Summer Caltech Athenaeum Wedding | Pasadena, CA

Outdoor summer wedding at the Athenaeum at Caltech in Pasadena, California

Caroline and Ebuka’s summer wedding at the Caltech Athenaeum was a day filled with quiet intention, stolen moments, and the most effortless kind of love — soft, sincere, and full of feeling. Set outdoors on the Summer Solstice, their wedding fully embraced Southern California’s golden light in a vibrant celebration that blended family legacy, culture, and modern elegance.

The Athenaeum at Caltech served as the perfect wedding venue for Caroline and Ebuka. Not only for its historical architecture and olive tree-lined walkways, but for its deep personal significance. Caroline’s parents were married at the Athenaeum in 1988, making it the perfect Pasadena wedding venue to honor the past while celebrating a new beginning.

Throughout the day, Caroline and Ebuka balanced modern elegance with personal and cultural tradition. A bright summer palette, light blue bridesmaid dresses, and bold florals set the tone. Meanwhile, meaningful heirlooms and Nigerian details — Afrobeats on the dance floor, beef suya during cocktail hour, and guests in vibrant Nigerian attire — filled the celebration with energy and joy.

pretty blue invitation suite for summer wedding at the Athenaeum at Caltech

invitation and jewelry flatlay for summer wedding at Caltech Athenaeum

Close-up of bride’s wedding day accessories at the Caltech Athenaeum

bride and bridesmaids in matching pajamas

Caltech Athenaeum wedding bride in bridal suite

The Heirlooms

Personal details played an important role in Caroline’s wedding day look. She wore her mother’s pearl bracelet, which her sister also wore on her wedding day. As her “something blue,” she carried a blue embroidered handkerchief from her grandmother. Finally, to complete the look, she wore diamond earrings repurposed from her grandmother’s ring.

bride walking down steps at Caltech Athenaeum

Bride walking down steps at Caltech Athenaeum wedding

Bride and Groom first look at Caltech Athenaeum wedding

Bride and Groom portraits at Caltech Athenaeum wedding in entrance

Bride and Groom portrait at Caltech Athenaeum wedding

Bridal portraits under the columns at Caltech Athenaeum wedding

Bridesmaids walking under columns at Caltech Athenaeum wedding

Bridal portrait at Caltech Athenaeum wedding

Wedding party walking under columns at Caltech Athenaeum wedding

Bride walking up stairs at Caltech Athenaeum wedding

Bride and Groom walking on olive tree lined pathway at Caltech Athenaeum wedding

Groom and groomsmen photos on Caltech campus

Detail photos of boutonnieres and Groom's vow book and ring

Bride and Groom walking under jacaranda tree at Caltech Athenaeum wedding

A Summer Wedding Ceremony at the Caltech Athenaeum

The ceremony was one of Caroline and Ebuka’s favorite moments of the day. Working closely with their reverend, they chose readings that reflected what marriage truly means to them. And a string quartet played timeless, nostalgic songs like Here Comes the Sun and Can You Feel the Love Tonight.

In a moment that perfectly captured their personalities, Ebuka snuck Caroline a kiss before it was officially time to “kiss the bride”. This small, unexpected moment had everyone smiling.