Monica is the best! I cannot say enough great things about her. Monica shot our engagement and wedding photos and we could not be happier with the results. She is so talented, professional, and fun to work with. She made… Monica is the best! I cannot say enough great things about her. Monica shot our engagement and wedding photos and we could not be happier with the results. She is so talented, professional, and fun to work with. She made us feel so comfortable and captured the most beautiful moments. YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED!
Bay Area Photographer with a touch of luxury.
Elegant, Inspired
Wedding Photography
San Jose, San Francisco, Pleasanton
I create timeless imagery for couples and families who want an intentional experience. From sun drenched vineyard weddings in Napa Valley to relaxed family portraits in Santa Cruz, I deliver photos that look just as good as the moments felt.
(The Storyteller)
About Monica
Hi! I'm Monica, an art school trained wedding photographer serving the Bay Area and Tri-Valley region. I've photographed celebrations from San Francisco and San Jose to Pleasanton, Livermore, Napa & Sonoma. My style blends candid, black and white storytelling with refined, editorial portraits. I'm an experienced, organized partner that will navigate venue & vendor coordination and deliver custom photo friendly timelines, so you can stay present. Images arrive in an online gallery with print options and a custom heirloom album. Let's talk about your day!
Let’s create the photos everyone will talk about
Most couples invest $8,000 for full wedding day coverage and the complete Monica Dawn Photography experience. From the first conversation to the final gallery each collection is designed to capture your wedding with intention, artistry, and a seamless process. Inside you’ll find what’s included and how we can tailor the experience to your vision
Let’s make it iconic.
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Reviews
Monica is the best! She truly made our day special, she is so warm and talented. Our photos look amazing, and she took it upon herself to do research of the venue, its lighting, and we had multiple discussions to… Monica is the best! She truly made our day special, she is so warm and talented. Our photos look amazing, and she took it upon herself to do research of the venue, its lighting, and we had multiple discussions to understand what we wanted in terms of vibe and content of photos. She even got to know the wedding venue staff to help make sure lighting and everything would go smoothly. She is immensely detail oriented and truly knows her craft. She is also flexible, generous, and so helpful. She sent us cute gifts before the wedding, she made Photoshop edits for us, and she was always easily available to discuss ideas. Her website made it really easy to order photos. I highly recommend! My husband said one of his portraits from the wedding is “the best picture of his life.”
Monica is an absolute GEM. I was married in October of 2025, and my husband and I had nothing but the best experience with her! Monica was extremely helpful with coordinating a timeline for the photos on our special day… Monica is an absolute GEM. I was married in October of 2025, and my husband and I had nothing but the best experience with her! Monica was extremely helpful with coordinating a timeline for the photos on our special day and making sure our vineyard reception was captured beautifully.
Monica is the best! I cannot say enough great things about her. Monica shot our engagement and wedding photos and we could not be happier with the results. She is so talented, professional, and fun to work with. She made… Monica is the best! I cannot say enough great things about her. Monica shot our engagement and wedding photos and we could not be happier with the results. She is so talented, professional, and fun to work with. She made us feel so comfortable and captured the most beautiful moments. I highly recommend Monica Dawn Photography to anyone looking for a photographer!
Monica did a wonderful job capturing my daughter’s most important day. It is a day that we can look back on to see all the beautiful memories she captured! And now we have another daughter who is engaged and planning… Monica did a wonderful job capturing my daughter’s most important day. It is a day that we can look back on to see all the beautiful memories she captured! And now we have another daughter who is engaged and planning a wedding and Monica will be there to capture her special day too! Can’t thank her enough for that and highly recommend her to anyone else who needs a professional photographer.
Monica is amazing! First time getting a professional photoshoot and we didn’t know what to expect, but Monica made it so easy and comfortable from the beginning. She really took her time to get to know us and do her… Monica is amazing! First time getting a professional photoshoot and we didn’t know what to expect, but Monica made it so easy and comfortable from the beginning. She really took her time to get to know us and do her research to ensure everything was perfect for us – location, timing, etc. By the time of the actual photoshoot day, we felt so comfortable with her that it took some of the nerves away. She helped with poses while still making it feel very fun and playful. Not to mention, the pictures turned out STUNNING! She went above and beyond to get all the angles and capture the most beautiful shots! The edits were great and the gallery she sent us is amazing. I can’t wait to have her capture more beautiful moments in our life!
Where do I even begin with Monica?! She did our engagement shoot and we fell in love with her energy immediately that we knew we wanted her to do our wedding. Not only is she so fun and helps you… Where do I even begin with Monica?! She did our engagement shoot and we fell in love with her energy immediately that we knew we wanted her to do our wedding. Not only is she so fun and helps you feel comfortable in front of the camera (lets be real, it can be real awkward!), but her work is BEAUTIFUL! She is very communicative on timing of when you will receive your photos and very receptive to any vision you may have for your big day. I could go on and on all day about how wonderful she is to have a shoot with, but you will just have to try out for yourself! 10/10 recommend! Thank you Monica!
Wedding Guides
Castlewood Country Club Weddings | Pleasanton Wedding Venue Guide
California Coast Engagement Photos Guide | Big Sur, Carmel, Santa Cruz & Half Moon Bay
The Ultimate San Francisco City Hall Wedding Guide
The Ultimate San Francisco Wedding Location Guide
Planning Resources
The Best Tip for Interviewing a Wedding Photographer
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10 Things To Do Now That You’re Engaged!
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What It’s Like to Work With a Wedding Photographer in Northern California
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Half Moon Bay Redwoods Elopement | Forest & Coast Wedding
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Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay Proposal | Cliffside Engagement
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Natural Bridges Santa Cruz Engagement Photos
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Big Sur Engagement Photos at Bixby Bridge
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Carmel-by-the-Sea Engagement Photos
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Pfeiffer Beach Engagement Photos in Big Sur
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Luxury Hotels Near San Francisco City Hall for Wedding Day Prep
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Best Places for Engagement Photos in San Francisco | Monica Dawn Photography
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Inside A Wedding at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco
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Exclusive Wedding Photography Packages
The Signature Collection
$4,200
- For couple that want storytelling with elevated simplicity
- Full Wedding Day Coverage up to 8 hours
- Pre-Wedding strategy session
- Curated online gallery
This collection protects the heart of your celebration while maintaining a calm intentional pace.
Let's talkThe Legacy Collection
$9,200
- For celebrations where every chapter deserves to be preserved.
- Multi-day Celebrations
- Full Wedding Day Coverage
- 2 Photographers
- Engagement Photoshoot
- Heirloom Album with priority design
- Curated online gallery
- Rehearsal Dinner or Welcome Event coverage up to 3 hours
Designed for couples who want nothing to feel rushed and everything to feel beautifully held.
Let's talkThe Heirloom Collection
$6,500
- For couples who value both the experience and the legacy
- Full Wedding Day Coverage up to 12 hours
- Engagement Photoshoot
- Custom Heirloom Album
- Curated Online gallery
The engagement photoshoot allows us to build natural comfort before your wedding day so portraits feel effortless and connected.
Let's talkFAQ
What is the booking process to secure Monica Dawn Photography?
If you love the images you’ve seen on my website, we’re already halfway there. The next step is simply reaching out so we can start the conversation. Most couples begin with a quick “vibe check” video call where we talk about your wedding plans, your vision, and make sure we’re the perfect fit for each other.
Once you’re ready to move forward, securing your date is simple—a signed contract and a 25% non-refundable retainer officially reserve your wedding day on my calendar. From there, the fun part begins as we start planning how to capture your celebration beautifully.
How much do couples typically invest in wedding photography?
Wedding photography in Northern California varies depending on experience, coverage, and the level of service provided. Most couples working with Monica Dawn Photography invest $8,000 for full wedding day coverage and a personalized photography experience designed to capture their celebration with care, artistry, and intention.
Do you recommend using a wedding planner?
Absolutely. A talented wedding planner is worth their weight in gold. They keep the day running smoothly, handle the details behind the scenes, and allow you to stay present and soak in every moment. I can recommend a planner if you are still searching for one.
Do you offer videography as well?
Photography is my main love language, but I regularly work alongside some incredibly talented videographers. If having your wedding captured in motion is important to you, I’d be happy to introduce you to a few amazing videographers whose style and personality pair beautifully with the way I photograph weddings.
How many images will we receive and when will we receive our photos?
Every wedding is unique, but couples typically receive 600–900 carefully edited images that tell the full story of the day. Each photograph is thoughtfully selected and refined to reflect the emotion, beauty, and atmosphere of your celebration.
You’ll receive a small teaser preview within a few days of your wedding so you can relive some favorite moments right away. The full gallery is typically delivered within 8–10 weeks, carefully edited and ready to download, share, and print.
Do you help with the timeline for our wedding day?
Absolutely. A well-planned timeline is one of the most important factors in creating beautiful, relaxed images. I work closely with couples and planners to design a photography timeline that allows for meaningful moments, great light, and an organic, stress-free experience throughout the day.
Will you help us feel comfortable in front of the camera?
Helping couples feel comfortable in front of the camera is one of my superpowers. Most couples tell me they aren’t used to being photographed, and that’s completely normal. I gently guide you through the process so nothing feels forced. The goal is for you to focus on each other while I capture the moments naturally.
Do you offer engagement sessions and help choose locations?
Yes! Engagement sessions are included in my collections and are a wonderful way for us to get to know each other before the wedding day. They also help couples feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera, which makes a huge difference when the big day arrives.
Northern California offers some of the most beautiful and diverse backdrops for engagement photos. A few favorite locations include Big Sur for dramatic coastal cliffs and sunsets, Carmel for soft beaches and charming scenery, and San Francisco for iconic views like the Golden Gate Bridge. For couples who love nature and adventure, Yosemite provides breathtaking mountain landscapes, while Napa Valley offers elegant vineyard settings that feel timeless and romantic.
I’m always happy to help couples choose a location that reflects their personalities and the kind of experience they want for their engagement session.
Where do you work? Do you photograph destination weddings?
The heart of my business is based in the Bay Area, but I photograph weddings throughout Northern California. Many of my couples are planning destination celebrations here and want a trusted local photographer who knows the region well.
I frequently work in Pleasanton, Livermore, San Jose, Los Altos, Los Gatos, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Monterey, and Big Sur, and I’m always excited to explore beautiful venues beyond.
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Northern California, I’m always happy to share location ideas and help you make the most of this incredible region.
I am also available to photograph weddings outside of California within the United States.