Why They Went “Destination”

For a couple whose story started in the City of Angels at a karaoke event in Little Tokyo
, a wedding that honored their beginnings just felt right. This, and the fact that the couple has many friends and family in the area, is what sparked Amy and Greg’s journey to the altar in total SoCal fashion.

“Because we still had a lot of guests flying in from all over the country, we wanted a location close to an airport and walkable,” the couple says. “In car-loving Los Angeles, that really narrowed down our options, and Pasadena came on top because of its charm!”

Helpful Tools in the Planning Process

Amy and Greg actually used Google Maps to figure out transportation logistics (and factoring in traffic at different times!).

“And,” Amy adds, “my master excel spreadsheet helped to keep track of all the moving pieces.”

The bride made lists of the various hotel and venue options, compared costs and services provided, and then mapped the different options in Google Maps to see what would be most convenient for guests.

Ironing Out the Logistics

Besides hiring a shuttle to transport guests to the welcome party which was a 15-minute drive from the hotel, guests were able to walk to get to our wedding venue and to explore the city.

“We were cognizant that our guests were mostly able-bodied so this arrangement didn’t pose any issues and allowed us to save some money,” the couple says. “For the two elderly guests that we felt might be challenged by the 8-minute walk to the wedding venue, we scheduled a taxi service to pick them up and drop them off to and from the hotel in advance.”

About the Venue

The Castle Green is a nationally registered historic monument and Pasadena treasure, over 100 years old. It was built during the Victorian era, and now faithfully restored in detail.

“I love shooting there,” Amy and Greg’s photographer, Richard Anthony, says.

Personalization/DIY Projects

Amy and her amazing Maid of Honor made practically all of the decorations, with the exception of the flowers provided by a florist. The ladies designed and printed the name cards, table numbers, and menus for every table, as well as the seating chart and the bar menus. The escort cards were even handwritten and came with adorable paper cranes. To help remember the night and their special attendees, they also used a marital advice board for guests to write out advice for the happy couple.

“And lastly,” the bride adds, “my very savvy Maid of Honor made our wooden welcome sign using a laser cutter!
”Wedding Day

Richard described Amy and Greg as “one of the most laid back and chill couples” he’d ever met. So it came as no surprise that when gloomy clouds came to rain on the couple’s parade, they took it in stride. In fact, Amy actually wanted a dark and moody vibe for her wedding, and that is exactly what she got! The couple did end up waiting around 30 minutes for the rain to let up as the ceremony was in an outdoor setting under a magnolia tree.

“As soon as the rain let up and they said their ‘I do’s’,  the sun peeked out and gave a magnificent sunset painting all of the clouds in the sky with gorgeous colors,” their photographer says.

The Couple’s Advice

A wonderful sunset ceremony and delightful, personalized reception in Pasadena left Amy and Greg fulfilled and joyfully married! So, they are sharing their sage advice with other couples considering a destination wedding or in the planning process.

“The stress is normal so be sure to be kind to yourself during the process – everything will be okay! And when you’re ever unsure about what decision to make, trust your heart and do what you and your partner want. Everyone else’s preferences are secondary.”

Vendors: Photographer: Richard Anthony Photography; Venue: The Castle Green; Coordinator: La Bella Dia Weddings & Events; Florist: Flowers by Sharen; Hair & Makeup: Angeleno Beauty; Band: Renaissance Event Band; Officiant: Rev. Whittney Ijanaten; Cake: Crumpets Bakeshop; Gown Designer: Melissa Sweet; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Hall Madden