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: Tiffany & Tyler

Castle Green's lavish grounds, created the ideal setting for Tiffany and Tyler's wedding day. Centered around an exquisite magnolia tree, friends and family of the couple, gathered together for the romantic ceremony. Following the services, a cocktail party included hors d'oeuvres and signature drinks. Shades of gold were featured throughout, enhancing the venues natural beauty. A memorable day for all, we wish Tiffany and Tyler all the best!

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Castle Green
Caterer/Rentals/Bartenders: Castle Catering
Cake: King's Hawaiian
Bar Drinks: The Bottle Shop
Florist: Vave Studios
Photographer: Shane Karns, Inc
DJ/Photo Booth/Lighting: Vox DJs

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: Kavita & Kiran

Kavita and Kiran were married at Hilton Universal on March 10, in Los Angeles, Ca. As ambient music played during the cocktail hour, guests enjoyed appetizers and the couple's signature drink, a Moscow Mule. Taking a step inside the reception hall, glass hurricanes vases were filled with tall leaf centerpieces, set on gold mirror trays. Accenting the tables, fern leaves were laid on each napkin and placed together with Burgundy chiffon ties, making for lovely decor. From the grand entrance to the fresh and flavorful cake, this wedding covered every detail imaginable. A magical day it was, we loved celebrating Kavita and Kiran's wedding together!

Photos by Anza Foto + Film

Photos by So Smitten Special Events

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Florist: GingerSnap Florals
Venue/Bar: Hilton Universal
Caterer: Diamond Palace
Cake: Porto's Bakery & Cafe
Horse: Enchanted Carriages
Photographer/Videographer: Anza Foto + Film
Photo Booth: Photobooth Geeks
Rentals: OC Events
DJ/Lighting/Dhol Player: Sound Nation
Hair/Makeup: Dolled Up by Lulu
Mandap Rental: Krushna Mandap

Real Wedding Shenanigans: Kara & Mark

Between gold chairs, a rug lined the aisle way in an outdoor ceremony for Kara and Mark's wedding day at Big Daddy's Antiques in Los Angeles California. From the ceremony to the reception, this setting was furnished with antique decor. A Macrame backdrop behind two navy, wingback chairs, were just the beginning to this couple's stunning sweetheart table. Their reception included rectangle tables decorated with mix-n-match chairs, rose gold mercury votive candles and breathtaking florals. Focusing on all details, the couple maintained a combination of colors including yellows, peach and navy. All of these colors and designs played a beautiful role in decorating this gorgeous venue!

Photos by Mary Costa Photography

Day-of-Coordinator: So Smitten Special Events
Venue: Big Daddy Antiques
Caterer: Summit Event Catering
Bar: Sunseri's
Cake/Dessert: Lark Cake Shop
Dessert: Coolhaus Ice Cream
Florist: The Bloemist
Photographer: Mary Costa Photography
Rentals: Archive Rentals
DJ: Blackbook Social Club
Hair/Makeup: Meg O'Hare Beauty
 

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: 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