About Allied Arts Guild, a Bay Area Wedding Venue
I’m excited to share Robert and Alina’s romantic garden themed wedding at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park. This is a beautiful venue – one of my most photographed Bay Area wedding venues next to San Francisco City Hall – full of lush greenery, vibrant bougainvillea, and a quaint, artisanal old town vibe. Even in the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley, Allied Arts Guild creates a slower, relaxed vibe, where everything feels a touch more romantic. It is ideal for those wanting a garden party vibe for their wedding.
I photographed Robert’s proposal to Alina, and soon after their engagement, Robert and Alina reached out to see if I was available to photograph their wedding. Luckily, we were able to match the dates where I was available to the venue’s availability! It was an absolute joy getting to work with these two, and to photograph a new part of their journey as lovers.
Robert + Alina’s Personal Wedding Details
Robert and Alina’s wedding at the Allied Arts Guild was full of thoughtful details that made the day uniquely theirs. They planned an intimate celebration focused on what mattered most to them: music, their closest people, and creating an experience that felt distinctly them.
Wine with a Story
One of my favorite details? Alina’s dad has been growing wine grapes in his backyard since she was in high school. He bottled his own wine for the reception, complete with custom labels featuring Alina’s drawings. It’s the kind of personal touch you can’t buy—guests literally got to taste years of family history.
A Cohesive Vision – Whimsical Garden
Alina wanted the day to feel “cute yet classy, colorful and whimsical”—inspired by the Rapunzel story and the idea of taking each other on adventures. La Olivia brought that vision to life with stunning florals and a cohesive color palette that worked beautifully with the Allied Arts Guild’s Spanish Colonial architecture and garden setting.
This Bay Area wedding venue gave us exactly what they were looking for: variety. Different corners and backdrops that could tell a story, from intimate garden moments to Rapunzel-like shots with extra whimsy.
Live Music That Mattered
Music was huge for Robert and Alina. Trace Repeat played throughout the reception, and the couple treated their guests to a beautiful live performance of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” When the groom specifically prioritizes the band in planning, you know the dance floor is going to deliver.
Intentional Details
Robert and Alina knew what they wanted and weren’t trying to do “all the things.” They focused on what mattered—great music, meaningful details, quality time with their people—and let everything else fall into place. They even set out a guestbook for guests to decorate throughout reception, knowing some of their friends would appreciate a creative outlet.
The result is a day that felt intimately theirs, and a genuine celebration for everyone there.
Congratulations, Robert and Alina!
