Bella & Becca’s Garden Wedding at The Gardens at Heather Farm in Walnut Creek
A warm August wedding in the East Bay filled with family, personal style, and a people-first celebration
Bella and Becca knew exactly how they wanted their wedding day to feel. A warm August evening, a garden in full bloom, and all of their favorite people in one place. On August 20th in Walnut Creek, they brought that vision to life at The Gardens at Heather Farm with a day that felt intentional, emotional, and completely centered around connection.
A Summer Garden Wedding in Walnut Creek, California
The East Bay showed up for Bella and Becca’s wedding day. It was warm, the gardens were vibrant, and everything felt alive in that late-summer kind of way.
But more than anything, what stood out about this day was how grounded it felt. It is so easy to get caught up in expectations and timelines and traditions. Bella and Becca were never interested in that. From the very beginning, their focus was simple. Be with each other. Be with their people.
And that intention carried through every single part of the day.
Getting Ready + First Look at The Gardens at Heather Farm
Bella and Becca got ready offsite before meeting at the gardens for their first look.
There was so much personality woven into their wedding day style. Becca had a vision for a cascading bouquet that felt soft and romantic, while Bella wore a thrifted crochet shirt paired with a bolo tie that felt both effortless and deeply personal.
When they turned to see each other, the emotions came quickly. There were tears, laughter, and one of those quiet moments where everything else just fades out for a second.
A Family-Focused Wedding Ceremony
Instead of having a traditional wedding party, Bella and Becca chose to center their families in a really meaningful way.
Their parents and siblings walked down the aisle first, and then Bella and Becca followed together. Not separately. Not one waiting at the front. Together.
It was one of the most powerful parts of the day. Watching them walk side by side into their ceremony felt like such a clear reflection of who they are and how they move through the world. Supported, connected, and choosing each other fully.
They were greeted with hugs and tears before the ceremony even began.
Their ceremony, officiated by a close family friend, was heartfelt, intimate, and full of meaning.
Cocktail Hour in the Gardens
After the ceremony, guests moved into a warm and relaxed cocktail hour, wandering through the gardens, grabbing drinks, and soaking in the evening.
At the same time, the reception space was coming together beautifully. The design was simple and intentional. White linens, soft candlelight, and touches of fresh green fruit layered throughout the tables added color and texture without overwhelming the space.
It felt elevated, fresh, and perfectly in tune with the garden setting.
A Joyful Reception and Dance Floor Celebration
Once the sun set, Bella and Becca made their grand entrance and the energy shifted into full celebration mode.
The dance floor filled quickly and stayed that way all night. At one point, Bella’s older brother even stepped behind the DJ booth to help kick things off, which made the whole evening feel even more personal.
From that first song on, the party never really slowed down.
It was the kind of night where you could feel how loved they are. Everyone was present, celebrating, and fully in it with them.
A People-Centered Wedding Day in the East Bay
Bella and Becca’s wedding is such a beautiful reminder that weddings do not have to follow a formula to be meaningful.
Their day was thoughtful, emotional, stylish, and centered around what actually matters. It was not about tradition for the sake of tradition. It was about love, family, and being present.
And those are always the weddings that feel the most alive.
Bella and Becca, it was such a joy to document this day for you. I am so grateful to have been part of it and I am wishing you both the very best in this next chapter together.
the east bay wedding vendor list
This day wouldn’t have been possible without our lovely brides, but also all of the amazing vendors who helped bring it to life:
- Photography: Shannon Alyse Photography
- Venue: The Gardens at Heather Farm
- Coordinator: Fruitvale Designs, Julie Burlington
- Caterer + Bartending: Elisa’s Catering
- DJ: Marlo Bucaojit
- Florist: Petal Crafted, Francesca Zumbo
- Lighting: Fantasy Sound Event Services
Looking for a Walnut Creek Wedding Photographer?
If you’re planning a wedding that feels more like you and less like a checklist, I’d love to be part of it.
I photograph weddings across Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California with a candid, joyful, and connection-first approach. Whether you’re planning a garden wedding, a backyard celebration, an intimate elopement, or something completely your own, your story deserves to be documented in a way that feels honest and meaningful.
Shannon Alyse Photography is a proudly LGBTQIA+ affirming and inclusive space. I work with couples and families from all backgrounds, identities, and love stories, and it is so important to me that you feel safe, seen, and celebrated exactly as you are.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d love to connect.
Inquire here to start planning your wedding photography experience
Wedding days end, newborns become toddlers, and parents become grandparents. These moments go by so fast. You deserve to live fully in them, to be present, and then relive them through imagery that tells your story. Photography is more than just a picture, it’s a way to document your history. These are the good old days. Let me help you remember them.
photos that live up to the
memories.
Let's Connect
Photographer, dog mom, book hoarder, and Trader Joe’s loyalist. I’m a Pisces, an ENFJ, and an Enneagram 3, which basically means I feel everything, care deeply, and always have a running to-do list (with color coding).
These days, I’m also figuring out life as a new mom — balancing baby snuggles with camera gear and reminding myself to slow down and soak it all in. I’ve built a career out of noticing the details, chasing the light, and turning everyday moments into art.
Wanna know more about the girl behind the photos (and the caffeine habit)?
Then let's connect!
I'm Shannon.
"She has a unique ability to make you feel at ease
and keep you laughing throughout the entire session."
