Christina Karas
Robert Colmenares
Christina Karas
Robert Colmenares
November 11, 2024
No Sorta Fairytale
Robbie and Christina met years ago - in 2020 at the height of the pandemic and when Christina’s son was a young baby. The first date actually went well. It was undeniable that we had plenty of similar interests and maybe fateful overlaps. Although we greatly enjoyed each other’s company, we were both in the midst of several difficult transitions in our lives and dating just didn’t seem like a good option. In spite of this we remained close friends and were staples in each other’s lives. Robbie was a strong source of support as Christina tragically lost both her parents, offering both endless comfort and help with Jackson. And Christina became Robbie’s female perspective as he attempted to navigate the ups and downs of the dating world. Four years later, Christina and Robbie found themselves best friends. Christina had relocated to Northern California for work but the two talked nonstop. Seemingly doing life together via the phone and FaceTime. On a fateful day in 2023 the two realized that they had fallen in love and decided to give their union a try. The time was finally right. They began a long distance relationship and quickly realized that they wanted to blend families and do this little life together as a unit. The decision was easy and seamless as their friendship provided such a stable foundation for a romantic relationship. Robbie’s warm smile, big heart, strong character, generosity of spirit and sense of humor all contributed to Christina’s falling in love. Robbie often“joked” that given the amount of time the two friends spent on the phone that Christina was the woman he would eventually marry, and indeed he was correct. Both Robbie and Christina have one child from previous relationships - Brielle, Robbie’s daughter and Jackson, Christina’s son. We intend to put God at the center of our union and cannot wait to celebrate our love with all of you!
Schedule
Monday, November 11, 2024
Wedding
3:00 pm
105 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, CA 92672
Cocktail
Travel
Flight
SNA, LGB, ONT, SAN, LAX
The Orange County area has a few airports to consider flying in to, the main one being John Wayne Airport (SNA). Other airport options include Long Beach, Ontario, San Diego, and LAX.
Rental Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is our recommended car rental company. They offer easy online reservations and multiple locations to accommodate your needs.
Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn- Doheny Beach Dana Point
Please use this link to take advantage of the discount at the selected hotel block. Mid-level beachfront hotel https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=SNADBGI&groupCode=90P&arrivaldate=2024-11-09&departuredate=2024-11-12&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT
Hotel
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Beautiful hotel with a great view of the Dana Point harbor.
Hotel
Montage Laguna Beach
5 Star luxurious hotel in Laguna Beach.
Hotel
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, Autograph Collection
Luxurious hotel in San Juan Capistrano. Walking distance to historic downtown San Juan Capistrano, the mission, and Heritage BBQ.
Hotel
El Caminante Bar & Bungalows
High-end, boutique beachfront hotel.
House Or Rental
Airbnb
Airbnb recommended locations include San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, and Laguna Beach.
Registry
Wedding Party
Robert Colmenares
Groom
Christina Karas
Bride
Pastor Mitch Williams
Officiant
Ely DeGracia
Officiant
Jon-Michael Colmenares
Best Man
Robbie's cousin
Raul Benavides
Groomsman
Robbie's friend
Jason Stearns
Groomsman
Robbie's friend
Rachel Andrea DeGracia
Matron of Honor
Andrea and I met in nursing school in 2009 and we felt like family from the start. We have been through the births of our children (with me literally delivering her daughter, Ella) and the deaths of both my parents and her beloved Abuelo. She, Ely, Caleb and Ella are the family we chose and were the biggest blessing after losing my folks. She is Jackson’s favorite Tia and can’t wait to welcome Robbie and Brielle into our crazy, extended family. Andrea was particularly close to my father as they were two peas in a pod. We can be found cooking a Cuban-Greek fusion cuisine, talking too loud and eating too much.
Erica Fine
Bridesmaid
Christina and Erica met in Orange County nearly a decade ago. Having both been East Coast transplants, the friendship blossomed organically with the two bonding over their love of walks and all things to do with health and a hatred for all things shallow and superficial. Erica is Christina's go-to person for boy mom advice (and life advice in general), as she has two boys of her own and has been a remarkable friend - even throwing Christina's baby shower. Christina continues to be amazed and inspired by her friend's patience, empathy, rational mind and kindness and can't wait to have Erica stand beside her as she marries Robbie. Erica is and has been a constant source of love and support for the couple and they are so grateful to have her in the wedding.
Keila Pratley
Bridesmaid
Keila and Christina became close when Keila’s daughter, Valorie, started babysitting for Christina’s son. Christina and Jackson had recently relocated to Northern CA at the time and Keila quickly became a trusted friend and Auntie to Jackson. We can’t wait to have her stand beside us as we get married and are so grateful to Keila for being such a good friend and so supportive. She is always outdoing herself and a great planner! We are blessed to include her in our wedding party and to have her in our lives.
Brielle Colmenares
Junior Bridesmaid
Robert’s sweet daughter :)
Jackson Dimitri Atencio
Ring Bearer
Christina’s sweet son :)
Beckham Fratterigo
Ring Bearer
Robbie’s sweet nephew. :)
Gianna Fraterrigo
Flower Girl
Robbie’s beautiful niece
Sophia Winikor
Flower Girl
Christina’s sweet niece
Eleni Winikor
Flower Girl
Christina’s sweet niece
Ella DeGracia
Flower Girl
Gallery
Things To Do
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
The premier local golf course of PGA legend Michael Block.
The Coach House Concert Hall
Quaint concert venue that attracts many different genres of musical performances. Its charm is reflected by their cowboy-style, paying homage to the surrounding city of San Juan Capistrano.
Top of the World
View point and hiking trials.
Pizza Port San Clemente
Great spot for a casual beer.
South of Nick's San Clemente | Mexican Kitchen + Bar
Nice Mexican restaurant with delicious food and drinks.
The Cliff Restaurant
Good drinks and food, better view.
Coyote Grill - Laguna Beach
Coastal Mexican bar and grill with a nice view.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Steak house, golf, and resort
Irvine Spectrum Center
Nordstrom, Target, movie theatre, and various other shops and restaurants.
Laguna Beach
Beach, shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Crystal Cove State Beach
State Park beach and recreation.
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove provides ocean front dining in the Historic District of the Crystal Cove State Park with breath taking views of the Newport Coastline and Catalina Island.
FAQs
Hard at work on these... Talk soon.
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