About Paige

San Diego Wedding Photographer Paige Nelson

Hi, I'm Paige!

My journalism professor taught me a story is only as good as the pun in the headline. *ba-dum-tss*

(I love a bad dad joke. Did I really just Google how to type a rimshot?)

A romantic who went into journalism (ironic, huh?), I realized my love of storytelling needed a better way to emerge. I'm a deep feeler and the cutthroat, objective nature of the field didn't work well for me.

Intimate wedding and elopement photography became a life raft. It intersects all of the things I love most about being human: depth of emotion, connection, imperfection.

I will always choose to be interesting over boring. which means I tend to avoid cliches. I believe in authenticity and embracing your inner weirdo.

This is me in a nutshell. I'm not just a regular dork, I'm a "cool" dork.

I want you to know, I'm all in.

I'm not here to make assumptions about your relationship or pose you in an unnatural way. I want to get to know the real you and create meaningful images that will stand the test of time.

The way we connect, from the very beginning, will ultimately play a big part in the experience I'm able to create for you. If intimacy is what's drawing you into my work, then you have to understand that's also what I need from you.

My process requires a whole lot of trust mixed in with vulnerability so you can be fully present in the moment and free to let your guard down.

I know that's a big ask from someone you're meeting online - here's a little more about me and my personal wedding philosophy. If you feel any of this resonating, let's keep the conversation open.

My philosophy

experience is everything

I want to help create an experience that will outlive a single day. That means really showing up for you...and not just on the wedding day. I'm here for you from the moment you send me that very first message, through all of your milestones down the road. I'm here to rally with you, to laugh, and to cry. I'm here as your friend and your trusted advisor. I hope that makes your images and the feelings attached to them all the more special because of it.

FOLLOW your gut

All of these big, personal decisions can leave you feeling incredibly vulnerable...I get that because I've been there. I want you to remember this important piece of advice: the most memorable days I've attended are the ones with the most heart. I’m here to cheer you on and remind you it’s ok to do things your own way. You get to create the rules here. I promise you will never regret staying true to yourselves.

details that matter

This industry can be really good at distracting you with the 'stuff' versus the intangible. This day is about the two of you and your commitment to each other. The details that matter most to me are the people you love and the places that set your soul on fire. Focus on creating the kind of atmosphere that will help you let your guard down. That's when the real magic happens.

What Moves Me

A look behind the lens

I’m what you would call a deep feeler: an INFJ and 4w5 on the enneagram. Basically sensitivity is my superpower! Most days you can find me reading 3 books simultaneously, binging podcasts, or snuggling with my kitty. I love getting dirty in nature almost as much as I love dressing up for fancy dinners (balance is everything, right)? And random tidbit: I did a self-portrait project in college for 365 days in a row to grow as an artist. It helped launch my photo career and you can actually still find my face on a handful of international book covers(!) PC: Cara Mia

Andrew, My Husband and Best Friend.

We met on Match.com 9 years ago and have been partners in crime ever since. He’s not a photographer, but we travel together often and my couples get to know him too. Andrew is that guy who can Macgyver anything and is like a human Snapple cap. He builds custom furniture under his woodworking name Casa Dega Design. Strangers at the airport love to touch his hair. He will faithfully quote movies, carry your bouquet, and run loops around the forest to find your family before the ceremony (that happened). PC: Cara Mia.

Paige and Andrew wedding day by The Kitcheners

Our wedding story

After a 3-year-long engagement and COVID crashing our original plans, we finally eloped in Sicily in fall 2021. It was just the two of us, with my sister and her husband as our witnesses. Two months later, we celebrated with all our family and friends in the desert. We feel so grateful to have experienced the best of an elopement and intimate wedding. It was nothing like what we planned, but turned out even better than we ever could have imagined. So as a wedding photographer-turned bride-turned COVID bride, I really do understand what you’re going through. And I’m here for you for all of it. PC: The Kitcheners

FIND ME IN THESE PLACES

Junebug Weddings Paige Nelson Photography

Intimate Weddings Paige Nelson Photography

Wedding Equality Alliance Paige Nelson Photography

Are we kindred spirits?

If you’re looking for someone who will look out for you on your wedding day and who truly cares about you as a person, you’ve come to the right place.

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