Matt and Maddie were one of the couples that had to struggle through wedding decisions during covid. They opted to have a micro wedding in their family’s backyard in 2020 and officially tie the knot while still holding onto their plans of their big Menlo Circus Club wedding – complete with sailcloth tent – for when the time was right. A few months before their “vow renewal” they got the sweet news that they were expecting – and just weeks before their celebration, they found out the baby was a girl. Throughout the weekend, everyone made jokes about how this was “Maddie’s second wedding but she’s pregnant with her first husband’s baby.” All jokes aside, I feel like their baby being there to participate in this moment was so, so special and it gave us all a new reason to celebrate this incredible couple.

Menlo Circus Club has always been an important place for Maddie and her family. Maddie’s parents had their wedding reception there – so it only seemed fitting to continue that tradition. Matt and Maddie often walk their pup, George, around the grounds. I think it is so wonderful that they are able to continue to visit and make new memories there while remembering the other meaningful events that took place on the property.

The wedding ceremony took place under the oak behind Menlo Circus Club. Maddie’s brother officiated the wedding (he did such a great job last year, they asked him to do it again!). Emily, Matt’s sister, sang beautifully as Maddie walked down the aisle. They exchanged vows and held hands throughout the ceremony. Everyone experienced a range of emotions throughout the ceremony – laughter and tears. Maddie shared about how she loves that Matt is so honest and owns his truth. When they first started dating, Maddie asked Matt how he sees himself when he’s older. Without pause, Matt said he envisions himself as a retired man, driving a vintage Porsche with his dog in the front seat. During the cocktail hour, one of the guests had recently purchased a vintage Porsche, and drove it up to the tent and offered it to Maddie and Matt as their get away car at the end of the night. It was such a fun surprise for everyone!

The wedding reception had an elevated black, white, and blue color scheme. The florist, Vo Floral Design, grows many of her own flowers and did an incredible job creating pieces that were organic and timeless. The black and white design was not the original plan – as Maddie felt it was too bold. However, after many, many months to plan (and their micro wedding using their initial designs) they decided to go for it with Riley Loves Lulu’s help! Everyone was so excited to see this black and white vision come to life! And the escort display couldn’t have been more beautiful – complete with calligraphy and wax seals on each guest’s card.

After over a year of anticipation, everyone was ready to dance! I don’t know if I’ve ever been on such a packed, energetic dance floor! Hip Studio kept the energy up all evening long! As if that wasn’t enough, the afterparty continued with dueling pianos. It was truly an epic celebration!

Matt and Maddie, you know how much we adore you both. Thank you for inviting us into your lives and treating us like part of the family. We are so, so happy for you both and can’t wait to watch you both become the best parents. Your Menlo Circus Club wedding was a dream come true for me – thank you for allowing us to document these incredible memories for you two!

Thank you to Style Me Pretty and Magnolia Rouge for sharing this couple’s wedding day!

Dream team of vendors: Planning & Design: Riley Loves Lulu // Photography: The Ganeys // Florist: Vo Floral Design // Venue: Menlo Circus Club // Makeup: Hair & Makeup by Moni // Hair: Roots & Rouge Salon // Wedding Dress Designer: Carolina Herrera // Bridal Boutique: Jin Wang // Bridal Shoes: Valentino // Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo via Bella Bridesmaids // Jewelry: Joe Escobar Diamonds // Band: Hip Service // Dueling Pianos: Jason Marion // Groom’s Attire: J. Hillburn // Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux // Invitations & Paper Goods: Paper Caper // Tent: Zephyr Tents // Rentals: Theoni Collection & Hensley Rentals // Lighting: Impact Lighting & Production // Transportation: Bauer // Escort Display & Calligraphy: Inkinity Studio // Watercolor Crest: Sterling Design Studio // Linens: Bright Event Rentals // Cake: Icing on the Cake // Ring Boxes: The Mrs. Box // Videography: Kurtela Video // Styling Mat: Locust Collection

Are you having a Menlo Circus Club wedding and looking for a photographer? Send us a message – we would love to be a part of it!

We are husband and wife Bay area wedding photographers. We strive to capture joyful moments. We use film and digital cameras to capture your wedding with a timeless, fine art approach.