Weddings and Events
Genna was living in Los Angeles and Eric was living in San Clemente when they met in 2009. Despite the distance, they found ways to see each other frequently. They fell in love with Casa Romantica as soon as they entered the keyhole door on spring day, and spent many lovely weekends in San Clemente over the years that followed. When they became engaged, they chose a venue close enough to the ocean to take pictures on the sand — Casa Romantica.
“We knew that we wanted to get married in San Clemente because of all the great times we shared together here while we were dating,” says Genna. “It’s where we fell in love. We spent a lot of time by the ocean – and got engaged overlooking the ocean here – so we thought it would be perfect to get married at the Casa.”
When choosing a date, they decided on April 1st — a unique choice for a wedding day — but one that reflected their easy-going and playful relationship. They incorporated both personal and local touches within the ceremony and reception. Eric’s mother made floral creations and boutonnieres, and a bridesmaid who was inspired by the lace pattern of her dress dreamed up the invitations, programs and place cards. They had a friend of the family play the ukulele during the ceremony and asked a close friend to marry them.
“Eric played a joke on our guests telling them that our officiant hadn’t actually been ordained as a minister, and that we would have to do the whole thing again,” recalled Genna. “We shared lots of laughs, and look forward to many fun anniversaries on April 1st over the years to come.”
Describing their style as “cool, breezy beach day,” wedding coordinator Cortney Helaine brought their vision to life. The wedding and dinner reception included farmhouse tables that were adorned with turquoise napkins and colorful flowers from Petite Bouquet. The table numbers and wedding favors were Spanish tiles — an ode to Casa Romantica and the Spanish style that they both love so much.
After the ceremony, Eric and Genna snuck down to the beach and took photos on the pier and near the water. Before dinner, Eric’s family organized a traditional Danish toast, “Hun Skal Leve,” which his cousins, sister and grandmother sang together about the couple’s happy union. Guests dined on a beautiful meal provided by Carbonara Catering, which included halibut topped with fresh mango salsa and stuffed eggplant with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts.
Genna and Eric’s favorite moment of the evening was their first dance.
“We danced to an original song that Eric wrote for us, and that I got to hear for the first time,” remembers Genna.
Guests danced the night away in the Casa’s Main Salon. When the evening was over, they sent off the newlyweds by blowing soap bubbles outside of the Casa’s main entrance for their grand exit.
Coordinator: Weddings by Cortney Helaine
Photography: Matthew Morgan Photography
Catering: Carbonara Catering
Music: Kalama Bros and Epic Sound & Lighting
Floral Arrangements: Petite Bouquet
Rentals: Signature Party Rentals
