The Prettiest South Bay Wedding Venue - Allied Arts Guild Menlo Park
Brad & Ann’s Romantic Garden Wedding at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park, California
This magical venue located in the South Bay peninsula—Menlo Park, California—has quickly become one of my favorite wedding venues! The Allied Arts Guild is a hidden gem in the heart of West Menlo Park, full of lush gardens, charming Spanish-style architecture, and warm natural light—perfect for capturing timeless wedding photos. It's a serene, high-end Bay Area wedding venue that feels like a secret garden tucked away in Silicon Valley.
Brad and Ann’s romantic garden wedding at the Allied Arts Guild was a joyful, colorful celebration of their love. The couple chose a garden party-inspired dress code with pastels and florals, and every guest fit beautifully into the whimsical, flower-filled setting. From Ann’s blush pink floral wedding gown to the parasols and watercolor-toned bridesmaid dresses, every detail was soft, elegant, and vibrant.
A Love Story Born in the Dojo
Brad and Ann’s love story began in a karate class. Brad saw Ann teaching a kids’ class and nervously asked if he’d accidentally signed up for the wrong group. She reassured him—and as fate would have it, he was the only student that day. He was immediately struck by her radiant smile and teaching energy. Ann, in turn, was impressed by his dedication and humility (and the way their sensei raved about him didn’t hurt either).
Their bond grew through shared workouts—especially when Brad showed up to one of Ann’s body combat classes and completely held his own. Ann admired his strength and commitment, and Brad loved how her spirit came through in every movement and every smile. It was clear from early on that their connection was more than just physical—it was rooted in joy, admiration, and a deep mutual respect.
A Garden Wedding Filled with Heart and Style
Their Menlo Park wedding was a reflection of everything they love: nature, elegance, connection, and a little bit of whimsy. The ceremony took place under the trees in the garden courtyard, with colorful florals framing the space. Ann walked down the aisle to the ethereal sounds of harpist Kristin Lloyd Harp, setting a romantic tone for the entire day.
Their ceremony was beautifully led by Tomoro Ceremonies, whose words added a personal, thoughtful touch that honored their unique journey. After exchanging vows surrounded by family and friends, Brad and Ann shared their first joyful walk together as husband and wife through the stone paths of the garden.
The florals by Bloomsters, a boutique florist based in San Jose, were bursting with seasonal color—roses, ranunculus, and wildflowers in pinks, purples, and oranges. Each table was named after a different bird (a nod to their love of bird watching), with hand-illustrated cards placed among lush, artistic centerpieces that tied the theme together beautifully.
A Photographer’s Dream Location
From start to finish, Brad and Ann’s day was filled with light, laughter, and love. The Allied Arts Guild’s mix of historic architecture, vibrant florals, and tucked-away garden spaces made for a stunning backdrop at every turn. The natural light filtering through the trees during golden hour was absolute magic—and so were the moments these two shared.
Planning a High-End Wedding in the Bay Area?
If you're searching for the perfect garden wedding venue in the Bay Area, the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park offers the ideal balance of charm, elegance, and natural beauty. Whether you’re envisioning a floral-filled garden party or an intimate outdoor ceremony, this venue provides a unique, elevated canvas for your celebration.
As a Bay Area wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing authentic, joyful moments with an editorial eye—and I’d be honored to tell your story next.
Let’s connect to chat about your vision and how we can make it unforgettable.
