Let’s start with the location. One of La Jolla’s most beloved, and admired places Torrey Pines, was the setting for this fantastic event. Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that the golf course and the lodge were built on the site of Camp Allan? (one of our Army’s camps during WWII). We got to thank the brilliant golf course architect William F. Bell, who envisioned this landscape with the sea, and lots of wind for the most talented golf players.
Aside from being famous for its 36-hole adventure, Torrey Pines has an enviable view of La Jolla’s coastline, a breathtaking glance of the Pacific. Clayton and Renee chose wisely, and that day presented itself as perfect from the start as a slight overcast gave the ambiance a unique touch.
The ceremony setting was ready, the chairs were aligned, the gorgeous altar was set, and the guest began to arrive. The flowers contrasted beautifully along the greenest grass I’ve ever seen! The whole motif exuded elegance and classiness.
Baby, we can take our own show on the road.
The music requests for this particular wedding blended modern tunes and some ol’ classics. Bob Seager, The Beatles. The Doors, Earth, Wind, and Fire were all present and are a common request. During dinner, the charming couple requested “Somewhere over the rainbow,” interpreted by the Hawaiian ukulele musician Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. We all grew up loving the song and thinking about the unforgettable Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz, but you probably did not know the following:
- Deciding the first line was a huge conundrum for the authors. Some rejected ideas included “Someday over the rainbow” and “I’ll go over the rainbow.”
- The movie producers almost cut the song out! They thought the tune was too slow and too long -Toto, I think they were wrong!
- My favorite fun fact (among many). The song has a powerful underlying significance. The author beautifully expressed his hope for America to get out of the Great Depression in the early 1930s. Deep, right?
The Wedding of Clayton and Renee
And I found you like a melody
Clayton and Renee’s wedding… where do I begin?
And I wanna chase every high with you.
Clayton and Renee chose to have only their families as part of the wedding. Every choice shapes the tone of the celebration; in this case, Renee and Clayton opted for something more intimate. The cute flower girl and ring bearer walked through the flowery path, the groom and his mom, and finally, Renee appeared arm in arm with her dad. The beautiful melody by Christina Perry -A thousand years -resonated through the area, and I could tell Clayton was getting emotional with the view of such a stunning bride.
I like written vows. There’s nothing wrong with traditional ones, but it must take courage first to come up with the right words and second to utter them without choking up mid-sentence. There’s a sort of built expectations around personalized vows, and these ones did not disappoint. My favorite part said by Clayton was: “You showed me what through love is through your generosity and your compassionate nature.” My favorite phrase from Renee was: “Vows her I promise you to encourage you to follow your dreams.” Both sentences, I thought, were fantastic and felt genuine.
Not everything was serious, though. And it was terrific to watch Renee and Clayton practically hopping out from the ceremony -pure joy. Do you know what this meant? They were ready to p-a-r-t-y, and I was prepared to do my part.
After dinner and all the traditional protocols, Clayton and Renee took the dance floor to dance their first song as husband and wife. The chosen melody was “One band man” by Old Dominion. The band’s lead singer explained the concept behind it: “One of the things we talk about the most in this band is how we can’t imagine being on this crazy ride alone.” Isn’t it true what marriage is all about? The abandonment of oneself to become a couple; to have a partner for life. For better or worse. I don’t know what Clayton and Renee told each other during their first dance, but the complicity in their eyes was inspiring.
That squared area with wooden floor transformed into a stage as soon as the party moved on. Watching all of the guests dancing and enjoying was terrific; the beats stumbled against the floor, around their waving arms, through their lips as they sang and celebrated their friends tying the knot.
It was great to be part of your special day, Clayton and Renee. We wish you happiness and the best of lucks during the next chapter of your lives!
DJ Mark
Music that makes you smile
