Weddings and Events
Amanda and Taylor’s adventure began ten years ago on their first day of college, while hiking with a group of mutual friends. It wasn’t until a few years later, during a road trip to Lake Tahoe, that their friendship started to blossom into something more.
After some years of dating and building a life together, Taylor knew that Amanda was “the one.” Amanda says “I knew [a proposal] was coming, but it was the sweetest moment!”
Their parents had gotten married at home, and he wanted to carry on the tradition — but Amanda’s parents had just purchased an empty lot in San Clemente where they planned to build a new home. Figuring that he and Amanda would take their kids to the new home some day, Taylor took Amanda and their puppy, Tuck, to the lot in San Clemente — and rolled out a romantic picnic spread.
After the couple enjoyed their picnic feast, Taylor played ‘Grow Old With You’ from the film The Wedding Singer – Amanda said it was the cheesiest and greatest thing ever – and then Taylor got down on one knee and proposed. Amanda happily said “Yes!”
Afterwards, they went to Amanda’s parents’ current home in Rancho Santa Margarita, where all of their closest friends and family were waiting to celebrate. Some of them had flown in from out of town! Amanda’s family also arranged that her close extended family, who were not able to attend in person, were on FaceTime when the newly engaged couple came in. “Taylor had put such thought into every little detail,” she said.
Amanda and Taylor are both “outdoorsy” people, so when it came to choosing a venue they knew it had to be outdoors while also conveniently located for most of their guests. The challenge was finding a place that combined Amanda’s love for “modern and edgy” style with Taylor’s love for a more “relaxed and beach-y” vibe. They discovered Casa Romantica, and once they found out that they could rent exclusive use of the entire venue, they knew it was their ideal venue. The ceremony location overlooking the ocean and the Spanish style outdoor courtyard for their reception provided the perfect balance between their individual styles.
Amanda’s favorite wedding moment was the “First Look”- for many reasons. Their Officiant, one of their best friends from college, agreed to play a prank on Taylor with a surprise “First Look”. He fully committed to the prank by donning a classic wedding gown and bouquet! The hilarious moment put everyone at ease and relieved some of the pressure of the day ahead.
After the prank, Amanda got to enjoy her own special “First Look” moment.”We loved seeing each other alone for a moment before going into the ceremony.”
Amanda’s and Taylor’s wedding party wore various shades of blue and green to bring out the coastal scenery and lush gardens at Casa Romantica.
Post-ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the Ocean Terrace. A cozy lounge area was set-up for guests to relax while enjoying appetizers and cocktails from Iva Lee’s Catering.
The newlyweds had their signature drinks were inspired by a popular locale in Nantucket, MA, where Taylor’s family spends their summer vacations. They were a big hit with their guests- especially those who had traveled from the East Coast.
After cocktail hour, guests were invited to the courtyard for dinner. Amanda’s uncle helped provide all of their wedding signage, including their beautiful seating chart, which allowed them to be as creative and unique as they wanted to be.
When it came to decor, the couple chose soft blush and cream colored flowers surrounded by lush, free flowing greenery. The fall sunset created the perfect lighting for dining “al-fresco” and the abundance of candles enhanced the romantic setting.
At the last minute, the couple realized they had more guests than their original RSVP count and needed to rearrange their entire seating arrangement. Expert coordinator Cortney Helaine and Florist Jenni Hill from Little Hill Floral Designs jumped into action and created a stunning backdrop to highlight the extended head table. The combination of hanging greenery and twinkle lights was both elegant and magical!
Following dinner, guests danced the night away in the Main Salon to hits played by Alex Espinosa from Extreme DJ and enjoyed posing for photos in the open air photo booth provided by Foto Vibe.
As a final surprise, Taylor made arrangements for a special Taco Bell delivery for guests to enjoy as they left the venue. “Taylor killed it with the final detail of having Taco Bell ordered…clutch for someone who had been working out like a madwoman!” recalls Amanda.
Guests lined the courtyard for a sweet bubble “send off” for the new Mr. & Mrs. Pro-tip: Not only do they look beautiful in photos, but bubbles are a much safer alternative to the typical “sparkler send off.”
We absolutely loved celebrating with Amanda and Taylor! Their special day had no shortage of fun and was a true representation of their love for one another. We wish them the best in the next chapter of their story and look forward to seeing them back at the Casa soon!
Vendors:
Photography- Ashley Paige Photography
Coordination- Cortney Helaine, Weddings By Cortney Helaine
DJ- Alex Espinosa, Extreme DJ
Florist- Little Hill Floral Designs
Videography- Amari Productions
**You can view Amanda and Taylor’s wedding video here!**
Catering- Iva Lee’s Catering
Rentals- Signature Party Rentals
Photobooth: Photo Vibe
