smooth sand and blue skies set the tone, while shades of pink were evident throughout the decor. With the beautiful background of the ocean, Kelly and Andrew's wedding was the start to a magical future! 

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Malibu West Beach Club
Caterer/Bar: Truly Yours Catering
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The Victorian
Cake/Dessert: Phoenix Bakery Cake
Florist: Florals & Events by Design
Photographer: Marlies Hart
DJ/Lighting: VOX DJs

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: Abby & Cory

A day filled with warm sand and ocean breezes, Dana Point Ocean Institute was the ideal private and intimate location for Abby and Cory. With a splendid scenic view and perfect backdrop, the couple gathered with family and friends to share their ceremony. Adding a special element, vintage rugs were placed in a zig-zag fashion leading up to the water. Carrying from the ceremony to the reception, natural tones of greenery were used to capture this beautiful day!  

 

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Video by Michael Farmer Photography

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Dana Point Ocean Institue
Caterer/Bar: Erhart Catering
Cake/Desserts: Susie Cakes
Florist: Vintage Country Events
Photographer/Videographer: Michael Farmer Photography
DJ: California DJ
Musician: Brian Banks
Hair/Makeup: Paige Davenport
Rentals: Classic and Signature Rentals through Erhart Catering

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Sarah & Alex

From the groom's survival kit to the reception games, Sarah and Alex checked off all the to do's. Continuing to keep the guest on their toes, Jason Sulkin Music had the guests dancing all night. Anyone could tell just how much thought was put into every detail. From the outdoor ceremony that started off with vows, to Sarah and Alex ending up in the pool with a big splash! It was truly a fun-filled day that they shared with their family and friends.

Photos by Michael Segal Photography

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception/Venue/Caterer/Bar: Serves You Right
Florist: Sweet Pea's Custom Floral
Musicians: Jason Sulkin Music
Hair: Kristen Thomas
Makeup: Meg O'Hare Beauty
Photographer: Michael Segal Photography
Toliets: Luxury Flush LLC
Parking: Chuck's Parking Services
Security: Close Range International, Inc.
Rentals: Town & Country

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