Vanessa Kowalski
Jason Taylor
Vanessa Kowalski
Jason Taylor
April 1, 2026
V + J
Wedding Party
Izabela Kowalski
Mother of the Bride
Jerzy Kowalski
Father of the Bride
DiAnna Taylor
Mother of the Groom
Gerry Taylor
Father of the Groom
Hotel
Hotel
La Playa Hotel
Originally constructed in 1905 as a salon and artist’s residence, La Playa Hotel remains a beloved institution that honors the deep bohemian heritage of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Following an extensive $20 million renovation in summer 2023, the property has been tastefully enhanced, all while preserving the quiet eclecticism for which the hotel is known. The renovation carefully covered all aspects of the hotel, from the welcoming lobby to the commodious corners of Bud’s bar and the luxuriously appointed guest rooms with sunfilled windows beckoning the ocean breeze. Ready to welcome a new generation of guests, the transformation is classic, richly layered, and intimate — incorporating new designs and signature components.
Schedule
Monday, March 30, 2026
Day 1
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
V + JT check out of Cambria Airbnb and drive further north to meet everyone Izabela & Jerzy Arrival Time: 1pm at SFO Gerry & DiAnna Arrival Time: 11am at SFO Meet up for lunch - Location TBD 3pm – Check in at AIRBNB 346 Coral Ridge Drive Pacifica, CA 94044 Dinner at Airbnb or out on the town
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Day 2
8:00 am - 9:00 pm
11 am – Check out from Pacifica, CA Airbnb Breakfast by the sea with everyone - Grab Coffee/Snack at Rebyl Drive down to Carmel (2.5 hrs along the coast), stop to explore anything that catches our fancy like vintage and antique stores, beaches w/ boardwalks; Santa Cruz is half way! 3pm – Lunch - BUD’S @ LA PLAYA 4-6pm – Check into hotel, everyone relax, refresh, go for a walk to the sea if you wish 6-7pm – Photos in the gardens V + JT in their 'Night Before' outfits Parents outfits - Colour theme ; Elegant but not formal, dark brown, moms in dresses or blouse with pants, dads in button downs and slacks 7:30pm – Dinner at La Bicyclette Back to hotel for bed time, option for a drink @ Bud’s
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Wedding Day
9:00 am - 11:30 pm
8 - 9am – Champagne Breakfast at the hotel with everyone Free time for everyone (go to the beach, Point Lobos, Lovers Point, Pacific Grove, shop in town, and have lunch at your leisure) V + JT meet together to exchange vows privately 3-4pm – Photographer & Super 8mm Videographer Arrive 4pm-5pm – Get ready at La Playa Hotel 5:15pm – V + JT first looks in the garden 5:30pm – Pictures with parents. Moms in their beautiful silver dresses and dads in their handsome dark blue suits. 6pm – Drive to ceremony location 6:15/6:30pm – Ceremony starts (7:15pm sunset) 7-8pm – Photos at ceremony location 8pm – Release video/photographer 8:30pm – Celebration dinner, Van Gogh’s table at Casanova in Carmel *Please note that we will not stop at the hotel after the ceremony before dinner.
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Day 4
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
We're Married! 9am – Debrief & Champagne Breakfast at La Playa Hotel ...The world is your oyster...
What to Pack
Question
What should you pack?
Answer
Comfortable travel and elevated outfits you are happy to be photographed in around the hotel for breakfasts and lunches. La Playa is a gorgeous 5 star hotel with beautiful landscaping and gardens. Dress chic and have fun, you'll want to take pictures EVERYWHERE. Sneakers and flats for walking around town Layers for warmth in the mornings or evenings Bathing suit & slide on sandals for heated swimming pool and hot tub Outfit for rehearsal dinner (Elegant, but not formal, dark browns!) Wedding day outfit (no high heels, but block or low heels are great - we are out by the sea!) A good attitude Some baby pictures of the bride and groom A camera A good book Any game we might play as a family Anything else you need to have a relaxing and peaceful stay by the sea
Things To Do
La Playa Hotel
Bud's at La Playa
La Bicyclette Restaurant
Casanova
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Incredible hiking, trails, and coastal cliff views
Carmel Beach
Beautiful beach with a long stretch of sand
Ocean Avenue
Lots of little shops and places to peek your head into!
Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmers Market
Farmers Market you can go to on Thursday morning