Autumn Charm: Intimate Wedding Bliss at Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden

With autumn right around the corner, B&B had the pleasure of catering a stunning wedding reception that perfectly captured the warmth of fall. The couple opted for an elegant and intimate reception, taking full advantage of the stunning grounds that Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden has to offer.

Nestled in the heart of Palo Alto, the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden venue is a lush, historic venue that exudes charm and timeless beauty. Dating back to the early 1900s, this 2.5-acre garden estate was originally the home of Elizabeth F. Gamble, granddaughter of Procter & Gamble co-founder James Gamble. In the 1980s, the property was donated to the city of Palo Alto, and today it serves as a community treasure, offering a serene backdrop for special events like weddings, anniversaries, and intimate gatherings. The venue’s layout includes three distinctive areas (all available to rent), each with its own charm: the Rose Garden, Wisteria Garden, and the Tea House Patio.

Photographer: Jim Lee Vision

For this autumn-inspired wedding, the couple chose the Carriage House Patio as the focal point of their reception, it’s charming house with double doors as the backdrop and lush garden surroundings. With a large beautiful tree set in the center, the patio created the perfect setting for an intimate gathering with close family and friends. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the welcoming sight of warm autumnal hues—burnt orange napkins adorned each table, beautifully complementing the floral arrangements by Flower Plus For You that featured warm tones of rust, amber, soft peach and light yellows.

The tablescape, designed by SW Studio was a true reflection of elegance. Crisp white linens formed the base of each table, and light Chiavari chairs provided a refined touch. Tall hurricane candles with burnt orange pillars added a soft, romantic glow as the evening progressed. The balance between simple, elegant table settings from Unica Party Rentals and the warmth of autumn colors created an atmosphere that was both inviting and sophisticated.

One of the standout features of the reception was the champagne toast. Rather than the traditional distribution of glasses by servers, a large, ornate stand was used to display champagne glasses, allowing guests to help themselves and partake in the celebratory toast. This thoughtful touch added a personal and communal element to the event, encouraging guests to mingle and share in the joy of the occasion.

The catered dinner buffet by B&B was another highlight of the evening. B&B’s Director of Events, Nahal Elie, embraced the elevated theme by curating a menu with a delicious variety of dishes to please every palate. Guests enjoyed B&B’s signature plank roasted salmon, as well as tender braised beef short ribs in a rich cabernet sauce with house-made demi. For the vegetarian guests, a savory mushroom bourguignon (though, this was popular among all guests!). Sides included creamy garlic-roasted mashed potatoes, a colorful roasted vegetable platter (straight from the market) and a refreshing butter lettuce salad topped with pear, gorgonzola, and caramelized pecans. To complete the feast, house-baked warm focaccia was served, adding a comforting and homestyle touch to the elegant meal.

The wedding cake, while simple, was a vision of grace and charm. Set on a golden, delicate metal cart, the one-tier cake was perfectly balanced, allowing the surrounding floral arrangements to shine. More warm florals were placed around the cake, adding to the cohesive autumnal theme. It was a perfect moment of beauty before the cake was cut and shared among the guests.

As the night went on, the combination of the garden’s natural beauty, the warm late-summer air, and the carefully curated details created an unforgettable experience. The intimate setting of Gamble Garden, with its historic charm and tranquil atmosphere, proved to be the ideal backdrop for this wedding celebration. It was a perfect example of how small, personal weddings can be just as magical as grand affairs when held in such a stunning location. B&B was honored to be a part of this beautiful day.

Vendor Team

Venue: Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden
Planner: SW Studio Sarah Wang
Rental: Unica Party Rentals
Caterer: B&B Catering & Events
Photographer: Jim Lee Vision
Videographer: Insomnia Production
Make up Artist: Yi Bridal
Florist: Flower Plus For You