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: Anna & Jackie

November 11, was a memorable day for Anna and Jackie as they wed at St. Denis Catholic Church. Following the ceremony, both of the couples families enjoyed tea and lunch at the groom's parents home. Reuniting with their guests, the wedding reception was held at Union Station in Los Angeles, California. Built originally in 1939, this station has been home to a number of people for decades. Its unique architecture and design, were perfect for Anna and Jackie's celebration of their big day. 

The color palette for the day included sage, white, ivory, and taupe. Filled with Fruitwood Chiavari chairs and Ivory cushions, the reception was breathtaking. Menus for this 10-Course Family Style meal, were accented with sage napkins, ribbon, and greenery. Unique elements to this wedding such as a personalized slideshow of the couple, was enjoyed by all. A beautiful day for all, we loved Anna and Jackie's exquisite wedding!

Photos by OceanGraphy, Inc.

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony Venue: St. Denis Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Union Station - Old Ticket Concourse
Caterer: Panda Inn
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: BevMo Pasadena
Cake: Kee Wah Bakery
Florist: Flower Couture by Stephanie
Photographer: OceanGraphy, Inc.
Videographer: A2K Creative Solutions
MC/Sound Equipment: Hilo Productions
DJ: DJ Cito
String Quartet: Clover Strings Quartet
Party Rentals/Lighting: OC Events
Makeup/Hair: Luong Lasting
Photo Booth: Photo Booth 3
Guest Transportation: Riz Transportation
 

Real Wedding Shenanigans Clare & Andrew

Stunning Craftsman architecture and beautifully groomed grounds, were some of the reasons why Clare and Andrew chose to get married at the Women's Twentieth Century Club of Eagle Rock. Located in Eagle Rock, California, the couple transformed the outdoor space into a Greek theatre setup for their ceremony. Dried orange slices and baby's breath, were tied to the aisle chairs with a blue silk ribbon. From the ceremony to the reception, the color palette of orange and blue for the bride and groom continued throughout. Long rectangular tables were lined with greenery and accented with mini bottles of homemade bitters. Guests enjoyed an intimate ceremony and reception, followed by a delicious three-tiered cake!

Photos by Casey Brodley

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Wedding Venue: Women's Twentieth Century Club of Eagle Rock
Caterer: Homegirl Catering
Cake/Dessert: The Lark Cake Shop
Florist: The Bouqs
Photographer: Casey Brodley
DJ/Lighting: VIP DJ Entertainment
Hair/Makeup: Glendale Salon Spa
Rentals: Sir Michael's Party Rentals

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Samantha & David

Samantha and David were married in Malibu Wine Country at Calamigos Ranch on November 5. The outdoor ceremony was complete with magnificent floral arrangements. Flowers were tied to aisle seats as petals lined the path to the arch chuppah, draped with Ivory linens and florals. For their sweetheart table, a Rose Gold Sequin overlay, was fit with greenery, a "Just Married" sign as well as large balloons spelling "Love." Tables for the guests were complete with greenery, florals, and a variety of different lanterns, creating beautiful centerpieces. Inside, the glow of the fireplace illuminated the photos along the mantel. This enchanting setting was complete with chandeliers glistening in the night. Smitten with romance and decor, Samantha and David's wedding was beautiful from start to finish!

Photos by Haley Rynn Ringo

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events 
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Calamigos Ranch
Caterer/Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: Calamigos Ranch
Cake/Dessert: Vanilla Bakeshop
Florist: Culver City Flower Shop
Photographer: Haley Rynn Ringo
Photo Booth/DJ: Vox DJs
Hair: Beauty by Hidi
Guest Transportation: Riz Transportation
Lighting: Vox DJs

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Sarah & Eric

Behind the gated grounds of La Chureya Estates, this Spanish hacienda was an absolutely breathtaking location for the wedding of Sarah and Eric. With the enchanting garden surrounding the beautifully manicured lawn, the bride and grown recited their vows. One of our favourite details from this wedding was Sarah's bouquet. The gorgeous showstopper, featured green foliage, accented with an array of blue and purple flowers. Sarah and Eric were thrilled to have shared their magical wedding with family and friends and are looking forward to their married life together!

Photos by Jessica Miriam Photography

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: La Chureya Estate
Caterer: F10 Catering
Bar/Drinks/Bartenders: F10 Catering
Cake: F10 Catering
Florist: Kevin Reeder
Photographer: Jessica Miriam Photography
Videographer: Press Films and Media
DJ: Vox DJs
Party Rentals: Folklore Vintage Rentals
Rentals: Signature Party Rentals

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Lindsey & Nick

Oozing with romance and charm, Franciscan Gardens was the perfect secret hideaway for Lindsey and Nick's wedding. From the rustic wooden gates to the courtyard reception, everything was marvelous throughout. Joined by guests, the bride and groom danced through the night to the sounds from The Joneses Band LA. With the picturesque setting, it was a dreamy day celebrating the love between Lindsey & Nick!

Photos by Photography by Paulina

Wedding Planner: So Smitten Special Events
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Franciscan Gardens
Caterer: 24 Carrots
Cake: Great Dane Baking Co.
Florist: Magnolia's Floral Design
Photographer: Photography by Paulina
DJ/Band: The Joneses Band LA
Lighting: Franciscan Gardens
Decor: So Smitten Special Events
Invitations: Vista Print

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: Brianna & Jonathan

La Venta Inn, which has been a landmark since the 1920s, was the perfect setting for Brianna and Jonathan's magical day. The two recited their vows in the lush garden, overlooking the ocean. Following the cocktail hour in the courtyard, the guests were treated to a delectable feast prepared by the culinary team. Surrounded by family and friends, the enchanting day made all of Brianna and Jonathan's wedding dreams come true! 

Photos by Michael Farmer Photography

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Wedding Decor/Design: A Good Affair
Venue/Caterer/Bar: La Venta Inn/NYFC
Cake: Torrance Bakery
Florist: Flowers by Laurel
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography
DJ/Lighting/Photo Booth: Vox DJs
Band/String Quartet: Gemini Strings
Hair/Makeup: Beach Vibes Beauty Studio
Limo/Guest Transportation: Los Angeles Limousine

 

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Darci & James

A tranquil fountain, set the perfect background for Darci and James' wedding photoshoot. From the photos to the ceremony, Darci and James kept guests on the edge of their seat. Originally built as a toy factory in 1931, the couples venue, LA River Studios, transformed into a divine setting for both the ceremony and recpetion. Decor for this day was inspired by floral colours, creating a lovely scene. Maximising the toy factory's space, a stage was used for the couple to share their vows and later in the night sing as a duo. The day was breathtaking and topped off with a decadent donut bar, just delicious! 

Photos by Kelli Bee Photography

Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: LA River Studios
Photographer: Kelli Bee Photography

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: 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

etsy vendor love: bella puzzles

You may remember our post about wedding guest books when we featured Bella Puzzles. We love to see wedding traditions turned up-side-down, and that is exactly what Bella Puzzles does with their custom-made wooden puzzles which can be used in lieu of the traditional guest book. Personalized with names, figures, photos, and dates, these wedding puzzles are a fun activity for your wedding guests (they sign the pieces), an heirloom made to last for decades, a piece of art you can frame to enjoy everyday, and, of course, a puzzle. We're smitten!







Visit Bella Puzzles' Etsy shop!

All photos, designs, and creative content ©2009-2011 Lara Braithwaite / Bella Puzzles LLC.

better than bridal: guest books

You know us, we like things a little different.  So when we stumbled upon these creative ideas for wedding guest books, we knew we had to share.  Take a peek at what we found.


Wedding Puzzle Guest Book by Bella Puzzles


Tag guest book tree via Elizabeth Anne Designs.


Fingerprint guest book "tree" by Bleu de Toi