I recently had the privilege of touring the Rubel Castle in Glendora. The Castle is a cross between Hearst Castle and House on the Rock, with a dash of Watts Towers. The Castle was built over a twenty-year period by Michael Clarke Rubel who constructed the towers from river rock, bottles, concrete, salvaged wood, metal, and "junk" he collected.

The main house is more like a museum and is often used for filming. Among the eclectic design elements is a steamer trunk belonging to Sally Rand. It's not too unusual as the silent screen actress and fan dancer often attended parties here hosted by Michael Rubel's mother Dorothy.

The grounds house a few antique cars...

And a Santa Fe Railroad caboose...

Thank you to the Los Angeles Conservancy and the Glendora Historical Society for the tour.

Labels: California, castle, travel photography, vintage

Chicago, Illinois
I went back home to Chicago for Katie & Jon's wedding at the Crystal Gardens in Navy Pier. The Crystal Gardens is a huge atrium full of palm trees.

Here's Katie - she had a vintage, 1930's style about her, and look at the gorgeous curls!

Katie's bouquet had charms including a locket with photos of her grandparents who had passed away.

We walked around Wacker Drive for some photos.

I loved a lot of the photos in black and white - they reminded me of Doisneau's post-war Paris.

After the ceremony Katie & Jon walked to the boat for their reception as Navy Pier visitors cheered.

Labels: Chicago, Navy Pier, vintage, wedding