We would like our guests to arrive around 4:30 pm. There will be refreshments and seats for people while they wait. The gates will open before 5pm, and guests must be escorted to the ceremony site in the Oak Forest, so it's imperative that everyone is at the gate, ready-to-go, no later than 4:45pm, as we would like to begin the ceremony as soon as everyone is seated and get on with the festivities!
Old Town Pasadena is a great place to stay with lots to see and do. It is also very walkable. This will also be where the after party will take place, and there are a lot of AirBnB and hotel options in the immediate area.
When you arrive at Descanso Garden's main parking lot, attendants (and signs) will direct our wedding guests to an auxiliary parking lot nearby for your convenience (the auxiliary lot is reserved just for our wedding guests, and is located just steps away from the reception site). Just be sure to look out for signage and specify that you are there for the Richie/Kalka wedding in the Rose Garden, as there are likely to be other weddings taking place on the property that day!
Descanso Gardens is just a few miles away from the busy LA neighborhoods of Pasadena, Glendale, and Eagle Rock, so guests should have no trouble finding rides through Uber, Lyft, or other ride share services (just be sure to look out for the Richie/Kalka wedding signs, so you get dropped off in the right place). Rides can also be arranged through LA Yellow Cab: (424) 222-2222. Guests are also welcome to drive themselves, as there is ample, free parking available just steps from our reception. PLEASE NOTE: Uber, Lyft, and Taxi drivers should be directed to pick guests up from the Auxiliary Lot (just East of the Main parking lot) at the end of the evening!
Cocktail attire is requested. While our wedding will be taking place in a botanical garden, ladies shouldn't run into any problems with stiletto heels; our ceremony will be in the Oak Forest, where heels are unlikely to sink into the ground, and there are paths throughout the gardens for those who want to explore (the reception space is paved).
We want to be well-rested on our big day, so we do not have a welcome party or dinner planned for our guests prior to the wedding. We also want to encourage our out-of-town guests to make the most of their visit and explore all of the fun and unique things LA has to offer-we absolutely love it here, and we think you will, too! Please see our "Things To Do" page for some recommendations!
We adore your children, but have limited space (and intend to party); we respectfully ask that this be an adult-only celebration. We appreciate your understanding!