Weddings and Events
Andy and Lara grew up in Shaver Lake, California — a tiny community of less than 1,000 residents in the Sierra Mountains. They ‘officially’ met at their school’s 8th grade dance, and shared the same close group of friends throughout high school. Romance sparked between them in college, and it didn’t take long for either of them to realize they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together!
In 2016, during a San Francisco vacation, Andy popped the question over a romantic dinner. Lara said that the timing was a complete surprise — and that she couldn’t have been more thrilled.
On choosing a wedding date and destination: Growing up in the mountains, the beach has always been a special treat for Andy and Lara. They decided on a coastal wedding, and thought that summer would be the perfect time to bring all of their friends and family together to celebrate.
Lara discovered Casa Romantica on a trip to southern California when she and her mother were scouting Orange County for an intimate, Spanish-style venue. “Casa Romantica was truly what we were looking for,” says Lara. “It’s a venue that is simply elegant; it has understated beauty. It’s magical.”
When it came to choosing the “theme” and style for their big day, Andy and Lara agreed that they wanted to keep things simple, elegant, and personal. They wanted less of the “typical wedding happenings” in order to maximize the time to eat, drink, and dance!
For their color palette, they selected white and taupe. Florals by Lynne Lucente created soft, voluminous bouquets with white flowers, eucalyptus leaves and succulents. Together with Weddings by Cortney Helaine, they decorated long dinner tables with gorgeous white hydrangeas in clear glass vases alongside floating candles and miniature succulent terrariums. Dark wood chairs, lush greenery, and gold metal accents paired perfectly with the soft neutrals to complete the elegant look.
Fresh idea: The vendor team placed a single echeveria succulent at the base of each dinner plate to anchor the creamy white napkins and gold-edged menus.
Andy and Lara were married on the Ocean Terrace as the sun broke through light coastal clouds. Florals by Lynne Lucente designed a stunning altar with hanging white fabric, dark wood, and a grand arch of white flowers.
Favorite wedding moment: “Funny enough, we both share the same favorite moment,” says Lara. “When I took my father’s arm and stood under the arch at the top of the stairs before walking down the aisle, we stood for just a few seconds and took in the moment — the processional music, the ocean view, the guests… and Andy, waiting at the altar for me.”
“The noise disappeared around me as I stood at the altar watching Lara walk down the aisle,” remembers Andy. “It was the most emotional and personal moment.”
After the ceremony, guests made their way through the Main Salon, where cocktails were served, and into the Courtyard for the couple’s first dance and dinner. Iva Lee’s provided cocktail service and a scrumptious dinner for all of the guests, while SOS Entertainment played romantic, ambient songs underneath the trees and market lights.
On their first dance: “Our first dance was really fun for both of us,” remembers Lara. “The day went so quickly, but for those few minutes, we got to slow down and have a moment to ourselves; laughing and dancing as husband and wife.”
Designed to play out like a dinner party, the majority of the reception took place outdoors in the Courtyard. Guests headed back inside for the cake-cutting ceremony and dessert display, stationed in the Octagonal Room adjacent to the Ocean Terrace with 360 degree views of the coastline.
All about dessert: In lieu of a single cake, Andy and Lara ordered several cakes in vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet from Susie Cakes, as well as doughnuts from Surfside Donuts. “Dessert is really important to us,” laughs Andy.
The evening concluded with dancing and a fun send-off for the bride and groom in the Courtyard through an archway made by the guests holding up their arms and cheering on the newlyweds.
On celebrating with their family and friends at Casa Romantica: “Our wedding was like an intimate, summertime dinner party overlooking the ocean, with cocktails and dancing and all of our favorite people gathered in one place,” says Lara. “We laughed and cried our way through a wedding day that honestly you can never truly be done planning for— you just cannot plan for what those moments really feel like. But you certainly can throw a magical summer dinner party under the stars for all your people.”
“Casa Romantica, our family, friends, and our vendors made our day the most romantic, special day,” says Andy. “And now we’ll get to celebrate our anniversary in San Clemente for years to come!”
Vendors
Coordination & Design- Weddings by Cortney Helaine
Photography- Adrian Jon Photography
Videography- Kyro Digital
Catering- Iva Lee’s Catering
Flowers- Lynne Lucente Floral Designs
DJ- SOS Entertainment
Hair & Makeup- Flawless Faces
Desserts- Susie Cakes & Surfside Donuts
Wedding Gown- Sarah Seven
