Brentwood Wedding Photographer
Timeless, Romantic Wedding Photography in Brentwood, California
As a Brentwood wedding photographer, I have the privilege of documenting celebrations at many of the area’s most beautiful venues, vineyards, and private estates. From the refined elegance of Serendipity Cellars to thoughtfully curated private celebrations, my work is shaped by a deep familiarity with Brentwood’s light, landscapes, and the natural rhythm of weddings throughout the East Bay. I regularly photograph weddings throughout Brentwood, Livermore, Napa Valley, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
A beautiful wedding deserves a thoughtful plan.
Get my complimentary Wedding Planning Guide, filled with helpful timelines, planning checklists, and thoughtful advice to make the process feel less overwhelming and more enjoyable—so you can focus on what truly matters.
PLANNING YOUR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WEDDING?
I photograph joyful vineyard celebrations and elegant East Bay weddings surrounded by golden light.
Ana & Daniel
Lynn & Ryan
Chantal & Rocky
view gallery >
view gallery >
view gallery >
Featured Wedding Galleries
Best Brentwood CA Wedding Venues for Vineyard & Estate Weddings
McCauley Estate Vineyards
https://www.mccauleyestatevineyards.com
A beloved Brentwood vineyard venue offering lush vines, open lawns, and a relaxed wine-country atmosphere. Ideal for couples who want an outdoor ceremony with golden-hour portraits and a naturally romantic setting close to home.
Serendipity Cellars
https://www.serendipitycellars.com
An intimate winery venue in Brentwood with rolling vineyard views and a warm, inviting feel. Perfect for smaller weddings or couples who want a cozy wine-country celebration with beautiful natural light and scenic backdrops.
Club Los Meganos (Trilogy at The Vineyards)
https://www.mytrilogylife.com/vineyards/events-weddings
An elegant venue featuring manicured grounds, vineyard views, and indoor-outdoor spaces. Well-suited for larger weddings and couples looking for a polished, resort-style experience in Brentwood.
Hannah Nicole Vineyards & Winery
https://www.hnvwines.com
A charming Brentwood winery offering vineyard scenery, tasting rooms, and a relaxed yet elevated ambiance. Great for couples wanting a wine-country feel without traveling far from the East Bay.
Shadow Lakes Event Center
https://www.shadowlakesevents.com
A lakeside venue with scenic water views, sunset reflections, and a flexible indoor reception space. Ideal for couples who want a serene setting with easy guest access and on-site amenities.
Alamillo Ranch
https://www.alamilloranch.com
A rustic ranch venue with wide-open spaces and countryside charm. Best for couples dreaming of a laid-back, outdoor wedding with room to personalize their day.
Nearby Favorites (Just Outside Brentwood)
Brownstone Gardens (Oakley)
https://www.brownstonegardens.com
A romantic garden venue featuring waterfalls, lush landscaping, and peaceful ceremony spaces. Popular for sunset ceremonies and elegant outdoor receptions.
La Grande Estates (Oakley)
https://www.lagrandeweddings.com
A Mediterranean-inspired estate with courtyards, lakeside ceremony options, and a pavilion reception space. A beautiful option for couples wanting a refined estate feel close to Brentwood.
Many couples planning a Brentwood wedding choose vineyard and garden venues for their beautiful light, relaxed atmosphere, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow—perfect for timeless, romantic wedding photography.
After your event, your online gallery and custom heirloom pieces are processed.
04.
On your wedding day, I’ll seamlessly guide you through portraits while quietly documenting the candid, in-between moments that make your celebration unforgettable.
03.
Save the date with a deposit and choose a package that aligns with your vision..
02.
To begin, send us an inquiry through the contact page and include your wedding date and venue. We'll schedule a call to chat about your vision and expectations.
01.
gallery and album delivery
wedding day
save the date
inquire
The Brentwood Wedding Photography Process
Your love deserves a backdrop as Beautiful as the Vows you'll share
Ana and Daniel’s wedding at Sunol’s Casa Bella was a timeless celebration where rustic charm met elegant sophistication. They exchanged vows beneath the grand pergola in the garden courtyard, surrounded by rolling hills and the soft trickle of a nearby fountain. The reception unfolded in the chandelier-lit hall, where exposed brick and vintage mirrors created a warm, romantic ambiance. With the help of Casa Bella’s attentive staff and seamless planning, every detail—from the gourmet menu to the cozy fireplace lounge—reflected their love story. As twilight settled over Sunol, Ana and Daniel shared their first dance under bistro lights, wrapped in the magic of their unforgettable day.
x. Close
ana & Daniel
Lynn and Ryan's wedding at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club was a breathtaking celebration framed by Santa Clara Valley's rolling hills and white rose gardens. Their reception sparkled with natural light, floor-to-ceiling windows, and gourmet dishes tailored by the executive chef. With full-service amenities and a seamless flow guided by the on-site coordinator, their day was effortlessly beautiful and unforgettable. The celebration continued into the evening as Lynn and Kyle danced beneath twinkling lights, surrounded by loved ones and the golden glow of the San Jose sunset.
x. Close
Lynn & Ryan
Chantal & Rocky’s wedding at Hannah Nicole Winery was a romantic affair set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Diablo and rows of sunlit vineyards. Their ceremony unfolded beneath a canopy of golden light, followed by a reception in the Barrel Hall where laughter echoed and glasses clinked with estate wine. With the help of the venue’s expert coordinator and a seamless all-inclusive package, every detail—from the floral arrangements to the music—reflected their unique love story. As the evening settled in, Chantal and Rocky shared their first dance under the stars, surrounded by friends, family, and the warm glow of wine country magic.
x. Close
chantal & Rocky
"Vanessa was amazing! She was so easy to connect with. I needed a photographer for my wedding fast! My wedding got bumped up 5 months and She was so nice and made the process easy, if you planned a wedding you know it can beyond stressful at times and booking her was so easy and made one less thing stressful. During the wedding she was awesome, great attitude, very positive, and willing to do whatever to make sure you felt special. Our photos are gorgeous! Thank you Vanessa!"
Caitlyn
Kind Words From Past Wedding Couples
"I got married in Napa Valley and didn't know who to hire for my professional pictures. The venue recommended a few names and after contacting Vanessa I knew that is who I wanted to work with. She was very caring and patient. She was on time and didn't disrupt the moment when I was getting ready, instead she made it special. She gave us poses to do and talked to the venue to make sure we could go to a little bridge I wanted to take pictures at. I highly recommend her!! destination."
Paula
"From start to finish, working with Vanessa was an absolute dream. We knew our wedding photos would be important, but the moments she captured completely exceeded all of our expectations. From the very first consultation to the final delivery of our images, every step of the process was seamless, professional, and filled with care.
On the day of our wedding, Vanessa was not only incredibly skilled but also a calming and positive presence. They blended into the day perfectly, capturing candid moments without ever being intrusive. The photos are a perfect mix of breathtaking portraits and those spontaneous, emotional snapshots that tell the story of the day. From the laugh-filled getting ready shots to the tender first look, every photo is a work of art."
Lucy
"Vanessa was the best. She constantly communicated with Ash and I. She was very patient, and took very detailed pictures.
I would recommend Vanessa for wedding photography. "
Pooja
"Vanessa photographed our outdoor wedding. Although lighting es a challenge, Vanessa's great eye made all of the pictures perfect. She was professional, nice and a good communicator. "
Debbie
"Vanessa is hands down the most professional and easy going photographer we’ve ever had. She is so good at her craft and puts so much work into the entire wedding day! I can’t say enough great things about her. "
Jessica
"I cannot say enough good things about our experience with Vanessa! From start to finish, she went above and beyond to capture every moment of our wedding day with such beauty, care, and artistry. If you’re looking for a Napa wedding photographer or planning a Sonoma wedding, she is the person you want behind the lens.
Every photo told a story—we laughed, cried, and relived the magic all over again when we got our gallery. The candid moments, the golden hour portraits, the little details we missed on the day—they caught it ALL. Not only are they incredibly talented, but they made us feel so comfortable and at ease throughout the day. It truly felt like we had a close friend documenting our love story. "
Lena
"Vanessa was recommended to me by a fellow photographer. So I immediately thought she would be good. She was able to accommodate our budget which was huge for us as we had a destination wedding. She was on time and immediately took charge of her role. I didn’t have to ask her or supervise her in any way. She took pictures of everything that was happening plus the venue and the flowers, rings, dress, shoes, etc. She found what she needed without giving me more work on my special day and did an amazing job! She even took amazing pictures of the building for our memories. Vanessa was friendly, caring and very helpful giving us poses and ideas. I am so happy with the way she made us feel during our private session. It all seemed natural and easy. I highly recommend her!!"
Paula
Brentwood Wedding Photographer FAQs
What is it like to work with you as our wedding photographer?
Working with me feels less like hiring a vendor and more like having a trusted friend by your side. I’ll guide you when you need direction, help keep your timeline on track, and step back when the real, candid moments unfold. My goal is to make you feel comfortable and fully present on your wedding day while I document it with a mix of timeless portraits, genuine emotion, and all the little moments in between.
That keeps the best part of your original copy—the “trusted friend” feeling—while removing the repetition. It also communicates your approach much faster.
Are you insured, and what photography equipment do you use?
I photograph with state-of-the-art digital and film gear. I have two Sony a9 full-frame digital cameras as well as several 35mm film cameras, plus a full suite of prime lenses. I have full liability insurance.
How many wedding photos will we receive and when will we receive them?
I deliver images as high-resolution jpeg files in an incredible online gallery, which includes a year of complimentary cloud storage. Giving you that gallery is my absolute highest priority, and you can expect to receive your images within four to six weeks of your wedding day. Because I only deliver images that meet my highest professional standards, I don’t provide a set number of photographs. In general, you can expect to receive 50 to 80 images per hour of coverage.
Do we need to provide a wedding photography shot list?
Throughout the process, we’ll discuss what elements of your wedding are the most important to you. On your final details call with me, I’ll make sure that I have a list of all the family photos you’re hoping for, and all the details that are the most meaningful to you and your partner. Beyond that, you can count on my experience and artistry to ensure you have images that will endure for life.
Will you help us create our wedding photography timeline?
When you book me as your photographer, I’m with you for the whole journey. Throughout the process I’ll offer my expert advice on anything you ask, from bridal party outfits to flowers. And I consider putting together a photography timeline to be one of my most important priorities. About two months before your wedding, we’ll set up a phone call to discuss your day. From there, I’ll sketch out a detailed timeline for us to review together. There’s no better feeling on your wedding day than having a plan you feel fully confident in.
Do you photograph weddings throughout Brentwood and the East Bay?
Yes! I’m based in Brentwood, California, and photograph weddings throughout Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville, Walnut Creek, and the greater East Bay. I also travel throughout Napa Valley, Sonoma, San Francisco, and Northern California. Being local to the East Bay means I’m familiar with the area’s vineyards, rolling hills, golden-hour light, and seasonal conditions, which I consider when helping couples plan their wedding photography timeline.
What are your favorite wedding venues near Brentwood, California?
Brentwood is within easy reach of some beautiful East Bay wedding venues, especially throughout Livermore, Pleasanton, and Sunol. Some of my favorites include Wente Vineyards, Palm Event Center, and Elliston Vineyards for their vineyard landscapes, beautiful light, and variety of portrait locations. When helping couples choose or plan around a venue, I also consider natural light, getting-ready spaces, ceremony orientation, sunset access, and how easily we can move between locations for portraits.
When should we book our Brentwood wedding photographer?
I recommend booking your Brentwood wedding photographer as soon as your wedding date and venue are secured, typically around 9–18 months before the wedding, especially for popular Saturday dates. Booking early also gives us plenty of time to plan your engagement session and create a photography timeline around your ceremony, sunset, first look, family portraits, and the moments that matter most to you. If your wedding is coming up sooner, I still encourage you to reach out because I may have your date available.
I can’t wait to hear your story. Fill this out and I’ll be in touch soon!
You may also head straight to my calendar and book time together here!
I typically respond within 24 hours with gentle help with dates, pricing, and planning.
Email: vanessamontanophotography@gmail.com
Call or Text: 925-413-9949
Let's Create
Memories
Beautiful
