fall Archives

San Onofre Cliffside Engagement

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!

Dania & Trent

Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon Engagement

Page, AZ

March 14, 2018 by Paige Nelson 8 Comments

Dania and Trent’s destination engagement session at Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in Page made all my desert dreams come true. I was itching to get back to this rural town in Northern Arizona ever since our Grand Canyon road trip in 2016. These two drove all the way from Yuma to meet us that afternoon.

Exploring Upper Antelope Canyon

Dania booked our private tour through Upper Antelope Canyon well in advance. We met in front of the tour office and piled into our guide’s SUV together. After a short, bumpy ride, we pulled up to the entrance of the slot canyon. All of the parked caravans made me feel like we were about to embark on an Indiana Jones adventure! Dania dawned a bright red dress for our session, which looked awesome in contrast to the surreal desert landscape.

These images are a little deceiving because the canyon was packed with tourists that afternoon. Luckily, booking a private photo tour meant we had time to ourselves in each chamber. The canyon grew darker and darker as we made our way through the winding tunnels. I had no choice but to bump my ISO way up for this set of images. But I actually love how much drama the moody light and grain created! We spent an hour or so wandering through the slots before making our way back into town.

This trip couldn’t have had better timing, considering the traumatic events that happened on October 1. Andrew and I planned to cut our road trip in half by flying out to Las Vegas the day before, then driving to Page through the night. Our plane landed in a somber Vegas the day after the Mandalay Bay shooting. Our favorite artist, Tom Petty, also passed away that evening. We listened to the Heartbreakers on repeat that night as we tried to take it all in. I thought this song set the mood of this session perfectly. This one goes out to you, Tom.

Sunset at Horseshoe Bend

We took a break for lunch and met up again for golden hour at Horseshoe Bend. The view was even more spectacular than I remembered. To bypass the heaviest foot traffic, we explored the outer edges of the bend. Vertigo doesn’t scare Dania and Trent the same way it scares me! They cozied up to the edge of the cliff more than a few times.

As the sun set over the mountains, the rocks around Horseshoe Bend glowed red. We stayed out until moonrise, then slowly hiked our way back to the car. It was the perfect way to wrap up our epic adventure.

If you enjoyed this adventure session, I recommend Kiara & David’s styled elopement at Red Rock Canyon.

Hannah & Nick

Intimate Wedding in the San Francisco Muir Woods

Muir Woods National Monument, CA

March 12, 2018 by Paige Nelson 8 Comments

Last fall, I traveled to San Francisco to document Hannah & Nick’s intimate wedding in the Muir Woods. These two came all the way from Missouri to exchange vows under the towering California redwoods. With only 13 of their closest family members and friends in attendance, it was a day to remember.

Muir Beach Preparation

Hannah and Nick rented two Airbnbs along Muir Beach to host everyone. That morning, the skies were overcast and a thick marine layer hung over the ocean. Hannah and Nick prepared for the day in separate houses, anticipating their private (and epic) first look by the coast.

Nick arrived at Muir Beach Overlook first and waited for Hannah at the furthest point. The wind pulled at Hannah’s hair and billowed out her dress as she made her way down the steps to Nick. He lost it as soon as she tapped him on the shoulder. Behind them, you can make out the etched words “Grateful for Everything” carved into the fence post (nailed it). We took a few more intimate portraits along the bluffs, then headed into the woods.

Intimate Muir Woods Ceremony

As we walked up to the entrance of the Muir Woods, Hannah and Nick’s family greeted us enthusiastically. Their officiant, Rick, led us down the winding wood path into the Cathedral Grove. We chose the most magnificent hollowed-out redwood to be their altar. With all of us circled around them and the giant redwoods looming above us, Hannah and Nick were wed.

After the ceremony, we took a few group shots before excusing everyone to cocktail hour. We spent the next hour wandering into the depths of the woods for their couple portraits. Hannah and Nick passed a heart-shaped flask to each other full of vodka to settle their nerves. They couldn’t stop giggling whenever they caught the other’s eyes.

Everyone clapped when Hannah and Nick made their entrance back at the beach house. We all grabbed a drink and headed down to Muir Beach to share a toast in the fading light. In lieu of a sunset, the sky slowly transitioned from grey to blue. Despite the moody atmosphere, this day was light-hearted and chalk full of joyful moments.

Hannah & Nick, thank you for welcoming me and Andrew into your tribe. We are so happy for you and honored we got to be a part of this day!

Their Vendor Team

Dress Designer: Chiffon A Line Gown, Lillian West // Dress Boutique: White Traditions Bridal House // Florals: DIY (Bride) // Hair & Make Up Artist: Salon 171 , Mill Valley// Officiate: Rick Kaplowitz, Bay Area Ceremonies // Shoes (Bride): Nine West // Venue (s): Muir Woods National Monument & Muir Beach, San Francisco

If you loved this redwood wedding, I recommend browsing through Kaitlyn & Matt’s Big Sur wedding or Hannah & Rocky’s Henry Cowell wedding.

Becca & Lenin

Mt. Laguna Couple Portraits in San Diego

Mount Laguna, CA

December 10, 2016 by Paige Nelson Leave a Comment

I had the pleasure of showing Becca and Lenin some of my favorite scenic spots around Mount Laguna for their couple portraits. These Oklahoma natives were visiting San Diego for a friend’s wedding and wanted to take home some of their own memories.

I connected with Becca in a Facebook group for women in the wedding photography industry. Lenin and Becca rely heavily on their tripod and remote set up for self-portraits when they travel. She expressed how difficult it is to capture their love organically when fiddling around with camera settings. They haven’t been photographed by someone else since their wedding day.

I think it’s important to remember, the days before or after your wedding day are just as memorable as that day itself. I love doing impromptu couples sessions like this for that reason.

Forest & Scenic Portraits at Mount Laguna

Coming from such a flat state, Becca and Lenin were craving mountains and forests. First, we explored the forest around the campgrounds.

As the light waned, we head to one of my favorite look out points intersecting the Pacific Crest Trail. The drop off to the Anza Borrego desert below Mount Laguna is one of the most spectacular views in San Diego.

It’s always a privilege to photograph my peers, especially a pair as talented as these two. Thanks for the adventure, Becca & Lenin!

If you love this session, I recommend checking out our adventure with Brogen and David in Anza Borrego.

Ashley & Aaron

Modern Luce Loft Wedding

San Diego, CA

November 30, 2016 by Paige Nelson Leave a Comment

Ashley and Aaron’s intimate Luce Loft wedding in San Diego was a beautiful celebration of their relationship. These two were surrounded by only their closest family and friends.

First look in Balboa Park

We met the ladies at a chic condo in downtown San Diego to photograph the last hour of preparation. Once Ashley was dressed, we headed to Balboa Park for their formal portraits and first look.

While we were waiting on the family, I led Ashley and Aaron into the heart of the park where dense, tropical vegetation grows. Aaron waited patiently at the bottom of the steps as I fetched his bride. As I was about to leave, Aaron’s eyes started getting misty. There is no question about how much he loves Ashley. His tears fell freely the rest of the day.

Intimate Luce Loft Wedding

The ceremony altar at Luce Loft was accented with greenery and air plants, a perfect compliment to the industrial vibe of the space. We frolicked around the streets of the Gaslamp at twilight, twirling and laughing under the market lights. When we returned, we were greeted with a roaring audience and gourmet sliders from the food truck outside.

A day straight out of a dream. Congratulations Aaron & Ashley!

The Vendor Team

Coordinator: Tres Chic Affairs, Molly // Catering: Curiocity Catering // Deserts: Sweet TT’s Bakery // Dress: BHLDN, Anthropologie // Florist: Wild Orchid Florist // Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein // Hairstylist: Crystal Turnquist // Linens: Platinum Event Rentals // Officiant: Anthony Owllaie // Photography: Paige Nelson; Second Shooter: Lindsey Spieker // Ring (bride’s wedding band): Simply Kasia // Shoes (bride): Steve Madden // Venue(s): Formal Photos: Balboa Park; Ceremony/Reception: Luce Loft // Videography: San Diego Audio Video

If you love this wedding, I recommend checking out Kirsten & Chris’s modern wedding at The 1912 in Santa Ana!

Stephanie & Kord

Protected: Intimate Backyard Wedding in Roseville

Roseville, CA

November 1, 2016 by Paige Nelson 2 Comments

Jessica & Paul

Intimate Big Sur Wedding

Big Sur, CA

October 20, 2016 by Paige Nelson 2 Comments

Jessica and Paul’s intimate Big Sur wedding at Limekiln State Park was the most enchanting day I’ve ever witnessed. These two feel so deeply about each other. Their joy and love is truly infectious in these images.

They knew in the early stages of wedding planning they wanted an intimate celebration with their closest family and friends. Jessica was inspired by the atmosphere of my sister and her husband’s wedding along the Big Sur coast last year. Limekiln State Park has a magnetic pull to it like that. I also got to team up again with my friend Whitney Justesen who is an incredible videographer!

When I’m planning with couples, I always send out a questionnaire to learn more about their relationship to inspire more meaningful images. Jessica and Paul’s individual responses to the question “What do you love most about each other?” are so heartfelt and genuine, I wanted to interweave it into their story.

Jessica & Paul’s wedding day was featured on Intimate Weddings if you’d like to check it out here.

Honestly, Paul is the best person I know. There’s so much to love. He’s so dynamic. He has this scholarly side (very professional, knowledgeable), the silly, hilarious side, and there’s the deep soulful side. This last one is the one where we sit on the couch and have honest conversations about who we are, what we think, and how we both feel things very deeply.

Like me, Paul is what I call a deep feeler. It’s this powerful sense of empathy where you can feel the world’s aches and joys. I’m not sure whether or not that will translate, but it’s a visceral feeling, and to share it with another is very special. We have this bond where it seems we are almost always on the same page.

Jessi is incredibly thoughtful. She not only shows her kindness through words, she shows people how much she cares about them through actions. One of her favorite things to do for her family is cook a wonderful meal for them, and I am the same way. I think this is part of the reason why we love cooking for each other and together. It is one of the many ways that we show our love.

Before I met him, I wasn’t sure whether or not I would marry. I could picture myself growing old, writing books in a little nook, quietly by myself. And that would be fine. But then I met him and there wasn’t any other choice. I’d met my match.

An Intimate Forest Ceremony at Limekiln State Park

Jessica took cover behind a redwood tree until their song from Sleeping at Last filled the air. Paul’s face when he saw her was heart melting. During the ceremony, he proudly showed her the restaurant receipt from their first date. He knew she was the one for him since that very first encounter.

The first kiss was followed by the first dance. Immediately after, someone popped a bottle of champagne and passed it around. Everyone exchanged hugs and heartfelt words. Then it was just Jess and Paul, dancing in the magical forest light, two souls completely intertwined.

Jessi is so very affectionate. I may be focused on something when her hand gently rubs my back when I’m not expecting it, just as a little reminder she is thinking of me. I have received an uncountable amount of simple, sweet, random texts telling me she is thinking of me. I have never felt so loved in my life.

I can’t picture any other future. I’ll still grow old, quietly writing in my little nook, and when I’m finished, I’ll give my husband a kiss and ask if he’d like to join me for a walk.

When we are together, we like some part of us to be close. We don’t always have to be exploring the world, an evening walk suits us just fine, because it’s nice and slow. We push the world away and there is just us. I want that always.

Golden Hour Portraits along Highway 1

We made our way back up the coast as the sun started to set. This is my absolute favorite time of day to experience Highway 1 in Big Sur. It feels like you’re in a beautiful poem brought to life by the colors and landscape.

An enchanting meal at Restaurant 1833

By the time we made it to Restaurant 1833 for dinner, it was completely dark. Jess and Paul reserved a private room lit by candles to celebrate the rest of the evening with their family. The tables twinkled with beautiful fairy lights, sustaining the whimiscal atmosphere of the golden forest.

After a wonderful meal and celebratory cake cutting, we said our goodbyes. On the drive home, I had to pinch myself several times to make sure this day was real. Congrats Jessica and Paul! Your intimate Big Sur wedding was as magical and romantic as your love for each other. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.

Their Vendor Team

Accommodations: Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn // Cake: Parker Lusseau // Ceremony Site: Limekiln State Park, Big Sur // Dress: Handmade by Terri and Lisa (Jessica’s mom and aunt) // Florals (Ceremony): Emily (Jessica’s sister); Florals (Reception Dinner): Design by Reina // Groom’s Attire: Charles Tyrwhitt (jacket); Suit Supply (Vest and pants); Allen Edmonds (shoes) // Invitations (calligraphy): Pirouette Paper // Make up: Virginia White // Photography: Paige Nelson // Reception: Restaurant 1833, Monterey // Videography: Whitney Justesen

Alvin & Jessica

Romantic Garden Wedding in San Diego

San Diego, CA

October 17, 2016 by Paige Nelson Leave a Comment

This was my fourth time photographing a wedding at this chic garden hideaway in San Diego. The garden at this venue is lush and green all year round. It was a beautiful, sunny day in September, with a subtle crispness hanging in the air.

Jessica and Alvin picked the best day of the year to get married: my birthday. This was also a milestone year in their relationship. 10 years together is an impressive feat for any couple, so they rang it in with the best kind of celebration. Marriage.

Ceremony at a Historic Schoolhouse

The highlight of their wedding day was the moment Alvin caught his first look at Jessica down the aisle. A single tear slid down Alvin’s cheek as he tried to contain his emotion. Their ceremony was truly timeless and a beautiful expression of their love. Confetti poppers followed their first kiss, kicking off their newly wed status with a bang.

Instead of the classic pink palette Green Gables Estate is known for, Jessica and Alvin opted for all black bridal party attire. Long garlands of eucalyptus hung around the venue, punctuated by gold and striped accent colors. Jessica traded in her veil after the ceremony for a flower crown made of eucalyptus leaves.

The rest of the evening was full of dancing and traditional reception festivities. Congrats and best wishes to you both!

The Vendor Team

Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin // Coordinator: Kelsey Carlin // Desserts: Donut Bar // Dress Boutique: Haute Bride // Dress designer: Londyn Gown, Hayley Paige // Entertainment: My DJs // Florals: Luxe Botanique // Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein, The Tie Bar // Invitations: Minted.com // Rings:Devons Jewlers & Tacori // Photography: Paige Nelson, Second Shooter: Briawna Meier // Venue: Green Gables Estate

If you loved this wedding, I recommend checking out Aaron and Ashley’s modern Luce Loft wedding or Jessica and Jeff’s classic vineyard wedding.

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San Diego Intimate Wedding & Elopement Photographer

San Onofre Cliffside Engagement

DREAMY BLUFF TRAILS OF SAN ONOFRE BEACH

A CLIFFSIDE ENGAGEMENT WITH AN EPIC ENDING

Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon Engagement

Exploring Upper Antelope Canyon

Sunset at Horseshoe Bend

Intimate Wedding in the San Francisco Muir Woods

Muir Beach Preparation

Intimate Muir Woods Ceremony

Their Vendor Team

Mt. Laguna Couple Portraits in San Diego

Forest & Scenic Portraits at Mount Laguna

Modern Luce Loft Wedding

First look in Balboa Park

Intimate Luce Loft Wedding

The Vendor Team

Protected: Intimate Backyard Wedding in Roseville

Intimate Big Sur Wedding

An Intimate Forest Ceremony at Limekiln State Park

Golden Hour Portraits along Highway 1

An enchanting meal at Restaurant 1833

Their Vendor Team

Romantic Garden Wedding in San Diego

Ceremony at a Historic Schoolhouse

The Vendor Team

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DREAMY BLUFF TRAILS OF SAN ONOFRE BEACH

A CLIFFSIDE ENGAGEMENT WITH AN EPIC ENDING

Exploring Upper Antelope Canyon

Sunset at Horseshoe Bend

Muir Beach Preparation

Intimate Muir Woods Ceremony

Their Vendor Team

Forest & Scenic Portraits at Mount Laguna

First look in Balboa Park

The Vendor Team

An Intimate Forest Ceremony at Limekiln State Park

Golden Hour Portraits along Highway 1

An enchanting meal at Restaurant 1833

Their Vendor Team

The Vendor Team

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