A Proposal, a Princess Dress, and a Love 13 Years in the Making (By: Catey Rosander)

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When people ask me about my engagement, I laugh—because it didn’t go at all how my husband planned. Jake had organized this elaborate beachside proposal in Newport, complete with all our friends and family, and even booked a party bus to celebrate after. But life had other plans… my appendix ruptured the morning of the big day! I spent the next week in the hospital recovering from emergency surgery, and Jake? He had the ring in his pocket the whole time, ready to propose right then and there.

Thankfully, our loved ones convinced him to wait (thank goodness—I was not about to get engaged in a hospital gown!). A few weeks later, once I was healed, he proposed at the gazebo at Summit House restaurant, surrounded by close family and friends. It was intimate, heartfelt, and still one of my favorite stories to tell.

A Wedding with Classic Hollywood Glam

When it came time to plan the wedding, I knew exactly the vibe I wanted: classic elegance with a Hollywood twist. Our venue was tucked in the Hollywood Hills, and I wanted the night to feel like an old-school glam night out—vintage touches with a modern edge. Think all-white florals, ornate gold details, and an atmosphere that felt timeless yet chic.

Finding The One at The Dresser Bridal

My wedding dress journey was a little unique. I used to work as a bridal stylist at The Dresser Bridal, so I had tried on what felt like hundreds of dresses over the years. By the time it was my turn to walk down the aisle, I knew exactly what I wanted: something timeless, elegant, and just a touch dramatic.

I booked a private “Dresser After Dark” appointment and brought 15 of my closest people. We had snacks, drinks, and the most amazing stylist helping us the whole night. The moment I put on my dress—a fitted, high-neck lace gown by Martina Liana with an open back—I knew it was the one. To add some fairytale flair, I paired it with a Martina Liana Luxe overskirt made of textured tulle and a long, dramatic train. A simple cathedral-length tulle veil tied everything together with a nod to tradition.

I always tell brides: trust your instincts. Wear what makes YOU feel beautiful, and don’t let others talk you out of your vision. Try everything, even styles you wouldn’t expect to love—you might surprise yourself!

The Ring That Took My Breath Away

My engagement ring has a special place in my heart, not just because of what it symbolizes, but because Jake designed it himself at Happy Jewelers. I had visited the store once to try on different diamond shapes and landed on a Marquise cut—it’s unique, elegant, and not something you see every day. From there, Jake took the reins.

The final design: a white gold Marquise diamond ring with a hidden halo and a split shank band featuring diamonds halfway around. It’s delicate, feminine, and reflects my personality so well. I love that the Marquise shape was originally designed to mimic the shape of a woman’s lips—there’s something romantic about that detail.

Working with Happy Jewelers was such a positive experience. Jake teamed up with JJ there, and they made the process seamless—even finishing the ring ahead of schedule, which gave Jake some much-needed peace of mind.

A Reflection of Us

When I look back at our wedding day—my dress, my ring, the venue, the people—it all felt like a perfect reflection of our love story. Jake and I met in high school and have been together for 13 years, so “timeless” felt like the most authentic theme we could have. My dress and ring both captured that essence while still feeling fresh, personal, and me.

Vendors I’ll Love Forever

I truly can’t say enough good things about The Dresser Bridal and Happy Jewelers. Both places go above and beyond—not just during the buying process, but long after. The Dresser offers in-house alterations (which is so rare!) and even steamed my dress before the wedding day. They made the whole experience feel seamless and special.

Happy Jewelers, on the other hand, continues to take care of us to this day. Every time I pop in, they clean and polish my ring, check for loose stones, and greet me like family. Their customer service is unmatched.

A Final Note to Future Brides

Here’s my best advice: keep an open mind, but trust yourself. Don’t feel pressured by trends, opinions, or expectations. If you’re not 100% sure about a dress or a ring, take a breath. You can always go back. These choices are once-in-a-lifetime, and they should feel that way.

Your wedding is about you and your love story. Let every detail reflect that—from the sparkle on your finger to the train on your dress.

With love, Catey Rosander