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

Springtime Wedding in Saratoga’s Redwoods: A Hometown Love Story

Love Stories

If you’re looking for inspiration for your own wedding, look no further than Jess and Nick’s springtime nuptials in Saratoga’s Redwoods at Sanborn County Park. This local couple, who call downtown San Jose home, made sure to incorporate their community into their special day by working with a variety of beloved local vendors.

Highlights: Sweets and the Dance Floor

One of the highlights of the reception was the delicious cake from Bake That Ass Up and the donuts from Rollo’s Donuts – both of which were a hit with guests. The party was kept going all night by the talented DJ Chip Deville, who had everyone on the dance floor. Working with local vendors was important to Jess and Nick, and was a great way to support their community and add a personal touch to the special day. As locals themselves, keeping it in the San Jose family was important to them.

Disc Golf Meets Wedding

But what really set this wedding apart was the couple’s love for the sport of Disc Golf. As avid players themselves, Jess and Nick decided to include a Disc Golf basket in their wedding for friends and family to enjoy. Incorporating the fun and unique sport of disc golf into their wedding added an element of playfulness and excitement to the day. Disc golf, also known as Frisbee golf, is a sport that involves throwing a flying disc into a basket or target. It was a unique and fun touch that everyone appreciated.

Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer San Jose Wedding Photos Bay Area
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer San Jose Wedding Photos Bay Area
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer San Jose Wedding Photos Bay Area
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer San Jose Wedding Photos Bay Area
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer San Jose Wedding Photos Bay Area
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer San Jose Wedding Photos Bay Area
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer San Jose Wedding Photos Bay Area
Shannon Alyse Photography Bay Area Wedding Photographer Saratoga Redwoods Sanborn County Park San Jose Wedding Photos

Cheers to the couple!

Overall, it was a beautiful and memorable day, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with this wonderful couple. Thank you, Jess and Nick, for letting me be a part of your special day!

Congratulations to the newlyweds! I’m so thankful I was able to capture these memories. Looking for a wedding photographer for your 2023 wedding? My books are open and I’d love to hear from you! Contact me here.

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