Casey and Josselyn’s California roots spread throughout the Golden State. Both of their families have a connection with Carmel-by-the-Sea—Casey’s great-grandmother owned a dress shop downtown and Josselyn’s grandparents have called it home for years. After becoming engaged while on holiday at Yellowstone National Park (more on that later!), Carmel was a natural choice for the place their Mrs. and Mr. story would begin. The fact that the town is drop-dead beautiful didn’t hurt, either.
Josselyn’s search for an ethereal, vintage-inspired dress brought her to Lace & Bustle, where Patrice was the very first frock she tried!
Get proposal and wedding day details along with some crazy good wedding planning advice from Josselyn below:
How did your sweetie propose?
“Casey proposed while we were on a trip in Yellowstone National Park in August 2016. Near the end of our vacation, after hiking and exploring the incredible landscape for a week we stopped for a photo in front of the National Park sign, and he got down on one knee! We had been dating for 4 years and I had my suspicions (we were very open with each other about getting engaged and being married someday), but he waited so long in the trip that he took me totally by surprise! A very kind fellow vacationer was taking our picture and continued to capture the moment for us. Fortunately I said yes very quickly, because I don’t think I uttered one coherent sentence for the next ten minutes—I was so overwhelmed and excited! We went out for pizza and beer, called our families from the car, and went to bed early because we were driving down through the Grand Tetons to Jackson Hole the next day. It was low-key, heartfelt, and perfect. “
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Patrice via Lace and Bustle Bridal | photographer: Brandon Scott Photo Co. | scroll down for full vendor list
How did you choose your gown?
“I went to Lace and Bustle in Lafayette, California to start my wedding dress search. I only knew that I liked long sleeves and wanted something ethereal or vintage inspired. Luckily I didn’t have to look elsewhere, because the Patrice gown was the very first dress I tried on. There were many dresses that followed, but Patrice was so fitting for November and felt like me—I knew it was the right one when I put it on a second time and didn’t want to take it off.”
Tell us about your day! Did you have a theme or style in mind?
“We chose to get married in Carmel-by-the-Sea at a wonderful venue, restaurant, and hotel called Mission Ranch. Most of our families are split across Northern and Southern California, so we chose Carmel for its natural beauty and the family history we both have there. Casey’s great-grandmother owned a dress shop downtown, and my grandparents have lived in Carmel for decades; it was the perfect place to gather all of our family and friends.
We knew we wanted to incorporate and complement the environment as much as possible into our wedding. Carmel is so naturally striking, so we opted for an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception with lots of greenery and a few seasonal elements. Our magnificent florist Laughin’ Gal Floral created the most beautiful garlands and bouquets.
One of the most amazing parts of the day was sitting with Casey and looking around at all of our different family members and friends chatting and catching up, or meeting each other for the first time. It was an indescribably special feeling.”
What was your first dance song?
“Sam Cooke’s ‘These Foolish Things.’ ”
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
“We haven’t gone yet! Casey and I are moving to London in June, so our honeymoon will happen after the move. We are planning to go to Sardinia as well as a few other cities on the Italian mainland.”
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
“SLEEP! Sleep, sleep, sleep as much as you can in the few nights before your wedding! It might be a fool’s errand the night before, but to be as awake and ready for the big day as possible is the goal!”
Josselyn + Casey’s Carmel Wedding Vendors
wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Patrice via Lace and Bustle Bridal | photographer: Brandon Scott Photo Co. | florals: Laughin’ Gal Floral | hair + makeup: Blush Hair and Makeup | venue + coordinating team: Mission Ranch