Emily and Dakota’s Enchanting Day at Menlo Circus Club

August 16, 2024

THE INDEX

Picture this: a crisp May afternoon, the air filled with anticipation and the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Emily and Dakota, a radiant couple in their late twenties, stand hand in hand, ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Their chosen backdrop? The illustrious Menlo Circus Club is a Bay Area gem that transforms wedding dreams into breathtaking reality.

As a luxury wedding photographer who’s had the privilege of capturing countless love stories, I can confidently say that Emily and Dakota’s celebration was nothing short of magical. Let me take you on a journey through their day, showcasing why the Menlo Circus Club is the crème de la crème of Bay Area wedding venues.

The Team

Planning: Plan to be Wowed // Venue + Food: Menlo Circus Club // Flowers: Amanda Vidmar // Hair: Status Salon // Makeup: Biancar Rubi // Rentals: Pleasanton Rentals

Elegant wedding card of Emily Ransier Gran and Dakota James Mckenzie.
Cuffs, handkerchief and a classic black hand watch.

The Venue: Menlo Circus Club

Nestled in the heart of Atherton, the Menlo Circus Club is a symphony of elegance and whimsy. This isn’t just another wedding venue; it’s a canvas where love stories come to life in the most spectacular fashion. The club’s impressive amenities include:

Best men relax and drink champagne while waiting for the marriage ceremony.
Handsome bridegroom in a black suit and bow tie looks at the mirror and adjusts his shirt.

A grand clubhouse offering panoramic views of meticulously manicured grounds

Lush lawns that serve as the perfect setting for outdoor ceremonies

A state-of-the-art equestrian center (for those who fancy a truly grand entrance)

Tennis courts (ideal for working off those pre-wedding jitters)

An Olympic-sized swimming pool (though I’d advise against impromptu post-ceremony dips)

What truly sets the Menlo Circus Club apart is its versatility. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate gathering or a grand soirée, this venue brings wedding dreams to life with unparalleled sophistication.

Young and old gentlemen dressed in classy black suits lounge around a table.
Bridegroom and his male guests relax before the wedding officiation ceremony.

Emily and Dakota’s Picture-Perfect May Wedding

On this particular May day, the temperature hovered at a balmy 70 degrees, with a sky so blue it seemed painted by an artist’s hand. It was as if the heavens themselves were celebrating Emily and Dakota’s union.

Our delightful couple dreamed of a white wedding that felt like an exquisite dinner party – the kind where the table settings are so elaborate, you find yourself discreetly googling “salad fork vs. dessert fork” under the table. The Menlo Circus Club, with its timeless elegance, proved to be the perfect stage for their vision.

Bridesmaid helps the bride put on her white backless wedding gown.
Bride puts on her graceful white wedding gown.
Bridesmaids and female guests help with the wedding gown.
Bridesmaids help the bride with her wedding gown with a long train.
Beautiful bride in a sophisticated wedding gown.
Aesthetic wedding bride puts her hand on the chin and looks at the camera.

The Ceremony: Where Dreams Take Flight

As Emily glided down the aisle, her eyes locked with Dakota’s, the world around them seemed to fade away. The outdoor ceremony, set against the club’s lush gardens, was nothing short of breathtaking. Vows were exchanged under an arch so beautiful, it could make even the most stoic guest reach for a handkerchief.

Outdoor wedding venue ground at Menlo Circus Club.
Beautiful white flower vase placed beside white chairs in an outdoor lawn.
Wedding officiation ceremony venue at Menlo Circus Club.

Orchestrating this symphony of elegance was Chrissy Wolfman from Planned to be Wowed. If weddings were theatrical productions, Chrissy would be the director, stage manager, and lead actor all rolled into one. She transformed the already stunning Menlo Circus Club into a white and green paradise that would make Mother Nature herself nod in approval.

Bride comes down the aisle with her father in an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Father of the bride helps his daughter walk down the aisle.
Bride and groom-to-be hold hands and partake in the officiation ceremony.
Outdoor wedding officiation ceremony at Menlo Circus Club.

Bride and groom raise hands in celebration and walk back up the aisle.
Menlo Circus Club wedding photoshoot.
Bride and groom hold hands and walk back up the aisle.
Bride in a sophisticated wedding gown turns and smiles at the camera with the groom in the background.
Groom holds his bride by her waist and pulls her closer.
Picture-perfect snapshot of a bride and groom learning towards each other during a kiss.
Outdoor wedding photoshoot at Menlo Circus Club.
Handsomely dressed groom at his wedding.
Bride hugs her newly-pronounced husband and smiles at the camera.
Editorial-style wedding photography in Menlo Circus Club by Robin Jolin.
Magazine-style wedding photography by Robin Jolin.
Bride wears a pristine white wedding gown with a long train and holds a fresly cut bouquet of roses.
Bride and her bridesmaids hold rose bouquets and hug each other.
Beautiful bride accompanied by her stunningly dressed bridesmaids.
Gorgeous bride and her radiant bridesmaids photographed by Robin Jolin.
Group reunion of the bride, groom, bridesmaids, and best men.
Beautiful white flowers with beautifully cut stems.
Groom in suit and bow tie and bride in wedding gown hold hands and walk through a beautiful garden.
Groom holds his newly-pronounced wife by the waist and goes for a dipping kiss.
Handsome groom joins his hands and squats at a stone sitting arrangement.

A Reception to Remember

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the elegant reception space, guests moved into the main ballroom for dinner. The collective intake of breath was audible – the Menlo Circus Club had outdone itself. The room was so exquisite, it could make a royal palace feel a tad insecure.

Aesthetic wedding photography ideas.
Appetizers for a wedding cocktail hour.
Small plant with white flowers kept in a cute vase.
Wedding guests write something on a roundtable with white tablecloth.

But here’s the pièce de résistance: Emily and Dakota had written personalized notes for each guest. Cue the waterworks. From discreet dabs at the corner of eyes to full-on “I’m not crying, you’re crying” moments, the love in the room was palpable.

Wedding guests relax at the cocktail hour.
Female guests at the wedding cocktail hour talk to each other.
Wedding guest in yellow clicks a picture with a best man.
Bride and groom walk into the cocktail hour.
Bubbly champagne poured into glasses carried by the hands of wedding guests.
Bride and groom hold bubbly champagne and get close with each other.
Beautiful flower decoration at a table prepared for the reception party.
Table and cutlery decoration in a white floral theme.

After dinner and toasts that ran the gamut from heartwarming to hilariously memorable, it was time to hit the dance floor. And my, oh my, did these guests have moves. It was a perfect blend of elegance and enthusiasm – think “Dancing with the Stars” meets your favorite aunt at a family reunion.

Personalized handwritten note written by the bride and groom to all wedding guests.
Candles and floral decoration at reception party tables.
Long candles inside glass containers and flower vases placed alongside drinking glasses and cutlery on a table with white tablecloth.
Cuisine menu for the wedding reception party.
Bride in her wedding gown carries a big bouquet of flowers and walks into the reception party venue.
Groom and bride walks into the reception party venue in front of elated wedding guests.
Father of the bride sits at a table and partakes in the reception party ceremonies.

Why Choose Menlo Circus Club for Your Wedding

For couples seeking a Bay Area wedding venue that marries elegance with a dash of playfulness, the Menlo Circus Club should be on your list. Here’s why:

Versatility: From intimate gatherings to grand galas, the club adapts with grace.

Stunning Backdrops: Every corner is a potential masterpiece waiting to be captured.

Impeccable Service: The staff move with seamless grace, anticipating your every need.

Culinary Delights: The cuisine is exquisite, satisfying even the most discerning palates.

Convenience: Nestled in the heart of the Bay Area, it’s accessible for all your guests.

One of the bridesmaids delivers her bridesmaid speech
Wedding guest delivers his speech and congratulates the bride and groom who sit beside at a table and listen to him.

Culinary Delights: The cuisine is exquisite, satisfying even the most discerning palates. Convenience: Nestled in the heart of the Bay Area, it’s accessible for all your guests.

Wedding guests and the newlyweds touch their glasses for a toast.

Bride and groom hold hands and walk in the Menlo Circus Club garden.

Your Love Story Awaits

Emily and Dakota’s wedding at the Menlo Circus Club was a beautiful tapestry of moments woven together with love, laughter, and perhaps a few happy tears. But with the right photographer (ahem, yours truly), you’ll have a stunning visual narrative to relive those precious moments for years.

Impressively dressed groom leans on a white fence at Menlo Circus Club.
Wedding photo session at Menlo Circus Club.
Elegant picture of the bride and groom at Menlo Circus Club.
Newly-officiated bride and groom hug each other and dance at their reception party.
Bride and groom show their ballroom dance moves at their reception party.
Bride and groom hit the dance floor at their reception party.
Newly pronounced husband and wife emrace each other and dance at their reception party in Menlo Circus Club.
Menlo Circus Club reception party venue.
Bride dances with an older gentleman while live musicians play in the background.

Are you ready to craft your own magical story at the Menlo Circus Club? Let’s connect and start envisioning your perfect day. Because life’s too short for ordinary weddings, and I’ve got just the right blend of artistic vision and subtle wit to ensure yours is extraordinary.

Remember, at the Menlo Circus Club, your love takes center ring. And trust me, it’s a performance you’ll want to encore for a lifetime.

Groom dances with a female guest at the wedding reception party.
Bride and groom cut their wedding cake while guests watch from behind.
Elegant wedding photography at Menlo Circus Club gardens.

Now let’s talk about turning YOUR wedding into a timeless visual story. Schedule a call with me to discuss the details.

Also, check out this equally amazing Menlo Circus Club Wedding.

comments +

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *