Spring Wedding at The Athenaeum at CalTech | Pasadena, California
A + K’s wedding at The Athenaeum at CalTech was a beautiful blend of sentimentality, springtime elegance, and personal touches that reflected their unique love story. Their journey began years ago in South Korea, where they met while teaching English. After navigating a long-distance relationship across countries and time zones, their wedding day felt like a long-awaited moment of celebration. With a fresh color palette of white, blue, and green, the day embraced the season’s natural beauty, set against the stunning, historic backdrop of The Athenaeum, and it all photographed beautifully in a mix of digital and vintage analog film.
The Athenaeum at CalTech Wedding Photographer
Tucked within the prestigious CalTech campus in Pasadena, The Athenaeum is an architectural gem that exudes elegance and old-world charm. Known for its grand courtyards, intricate details, and European-inspired design, it provides an intimate yet sophisticated setting for couples seeking a timeless wedding venue.
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Bride Getting Ready | SoCal Wedding Photos
The bride spent the morning preparing in a beautifully appointed suite at The Athenaeum, surrounded by the closest people in her life. The excitement and anticipation filled the air as she stepped into her wedding dress and shared a special first look with her father.
Film Photo: Portra 400/Pentax K1000
Film Photo: Portra 400/Contax 645
Film Photo: Portra 400/Contax 645
Film Photo: Portra 400/Contax 645
A Heartfelt Wedding Ceremony at the CalTech Athenaeum
The ceremony took place on The Athenaeum’s East Patio, a breathtaking space framed by arched walkways and lush greenery. With the sun casting a soft glow over the courtyard, A + K exchanged vows in a sweet and sentimental ceremony that reflected the deep care they have for one another.
Film Photo: Portra 400/Pentax K1000
Sunset Bride and Groom Portraits at the CalTech Athenaeum
During cocktail hour, we explored the venue’s most picturesque spots to capture portraits of A + K as newlyweds. K, an excellent film photographer himself, brought along his vintage large-format film camera, complete with the traditional cloth hood, and took a few portraits of A in a moment that felt straight out of another era.
Film Photo: Portra 400/Pentax K1000
Film Photo: Portra 400/Contax 645
Film Photo: Portra 400/Contax 645
Film Photo: Portra 400/Contax 645
A Reception Filled with Emotion & Celebration | Pasadena Wedding Photos
As the evening continued, guests made their way into The Athenaeum’s Main Lounge, where the reception unfolded with an air of classic sophistication. Heartfelt speeches from family and friends highlighted A + K’s kindness, resilience, and love for each other. Their first dance and parent dances were filled with emotion. And as the night progressed, the celebration took on a whole new energy—the dance floor came alive with music and laughter, making for the perfect ending to a perfect wedding day.
Film Photo: Portra 400/Olympus Stylus Epic ZOOM 115
Capturing Nostalgic Wedding Moments on Film
Throughout the day, I documented A + K’s wedding not only through digital photography but also with film photography, using my Contax 645 medium format camera, Pentax K1000 35mm camera, and Olympus Stylus Epic ZOOM 115. There’s something about the organic, timeless quality of film that perfectly complements the emotional depth of a wedding day. The subtle grain, soft colors, and beautifully imperfect moments create a sense of nostalgia—like looking back at a treasured memory. Blending digital and film photography allows me to tell a fuller, more textured story, capturing not just how the day looked, but how it felt.
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WEDDING AT THE ATHENAEUM AT CALTECH | CREDITS >>
Venue | CalTech Athenaeum, Pasadena, California
Coordination | Demaray Events
Photography | Pamela Tatz Photography
Florist | Leonora Moss
Cake Artist | Takes the Cake
Hair and Makeup Artist | Glam By Allison
Attire | All Who Wander
PHOTO TEAM >>
Lead Photographer | Pamela Tatz
Second Photographer | Adrian Ong
HI THERE, I’M PAMELA!
I’m the owner and lead photographer at Pamela Tatz Photography, a Los Angeles wedding photography studio specializing in documenting love stories authentically and candidly.
With timeless, true-to-color aesthetic and a warm, feelings-first approach, my goal is to create photos that are honest, nostalgic, and truly reflect your day, such as these wedding photos at the Athenaeum at CalTech in Pasadena, California.
