La Playa Hotel

Wedding Day

A Note from Us

Getting to celebrate this moment with all of you truly means everything to us. We feel so lucky and blessed to be surrounded by such amazing family and friends, and we are beyond excited to have everyone together with us in Carmel. We’ve already started counting down the days and cannot wait for a weekend full of love, laughter, and celebrating with the people who mean so much to us. Thank you for all of the love, support, and joy you’ve brought into our lives and for being such a meaningful part of our story. It is hard to put into words just how grateful we are to share this day with each of you. Our hearts are so full. 🤍 With all our love and gratitude, Liz &amp; Bob

Our Wedding

We met senior year of high school in 2018. Bobby was at Bellarmine and Elizabeth was at Saint Francis. To give some context for our friends and family not from the Bay Area, our schools were big rivals and our friend groups often overlapped. Though, we didn’t officially meet until Spring 2018 when a mutual friend had us both over to his family's Easter BBQ. Bobby was immediately into Lizzie and thought she was super cool and beautiful and perfect, but she was not quite interested yet. A few weeks later, we found out we were both going to Indiana University in the fall. Knowing someone from home made the move across the country feel a lot less intimidating, and that summer we ended up spending a ton of time together with friends. By the time we got to IU, a real friendship had formed, and it didn't take long for it to become something more. In January 2019, after Lizzie visited Bobby and his family in Kansas City for New Year’s, we officially started dating. The next four years were a blur of IU memories, a global pandemic, big life moments, and a lot of growing up together. In 2023, we moved to Dallas for post grad life and new jobs, and it ended up being one of our favorite seasons. On September 22, 2025 in Kauai, Bobby proposed and Lizzie said yes without hesitation. We can’t wait to celebrate this chapter with you!! 🤍

Our Story

Carmel Beach, California

Pu'u Poa Beach, Kauai

Photos

Welcome Party

Thursday, August 27, 20266:00 PM - 9:00 PM Carmel Beach13th Avenue Beach Access Point Meet us on the beach for an all-white welcome party. Light bites and drinks will be provided. And, yes, please wear white! Can't wait to see you there! Attire: White, Elevated Beach

Friday, August 28, 20264:00 PM - 10:00 PM La Playa HotelCamino Real at Eighth AvenueCarmel-by-the-Sea, California 93921 Attire: Formal

Ceremony

4:00 PM La Playa Hotel; The Courtyard Our ceremony will begin promptly at 4:00 PM. We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes early to get settled and enjoy the beautiful La Playa before we say “I do.”

Cocktail Hour

5:00 PM La Playa Hotel; The Pacific Terrace Join us for cocktail hour immediately following the ceremony on La Playa’s Pacific Terrace, featuring hors d’oeuvres, a full bar, and views of the Pacific Ocean.

Reception

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM La Playa Hotel; The Ocean Room The party continues with dinner, dancing, and lots of celebrating in La Playa's Ocean Room.

Events

Wedding Party

Questions & Answers! 

Where are the ceremony and reception taking place?Both our ceremony and reception will take place at La Playa Hotel in Carmel by the Sea. The Ceremony will begin at 4:00PM. When should I RSVP by?Please RSVP as soon as you know your plans. The RSVP deadline is June 1st, and early responses are so appreciated. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Can I bring a plus one?We’re only able to accommodate guests listed on your invitation. Thank you so much for understanding. Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?Our ceremony will be outdoors, so plan accordingly for sunshine or cooler evening temps. The reception will be indoors. What time should I arrive?We recommend arriving about 20-30 minutes early. The Ceremony will begin promptly at 4:00 PM. What should I wear?The dress code is formal attire. Think suits and floor-length gowns. Fun summer colors are encouraged. Thank you for dressing up with us! Is there a dedicated hotel room block?Because Carmel has so many charming boutique hotels, inns, and Airbnbs right in town, we decided to skip a traditional room block so everyone can choose what fits best. Our Accommodations tab has lots of great options, and we recommend booking early since it’ll be a busy time of year. Can’t wait to see where everyone stays! Are there any additional wedding weekend events?Yes! We’re hosting a Welcome Party on Thursday on Carmel Beach. We'd love to see you there! Who should I contact with questions?We love hearing from you! Feel free to reach out to us anytime. 🤍

Q + A

A Note on Accommodations: Carmel by the Sea has an extensive range of accommodations, from boutique hotels and cozy inns to great Airbnbs. We’ve included a list of suggested stays below, and there are plenty of options across different price ranges, so feel free to explore and choose what works best for you. For the easiest experience, we recommend staying in Carmel by the Sea. Monterey, Carmel Highlands, and Carmel Valley are also great nearby alternatives. Summer in Carmel is a busy season, so booking soon is highly recommended :) **Update: If your preferred hotel appears “unavailable” online, it may not actually be sold out. Several guests have had success booking anyway by calling the hotel directly and reserving over the phone, so we definitely recommend trying that! 🤍

Stilwell Hotel is a modern boutique stay just steps from downtown Carmel by the Sea. With clean, contemporary design and cozy outdoor fire pits, it has a fresh, updated feel compared to many of Carmel’s classic inns. Perfect if you love a more stylish, modern vibe while still being right in the heart of town.

Stilwell Hotel

Cypress Inn is a charming boutique hotel right in downtown Carmel by the Sea, just steps from shops, restaurants, and the beach. It has a cozy, classic feel with beautiful courtyards and lots of character. A super convenient and comfortable spot to stay in the heart of everything.

Cypress Inn

Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave is a fun, stylish boutique hotel right in the heart of downtown Carmel by the Sea. With cozy rooms, playful design touches, and thoughtful extras, it’s a super cute and comfortable spot just steps from shops, restaurants, and the beach. A great option if you want something central with a little personality. They have another location on 8th Ave as well!

Le Petit Pali at Ocean Ave

La Playa Hotel is a beautiful, historic hotel overlooking the ocean and just a short walk from downtown Carmel by the Sea. With lush gardens, coastal views, and classic California charm, it’s a relaxing and scenic place to stay for the weekend. It’s also where our wedding activities will take place, so staying here means you’ll be right in the heart of the celebration.

Villa Mara is a stylish, boutique hideaway just a short walk from downtown Carmel by the Sea. With beautifully designed rooms, cozy outdoor spaces, and a calm, modern feel, it’s perfect for guests looking for something a little more intimate and tucked away. A peaceful and chic spot to unwind for the weekend.

Villa Mara Carmel

Normandy Inn is a charming, European-style boutique hotel tucked right in downtown Carmel by the Sea. With cozy rooms, garden courtyards, and an easy walk to shops, restaurants, and the beach, it’s a super convenient and relaxed place to stay. A sweet, classic Carmel option that feels warm and welcoming for the weekend.

Normandy Inn

Coachman’s Inn is a cozy, cottage-style boutique hotel located right in downtown Carmel by the Sea, just steps from Ocean Avenue’s shops and restaurants. With comfortable rooms, fireplaces, and relaxing extras like a spa and hot tub, it’s an easy and welcoming place to unwind after a day of celebrating. A super convenient stay if you want to be close to everything.

Coachman's Inn, A Four Sisters Inn

Candle Light Inn is a cozy, garden-style boutique inn just a short walk from downtown Carmel by the Sea. With warm, comfortable rooms and a peaceful courtyard setting, it’s a sweet and relaxing place to come back to after a full day of celebrating. A charming, low-key option that still keeps you close to everything.

Candle Light Inn

Carmel Bay View Inn is a relaxed hotel just a short walk from downtown Carmel by the Sea. Many rooms have beautiful ocean and sunset views, and guests can enjoy a heated pool and complimentary breakfast each morning. A great pick if you want a little extra space and classic hotel amenities with a view.

Carmel Bay View Inn

Hotel Carmel is a stylish boutique hotel located right in downtown Carmel by the Sea, just steps from Ocean Avenue’s shops and restaurants. With updated rooms, cozy fireplaces, and welcoming courtyard spaces with fire pits, it blends modern comfort with classic Carmel charm. A great option if you want something central with a polished, contemporary feel.

Hotel Carmel

Hofsas House is a family-owned, European-inspired hotel perched just above downtown Carmel by the Sea. Known for its colorful Bavarian-style architecture, many rooms feature balconies with ocean views, plus there’s a heated pool for relaxing between events. A charming and comfortable stay with lots of personality.

Hofsas House Hotel

Wayside Inn is a quiet, cottage-style boutique hotel tucked right in the heart of downtown Carmel by the Sea. With cozy rooms, fireplaces, and a peaceful garden courtyard, it feels intimate and relaxing while still being steps from everything. A sweet, low-key spot that feels very classic Carmel.

Wayside Inn

Carmel Wayfarer Inn is a simple, easygoing stay just a short walk from downtown Carmel by the Sea. It’s clean, comfortable, and conveniently located for exploring town and the beach without any fuss. A practical home base for guests who plan to spend most of their time out and about.

Carmel Wayfarer Inn

Set in the heart of Carmel Village, Pine Inn blends charm and comfort just moments from the beach, boutiques, and nearby attractions.

Pine Inn

Hotels

✈️ Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) MRY is the closest airport to Carmel by the Sea, about 15 minutes away. Flights often include a layover, but it’s the easiest and most convenient choice if you want the shortest drive to town. Most accessible for rideshare options. We highly encourage using this airport.

✈️ San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) SJC is an alternative option, about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on traffic) from Carmel by the Sea. Most flights are direct, which is a plus. We highly recommend renting a car, since rideshare options can be expensive and less reliable. When booking, please be sure to select San Jose, California (SJC) and not San Jose, Costa Rica 🙂

✈️ San Francisco International Airport (SFO) We generally don’t recommend flying into SFO unless you’re planning an extended stay in the area. If it’s the best option for your travel plans, please allow extra time and plan transportation in advance. Depending on traffic, the drive to Carmel can take 2 to 3 hours, and weekday traffic can be heavy and unpredictable.Rideshares from SFO to Carmel may also be limited and expensive, so the trip can be a bit tricky. We don’t want anyone stressing, so we recommend flying into Monterey (MRY) or San Jose (SJC) when possible.

🚕 Uber and LyftUber and Lyft are available and generally reliable around Carmel and MontereyIf you need an early morning pickup, an airport ride, or a longer trip, we recommend scheduling in advance when possible. For remote destinations or very early flights, local taxi services, pre booked private cars, or airport shuttles tend to be the most dependable. 🚗 Rental CarsWe definitely recommend renting a car if you plan to explore beyond the Monterey Peninsula, especially places like Big Sur. Cell service can be limited in some areas, and rideshare can be hard to find once you are outside the main towns.

Flights

☀️ Breakfast• Stationaery• El Bistro by the Sea• Katie’s Place• Carmel Bakery 🥗 Lunch• Anton &amp; Michel – We love the courtyard! Also open for dinner.• Terry’s Lounge – A fun spot for lunch and cocktails.• Vin – Cozy and relaxed with great wine and small plates.• La Bicyclette Restaurant – French-Italian spot and a Carmel favorite. Fun fact: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce dined here! 🍽️ Dinner• Little Napoli – Great pasta and a fun atmosphere.• Dametra Cafe – Mediterranean food with music, dancing, and lots of energy.• Toro – Our sushi spot!• Cultura – Mexican food and delicious margaritas.• Seventh &amp; Dolores Steakhouse• Grasing’s – Great seafood and a cozy atmosphere. 🍷 Bars, Wine Spots &amp; Happy Hour• Bud’s at La Playa – Our favorite for drinks and food.• Pepe’s Vesuvio – Try to grab a spot on the rooftop!• Mulligan Public House – A fun, casual pub option.• Barmel – One of the only late night spots, with DJs and live music some nights.• Pocket – A great happy hour stop.• De Tierra – Perfect for wine tasting. 🥐 Quick Bites• Rise + Roam Bakery – Amazing coffee, pastries, and pizza.• Bruno’s Market &amp; Deli – Sandwiches, snacks, and picnic supplies.• The Cheese Shop

Our Favorite Carmel Spots

Carmel Mission Basilica is a historic and beautifully preserved mission known for its peaceful grounds, classic Spanish architecture, and deep cultural significance in California history.

Carmel Mission Basilica

Carmel Beach is a stunning white sand beach with scenic ocean views, perfect for relaxing, walking along the shore, or watching the sunset. Guests can lounge on the beach, explore the coastline, or enjoy a peaceful break just steps from downtown Carmel.

Carmel Beach

Carmel Plaza is a charming open air shopping destination in the heart of Carmel by the Sea, featuring upscale boutiques, local shops, and great dining options. Guests can browse unique stores, grab a drink, or relax in the lively beer garden tucked inside the plaza. It’s an easy, walkable spot to shop, eat, and hang out while enjoying the Carmel vibe.

Carmel Plaza

Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most iconic golf courses in the world, known for its dramatic oceanfront holes and legendary history along the Monterey Peninsula. Guests can golf the main course or visit The Hay at Pebble Beach, the beautifully designed short course that’s perfect for a relaxed, fun experience without committing to a full round.

Pebble Beach Golf Links

Folktale Winery &amp; Vineyards is a storybook style winery in Carmel Valley, set among vineyards and gardens with a tasting room and a wine garden for food, wine, and live music vibes. It’s about 15 minutes from Carmel-by-the-Sea, making it an easy, quick trip for a relaxed afternoon tasting.

Folktale Winery & Vineyards

Monterey Bay Aquarium is a world renowned aquarium featuring incredible marine life exhibits and immersive ocean experiences, and it’s located just 20 minutes away.