Join Jim Ciccolo, lecturer and devotee of food and wine, as he explores the origins of the wedding toast and its code of etiquette: how to give an award-winning, memorable toast while observing its unwritten rules.  Jim will discuss suggested do’s and don’ts, emphasizing some of the pitfalls to avoid when proffering best wishes in an environment that may be punctuated by the presence of family, friends, and business acquaintances. 

Nathanael Theisen, bar manager at Pasadena's Pop Champagne Bar, will be on hand to discuss the origins of champagne and lead us through a tasting of sparkling wines from Australia, New Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, South Africa, and -- of course -- French champagne. If that’s not enough, we will also learn the proper technique for the safe opening a bottle of champagne with a saber!   

Doors open at 6:30 pm for viewing the exhibition I Do! I Do! Pasadena Ties the Knot (Part I, 1850-1950).

Enjoy an elegant afternoon of gorgeous wedding fashions and delectable treats!  This special docent-led tour of the current exhibition, I Do! I Do! Pasadena Ties the Knot -- Part I, 1850 to 1950, will offer behind-the-gowns stories and exquisite details of the 40+ vintage dresses on display in our galleries. 

Following the tour, guests will make the short drive to Old Pasadena and reconvene to indulge in Afternoon Tea at charming Tea Rose Garden, 28 South Raymond Avenue, Pasadena 91105.  Parking validated for 1 ½ hrs at Schoolhouse structure across the street. 

Image: Sleeve detail from Wedding dress, jacket, and slip. Cream linen and taffeta with crocheted lace, 1910. 90.19.42a-c.

An art/culture/history extravaganza is in store for visitors to Pasadena Museum of History at the 24th MOTA (Museums of the Arroyo) Day on Sunday, May 19.  This annual event celebrates the diverse mix of art, architecture and history of the Arroyo Seco area with free admission to five unique history-based museums that preserve and perpetuate early Los Angeles life.

PMH is proud to collaborate with Pasadena Society of Artists for an afternoon featuring a juried art exhibition onthe theme "Relationships," displays and sales by more than 40 of our area's finest artists, hands-on art workshops for children, plus mini-tours of Fenyes Mansion and the Finnish Folk Art Museum, and our stunning exhibition of vintage wedding gowns. A special treat -- the Pie 'n Burger truck will be on hand to satisfy your hunger and celebrate the iconic eatery's 50th anniversary!  For further details about MOTA Day activities at Pasadena Museum of History, please click here.

Additional MOTA museum members include The Gamble House, Heritage Square Museum, the Los Angeles Police Museum, and the Lummis Home and Garden.  For information on their MOTA Day offerings and locations, please visit http://www.museumsofthearroyo.com.

Bridal headwear has an important place in fashion history that has yet to be fully acknowledged or investigated.  Although many books have been written on wedding fashions and gowns, the details behind the hats and headwear worn by brides have been largely ignored or received only passing mention by the writers.  For too long, millinery in general has been seen as the second cousin of couture fashion and not worthy of in-depth research. 

Our speaker, millinery historian Barbara Troeller, will conduct an entertaining walk down the aisle of the traditions, trends, and history of  bridal headpieces and wedding hats from 1860 to 1950.   Royal wedding headpieces from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth will be highlighted, as well as bridal hats and headpieces which have graced the heads of selected famous women.  Ms. Troeller will end by giving long overdue recognition to some of the legendary American milliners who created these romantic wedding and trousseau confections.  Wearing a hat to this event is highly encouraged!

Image: Bridal headpiece, Vogue Magazine, circa 1923 

Despite its relatively small size, Pasadena has served as literary inspiration for numerous writers, contemporary and past, and captures the imagination of readers all over the world.  Join contributors to Literary Pasadena: The Fiction Edition  to investigate the unique aspects of Pasadena that make it both a great story location and a great place to be a writer. 

The panel will feature Literary Pasadena contributors Ron Koertge (Lies, Knives, and Girls in Red Dresses, Stoner & Spaz), Dianne Emley (Iris Thorne mystery and Nan Vining thriller series), Jill Alison Ganon (Twins!, Hometown Pasadena), and Petrea Burchard (Camelot & Vine, Pasadena Daily Photo) and will be moderated by editor Patricia O’Sullivan.  They’ll discuss how authors go about researching and drawing on local history, and the secrets to writing about place with originality. 

Books will be available for purchase. 

Please join us as we celebrate the City's 127th birthday and commemorate the 100th anniversary of Pasadena's beloved landmark, the Colorado Street Bridge.

Enjoy Birthday cake with the Mayor and City dignitaries, arts & crafts workshops and storytelling for kids, live music, nonstop entertainment, and activities that explore our City’s “bridges” to Community, Exploration, Health, History, Imagination, and Understanding. Food trucks, raffles and prizes round out a not-to-be-missed day of celebration.  Mark Your Calendars and Save the Date!

For more information about this very special event, please click here.

On the last day to see the beautiful wedding gowns in Part I of I Do! I Do! gather up your friends and loved ones to view the amazing workmanship of dressmakers from the past.  Then join Ginger Alberti and Michael Sabo as they present Sew Cranky, a sewing workshop for all ages.  Use the antique hand crank sewing machines, some that are 80 years old, to make a keepsake.  The machines are beautiful to look at and simple to use.

Milliner Louise Green and other local artists will be at PMH on this afternoon for a special shopping event directly benefiting the artists and the ongoing educational initiatives of PMH.  As you browse the hats, jewelry, and artwork, you will be sure to appreciate the fine craftsmanship and find unique gifts.