Callippe Preserve Golf Course Wedding in Pleasanton, CA | Lauren & Garrett
The Couple
Lauren and Garrett are the kind of couple that instantly make you feel at ease. Lauren works as a junior high school administrator and Garrett is in the local wine industry, which honestly felt very on brand for a Pleasanton wedding day filled with good drinks and even better company.
They’ve been together for a few years and from the very beginning, their vision was simple. They wanted a day that felt relaxed, meaningful, and centered around their people.
From their engagement session to their wedding day, everything about their experience felt easy, joyful, and genuinely them.
Their Engagement Session at Alviso Adobe Park
We kicked things off with their engagement session in April at Alviso Adobe Park in Pleasanton, one of my favorite hidden gems for sessions in the East Bay.
The hills were still green, dotted with early spring blooms, and the whole session had this soft, fresh feel to it. It ended up being the perfect contrast to their winter wedding day later in the year.
Their session was simple and laid back, which matched their energy perfectly. We wandered through the park, stopped for a few quiet moments, and captured those in-between interactions that always end up meaning the most.
Getting Ready in Pleasanton
Lauren started her day getting ready at a cozy Airbnb with her family who had traveled in for the wedding. It was such a sweet, calm environment and gave us time to capture those slower moments before everything officially began.
Garrett got ready at their apartment, keeping things equally low-key before the two of them met for their first look.
A Quiet First Look at Moller Park in Pleasanton
Instead of doing their first look at the venue, Lauren and Garrett chose Moller Park in Pleasanton, a small and often overlooked park tucked into a quiet neighborhood.
And honestly, it was perfect.
About ten minutes from Callippe Preserve, Moller Park gave us privacy, beautiful natural light, and space to slow things down. As the sun dipped behind the foothills, we were able to capture some of the sweetest portraits without any distractions.
If you’re planning a Pleasanton wedding and want a more private first look location, this spot is such a good option.
Callippe Preserve Golf Course Wedding in Pleasanton
Once we arrived at Callippe Preserve Golf Course, the focus shifted fully to family.
Lauren and Garrett made it a priority to get all of their family photos done early so they could truly enjoy the rest of the evening. We spent time not just taking photos, but giving them space to connect with their parents, grandparents, and siblings before the celebration kicked off.
The ceremony took place just behind the clubhouse, overlooking the rolling hills. Winter sunsets at Callippe hit early, and by around 5:00 PM we had the most beautiful golden light.
Their ceremony was short, sweet, and incredibly heartfelt. Their siblings walked down the aisle first, followed by the flower grandmas tossing plucked roses with the biggest smiles. It was one of those moments that felt both personal and unforgettable.
A Cozy Cocktail Hour + Reception Celebration
After the ceremony, guests were welcomed into cocktail hour with drinks and appetizers while bundling up in blankets and gathering around outdoor heaters.
It created such a cozy, intimate atmosphere that felt perfect for a December wedding in Pleasanton.
Once everyone moved inside, the evening flowed into dinner, heartfelt toasts, and a packed dance floor.
One of my favorite moments of the night was their twist on wedding favors. Instead of something traditional, Lauren and Garrett did a custom t-shirt toss on the dance floor. Watching guests, including their grandparents, get in on the action was such a fun and unexpected highlight.
The Kind of Wedding You Never Forget
Lauren and Garrett’s wedding day was the perfect reminder that weddings don’t need to be overcomplicated to be meaningful.
It was relaxed, intentional, and full of genuine connection. From Alviso Adobe to Moller Park to Callippe Preserve, every part of their day reflected who they are and what matters most to them.
Truly such an honor to document this one.
Planning a Callippe Preserve Wedding or Pleasanton Celebration?
If you’re planning a wedding at Callippe Preserve Golf Course or anywhere in Pleasanton or the East Bay, I’d love to help you capture it in a way that feels natural, joyful, and true to you.
Reach out and let’s start planning your day.
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.
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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.
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I'm Shannon.
"She has a unique ability to make you feel at ease
and keep you laughing throughout the entire session."
