mountains Archives

Intimate Lakeside Elopement in Big Bear

September 2, 2017 by Paige Nelson Leave a Comment

Haley and Andy reached out to me a few weeks before their lakeside elopement in Big Bear. These two crazy kids met on a motorcycle ride with friends. Everyone except Haley had a fast bike and she struggled to keep up with the pack. Andy hung back to make sure she didn’t get lost…the rest is history. Instead of spending their money on a big wedding, they opted to buy new motorcycles instead. A few days after the elopement, they rode their bikes up the coast to Vancouver to celebrate their honeymoon.

Elopement in the Mountains of Big Bear

It drizzled in the mountains that afternoon during my drive. Haley prepped for the day with help from her mom and aunt in the Enchanted Forest suite of Castle Wood Cottages. This quirky room is complete with an indoor oak tree, twinkle lights, a grotto, and an elves’ house; a nod to Haley and Andy’s shared sense of humor. All jokes aside, this room is beautiful in its own unique way.

Haley’s monarch butterfly crown was one of the most unique accessories I’ve ever seen a bride wear. The structured bodice and floral lace of her bohemian Rue de Seine gown tied her look together. She fit right in with the Enchanted Forest and played the role of princess bride perfectly.

Lakeside Elopement Ceremony

Andy caught his first glimpse of Haley in a secluded meadow by the lake. They shared a private moment together before Heidi, their officiant, met us in the clearing. She started their ceremony with the Celtic hand fasting tradition. With arms extended, Heidi led them through the steps of tying the ribbon without letting go. Tears flowed freely when they exchanged vows. A few onlookers watched from a distance, but Haley and Andy were in their own bubble.

Epic sunset over Big Bear lake

When the light left the meadow, we all hopped in the car to scout a new photo location. We stopped when we came across a rocky outcrop that partially extended into the lake. The lake reflected every color of the vibrant sunset that evening and the moon danced across the water. To wrap up a perfect lakeside elopement, Haley and Andy shared a private meal under the twinkle lights at Evergreen.

Last month they hosted a small reception for their family and friends at Booze Brothers in San Diego. They are such a fun couple and I know we will remain good friends.

Thanks again for allowing me to be a part of your special day and congrats again!

Their Vendor Team

Accommodations: Enchanted Forest Suite, Castle Wood Cottages (Bride), The Lodge at Big Bear Lake (Groom) // Butterfly Crown: Wild & Free Jewelry // Dress Boutique: The Dress Theory, San Diego // Dress Designer: Fox Gown by Rue De Seine //Florist: The Little Green House, Big Bear // Make Up Artist: Ariana Beagle // Officiant: Heidi Merrigan, Love Story Vows // Photography: Paige Nelson // Rings (Wedding Bands): Lawson // Restaurant: Evergreen, Big Bear // Groom’s Suite: Top Man, Top Shop (San Diego)

If you love this lakeside elopement, I recommend checking out Brenda & Krista’s Big Sur elopement or this bohemian styled elopement in Red Rock Canyon.

Nixie & Mike

Winter Yosemite Engagement

Yosemite National Park, CA

May 2, 2017 by Paige Nelson 1 Comment

I can’t believe it took me 25 years to finally make it to Yosemite. When they say it’s one of those places you need to see with your own eyes, they mean it. This park exceeded all of my wildest waterfall and redwood dreams. Andrew and I arrived a few days early to soak it all in and do some location scouting before my session with Nixie and Mike.

First Glimpse of Yosemite Valley in Winter

It was off season, at the tail end of winter, so the park was pleasantly quiet. As we drove through the gates, we couldn’t keep our jaws from hanging open. All the snow on the valley floor already melted away, but the massive peaks were dusted with white. There was a slight chill to the air and every so often, you could hear a massive crack, then a loud crash, as ice broke away from the falls and plummeted to the rocks below. Clouds swiftly passed over the sun, casting beautiful light over the surreal landscape before us.

A few months earlier, Andrew introduced me to the firefall phenomenon that happens for 10 days in mid-February. When the sun hits Horsetail Fall just right and conditions are perfect, it glows bright orange like lava. We thought the chances of us witnessing it in person were slim, but we decided to see if we could catch it anyway. We waited at the base of the falls for two hours with nearly 150 other spectators. Ten minutes before sundown…it happened. The firefall is an unbelievable spectacle of nature, like nothing I have ever seen before. And just like that, this park made an imprint on my heart forever.

Portaits at Tunnel View & Bridal Veil Falls

Andrew and I were up to watch sunrise over Tunnel View and squeeze the most out of our last day. Nixie and Mike met us by Bridalveil falls that afternoon. They are from the Bay area, also first timers to Yosemite. I think it made the experience of exploring together even sweeter.

We wandered through the redwoods as the sun danced in between trees. The icy ground and cold shower of water kept us at the bottom of the waterfall trail, but the mist blowing through the trees shimmered in the golden light. We headed back up to Tunnel View, certain it was a vantage point of the valley Nixie and Mike couldn’t miss.

Our last stop was the viewpoint of Lower Yosemite Fall from the valley floor and the small red chapel nearby. The sky started to look stormy and the wind picked up, prickling our skin with goosebumps and blowing away Nixie’s hat. Amazingly, we could see the effects of the firefall happening again from where we stood. Horsetail fall wasn’t visible this time, but the peaks around us glowed orange, then blue in the twilight.

Thanks for an adventure I’m unlikely to forget soon, Nixie and Mike.

If you loved this session, I recommend checking out Maria & Darren’s redwood engagement in Big Sur!

Eunice & Joo

Palomar Mountain engagement

Palomar Mountain, CA

January 4, 2017 by Paige Nelson Leave a Comment

I met Eunice and Joo at the end of December last year for their Palomar Mountain engagement photos. (Palomar is one of the tallest peaks in San Diego and the view from above is incredible).

It was a stormy winter in Southern California. We missed the rare snowfall in the mountains by a few days. I thought the roads would be blanketed in snow for us, but the sun melted it down quickly. But it was winter, nonetheless, and you could feel the crisp chill in the air. Pockets of white remained in the shadows of the mountain.

Portraits at Doane Pond

We started our session in the pillowy fields near Doane Pond. The winter sun stole a five minute appearance before it ducked out of sight behind the tall peak. We frolicked through the field of wheat grass and walked around the icy pond bank. Then we ventured into the forest. These two are champs for climbing a snowy tree stump in their formal clothes.

San Diego wedding photographer Paige Nelson

Palomar Mountain Engagement: Scenic Overlook

When we lost the light in the valley, we hopped into our cars and raced to the scenic viewpoint at the top. We made it just in time for a multi-colored, breathtaking sunset. You could see all of San Diego, to the ocean and beyond.

Even though we got a late start, we shot in the fading light until dark had settled. This Palomar Mountain engagement renewed my love of San Diego.

Thanks for a great time you two, I can’t wait to photograph your wedding soon!

If you love this session, I recommend checking out Becca & Lenin’s anniversary portraits at Mount Laguna!

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.

Dyllan & Elizabeth

Summertime Mount Laguna engagement

Mount Laguna, CA

July 13, 2016 by Paige Nelson 2 Comments

Dyllan and Elizabeth’s Mount Laguna engagement had summer vibes written all over it. From the moment we met in Julian for the first time, Dyllan and Elizabeth were glowing with genuine happiness. This is the kind of love that is incredibly easy to capture on camera because of its authenticity. They are completely head over heels for each other.

Frolicking in the lupines of Julian

On the drive up to Lake Cuyamaca, I noticed my favorite field of lupines were blooming on the mountainside again. We piled into Dyllan’s Jeep and backtracked a little to frolick amongst the lavender flowers.

We stopped at a vast, rolling field of golden wheat grass and took shelter for a bit under the shade of the pines. We piled back into the car and stopped once more to run around the open road. But I saved the best for last: my favorite secret look out spot where the Anza Borrego desert stretches out beneath you for endless miles.

Portraits at Mount Laguna drop off

Dusk crept over the landscape slowly, transforming the sky into every shade of pastel blue, purple and pink. I had a few sparklers left in my bag from a previous shoot that made for a great finale to an amazing session with these two.

Can’t wait to capture this wedding in January- congrats Dyllan & Elizabeth!

If you love this Mount Laguna engagement, check out Becca & Lenin’s session here too!

Sara & David

Julian Engagement Portraits

Julian, CA

May 11, 2015 by Paige Nelson Leave a Comment

Sara and David’s Julian engagement captured everything there is to love about spring in Southern California.

I sat down with Sara and David earlier this year to discuss their upcoming Los Angeles wedding. As Sara described their wedding day details, it became evident these two have a deep appreciation for art and style. I expect their day to be nothing short of flawless beauty.

I am always excited to work with a couple up for an adventurous engagement session. That was Sara and David’s session in a nutshell. We planned a day trip to the beautiful mountains in Julian.

Forest portraits at Lake Cuyamaca

The woodland hills were still lush with spring grass that glowed in the afternoon light. Up near the trees we found a teepee made of branches that made a great first backdrop. We drifted back down toward the lake just as the last rays of sunlight danced on the water. Then we hightailed it to the car and hit the road.

The open roads up there and the way the mountains suddenly fall back to reveal the rolling Anza Borrego desert landscape is truly breathtaking. We made a pit stop at one of the scenic vistas on the way into town.

Sunset in Historic Downtown Julian

Julian is a sleepy town and the shops shut their doors at 5 p.m. sharp, knocking our plans to post up in a coffee shop. Instead, we found some eclectic exteriors and fun walls. As we were walking on the main road, I spotted the sun lighting up a bare-boned tree in the parking lot.

The sunset that night was a fiery red-orange. The light kissed the tops of our hair your hair and added an extra layer of romance to the photos.