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

Paige and Tom Elope in Las Vegas at The Little White Chapel of Love

real stories

This elopement holds a special place in my heart. When Paige messaged me that she and Tom had decided to elope in Vegas at the Little White Chapel, all I could think was, “This is so perfect for them.

A Little Bit of Backstory

I met Paige in 2021 when I joined her Creative Business Mastermind. Paige, an outstanding photographer, has helped countless creatives achieve their business goals while fostering creativity and artistry. When she launched her mastermind, I was quick to sign up 

Paige’s guidance was pivotal in my transition from a full-time marketing job to the world of creative entrepreneurship. Before her mastermind, the thought of making a living as a photographer seemed soooo far-fetched. Her course provided me not only with confidence but also with tangible evidence that I could succeed as a creative business owner. I’m so thankful for her encouragement and guidance during such an emotional time in my life. 

The Inquiry

So knowing how much Paige means to me, you can only image the little happy dance I did when I got her inquiry. 

I was at a local coffee shop, sifting through emails and browsing Instagram, when I received a voice memo from Paige. She shared that she and Tom, after eight years together, had decided to tie the knot by eloping in Vegas on Halloween. They were curious if I handled elopements and what my rates were.

That gasp I took when I listened to her voicemail.

The surprise and excitement I felt were indescribable. While I cherish all my clients, there’s a unique thrill when another creative entrusts you with their story. My initial thought was, “Am I talented enough?” quickly followed by a wave of imposter syndrome. To say I was honored by Paige’s inquiry is an understatement. I think I responded to her at one point with the words, “I feel like Sally Field’s winning an Osar! You like, me you really like me!”.

The VISION

Did I mention that Tom is also a photographer? Adding another layer of pressure to being their wedding photographer, but this bit of info is so important to their love story. 

Paige, originally a writer (and still very much so), decided to explore photography. Who was her instructor? Tom. They connected instantly, and eight years later, chose to elope in Vegas.

Despite being engaged for some time, the pandemic and life’s various changes had postponed their plans. That is until Paige proposed a Halloween wedding in Vegas to Tom, who was immediately on board. Thus began their Halloween-themed Vegas elopement.

Prior to their elopement, I did my research. I used Google Earth to get to know the area and secondary locations where they could take portraits after the ceremony. The goal was to embrace the color, the rock and roll feel of Vegas, and just have a good time. 

Til Death Do Us Part

About 20 people joined Tom and Paige for their Vegas elopement. Paige was surprised by the turnout, since all her friends and family would have to travel to see the wedding. But who wouldn’t want to see your loved ones tie the knot on Halloween night in such a cool city?

I met Tom at 2:00 PM at the Little White Chapel of Love. We positioned him in front of the iconic drive-through gates to await Paige. Their first look was shared there, and the genuine joy in their reactions was a highlight of the day.

Following the first look, we captured family photos before the ceremony. Tom and Paige exchanged vows in front of the classic pink Cadillac, with their niece playing the roles of flower girl and ring bearer.

The After Party

Post-ceremony, their guests were sent off to relax ahead of the 8 PM reception. Meanwhile, I escorted Paige and Tom around the Chapel, through the Vegas art district, and onto the strip for those quintessential Vegas shots. And by escort, I mean we were chauffeured in a friend’s classic truck—an unforgettable experience. You’ll find some photos of the truck towards the end. Enjoy their gallery!

Congratulations to the Couple

I could endlessly share about Paige and Tom and the wonderful individuals they are. However, I’m eager to showcase the photos. My gratitude for their trust in me to capture their memories and create art together is boundless. Photographing such special people means the world to me.

Thinking about eloping this year? I’d love to help you document your wedding! Get in touch today to get cute ass photos like these. 

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