Kristin + Grean | Amy Kuschel Wedding from David Frey Photography

Kristin + Grean’s courtyard wedding in Pasadena, was a classic and elegant affair. Amidst historic architecture of the Caltech Athanaeum, you would never believe today’s featured couple could have gone with plan B on account of rain only an hour before the ceremony.  But bless Kristin and her optimism and commitment to enjoy her special day no matter what…she knew the weather would clear up in time, and it did! I love that and a solid affirmation for all brides: no matter what happens, enjoy!

Kristin + Grean | September 30, 2012 | Caltech Athenaeum, Pasadena, CA | Dress Listing: Amy Kuschel, Radiance

The Ceremony
Even though it never rains in Los Angeles in September, it started raining a little bit, an hour or so before the wedding. Everyone began to panic, except, strangely, me.  I had decided that, no matter what happened that day, I was going to enjoy it.  People tried to convince me to move the wedding indoors, but I just knew it was going to be outside and it was going to be fine.  And it was. We had the ceremony, standing between majestic columns in the historic architecture of the Caltech Athanaeum, and the sky was perfectly dramatic and dry.  I asked my best friend to read an excerpt written by Thich Nhat Hahn, from a book entitled “True Love.”  The reading ended with, “You must love in such a way that the person you love feels free, not only outside, but also inside.”

The Reception
After the wedding, people gathered in the courtyard, and the string quartet played a beautiful set.  Everyone drank wine and snacked hors d’oeuvres.  I believe we made our announced entrance as man and wife, although those things always feel a little overly formal to me.  The main thing I remember was that I had so much fun.  I loved seeing all of my friends from such different eras of my life together all in one place.  I must say honestly, I received so many compliments on my dress that I did feel like a beautiful bride.


 
Kristin’s Dress Search
I began my search intending to buy a much less expensive dress, and I went to Nordstrom’s without even an appointment, just to start the process of looking and get an idea of what was out there.  I quickly discovered that salespeople take weddings very seriously!  After trying on a number of dresses, I began to realize how important it was to me to have a beautiful dress that was really unique, special and truly elegant.  After all, this would hopefully be an experience I would only ever have once in my life!  I wanted the look to be sexy but classy and effortless.  I wanted to wear the dress, rather than the dress wearing me.  I thought the best dress should bring out a woman’s natural beauty.  After much frustration and unsuccessful shopping, I went to Amy Kuschel and tried on their store examples.  I knew immediately that I was going to buy a dress there.  The fabric was incredible, the seams flowed in a way that was very flattering to the figure and yet elegant, and the quality was undeniable.

Amy Kuschel | PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com
 
How Kristin Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Radiant, Joyous, Elegant.

Why Kristin Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
It’s a pity for a dress that beautiful to only be worn once and spend a lifetime packed away.  If I had known that this website existed, I probably would have gotten my dress here, but now, at least someone else can enjoy it.


 
Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel, Radiance | Photography: David Frey | Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Caltech Athenaeum |Event Planning: Today’s Featured Bride with assistance from Dior Chase from the Caltech Athenaeum | Floral Design: Ixora Floral Studio | Cake: Patticakes