Amy Leyenaar, Author at Paige Nelson Photography

September 5, 2020 by Amy Leyenaar 1 Comment

Late last summer, I met Natalie & Jeremy at San Clemente Beach for their Orange County engagement photos. Southern California sunsets this time of year are always so dreamy and this day was no exception.

I’ve been to San Onofre a handful of times for personal beach days, but this was my first time getting to photograph a couple here. It’s also the perfect meeting point between Los Angeles and San Diego (for my couples with a longer commute)!

Exploring the Bluffs of San Clemente Beach

When we met up, the partly cloudy sky cast a hazy glow over the whole coastline. This kind of diffused light is some of my favorite to shoot in because it creates a beautiful, cinematic feel to your images.

To start our session, we wandered to the edge of the bluffs for some dramatic views of the ocean. In my humble opinion, San Clemente is a little like Orange County’s version of Big Sur…just a lot closer to home.

Golden Hour Orange County Engagement

These two found the best seat in the house for nature’s golden hour finale. Natalie and Jeremy got cozy together on this cute little bench as the sky lit up fiery orange. Though they will adamantl deny it like they did to me before shooting, N & J have serious chemistry in front of the camera. 😉

We chased the light down to the beach just as the sun crested over the San Onofre Nuclear Plant. (Not pictured here: Jeremy’s solo session with the iconic fembot tribute).

And a footnote: the rocks on this San Clemente beach are no joke, but somehow, walking across them can look effortless in photos. These two are champs!

Like so many other 2020 couples with weddings affected by coronavirus, Natalie & Jeremy postponed their big blowout reception until next year. Today, I’m honored to document their intimate celebration at their family home in Los Angeles. It’s going to be beautiful.

Congratulations you two!

If you enjoyed this session, check out Maria & Darren’s Big Sur engagement or Janalyn & Ryan’s anniversary in La Jolla.

Lindsay & Chris

San Onofre Cliffside Engagement

San Onofre, California

July 24, 2020 by Amy Leyenaar Leave a Comment

I met Lindsay and Chris at San Onofre beach last October for their cliffside engagement photos. This San Onofre beach location is quickly becoming one of my favorites in Southern California.

It’s perfect for couples craving a diversity of backdrops in their session. The steep cliffs are covered in dreamy grass and give way to a rocky beach below. Not to mention, it has unparalleled privacy of any other coastal location I’ve been to near San Diego!

DREAMY BLUFF TRAILS OF SAN ONOFRE BEACH

San Onofre State Beach is dog friendly on the trails, so Lindsay and Chris brought along their fluffy pup, Chanel. We met at golden hour on a quiet overlook at the south end of the park. Fall transformed the scenery into a soft palette of browns, golds, and blues.

To kick things off, we frolicked along the bluff trails and enjoyed the breathtaking view of the rocky tide below. You can make out the infamous power plant in the distance (may it forever breast in peace). 😉

A CLIFFSIDE ENGAGEMENT WITH AN EPIC ENDING

As the light waned, we followed the sun down to the rocky beach below. It’s kind of a steeper trail down. (I promise your glutes will kindly remind you of the hike the next day). After our golden glow dissipated, a soft purplish haze settled over the horizon.

To finish off our session, we clambered back to the top of the bluffs to play in the moonlight. The blue light after the sun sets is always some of the best for experimenting!

Lindsay & Chris had to make the tough decision to scale back their original wedding plans in Big Sur. Statewide shutdowns in California this spring have jerked their plans around, like so many other couples affected by coronavirus.

Regardless, I’m beyond excited to photograph their micro wedding in Joshua Tree this weekend. Although it may not be plan A, plan B, or even plan C…it’s going to be incredible. Congratulations to you two and thanks for this fun adventure!

If you enjoyed this session, check out Dianna & Chris’s Sunset Cliffs engagement or Sarah & Gary’s Pismo Beach engagement!

Nanllel & Mikael

Wind & Sea Estate Wedding in Big Sur

Big Sur, California

January 22, 2020 by Amy Leyenaar Leave a Comment

Nanllel and Mikael booked the Wind & Sea Estate in Big Sur to celebrate their first wedding anniversary with 30 of their closest friends and family.

On June 16, 2018, Nanllel and Mikael privately eloped at the courthouse. It was a quick and casual affair, but they still wanted the opportunity to celebrate with friends and family. A year to the date, they hosted everyone for a weekend long celebration. Guests traveled all the way from England and Mexico to be there.

A Fireside Vow Renewal at Wind & Sea Estate

The Wind & Sea estate sits right along Pacific Coast Highway, hidden behind an inconspicuous wooden gate. It sits high on the cliff side, with winding pathways to the ocean, populated with native succulents. From the balcony and living room, you’re treated to panoramic views of the coastline.

To kick off the weekend, the couple hosted a casual BBQ on Friday and built a bonfire as the sun was setting. As everyone gathered around the fire, Mikael’s uncle, a pastor, led their vow renewal.

A Quiet Morning at Wind & Sea Estate

Both Nanllel and Mikael got ready at the Wind & Sea Estate, with a handful of close family and friends. Nanllel wore the feminine and romantic, Willowby by Watters Reagan Gown from BHLDN. Neither of them wore traditional wedding clothes for their courthouse elopement, so this was a highlight.

Nanllel and Mikael emphasized a natural, light-hearted, and candid approach to their photography. They wanted photos that captured the atmosphere of Big Sur and tangible essence of their most intimate relationships.

A Cliffside First Look & Redwood Portraits at Limekiln

I found the perfect secluded spot at Wind & Sea Estate for their first look, with amazing views of the coast stretching for miles in both directions. After, we headed down to Limekiln State Park for couple portraits in the redwoods. Nanllel’s wedding dress swept the forest floor and was full of needles and acorns by the end.

Big Sur Bakery Reception Party

After portraits, we drove to Big Sur Bakery and arrived just in time for cocktail hour. Everyone mingled in the Loma Vista Gardens, punctuated by lots of cheery group photos.

The couple asked guests to wear floral and colorful attire to compliment the garden setting of Big Sur Bakery. They kept the decor simple to let the natural beauty of the venue shine.

Peaches & Poppies Floral created colorful flower arrangements for the wooden tables, set on soft pink cheese cloth runners. Herbs like rosemary and lavender were used as escort cards for seat assignments.

Nanllel and Mikael love sweets and opted for a candy bar buffet. For the rest of the decor, they opted for timeless pieces they could display in their home.

Before dinner, a few friends and family members toasted the couple. Mikael’s dad got everyone choked up when he presented a book of “dude trips,” a scrapbook he had been working on since Mikael’s childhood of their adventures together. Afterward, we shared a delicious family style meal, catered by the one and only Big Sur Bakery.

To wrap up the evening, Nanllel & Mikael cut their epic cake. Then a cheery dance party under the market lights broke out.

Their Vendor Team

Accommodations/Getting Ready: Wind & Sea Estate // Catering/Reception: Big Sur Bakery // Entertainment: DC Events and Design // Florist: Peaches and Poppies Floral // Photography: Paige Nelson Photography // Transportation: The Monterey Party Bus // Wedding Dress: Willowby by Watters Reagan Gown from BHLDN

If you enjoyed this Wind & Sea Estate wedding, I recommend checking out Hannah and Rocky’s Intimate Wedding at Henry Cowell Redwoods.

Janalyn & Ryan

Windansea Beach Anniversary in San Diego

San Diego, CA

January 10, 2020 by Amy Leyenaar Leave a Comment

This Windansea Beach anniversary session in La Jolla grew from a heartwarming story.

I met Janalyn when she was first stepping into her modeling career in 2017. Since then, we have collaborated together on a handful of creative, editorial shoots. She is a beautiful person and one of the kindest, gentlest souls I’ve ever met.

The last time we worked together, Janalyn told me she only has a handful of nice photos from her and Ryan’s wedding day. Obviously as a wedding photographer, this made me incredibly sad. They were young and trusted a family member who wasn’t skilled behind the camera. Most of their images turned out over exposed, blurry, and overall, unusable.

In March, Janalyn and Ryan celebrated 7 years together, along with their 4th wedding anniversary. I encouraged them to get in front of my camera for some fresh photos together to display in their home. (Though I still want to get these two dressed up in wedding clothes for a proper re-do!)

Windansea Beach: The Shack

We met on an overcast day at Windansea Beach in La Jolla. The moody weather worked in our favor, keeping the usual crowds away from this popular spot.

We started in front of “The Shack,” the free-standing hut made of palm leaves that makes this San Diego beach so iconic. Periodically, it gets wiped out by storms. But without fail, locals always rally together to reconstruct it. (It had been both destroyed and recreated within the span of my last two visits).

Exploring the bluffs of Windansea

We raced the tide to some of the harder-to-reach areas of the La Jolla beach, climbing the nooks and crannies carved by the sea. Midway through our session, we experienced some of the strangest weather. All at once, the sun broke through clouds and it started raining. A rainbow formed behind us.

Janalyn was already so comfortable working with me, it was easy to loosen Ryan up too. Both of them have great style and effortless chemistry together.

If you love this La Jolla anniversary session, I recommend checking out my adventure with Becca and Lenin in Mount Laguna, San Diego!

Sarah & Gary

Pismo Beach Engagement in San Luis Obispo

Pismo Beach, California

December 4, 2019 by Amy Leyenaar Leave a Comment

Sarah and Gary’s Pismo Beach engagement in San Luis Obispo was nothing short of pure magic. Pismo Beach is a breathtaking location for photos- the only place I know of where the desert dunes kiss the ocean.

Pismo Beach: Where Sand Meets Surf

I extended my trip to Big Sur to meet up with Sarah and Gary in Oceano. The coastal city lies right next to Pismo Beach off Highway 1. Depending on the time of year and tides, you’re allowed to drive right onto the sand. So I hopped into their mid-size car and that’s exactly what we did!

Just as we were about to pull into the lot, the car got stuck in a mountain of sand. We all piled out, laughing, and started to dig the tires out with our hands. Our attempts failed, but a kind passerby offered to pull us out.

Once the car was safely parked, we started our adventurous trek out to the dunes. Our first two attempts to find the right trail dead ended in shrubbery. But the scenery along the way didn’t let us down.

Their Love Story

Gary and Sarah met through mutual friends in the city of Camarillo. After a few dates, they knew they were meant to be together. On May 11th, two days shy of Sarah’s birthday, Gary took her out for a surprise dinner. At first, Sarah thought nothing of it.

On the way to dinner, Gary suddenly pulled off the freeway. He stole Sarah’s heels and tied a blindfold around her eyes. Then he walked her onto the beach where he instructed her to remove the blindfold. There, illuminated in the sand with candles, was the question, “Marry Me?”

Without hesitation, Sarah said yes! The surprises kept on coming. Both sides of their family were waiting at dinner to celebrate with them.

Sunset over San Luis Obispo

We were about to wrap up the day when the sky transformed to all shades of pink and purple. I rallied Sarah and Gary to get out of the car one last time to catch the fading light. These are actually some of my favorite shots from the day and made for an epic finale to their Pismo Beach engagement.

After sunset, we treated ourselves to a well-earned dinner and drinks at a local beach bar and grill. Thanks for a super memorable day and congrats again to you both!

If you love sand dunes and epic sunsets, I recommend checking out Loraine & Kyle’s sand dunes engagement in Glamis or Amitis & Nico’s Joshua Tree engagement!

Rachel & Alex

Big Sur Bakery and Glen Oaks Wedding

Big Sur, CA

October 4, 2019 by Amy Leyenaar Leave a Comment

A quintessential wedding in Big Sur

Rachel and Alex’s intimate ceremony at Glen Oaks and reception at Big Sur Bakery highlighted the best of Big Sur. This California-coast inspired wedding was incredibly romantic, with so many simple and sweet touches.

Rachel said Big Sur epitomizes everything her and Alex love most about California. Alex is from Sonoma county and Rachel lived in Southern California for 15 years. With a looming big move to the east coast, it felt fitting for them to plan their day in a place that means so much to them.

Rachel and Alex were even more excited to share Big Sur with their friends and family, most of whom live out of state and have never seen the gorgeous California coast. Together with 30 of their closest people, they celebrated their upcoming 10 year relationship milestone in the best kind of way.

Bridal Preparation at Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn

Rachel finished getting ready at the whimsical Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn with her mom, sister, and best friends. Her room, the Antique Apartment, operated as the Inn’s antique store in the 1950’s.

Deetjen’s is undeniably one of my favorite preparation locations for couples in Big Sur. Each room in the historic cabin hotel has its own personality, decorated with minimal, yet charming, antique furniture. The atmosphere feels straight out of a fairytale.

Intimate Redwood Ceremony at Glen Oaks

When Rachel was dressed, we headed to Glen Oaks for their private ceremony in the redwoods. Rachel and Alex opted to skip a first look to savor that sweet moment of seeing each other down the aisle for the first time.

Right before the ceremony, Rachel shared a moving first look with her father. It was touching to watch his joyful and tear-filled reaction to seeing her in her ethereal BHLDN dress.

We were graced with beautiful, warm light in the forest that afternoon. Aside from the rustic wooden chairs and a champagne station for guests, the backdrop didn’t need much else. Alex greeted Rachel with a smile and paused to help pick redwood bark out of her dress. Rachel’s brother-in-law officiated, making it all the more memorable.

Romantic Couple Portraits in the Redwoods

After a toast and family photos, guests were invited to make their way to cocktail hour at Big Sur Bakery.

Rachel, Alex, and I explored the beautiful grounds of Glen Oaks for their couple portraits. This is always the time when a true feeling of peace settles over my couples, after all the excitement and nerves have dissipated. You can simply just be in the moment together.

Golden Hour at Loma Vista Gardens

After soaking up all of the golden light at Glen Oaks, we made our way to Big Sur Bakery. While we waited for cocktail hour to wrap up, we wandered around Loma Vista Gardens to capture a few more portraits. The gardens offer a breathtaking view of Mt. Manuel, and are ripe with oversized cacti, native succulents, and unique flowers.

Intimate Reception at Big Sur Bakery

Rachel and Alex rented the entire Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant for their reception. The enclosed patio space with market lighting creates a wonderful, intimate atmosphere for smaller groups. Simple burlap runners and garlands of greenery from Big Sur Flowers complimented the long, rustic tables.

Rachel and Alex’s entrance led straight into their first dance. Afterward, everyone moved to the patio to enjoy a family-style dinner. This kind of meal always initiates the best kind of dinner conversations.

Once everyone took their seat, Rachel’s mom blessed the meal. After dinner, we played a game of “guess who” and witnessed Alex drop cake down Rachel’s dress. But my personal favorite part of the evening was when Rachel’s dad surprised us all by tossing his jacket and started to boogie in the middle of the father/daughter dance. 🙂