Experience

This industry can often feel like a well-oiled machine, spitting out cookie cutter images of what your wedding day should be. You need this or need that.

I totally get it. But I want you to know, it doesn’t have to be that way.

It can be whatever
you want it to be.

If you want to get married in the redwoods or on the edge of a cliff, do it.
If traditions like a bridal party or cutting the cake don't feel right, skip it.

My couples are the ones who want to run away from the “conventional."
Who have a vision to declare their love- on their own terms.

We are all individuals and your love story is unique. You wouldn't try to fit a square peg into a round hole either...would you?

This day is about staying true to yourselves and setting the foundation for
an even more beautiful marriage. There's heart and intent in every choice.

You make your day meaningful by the way you show up to it.

Why intimate weddings?

The first small wedding I ever photographed became etched on my heart forever. There was something different about the atmosphere. These couples and their guests relaxed into themselves, fully present in the moment.

There wasn't that pressure to keep things moving along to stay on schedule. Activities weren't planned to be impressive, but only for the richness of the experience. Everyone rallied together as a community, to make the food, hand sew the dress, or piece together the bouquet. Personal stories were exchanged over an intimate meal.

Crafting an intimate wedding day allows you a safe space to be vulnerable.To be the real version of you.

The amount of heart that goes into days like this is what makes them so memorable. You don’t need to hold back pieces of who you are when you’re surrounded by your closest humans. Instead, you can truly focus on creating an experience for the people you love that you will all cherish forever.

This is why I choose to capture intimate wedding days and elopements. The real, the raw, the messy, the imperfect. And you, being your most authentic selves. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world.

California Wedding Photographer Paige Nelson

This is my heart, poured into every single step of the process.

Because that's what you deserve. I believe the best wedding experiences are collaborative in nature, and being able to relate to your photographer is a huge part of that.

And intimate weddings should be just that: intimate. Not impersonal.

The photographer you choose to capture this day for you should be able to meld into your inner circle. That takes time. And a whole lot of trust.

Connection is key in the work I’m able to create for you. I truly want to know you and be a part of your journey.

Kindred spirits aren’t for a day, they’re for a lifetime.

Here’s how it happens

my seven-step creative process

Fill out your “Wedding Questionnaire”

Receive my insights and recommendations

Review your Wedding Photo Tip Guide

Reconnect at our pre-wedding session

Enjoy the day. You get married!

Post-matrimony, get your previews

Relive it all over again, forever

Here’s how it happens

my seven-step creative process

Fill out your “Wedding Questionnaire”

Receive my insights and recommendations

Review your Wedding Photo Tip Guide

Reconnect at our pre-wedding session.

Enjoy the day. You get married!

Post-matrimony, get your previews

Relive it all over again, forever

San Diego Botanic Garden Wedding Paige Nelson

Becca & Bryan

Paige’s pictures stood out from the other photographer’s websites we checked out…they were artistic with a unique point of view. So beautiful and ethereal. Paige cared so much about us and didn’t make us feel like just another couple getting married. It was so nice to just let her do what she does so well without telling her what we needed…she just knew.

Read the full review

Danny & Zack

When we got engaged, the only thing I was sure of was that I wanted Paige to be our photographer. We met up and she was so amazing! She takes her time to actually get to meet you as a couple and is so organized and professional about the whole process. You can definitely tell she wants to get the most out of these pictures and make sure she captures your special day perfectly. I can go on forever praising her, she is a definite must!

Read the full review

Muir Wood Wedding Photographer Paige Nelson

Alyssa & Michael

We had a great experience working with Paige! It felt like she really got to know us and what we wanted, and was mindful of our unique preferences. She is a really unobtrusive as a photographer, but if you need more direction, she is able and willing! She provided exactly what we needed on our wedding day and we could not have been happier with the experience.

Read the full review

MY experience

How long have you been a wedding photographer?

I photographed my first wedding in 2012 and have been doing this full time for the past 4 years. Before weddings, I freelanced as a photojournalist. I love storytelling, but the cutthroat and competitive nature of that field just wasn't for me. I have a tendency to get too attached to be completely objective, which is also a big no-no for journalists. Wedding photography became the perfect intersection.

How many weddings do you photograph each year?

To fully invest myself into each couple, I take less than 25 weddings per year and only 2-3 per month. This is completely intentional. There are photographers out there who book 50+ a year, sometimes with double or triple headers on the weekend. That’s just not me. I create from a more honest and creative place when I feel balanced, not burnt out. That’s what you deserve in a wedding photographer too.

Do you only photograph intimate weddings?

Intimate wedding days and elopements are my niche. I'm more of an introvert by nature and I feel better suited to these kinds of environments. I'm able to connect on a deeper level with you, your friends, and your family.

However, I still photograph bigger weddings (50+ guests) on occasion and under special circumstances. So if you feel like we're kindred spirits, reach out and we can see if it's a good match. 🙂

I also photograph couples at all stages of their relationship- just dating, just because, surprise proposals, recently engaged, or celebrating an anniversary.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re so awkward. How will you make us look good!?

If you’re new to this, trust me, you aren't alone! If you like ANY of the photos you've seen here, please know those couples told me they would be awkward too. Surprise! 😉

My number one goal is to make you feel comfortable enough to let loose in front of me, because that's when the real magic happens. I love grabbing food or drinks with my couples beforehand to ease into things.

During portraits, I will give you gentle prompts and guidance to spark real interactions between you. Nothing overbearing or any forced posing. I've got playlists to help you unwind and a million dad jokes (that may or may not be funny). I've got you.

Should we do an engagement session?

I personally love engagement sessions for a few different reasons, but if it’s not something you’re into, don’t force it. Being in front of a camera is intimidating enough, but working together in advance will give you a chance to warm up to that feeling.

Without a restrictive timeline, we will have more time to explore and it will give me a deeper sense of the love you share with each other. I believe those silly, sweet moments in everyday life are just as memorable and important as the day you exchange vows.