Jane and Eric’s Garden Wedding at Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park
Jane and Eric’s wedding day was one of those days that just felt good from the very start.
It was a sunny May afternoon, warm but not too hot, with colorful wildflowers everywhere you looked and the gardens glowing in that soft summer light. The whole day felt joyful, playful, and full of personality, which honestly could not be more perfect for these two.
Jane and Eric are such a fun loving, silly, deeply connected couple. They wanted their wedding to feel exactly like them. Nothing stiff. Nothing overly serious. Just a beautiful garden celebration surrounded by their favorite people.
Allied Arts Guild was the perfect backdrop. Guests wandered through the gardens as they arrived, taking in the fountains, archways, and bright blooms. It felt less like a traditional wedding venue and more like a hidden garden escape.
Jane started the day in a classic white wedding dress for the ceremony. Timeless, elegant, and absolutely glowing in the sunshine as she walked toward Eric. Their ceremony was heartfelt and sweet and silly, surrounded by friends and family.
As they walked into their reception, bubbles swirled around them and they came up to the most beautiful champagne tower, glittering in the sunlight.
Then came one of my favorite parts of the day.
Jane changed into her second dress, a traditional red gown in honor of her Chinese heritage. Watching her step back into the garden in red felt so powerful and meaningful. It was such a beautiful way to weave culture into the day in a way that still felt effortless and authentic. If you’re thinking of how to add your culture more into your wedding day, check out this blog I wrote on it!
Later in the evening she changed one last time into a pearl toned, super classy, elegant dress that felt like the perfect closing chapter to her wedding fashion story. Three dresses, three completely different vibes, and each one represented a different side of her so beautifully.
Throughout the day, Jane and Eric kept sneaking away together for little pockets of quiet time in the gardens. This is exactly why I always talk to couples about building space into their timeline, whether that’s with a first look or intentional portrait time. If you’re on the fence about seeing each other before the ceremony, I wrote more about why first looks are so special and how they completely change the flow of your day in this post: Elopement First Look What It Is and Why You’ll Love It.
Their entire wedding felt relaxed, joyful, and real. And that is always my goal. Capturing what actually happens, not forcing moments that don’t feel natural. If that resonates with you, I also share more about my approach in this blog on why natural wedding photography matters and how focusing on real connection creates images that truly last.
What made Jane and Eric’s story even more special is that they didn’t limit themselves to just one meaningful experience.
They chose to have a big wedding surrounded by friends and family at Allied Arts Guild, but they also wanted something adventurous and intimate just for the two of them. So they turned their engagement session into a full experience in Mendocino. If you’re curious about that side of their story, you can see why they chose Mendocino and how incredible it is for couples in these blogs: A Mendocino Headlands Adventure Engagement Session and Why Mendocino Is California’s Best Elopement Destination (That No One Talks About)
I love when couples think beyond a single day and create multiple meaningful chapters in their story. You can absolutely have both. A beautiful wedding and an adventurous engagement session somewhere special.
If you love the garden feel of Allied Arts Guild and are still dreaming about engagement photos in a similar setting, Filoli Gardens in Woodside is another favorite of mine for elegant, colorful, nature filled sessions. I wrote a full guide on engagement photos at Filoli Gardens in Woodside if you want something with that same romantic garden energy.
And if you’re still figuring out where you even want to get married, whether it’s a garden venue, coastal cliffs, or something completely different, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite wedding venues in the Bay Area to help you explore what might feel most like you.
Jane and Eric’s day was sunshine, bubbles, wildflowers, champagne, and so much love packed into one celebration. It was playful. It was meaningful. And it was completely them.
Getting Married at Allied Arts Guild
Allied Arts Guild is one of those venues that surprises people the moment they walk in. Tucked away in Menlo Park, it feels like stepping into a European garden escape, complete with Spanish inspired architecture, arched walkways, tiled fountains, and lush courtyards.
It is especially beautiful for spring and summer weddings when everything is in bloom. Couples typically work directly with the Guild’s events team to reserve their date and choose which garden spaces they would like to use. Because it is such a popular venue, especially during warmer months, I always recommend booking early.
Once your date is secured, you’ll coordinate timelines, layouts, rentals, and vendor access with their team. From a photography perspective, it offers endless portrait locations all within walking distance, which makes your day feel seamless and unrushed.
Where to Stay Near Allied Arts Guild (and Why Your Accommodations Matter)
One thing I always tell my couples is that where you stay on your wedding weekend matters more than you think. Your hotel or Airbnb isn’t just somewhere to sleep — it’s often where you’ll get ready, share quiet moments together, pop champagne with friends, and start your day. Choosing the right place can completely elevate your experience and your photos.
Around Allied Arts Guild, there are some lovely options in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Redwood City depending on the vibe you’re going for:
Rosewood Sand Hill – A luxury favorite with beautiful grounds, spacious rooms, and a peaceful setting just minutes from the venue.
The Stanford Park Hotel – A classic and convenient choice near downtown Menlo Park and Palo Alto — perfect for wedding parties and guests who want walkable dining nearby.
Park James Hotel – A newer, boutique hotel with modern interiors and easy access to everything in Menlo Park.
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto – Sleek, stylish, and fun if you want something a little more of a “staycation” vibe.
Airbnbs in Menlo Park & Palo Alto – Often my favorite option for getting ready photos, especially if you want a homey, personal feel with plenty of natural light and open space — both things that make your morning images feel calm and beautiful.
When you’re choosing your stay, I always recommend looking for spaces with lots of natural light, neutral walls, and open layouts. These little details make a huge difference for getting ready photos and help everything feel calm, connected, and elevated from the very start of your day.
If you’re curious about how your getting-ready space impacts your wedding photos even more, check out this guide I wrote: Why Getting Ready Photos Are a Must Have on Your Wedding Day. It breaks down why this portion of your timeline is so important and how choosing the right location can set the tone for everything that follows.
Your Love. Your Story. Your Way.
If there’s one thing Jane and Eric’s wedding reminded me of, it’s that your day doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
You can blend cultures. You can wear three dresses. You can pop champagne in a garden. You can laugh through your vows and soak in every quiet moment together. You can celebrate big with all your people and still carve out time just for the two of you. There are no rules, only what feels right for you.
Whether you’re dreaming up a joyful garden wedding like Jane and Eric’s, planning an adventurous engagement session somewhere meaningful, or still figuring out where and how you want to get married, I’m here to help guide you through it all. From timelines and locations to helping you feel relaxed in front of the camera, my goal is always the same: to help you create a day that feels intentional, connected, and completely yours.
If you’re starting to plan your own wedding or engagement and want someone in your corner who will help you dream big while keeping everything grounded and stress free, I would love to connect. Let’s create something beautiful together.
Just like Jane and Eric did. 💛
Reach out now and let’s plan your own dream day together! Connect here!
