Weddings and Events
Chris and Katie regularly visit Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens as a weekend activity. Katie’s family owns a condo just a short distance from the cultural center and historic landmark. They enjoy viewing the latest art exhibits in the gallery, discovering the newest blooms in the garden, and watching the antics of surfers at the pier from the Ocean Terrace.
“Being a schoolteacher, Katie loves walking through Casa Romantica’s exhibits to read about culture and local history. We’ve had talks in the past about how nice it would be to have our wedding here in the future. That’s where I originally got the idea for my proposal.” – Chris
For Katie, reading the wall plaques in the historical home never gets old. Chris jokes that she must have them memorized since she has read everything “at least one hundred times.” On December 19th, Chris told Katie about a new antique jewelry exhibit that was coming up at Casa Romantica. He told her that Casa Romantica was having a preview event for their upcoming Open Casa gallery and she was anxious to get a sneak peak. She asked that they stop by for the preview before they went to lunch that day.
What Katie didn’t know was that Chris had spent a week before their visit preparing the “antique jewelry exhibit.” He had visited Casa Romantica alone to take photos of the artwork on display, and then created his own imitative display pieces to create a detailed fictitious exhibit in Mrs. Hanson’s room (the Bride’s Room).
One of the plaques that Chris created for the “Antique Jewelry” exhibit
“I envisioned us casually walking through the home, as we always do, and to have Katie notice a display similar to what was already along the walls. One of the display pieces would showcase her ring. I wanted her to read the display plaques, become intrigued to read more, then of course lead her into a proposal that she would never, in her wildest dreams,expect.” – Chris
During their fateful visit, the couple entered Mrs. Hanson’s room and Katie began reading about the jewelry pieces that Casa Romantica would allegedly be showcasing.
The last frame on one of the display cases held a picture of an antique Art Deco-era engagement ring with a story about how that special gift had been purchased by a gentleman for the love of his life.
When she looked up after reading, Chris was on one knee holding the ring from the photo. It was then that she realized that Chris had set everything up! Of course, Katie happily accepted. It was by far their most memorable visit to date.
We are excited for Chris and Katie’s future, and we are looking forward to hosting their beautiful wedding at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens in April 2017.
