The ornate columns, Mediterranean architecture, and olive tree-lined walkways at the Caltech Athenaeum provided the perfect backdrop for Kate and Hernan’s elegant Pasadena wedding. Though the pair live in Miami, they chose to tie the knot in Kate’s hometown of Pasadena, and immediately fell in love with the Athenaeum’s sophisticated charm and rich history. The lush ivory and cream floral arrangements created by Little Hill Designs perfectly accented the romantic setting, and personal touches that paid homage to Hernan’s Argentinian culture helped make this timeless affair uniquely their own.

The Wedding Vision

“Growing up in Pasadena, my parents were and are members of many private clubs. The Athenaeum at Caltech was a natural choice for our wedding venue due to its personal and historical significance and its exquisite architecture. We wanted our wedding to be an intimate affair in which we celebrated our two cultures — American and Argentinian — with our closest friends and family. The Athenaeum’s Olive Terrace and the West Patio’s iconic peach-pink drapery established the palate upon which we drew our inspiration. We chose whites, ivories and greens for the florals and incorporated a lot of blue in the design of our bespoke wedding crest and stationary. Blue, in its deeper hues, has a sort of regal feel to it, I think.”

The Proposal

“Hernan proposed to me on the evening of my father’s best friend’s daughter’s wedding. The wedding took place at The Brazilian Court, a charming boutique hotel in Palm Beach. My parents had treated us to adjoining ocean front suites at The Breakers for the weekend. Never one to forget a detail, Hernan remembered wishes that I had casually expressed to a mutual friend at a dinner party the year prior: that my future husband would ask for my father’s blessing before proposing. My wish and our blessing was granted over a round of golf preceded by a nerve wracking arrival to the hotel, during which my father insisted that the boys’ clubs were sent directly to the golf course. Hint: one of the bags contained my engagement ring!

On a balmy, breezy evening after dinner and dancing, we returned to The Breakers where Hernan proposed to me in the moonlight, overlooking the Atlantic. My parents, now in on his secret, were waiting in the adjacent room with champagne. Of course, I said yes.”

Vendor Credits:

Photography: Molly Lichten Photography
Venue: The Athenaeum at Caltech
Planning: Honeyfitz Events
Florals: Little Hill Designs
Hair & Makeup: Kelly Zhang Studio
Gown: Alon Livné
Bridal Salon: Solutions Bridal
Groom’s Suit: Suit Supply
Invitations: Woo Paperie & Press
Calligraphy: Jacqueline Correa Calligraphy & Designs
Engagement Ring: Tiffany & Co.
Cake: Fantasy Frostings
Videography: Buster Brown Productions
DJ: VOX DJs

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