I'm a family and wedding photographer in Pleasanton, California. I serve couples and families of all backgrounds across the SF Bay Area. 

Meet Charlie Dawn

Microwedding Amidst the Redwoods

Love Stories

There’s something incredibly magical about saying “I do” surrounded by nature, especially when it’s a microwedding nestled in the heart of the Redwoods. This was the dream setting for Stephen and Jenny’s fall wedding at the Secret Gardens, a day defined by intimacy, close bonds, and the serene beauty of the natural world.

13 Guest Wedding at Secret Gardens

With just 13 of their closest friends in attendance, Stephen and Jenny’s wedding was the epitome of a close-knit celebration. The towering Redwoods and the lush greenery of the Secret Gardens provided a breathtaking backdrop, making their vows even more poignant. Fall, with its rich colors and crisp air, added an extra layer of warmth and charm to the occasion.

Their ceremony was a testament to the beauty of simplicity. There were no grand fanfares, just the genuine expressions of love and commitment. This intimate gathering under the Redwoods was a heartwarming sight, encapsulating the essence of what a microwedding is all about – focusing on the couple and the joy of their union.

An Evening of Warmth and Celebration

Post-ceremony, the celebration transitioned into an intimate dinner. Imagine a small, elegant setup under the open sky, as the leaves of the Redwoods rustled softly overhead. The dinner, filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and exquisite dishes, felt like a family gathering where every person played a significant part in Stephen and Jenny’s journey.

But it wasn’t just the formal moments that made their wedding special. The parking lot turned into an impromptu celebration space, with drinks being shared and champagne toasts ringing out in honor of the newlyweds. These spontaneous moments of joy, often overlooked in larger weddings, became the highlights of Stephen and Jenny’s celebration.

Intimate moments captured at Stephen and Jenny’s microwedding
Fall colors enhancing the charm of the outdoor wedding
The serene beauty of Secret Gardens as a wedding backdrop
Intimate wedding ceremony under the Redwoods
Close friends toasting the newlyweds in the parking lot
Intimate wedding ceremony under the Redwoods
Intimate wedding ceremony under the Redwoods
Fall colors enhancing the charm of the outdoor wedding
Intimate wedding ceremony under the Redwoods
Stephen and Jenny exchanging vows in Secret Gardens
Stephen and Jenny exchanging vows in Secret Gardens
Bride and groom with friends celebrating with champagne
Fall colors enhancing the charm of the outdoor wedding
The serene beauty of Secret Gardens as a wedding backdrop

Are you dreaming of an intimate wedding in 2024 that perfectly captures the essence of your love story? Let’s make that dream a reality! Reach out today for a consultation, and together, we’ll plan a wedding that’s as unique and special as your relationship. From selecting the ideal venue to capturing those magical moments, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait to start planning the intimate wedding of your dreams – contact me now to begin this exciting journey! 🌟💍

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

I believe every story deserves to be seen, felt & remembered.

Bruce Gilden

"I love the people I photograph. I mean, they're my friends. I've never met most of them or I don't know them at all, yet through my images I live with them."

Words I Live by

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.

Copyright 2023 Charlie Dawn  |  Template Design by With Grace and Gold | images from pexels